Minster News

Today, 14 September, it has been announced that our very own Magdalene’s Coffee Shop is the winner of the County Gazette Café of the Year!

You can read much more here.

This is a wonderful achievement for Mrs Sandra Hall, our volunteer manager, together with her team of dedicated volunteers. Without them, this acolade would not have been possible.

See more about the Coffee Shop here.

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The cafes nominated are:

• The Hive Café, Trull Church Community Centre, Trull, TA3 7JZ. 01823 330812
• Silver’s Pantry, Prockters Farm, West Monkton, TA2 8QN. 01823 413443
• The Rocking Horse Café, Brewers Water Farm, Crowcombe, Taunton, TA4 4BH. 07590 846727
• Courtyard Café, Museum of Somerset, Taunton, Castle Green, TA1 4AA
• Café Expresso, High Street, Taunton 38 High Street, TA1 3PN. 01823 352133
• The Brook, Avery’s Garden Centre, Taunton Silk Mills Road, TA1 5AA. 01823 618610
• The Weir, French Weir Park, Taunton TA1 1AW
• Mr Miles Tea Room, High Street, Taunton TA1 3PG. 01823 322288
• Magdalene’s Coffee Shop, Taunton Minster, Taunton, Church Square, TA1 1SA
• Block, Magdalene Lane, Taunton 4-6 Magdalene Lane, TA1 1SE

On Sunday 10 September, we will be relaunching our second Sunday evening service. The new service, called Refresh!, will be similar in style to our existing second Sunday service but will focus on a different theme each month. We will listen to a talk about the theme, pray together and sing. We will begin at 4.30pm with tea and coffee, and keep things relaxed and informal when the service itself starts at 5pm.  Until the end of the year, we will be looking at a series of topics called “Faith, hope, love and other gifts from God”, beginning in September with “Faith – How can I believe in someone I can’t see?”. If that sounds interesting, please do come along and join us! If you would like to know more, please ask the Reverend Jamie Fox.

Taunton Minster is pleased to be a part of the Trash Trail this summer.

Come find a 4 meter Polar Bear hiding amongst the 16th century arches inside the Minster! Most of the Trail Litterbugs have names, but the Minster’s is just called ‘Polar Bear’! Our bear is made from recycled milk bottles and is on loan from WasteCare.

About the Trail

Take a stroll through the towns and countryside of Somerset, from 22 July to 3 September (30 August at the Minster), hunting down this colourful trail of ‘Litterbugs’ and solve the puzzle for a chance to win a prize!

A fun day out for all! Get in touch with nature and learn about the impact we have on the world we live in with the help of our donated trash-art sculptures.

Much more information here.

Trail maps and a Word Search are available for £1 from the Trash Trail here.

Sadly, damage was caused to our beautiful Grade I listed Taunton Minster early this morning. This damage will likely cost us up to £1000 to repair. Thank you to our dedicated police officers and police dog who searched the site and gave protection.

Back in January this year an adjacent window was smashed and intruders entered the building with the purpose of stealing. Thankfully, with this latest occurrence, pro-active security systems, and quick police response mean that the main loss will be the substantial expense and hassle of getting a new leaded-light panel fabricated.

We are going to meet for a couple of preparatory discussions in early autumn with a view to joining the diocesan confirmation service later in the year.

Confirmation in the Church of England is a person’s public affirmation of their commitment to a life with Christ and confirms the declarations and promises made on their behalf when they were baptised as an infant.If you would like to join the preparation, or find out more about adult confirmation, please speak to Rev’d Louise.

[For info about young people’s confirmation please speak to the Reverend Jamie Fox.]

Five ordinands will be ordained to the priesthood at Taunton Minster on Saturday, 24 June 2023 at 3.30pm.

Please pray for the ordinands:

Nicola Butcher Alcombe, Minehead
Jamie Fox Taunton Minster with St John
Cathryn Howse Staplegrove with Fitzpaine
Mark McKnight Curry Rival, Fivehead and Swell
Dean Whittaker Holy Trinity Bridgwater with Durleigh

You are warmly invited to the service to support Jamie and all the candidates. Jamie Fox is one of the Minster’s curates—please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, together with his wife, Beccy and their family.

Hymn to the Holy Spirit: Veni creator spiritus (Come, Creator Spirit)
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
and lighten with celestial fire;
thou the anointing spirit art,
who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.

Talking Cafes provide a local place you can pop into, for advice and support from your local Village Agent on anything that is worrying you, or if you just want a friendly chat.

Here at the Minster, the Cafe happens in the friendly atmosphere of the coffee shop. The Cafe is in a dedicated area where you can talk quietly and confidentially.