January 2021 - All Saints, Martock Parish Magazine 40p

The Messenger   January 2021

                All Saints, Martock Parish Magazine 40p

This month’s letter
I have never to my knowledge been afraid of the dark except when I was in Sudan
several years ago. I found the African nights very dark and very long. For the first
few days I was feeling apprehensive and uncertain in an unfamiliar landscape. We
all know the dark can play tricks on our imagination especially when awake at
night. I found comfort in my head torch which I slept with and which lit my way
when I got up. We in the sophisticated rich world expect light at the flick of a switch
but it has not always been so even in my lifetime. In days gone by candles were
used to give light. They were practical but also had spiritual importance.

On the 2nd February the church celebrates Candlemas. Forty days after the birth of
Jesus he is taken by Mary and Joseph to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented
to God and for Mary to undergo the ritual ceremony of purification required at that
time of women after childbirth. St Luke tells us about Simeon and Anna who
recognised in this child Jesus the one from whom salvation would come. “A light for
revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel”

In pre-Christian times candles were thought to give protection against plague,
illness and famine. Tradition tells us that in the Christian church Candlemas was
the day that all the candles were brought into the church and were blessed for the
year.
Today candles are a multimillion-pound industry. They come in all shapes, sizes,
perfumes and cost! They are used at dinner parties, in spas, in aromatherapy and
various other therapies.

In spite of all the merchandising of candles they continue to remain a symbol of
something much greater than simply a marketable tool to enable us to relax and
feel good. Just as many people felt lost and alone at the time of the birth of Jesus
so many today face uncertainty, anxiety and isolation. The church too is facing
many challenges not just in terms of structure and organisation and finance but
also in faith.
Candlemas is traditionally the dawn of the year, the time of germination and of new
beginnings.

There are many “don’t knows” as we face uncertainty in an unfamiliar landscape.
Yet like my headtorch in Sudan and like the candles we will light at Candlemas,
Christ remains with us to light the way so we can continue the journey of faith
giving glory to God in this new year.

Rev. Shirley Smith (Kingsbury Episcopi)

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                           The Lord’s Larder needs:
Small packets of shortbread - Tins of curry - 80 Teabags - Bottles of squash - UHT
milk - Sugar - Toothbrushes - Washing powder - Empty supermarket carrier bags
 All donations can be left at the back of All Saints’, in the pink and blue trunk or at
                               The George Café (MCF).

                      01823 276 892
                        www.mindline.org
                                                                     8pm-11pm
                                                               Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun
           Need someone to talk to? Feeling isolated? Distressed or upset?
                     We listen, support and provide information.
       We provide a safe place to talk if you or someone you know is in distress.
          It makes a real difference talking to someone about how you feel.

What’s up….
                      Our new Vicar is on his way!
Well finally the wait is over, and in just a few short months we will no longer be a
benefice in vacancy– hooray! On 29th November the following message was
released by Archdeacon Ann Gell:

“Following the recent interviews and the recommendation of the Parish
representatives, we are pleased to announce that the Bishop has appointed the
Reverend Paul Fillery to the post of Vicar of the Benefice of Martock with Kingsbury
Episcopi and Ash. This appointment is subject to a satisfactory completion of the
usual statutory checks made on all clergy taking up a new post. Details of a Service
of Welcome and Institution will be announced in due course. Please hold Paul and
his wife Tracey in your prayers as he prepares to begin a new ministry among us
and pray too for his current congregations.”

And Paul himself has a sent us a short message ahead of his arrival next year.

“Well this is my chance to say ‘hello’ to you all in just
a few words, so firstly, I do hope that you are all
keeping well and beginning to sense the dawning of
a brighter, better New Year. My name is Paul Fillery
and I am married to Tracey, and we hope to join you
around March-time (along with our lurcher, Finn!),
when I take up post as Vicar of Martock, Kingsbury
Episcopi and Ash. For many years, I worked as an
osteopath in Exeter before being ordained in 2010.
I initially worked as a self-supporting priest, and then
ceased working as an osteopath in order to serve as priest-in-charge of Sandford
Parish, in the mid-Devon Benefice of Crediton. We are really looking forward to
meeting you all and getting to know more of our neighbouring county of Somerset.
We have been very conscious of God’s leading and timing in this appointment,
despite it all happening during a global pandemic! So, I look forward to walking into
a new beginning with you all, and discovering together what God has in store for us
as a family of churches! Both Tracey and I wish you a happy and peaceful
Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

God bless you all. Paul.”

Congratulations Paul! We can’t wait to meet you, Tracey and Finn in the spring!

From the Bishop...
One more step
January takes its name from the Roman god, Janus, who is usually depicted as
having two faces, looking both to the future and the past. At the start of a New Year
it is good to do the same.

2020 will sadly be remembered as the year disrupted by COVID-19. Cracks in our
care for each other have been revealed and it has had a disproportionate effect on
those already vulnerable or deprived. It showed us that those who are most
essential to our needs, those who clean and serve and care, are often those
valued least in our economy. However, we also saw extraordinary acts of kindness
and compassion, as churches and communities worked together to provide com-
fort, support, and practical care.

So, what of 2021? The temptation may be to forget what we have learnt, to paper
over the cracks, ignore what has been uncomfortable and to seek comfort in the
familiar. I hope we don’t. 2020 opened our eyes to the harm caused when people
are excluded on the basis of race, ability, gender, sexual orientation or wealth.
Jesus calls us to a better way. Jesus broke the bounds of exclusion, refusing to
accept the social norms and speaking to Samaritans, women, Gentiles, tax
collectors and sinners. He teaches that the first shall be last and the last first. He
reconciles humanity to God through his death and resurrection.

As we look forward to 2021, we need to think again what it means to follow Christ
and to build our lives and communities based on mutual love, respect and service.
‘For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a
ransom for many.’

May we all know the Lord’s leading and guiding as we step out into a New Year.

With my warmest greetings,
Bishop Peter

                   Hidden Voices Seeks Volunteers
Hidden Voices Somerset (HVS) is a local response to Modern Slavery and all
forms of exploitation. They are looking for a range of volunteers to help victims of
modern slavery and exploitation in Somerset. If you would like to find out more
about the project or volunteer, email about the opportunity the Hidden Voices
Co-ordinator sian.owen@bathwells.anglican.org.

Historic England grant helps save roof of
                        St. Martin’s Church
Historic England, the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate
the nation’s historic environment, has awarded St. Martin’s Church, Kingsbury
Episcopi, £12,500 from the Covid-19 Emergency Response Cultural Recovery
Fund towards the cost of replacing the lead roofing of the Lady Chapel, stolen by
thieves in February 2020.
Visible for miles across West Moor in the Somerset Levels, the elaborate and lofty
3 stage Hamstone tower of St Martin’s Anglican parish church draws the eye. The
church is a Grade 1 listed place of worship that, sadly, has been added this year to
the Heritage at Risk register.
Built mainly in the C14 and C15, with substantial restoration in the C19, the church
was noted by Pevsner for its glorious light. The theft of a substantial amount of
lead from the roof, and the subsequent Covid-19 lockdown which adversely
impacted the ability of St. Martin’s PCC to co-ordinate repair works, left the church
structure vulnerable to further structural deterioration; especially the Lady Chapel
ceiling with its medieval elements. The roof repair is being undertaken by Ellis and
Co., conservation and restoration specialists, and will expected to be completed by
the end of November.
The church is an active place of worship for the village, and open to the public for
Sunday worship and private prayer every week during Covid-19 restrictions. We
hope to return to being open daily as soon as possible; and look forward to
welcoming back our parishioners and visitors.
About St. Martin's Church
A lovely rural Church on the edge of the South Somerset Levels, St. Martin’s origins
lie in a much older Saxon church. This is a place that saw the ravages of
Cromwell’s soldiers and later fell into a perilous state, before being renovated
between 1845 and 1849. We are a small, but welcoming congregation who
worship God with a mixture of liturgy.
About Historic England
Historic England is the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate
England’s spectacular historic environment, from beaches and battlefields to parks
and pie shops. We protect, champion and save the places that define who we are
and where we’ve come from as a nation. We care passionately about the stories
they tell, the ideas they represent and the people who live, work and play among
them. Working with communities and specialists we share our passion, knowledge
and skills to inspire interest, care and conservation, so everyone can keep enjoying
and looking after the history that surrounds us all. We fundraise from individuals,
charitable trusts and foundations and public sector bodies to enable us to deliver
those aspects of our work that are not funded by our Government grant.
#HereForCulture
@HistoricEngland

Starting the new year with prayer
For the last couple of years, Somerset’s clergy and parishioners have had the
chance to meet together at Everyday Faith events (Archdeaconry Days), to think
about how they live out their faith. 2021’s gatherings will be online from 10 to 16
January and all are invited. The theme is ‘Prayer – Everyone, Everywhere!’

The Archdeacon of Wells, Anne Gell, says, “As is so often the case with these
events, the theme is simple, but key to how we live out our faith. Prayer is the
foundation of our relationship with God and yet so many people lack confidence in
praying if they don’t have a written prayer in front of them. We will be sharing
examples of people from across Somerset who pray whilst singing, drawing,
walking, skateboarding or just listening to the breeze in the grass.”

On Sunday, 10 January a 30-minute recorded service from Wells Cathedral will be
available to join on-line. Focused on prayer, it will include a reflection from Ruth,
Bishop of Taunton.

On Monday to Friday of that week, a short video will be released each day,
featuring people talking about the ways they like to pray, with each day will focus
on a different theme, such as ‘prayer and nature’ and ‘prayer and the digital world’.
The videos will be accompanied by a few suggestions of things for people to try in
their own time.

On Saturday, 16 January there will be an opportunity to join others on Zoom to hear
more about prayer and discuss what people have tried during the week.

Find out more about ‘Prayer – Everyone, Everywhere!’ and register to receive the
materials in January at www.bathwells.org.uk/archdeaconry-days-2021.

Alternatives will also be available to those who are not able to access materials
online. Call Julia Hill on 01749 685114.

                           From the Memorial Book
 Tina Wells, Gifford Rodford, Sheila Barton, Kathleen Clark, Geoffrey Beckey, Alice
 Curle, Mary Thorne, Richard White, Clifford Pitman, Leonard Furber, Edward &
 Martha Barron, Albert Young, Arthur Scholes, Dorothy Cousins, Richard Pullen,
 Mary Barwood, Michael Bradford, Ivan Farmiloe, Pat Banks, Florence Gaywood,
 Molly Witcombe, Ronald Knights, Margaret Mobbs, Mary Ridley, John Rodford,
 Molly Cuff, Tim Barwood, Don Elphick, Jill Parker, Ada Knights, Gladys Wilmott,
 Freda Scholes, Marjorie Third, Irene Ginger, Ivy Male, Anne Camwell, Grace
 Draper, Kathryn Rowswell

Take a trip around the world with these famous landmark
                         anagrams!

1. Chuma Chupi                                4. Leffie Rotew
2. Silbasts Lardethac                         5. Shcirt het Ermeered
3. Eagrt Yadmirp fo Zagi                      6. Holc Sens

                                     Answers:
                     - 5. Chris the Redeemer - 6. Loch Ness
1. Machu Pichu - 2. St Basil’s Cathedral - 3. Great Pyramid of Giza - 4. Eiffel Tower

Parish Round Up

Christmas greetings from St Anne's, Mazabuka to everyone at All Saints
Martock. We are happy to hear the good news of the new Vicar Rev Fr Paul Fillary.
Our prayers are with u and the rest of the Church Members. We pray and believe
that 2021 through God's grace to be a year of wholistic recovery and renewal for
the Church and world. Church life is still a challenge due to Government restrictions
even here. The Worship hours were extended from 1 hour to 2 hours by the
Government, but the Maximum number of service attendance is at 50 in our case.
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas Season and prosperous New Year.
God bless you and all the Parishioners.
Fr Gabriel Phiri.

The Benefice Administrator thanks everyone for all their kind Christmas
messages. It has been a very unusual year and traditional routines and
expectations have been impossible! Despite the challenges, your administrator is
grateful to be considered an asset in your benefice and like you, she looks forward
to an exciting and hopeful New Year!

Somerset Bereavement Support Service- How we can help. Marie Curie
Companions can provide bereavement support for people across Somerset who
are over the age of 18. This service provides telephone support calls with
compassionate volunteers. They’ve all completed specific training, including how to
support people in sensitive situations and dealing with difficult subjects, such as
death, dying and bereavement. In addition, a further six sessions of one to one
bereavement counselling can be provided by experienced bereavement support
workers at Mind in Somerset specialist bereavement service. Mind in Somerset
support adults and children aged 12+. We are here to help and welcome your call.
9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. For further information call us on 0800 304
7412

DAILY HOPE is a FREE phone line, available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044,
set up particularly for those who are unable to join online church services during the
period of restrictions. Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as
full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

Our Churches are Open for Private Prayer: All Saints’, Martock every
Wednesday between 12noon and 3pm St Martin’s, KE 1 st & 3rd Sundays - 12noon
to 1.30pm 2 nd & 4th Sundays - 10.30am to 12noon Holy Trinity, Ash 2nd Sunday –
10am to 1pm Please note, that all opening times subject to cancellation if the
building is needed for other services/events

TO PRE-BOOK for 9.30am services at All Saints’, please phone 01935 825287
before noon on the Saturday before the Sunday service. THANK YOU.
LOOK AT OUR WEBSITES:
www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11008/ for All Saints’ Martock
www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11270/ for St Martin’s, Kingsbury Episcopi
www.achurchnearyou.com/church/11007/ for Holy Trinity, Ash

CHURCH MOBILE : 07513 104 777 manned by the Ministry Team 7 days-a-
week

Our Sunday Service on your TELEPHONE for everyone! From
9.15am to 9.29am, please dial : 0330 606 0403. The call will be
answered by an American voice; when prompted enter the ACCESS
CODE 444 4421. You will be asked to introduce             yourself - say
something like “Hello it’s Judy”, and then you will be welcomed by
Ellen Howard! The call will only cost your normal call rate, 45mins max. You will not
be able to join after 9.30am. If you have any problems, please contact Andrew or
Ellen Howard on 823287.

For general enquiries and information & bookings about weddings or baptisms,
please contact the Benefice Office on 01935 826113 or email
benefice.martock@gmail.com or pop in at The Vicarage, 10 Water Street, Martock
TA12 6JN on Wednesdays 10am to 4pm, Thursdays 2.30pm to 6.30pm or Fridays
10am to 2pm and speak to Sarah Nicholas, our Benefice Administrator who can
help or guide you towards someone who can!

               WHO’S WHO AT MARTOCK PARISH CHURCH
Vicar:                      Vacancy
Licensed Lay Reader:        Mrs Denise Peacock                             823875
Licensed Lay Reader:        Mrs Bridget Jones                              508688
Church Warden:              Mrs Grace Dunton                               825287
Children’s Worker:          Position vacant                                508688
Church Treasurer:           Ellen Howard                                   823287
Parish Administrator:       Mrs Sarah Nicholas                             826113
Parish Office Email:        benefice.martock@gmail.com
Director of Music:          Mr Steve Salisbury                             421816
Tower Captain:              Mr David Ledger                                826814
Magazine Distribution:      Mrs Sue Allwood                                825949
Gift Aid Secretary:         Mrs Jane Cockerham

Smile!
“Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up late on New Year’s Eve. Middle age is when
you’re forced to.” — Bill Vaughan

“You’ll never get bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you
can do.” — Dr. Seuss

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. — Micheal Altshuler

  Copy for the February 2021 magazine should be with the Editor, Chrissy Allen,
 Tel: 07766 811270 or Email: chrissyallen15@outlook.com before the 13th Jan.
    Please note– if you do not have access to email you can still submit content
either by giving it to me in Church or dropping it off at the Parish office (marked for
                       The Messenger). Charity No. 1160333