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Serving God in the heart of our community since 1881 St Andrew's Church, Taunton |
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News On this page you will find up to date news about our church and the people who make St. Andrew's what it is.
‘Summer Sizzler’ - Children's event by Alison Perry - 12 July 2008 Not quite a ‘Summer Sizzler’ but more of a ‘Summer Dry and Blowy’ on 28 June saw 39 children plus some under 3s with their parents join a team of leaders on St Andrew’s Green for the Railway Children’s morning of activities based on the theme of ‘Creation’.
Mission giving at St. Andrew's 8 June 2008
At its meeting on 12 March, the PCC decided on our mission giving for 2008. We are giving £500 each to three charities – one international, one national and one local.
Review of Sunday Worship at 10am by Reverend Jim Cox - Vicar of St. Andrew's - 26 April 2008
For some time now this parish has felt the need to review patterns of worship at the main morning service. Having had a brief period of observation, as vicar, I made some suggestions which were modified by a sub-committee of PCC, presented to PCC and then to the Annual Meeting where some further comments were made.
It is proposed that any changes begin on the first Sunday in May and continue for a trial period of about 6 months when we, as a congregation, can review how it has gone.
The Railway Children - now twice monthly 27 January 2008
Henry's Goat's - the Book of the Blog
7 October 2007
Now
that Henry's goat has finished blogging on the
church website, its St Andrew's welcomes our new Vicar Jim Cox, his wife Doreen, and their children Natasha, Chloe and Thomas by Adrian Smith, Webmaster and Communications Officer 2 October 2007Jim's Institution and Induction as our Vicar took place on Tuesday 2 October, with the The Bishop of Taunton and Archdeacon of Taunton, a large number of the St. Andrew's community, and with many representatives of Jim's previous parish in Smethwick. Julian named as new Prebendary by Adrian Smith, Webmaster and Communications Officer 5 August 2007
Former Vicar of St. Andrew's Taunton, Revd. Julian Smith, has been named as one of four new Prebendaries of Wells Cathedral.
Child Protection Policy adopted by St. Andrew's PCC 27 July 2007
Greetings from Jim and Doreen
Greetings one and all.
Firstly let me say how delighted I am to be called to serve at St Andrews. As a family we are dreading the physical effort of moving but very much looking forward to meeting you all. Thank you to all who have sent letters of welcome and good wishes. One such letter asked for a brief autobiography to be e-mailed to you, so here goes.
New website for organists and choirmasters 30 May 2007
Somerset Organists' and Choirmasters' Association has just launched its own website - www.somersetoca.org.uk.
SOCA are a group of organists, choirmasters and other interested in church music and the Association covers most of Somerset.
Appointment of new Vicar at St. Andrew's by Adrian Smith, Webmaster and Communications Officer 6 May 2007
The Churchwardens are delighted to announce the appointment of Revd. Jim Cox as the new Vicar of St. Andrew's Church, Taunton.
Are you on the Parish Electoral Roll? by Ruth Cook, Parish Administrator and Electoral Roll Officer 29 April 2007
This year we were required to carry out a full revision of the Electoral Roll and this was done in March and April.
All current members on the Roll were sent a form and there were also forms available for new members.
St. Andrew's receives £3000 grant. 18 March 2007
St. Andrew's has received a grant of £3000 following an application to the Historic Churches Preservation Trust. The grant will be put towards the costs of repairing the leaking narthex roof using turned stainless steel. The application was made on the initiative of two members of our congregation.
New Headteacher commissioned 11 March 2007 by David Anderson, PCC School Governor
Mr Paul Sheehan was commissioned as Headteacher of St Andrew's C of E VC Primary School on 11th March. It was wonderful to have Mr Sheehan’s commissioning as part of the church's Service for All Ages The wider church was represented by the Rural Dean, Revd Sue Tucker, and by Mr Mike Tedstone from the diocese; the school was represented by parents, pupils, governors and staff, and the wider community by the uniformed organisations. Each and everyone had a part to play in the service, by promising to give Paul their support.
Parish Library gets a makeover! 5 March 2007 by Adrian Smith, Webmaster/ Librarian
The Parish Library has been given a major makeover. This popular facility at St. Andrew's should now be even more user friendly. Books have been more clearly categorised, and sections are included for popular authors, spirituality, biography, the Bible, faith, and many more.
Taunton Churches Together re-launch website 5 March 2007
The 40 Churches which unite together to share worship and witness in the Taunton area under the banner ‘Taunton Christians Together’ have re-launched their website.
St. Andrew's Parish Profile now available 25 February 2007
Reader Katharine's book 'The Way of the Cross' now published 28 January 2007 Reader at St. Andrew's Church Katharine Smith has just had her first book 'The Way of the Cross - Meditations on the Death of Jesus' published by Redemptorist Publications. The meditations are illustrated with striking original artwork by Katharine's brother, George Boxley. The 15 meditations "take us through the Passion of Jesus, encouraging us to face the reality of the cross and our own reaction to it". They are designed for use in conjunction with "The Way of the Cross" in Common Worship: Times and Seasons but can also be used independently. Jools Holland to play Wells Cathedral News from the Diocese of Bath and Wells - 28 January 2007
MUSICIAN JOOLS HOLLAND is going to play a very special charity concert
in Wells Cathedral.
Another full church for the crib service by Tricia Anderson, Reader at St. Andrew's - 14 January 2007
Director of Music, Alan Cook, and Reader, Tricia Anderson, planned and led a church full of children, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and various other people in preparing for Christmas by preparing the crib, hearing the Christmas story and singing carols in a candle-lit church. Thank you to Martyn who, once again, ensured that the church sparkled with candle-light and Ruth, who accompanied most of the carol singing.
Julian installed as Priest in Charge of St. Thomas, Wells with Horrington by Adrian Smith - 7 January 2007 Former Vicar of St. Andrew's Church Taunton, Revd. Julian Smith, was yesterday licensed and installed as Priest in Charge of St. Thomas Church Wells with Horrington.
Standing room only at our Community Carol Service 2006 by Adrian Smith - 24 December 2006 I was on Sidesman duty for our first major service during our interregnum. It was a great pleasure and privilege to welcome people of all ages as they arrived at St. Andrew's on a cold December night. And the people just kept on coming... and coming... St Andrew's is a big church but the place was filled and there were people standing at the back. The hard work of all those who distributed leaflets around the parish certainly paid off.
Keeping in touch - from 'down under'
Christmas greetings from church members Maureen and Frank who are currently in Australia - 17 December 2006 St. Andrew's says farewell to Julian and Margery 10 December 2006
At an upbeat yet moving service today, the congregation of St. Andrew's said "farewell" to Julian and Margery Smith on their last Sunday before moving to Wells.
Farewell from St. Andrew's School Head teacher Nigel Bright
10 December 2006
This is my final article in the St. Andrew’s church magazine. My first comment must be to thank all those at St. Andrew’s church for their continued support and prayers for us at the school. This support is vital for the care and development of the school community. Church schools do have an added advantage in having the supportive link with a church community.
Alan's grand day out
10 December 2006
On November 6th 2006 Alan Cook was invited to attend Lambeth Palace to receive his academic hood on being awarded the Archbishops Certificate in Church Music (ACertCM) by the Guild of Church Musicians.
Be the people you've become A farewell letter from our Vicar, Revd Julian Smith
3 December 2006
It’s December and the winter darkness is well and truly upon us. It’s dark in the morning, dark in the evening and, when the storm clouds roll in, dark for most of the day too.
The Church’s Year seems to mirror the changing cycle of the earth’s seasons. November, we’re adjusting to the clocks having gone back, getting used to cold spells (a hint of winter to come?) and, this year, to fierce storms, high winds, heavy rain and thunder. November at Church reflects something of this – it’s a time of memories and memorials, of nostalgia and remembering, it’s about All Saints and Souls, Remembrance Sunday and St Andrew’s-tide. It’s a time to make us stop and think. Katharine's first book to be published: The Way of the Cross - Meditations on the death of Jesus
19 November 2006
During Holy Week two or three years ago Julian and I were talking about reflections written for “Stations of the Cross”. In response to something I said Julian suggested I had a go at writing my own reflections to complement the beautiful “Stations” designed and created by our banner group... Director of Music Alan to become hoodie! 1 October 2006
It will be a proud day for St Andrew’s Director of Music, Alan Cook, when he goes to Lambeth Palace in November to receive the Archbishops’ Certificate in Church Music from Dr Rowan Williams. The qualification will entitle Alan to put the letters ACertCM after his name and to wear the appropriate academic hood.
The Jailbreak Experience by Alison Perry of St. Andrew's Church Taunton
30 August 2006
After 14 weeks of rehearsing, last night came the evening we’d been practising for and I found myself on the stage at Wellsprings Sports Centre for the ‘Taunton World Premiere’ of Roger Jones’ musical ‘Jailbreak’.
This latest musical by Roger tells the story of Paul and Silas’ travels to bring ‘Good News to the Poor’ throughout Europe, and of the conversion of individuals they meet along the way. The central action is the earthquake in Philippi that destroys the jail in which they are imprisoned, but releases the jailer and his family from their ‘chains’ which held them to false gods.
St Andrew's celebrates 125 years of serving God in the heart of our community 10 July 2006
On Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July it was open house at St. Andrew's and people from all around the parish came to have a look around.
The continual stream of visitors enjoyed a variety of displays, beautiful flowers, records and plans of the church, items by the choir, and refreshments. New year, new role for Vicar Julian 2 July 2006 St. Andrew's own Jeremy Harvey celebrates publication of new book 2 July 2006 Reader at St. Andrew's Jeremy Harvey has just published his new book "Valuing and Educating Young People - Stern Love the Lyward Way".
Your community, our community, one community - let's get together 24 June 2006
St. Andrew’s Church in Taunton is celebrating 125 years of serving God in the heart of the Rowbarton community. To mark the event the members of the church have issued a warm invitation to everyone in the neighbourhood.
A letter from our new Churchwarden 28 May 2006 Following the visitation by the Archdeacon on 10 May I am now officially your Churchwarden here at St. Andrew's for the next three years. The Bishop of Taunton, Rt. Revd. Andrew Radford. 21 May 2006 The Bishop of Taunton, Rt. Revd. Andrew John Radford, died on Sunday 21 May, aged 62. He had been Bishop of Taunton since December 1998. He was taken ill last year and was found to have a malignant brain tumour in September. He died in the Sue Ryder Hospice in Gloucester near his family home, where he had been admitted last week. Crewkerne welcomes Jonathan
14 May 2006
In fact it was the people of the United Benefice of Crewkerne with Haselbury Plucknett, Misterton, North Perrott and Wayford who gave Jonathan, Beatrice, Reuben, Joshua and James a very warm welcome at Jonathan’s licensing on 14 May. TAOS launch St. Andrew's 125th anniversary celebrations 14 May 2006 The first in a series of events to celebrate St. Andrew's 125th anniversary took place in church on 13 May. Henry Haslam launches new website 24 April 2006 Henry Haslam recently published his new book "The Moral Mind - A study of what it is to be human', and has now launched a website dedicated to promoting the book. A Farewell Letter from Jonathan 9 April 2006 I recently completed a questionnaire circulated by an organisation called Faith Net. They are part of the South West Regional Assembly and are trying to get a picture of the level of activity of people from faith communities in their local area, over a wide range of issues that contribute to the well-being of neighbourhoods. I relied on my own knowledge of what was happening at St. Andrew's, rather than anything more scientific, so I am sure that I will have underestimated what is going on. Farewell to Jonathan, Beatrice and family 2 April 2006 Palm Sunday is Jonathan's last day as Curate at St. Andrew's. All of us will be really sorry to say goodbye to Jonathan, Beatrice and the boys, but we always knew that as a training curate Jonathan was a bird of passage. A Tale of Two Roofs 2 April 2006 Good news! The workmen have been and gone and they've done a great job! St. Andrew's Ladies' Social Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary
5 March 2006
Calling all past members! If you are, or you know of, someone who is a former member of the St. Andrew's Ladies' Social Group, we would love you to get in touch. We're inviting everyone who has been a member in the past to join us for our 50th Anniversary supper and entertainment evening on Tuesday 23rd May.
A Guide for Lent - Part 1
26 February 2006
Information about all services happening throughout Lent at St. Andrew's Church.
Ready, Steady - David and Tricia get set to Cook! 12 February 2006 On 11th January, St. Andrew's members David and Tricia Anderson went to London to record an edition of 'Ready, Steady, Cook'. Traidcraft stall 12 February 2006 Today's stall made £102.75 Keeping in touch - from 'down under' 4 February 2006 News from church members Maureen and Frank in Australia New role for curate Jonathan 24 January 2006 Curate at St. Andrew's, the Revd Jonathan Morris will be moving to work as Priest in Charge of Misterton, Haselbury Plucknett and North Perrott in the spring. Voices Raised! 17 December 2005 Alan Cook, Director of Music at St. Andrew's announces the formation of a new children's choir. Local charity benefits from Greetings Sheet 18 December 2005 Our annual Christmas Greetings Sheet has raised funds for Taunton Association for the Homeless. St. Andrew's Church cancels Xmas 26 November 2005 This year, St. Andrew's parish leafleting campaign headlines the cancellation of Xmas - but we suggest an alternative approach to the festive season. St. Andrew's launches new website 26 November 2005 “Stylish, informative and easy to navigate” - St. Andrew’s reaches out through the web.Thanks and Giving Day on 26 November 2005 Giving and stewardship: Julian takes a look at what the Bible has to say and shares some thoughts about how you might respond. Great result for Autumn Market St. Andrew's Autumn Market held in the Church Hall on 19 November raised over £1000 for church funds. A wonderful result and we say a big thank you to everyone who helped and came along to support. Bill and Alan's Act of Remembrance 13 November 2005
One of the most moving moments in St. Andrew's 2005 Remembrance Sunday service took place when Bill King and Alan Mayfield laid wreaths as symbols of remembrance and hope.
Challenges, Opportunities, Aspirations 30 October 2005 St. Andrew's has been serving God in the heart of our community since 1881. Between now and Advent Sunday we will be focussing on what we believe God is calling us to do now and in the future. Please join us and share in our vision of continuity and service. Goats Galore - a whole herd from Harvest! 29 October 2005 Send a Goat is the slogan. Sending 50 goats is the reality!
Announcing new book by St. Andrew's member Henry Haslam 24 October 2005 St. Andrew's own Henry Haslam has just published his new book "The Moral Mind - A study of what it is to be human." Alan Celebrates 40 Years of Music 15 October 2005 Alan Cook, Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Church in Taunton, is celebrating 40 years as a church organist. The event was marked at a recent Sunday morning service when the Vicar of St. Andrew’s, Rev’d. Julian Smith, presented Alan with a gift from the congregation.
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Page updated 12/07/2008
