The United Benefice of Curry Rivel, Fivehead and SwellWelcome to our Benefice. Here are the planned services for April and May 2025If you would like to receive the latest Benefice news, information, prayers, recent talks and other helpful material, then, to be added to the Benefice email list, please contact our Associate Minister Revd. Scott Patterson at scottr.patterson@btinternet.comPlanned services & other gatherings for June 2025Sunday 1st June 10.00 – All Age Family and Friends Communion Service (CW) + refreshments - Fivehead Saturday 7th June 3.30-5.30 – Messy Church, in the OSR - Curry Rivel Sunday 8th June - Pentecost 09.30 – United Benefice Holy Communion (BCP) + refreshments - Swell Tuesday 10th June 10.00-12.00 – Craft & Coffee, in the OSR - Curry Rivel Sunday 15th June 9.30 – A Service of Morning Worship - Fivehead 10.30 – All Age Family and Friends Service + refreshments - Curry Rivel Sunday 22nd June 9.30 – Parish Communion (CW) + refreshments - Fivehead 11.00 – A Service of Morning Worship+ refreshments - Curry Rivel 6.00pm – Prayer Book Evensong (BCP) - Swell Sunday 29th June 10.30 – UUB Holy Communion (CW) - Huish EpiscopiPlanned services & other gatherings for July 2025 Saturday 5th July 10.00-12.00 – Messy Church, in the OSR - Curry Rivel Sunday 6th July 10.00 – All Age Family and Friends Communion Service (CW) + refreshments - Fivehead 6.00pm – Evening Prayer - Curry Rivel Tuesday 8th July 10.00-12.00 – Craft & Coffee, in the OSR - Curry Rivel Sunday 13 July 9.30 – BCP Prayer Book Communion Service - Swell 11.00 – Parish Communion Service (CW) + refreshments - Curry Rivel Sunday 20th July 9.30 – A Service of Morning Worship - Fivehead 10.30 – All Age Family and Friends Service + refreshments - Curry RivelSunday 27th July 9.30 – Parish Communion (CW) + refreshments - Fivehead 11.00 – A Service of Morning Worship + refreshments - Curry Rivel 6.00pm – Prayer Book Evensong (BCP) - Swell
8th June — Day of Pentecost Whit Sunday Pentecost took place on the well-established Jewish festival of Firstfruits, which was observed at the beginning of the wheat harvest. It was seven weeks after Easter, or 50 days including Easter. A feast day to celebrate the country’s wheat harvest does not sound exactly world-changing, but that year, it became one of the most important days in world history. For Pentecost was the day that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit – the day the Church was born. Jesus had told His disciples that something big was going to happen, and that they were to wait for it in Jerusalem, instead of returning to Galilee. Jesus had plans for His disciples, but He knew they could not do the work themselves. They would need His help. And so, they waited in Jerusalem, praying together with His other followers, for many days. And then, on that fateful morning, there was suddenly the sound as of a mighty rushing wind. Tongues of flame flickered on their heads, and they began to praise God in many tongues, to the astonishment of those who heard them. The curse of Babel (Genesis 11: 1- 9) was dramatically reversed that morning. That morning the Holy Spirit came to indwell the disciples and followers of Jesus. The Church was born. The Christians were suddenly full of life and power, utterly different from their former fearful selves. The change in them was permanent. Peter gave the first ever sermon of the Christian Church that morning, proclaiming Jesus was the Messiah. His boldness in the face of possible death was in marked contrast to the man who had denied Jesus 50 days before. And 3,000 people responded, were converted, and were baptised. How’s that for fast church growth! Of course, Pentecost was not the first time the Holy Spirit had acted in this world. All through the Old Testament there are accounts of how God’s Spirit guided people and strengthened them. But now, because of Christ’s death and resurrection, He could INDWELL them. From now on, every Christian could have the confidence that Jesus was with them constantly, through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. From: The Parish PumpFathers’ Day - what we most value in our fathers Father’s Day is 15th June – a day to honour and appreciate our fathers and father figures, such as grandfathers and fathers-in-law. Many of us will make a special effort to see them on the day. No two fathers are alike, of course, but various polls across the internet reveal some interesting similarities of what people have most valued in their dad. These traits include: being dependable, approachable, protective, patient, affectionate, honest, willing to listen, compassionate, and having spent time with them when they were young. That’s quite a list! People whose fathers had even some of those strengths have a lot to be thankful for. Thankfully, our Father in Heaven certainly has all those traits. Jesus said the Father is totally dependable and protective of us, longs for us to turn to Him, and is full of compassion and love. And we are to call Him ‘Abba’ – Daddy! From: The Parish Pump
