United Church Dorchester

News and Events: Latest N ews

Read here about some of the most important issues and developments within the United Church and beyond. 

You can read elsewhere about Events taking place at UCD.

You may also want to read the weekly notices, monthly news sheets and annual reports.

United Church Dorchester: the 'new normal'
As at 18 October 2021, United Church Dorchester is essentially operating normally again, following further easing of restrictions that were put in place during various stages of the Covid pandemic.

In practical terms, this means that:

  • The church and church rooms are fully open, though with relevant safeguards in place to keep everyone safe.
  • Services are being held in the church, with music groups and singing by the congregation. For those still unable to attend services in church, a range of written and on-line options are available.
  • The  church shop  and  coffee lounge  are both open, and welcoming customers.
  • Events  and  meetings  are taking place again: for full details, please visit the relevant pages across the web site.

If you have specific queries about what is happening at UCD, and cannot find the answer here, please get in touch via the Contact form.

Dorchester Family Support is already planning its summer programme of support for those families in Dorchester whose children are entitled to free school meals. Since new government criteria will help more families, DFS is anticipating an increase in the number of families who will need support – and last year nearly 200 families came through the doors each week in August, with each bag of food per family costing approximately £25.00.

While DFS is conscious that many are facing their own cost of living concerns at present, they would be extremely grateful for any financial help that can be offered. Please visit the DFS web site and make a direct donation, or set up an online BACS payment direct to their account: Account no. 00033782, sort code 40-52-40.

For any queries, please email Dorchester Family Support: dorchesterfs@gmail.com 

This year's South West Residential World Mission Conference will be held at the Ammerdown Centre, near Radstock, Somerset from 30th September to 2nd October 2022. The conference will be led by the Rev the Lord Leslie Griffiths on the theme "Caught between religion and politics – truth against power in a justice-led global church". 

 Leslie Griffiths is a recently retired Methodist minister and former President of the Conference. He spent most of the 1970s as a missionary in Haiti and is still closely involved with the concerns of the Haitian people and politicians. He is an active member of the House of Lords and frequently called upon to speak on current issues. It promises to be a stimulating and informative weekend. 

Places are limited so early booking is advisable. Shared transport can be arranged. The cost is £220 for full board from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. Full details and booking forms available from local rep David Reep.

Traidcraft continue to trade in their new, slimmed-down company. 

The Summer catalogue is now out, containing a complete range of Fairtrade foods, gifts and clothing.

The church shop stocks Traidcraft goods, so do please come and support the Fairtrade movement.