On Passion Sunday, 3rd April, at 6.30pm, there is no service at Stowey. Instead, we’re invited to St Mary’s Church, West Harptree, for a Service of Compline, sung by the Choir of the United Parish. This service marks the beginning of Passiontide, which continues until Easter Day, and is a quiet and reflective service. We hope you can join us; all are welcome.

On Good Friday, 15th April at 9am there will be a short Service of prayer and meditation, after which we’ll be serving coffee and hot cross buns. And then our small group of helpers will be decorating the church for Easter. If you’d like to help, or to give flowers for Easter, please let me know, or just come along; you’ll be very welcome! At 6.30pm, the Choir will sing Stainer’s Crucifixion at West Harptree Church. This is one of my favourite choral works and you’re warmly invited to this service. And on Easter Day, 17th April at 6.30pm we have a service of Holy Communion, celebrated by Mark. Those who so wish will be invited to receive communion in both kinds, but the wine will be distributed in individual, disposable glasses. We’ll be singing some wonderful, joyful Easter hymns and Easter eggs will be distributed after the service. Please join us at this service and celebrate with us the Resurrection of Jesus on that first Easter Day. All are welcome.

Turning to the Platinum Jubilee, the special service of Choral Evensong will take place on Sunday 5th June at 6.30pm. The Choir of the United Parish will be with us and Canon John Simpson will give the Address; and we’ll be serving drinks and canapés in the churchyard afterwards. It’s a service not to be missed to bring to a close the celebrations of this special day…make a note in your diary now!! And if you’d like to attend, I am taking “bookings” already!

And finally, 3 gardens in Stowey will be open for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 17th July from 2pm to 6pm. The gardens are at Manor Farm, Stowey Mead and Dormers, with ample parking in the field opposite Dormers. Teas will be served at Stowey Mead and plants will be on sale at Dormers. Make a note of the date now!