On April 21st, 2024 the Bishop of Sherborne, Bishop Karen, came to bless the new Two Rivers Benefice. The service was held in the beautiful All Saints Church, Tarrant Keynston. It was lovely to have members of all the churches in the new Benefice at the service. Blandford St Mary, Charlton Marshall, Spetisbury, Langton Long, Tarrant Rushton with Tarrant Rawston and Tarrant Keynston with Tarrant Crawford.The service started with singing from the choir, who were in excellent voice and a procession as Rev. Couzens, Rev. Atkins and Bishop Karen entered the church. It was very nice to also have the support of Rev. David Miell the Rural Dean and other members of Chapter at the service.Representatives of the different churches came forward with symbols from our new logo -A dove, as a mark of His presence, Water, as a symbol of our commitment to as a Benefice to serve others and a Circle to represent as a Benefice to work together as the Body of ChristDuring the service Bishop Karen handed over new Deeds of Declarations to Rev. Carolyn Couzens and Rev. Steve Atkins.After the service delicious refreshments were served to the congregation and a beautiful cake with the Two Rivers logo was cut by Rev. Couzens.
Introducing our logo….It depicts both where we are and who we are.Where? We are churches along a river, surrounded by green countryside.Who? We are churches who desire to work together represented by the circle. The dove is a symbol of God's presence. We seek to love God and others in everything we do. Water in the Christian faith is significant too. Through water at baptism we are welcomed into the church family, and through water the weary find refreshment and renewal. As churches we too seek to be welcoming communities where people can be inwardly renewed and refreshed.
Note from Rev. Carolyn:Dear friends,I am delighted to be able to confirm that all the paperwork for us to become Two Rivers Benefice is with the Bishop of Salisbury for signing off. We started working together as parishes in May 2021 and so it is a delight that we have finally got this far. Thank you for all your patience and support.On April 21st the Bishop of Sherborne is coming to help us celebrate and will bless the new Benefice. The service will be at 4pm in All Saints, Tarrant Keyneston. I do very much hope you will all put this date in your diary, and join us then. With all good wishes and my prayers,God blessCarolyn