Dorchester Parish Latest News and Information

Latest News and Information from around the Parish
Please feel free to add your comments to each News item.
(click on the 'comments' link within each news item)

There are 26 News Items in 4 pages and your are on page number 1

Website News

This week, I have added a new page which lists Concerts planned to take place at St. Mary's Church. The page can be accessed from the St Mary's News page, and from the main Home Page.

In addition, a short guide which explains how the site is organised, and how you can use it to find the information you need can be accessed from a link at the bottom of the main Home Page. Just scroll down if you cannot see it. I hope you find it useful, but please let me have your comments.

Posted by webmaster on 06 March 2009 at 14:14

Snow in Dorchester

Richard Budd has sent in this snowscape, which he took from the top of St George's Tower, after the recent snowfalls.

If you wish to send any photos which you think may interest visitors to the website, please send them in, and we will be very pleased to consider them.

Posted by Webmaster on 13 February 2009 at 16:20 Comments (0)

Charles Darwin bicentenary event

2009 is the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin, who developed the theory of Evolution, which, 150 years later, is still capable of arousing controversy.

On Saturday November 14th, the Dorset County Museum, and the Parish of Dorchester will be hosting an event which will help us to understand evolution, and the issues which continue to surround it.

A programme for the day, and details of how to obtain tickets can be found by following the link below.

Find out more ....

Posted by Webmaster on 06 February 2009 at 14:10 Comments (0)

Barnabas the Bear

The next of our termly Barnabas services will be at 4pm on Sunday 21 June in St. George's church hall. Barnabas the Bear invites first school children and their families to join him for stories, songs, activities and a shared tea (provided by Dorchester parish). The previous ones in the autumn and spring terms were well attended and appreciated.

If you will attend on 21 June please let me know beforehand so we can plan activities and tea. Thanks. Revd. Richard Betts 01305 262394

I got the idea from seeing the local church in Iwerne Minster – Bishop Tim’s former territory - do something similar. It requires a lot of preparation but the format is easy peasy lemon squeezey. Tell a story, sing some songs (only one of which has to be A wiggly, waggly worm), be happy, have several activities to do, and provide some food and drinks at the end. And invite first school children and their siblings and parents.

25 children plus parents came on 8 February, which considering the snow and ice, was great. Jill Smith and John and Sylvia Herring had prepared some amazing and partly edible interactive artwork on the theme of “our planet”. There were map-of-the world jigsaws to do, planets to arrange in the correct or incorrect order around the Sun, and some tactile things like cabbages and carnations and pine cones. All of which kept the children and adults engaged for quite a while. And the parents took away with them some details of what the benefice is doing to address ecology issues.

It’s been encouraging to have helpers from all three of our Dorchester town churches and beyond too. Judith, Jill, Julie and (you can help even if your name does not begin with J) Rosie provided a fantastic tea. Allen occasionally got a word in when Barnabas let him. Vicky and Jean had prepared some terrific activities.

I’m resisting the temptation to have this service too often. I think once a term during 2008/09, then we’ll see where we go from there. The next one should be in May or June. If the weather’s good we might have it outside.

Richard Betts

Posted by Richard Betts on 09 January 2009 at 16:20 Comments (0)

Say Something Nice - Magazine Feedback

This month, the Magazine suggests that we stop grumbling and say nice things about each other. Try this out, using feedback, even anonymously, if you prefer!

Join in by clicking on the Comments link

Posted by Mike Morgan on 15 November 2008 at 11:55 Comments (3)

Magazine Feedback - October Issue

On page 9 of this month's Magazine, the Editor asks whether, given the variety of different methods of giving to the Church that are available to us, ranging from standing orders, to payments over the Internet, the traditional Offertory, as a part of our services in Church, has not now become obsolete? What do you think?

And, if you do make your offering directly from the Bank, what do you do when the collection plate comes around?

Please let us have your thoughts. Join in the discussion by clicking on the Comments link

Posted by Mike Morgan on 17 October 2008 at 13:30 Comments (3)

Sudan Link - Events

Building a New School in the Sudan

Richard and Claire Budd are raising funds to build a secondary school in the remote Nuba Mountains of the Sudan. They have planned a programme of events to support this aim. Coming up are a talk on the Sudan, and a Grand Christmas ball at Kingston Maurward.

Please follow this link for details of this, and the other events which have been arranged.

Posted by Webmaster on 19 September 2008 at 10:33 Comments (0)

Magazine Feedback - September issue

This month's Magazine reports onDorchester church-goers are urged to sign a petition protesting at plans for a new system of calculating water rates that will charge churches similar amounts to factories, supermarkets and other businesses. Ofwat the water regualtor and Government Ministers say this is a fairer system as in the past other users were subsidising churches and other charitable premises such as scout huts. What do you think?

What do you think? Join in the discussion by clicking on the Comments link..

Here is a link if you wish to add your name to the petition

Posted by Mike Morgan on 12 September 2008 at 21:50 Comments (0)

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