News and Events: Latest News
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.
Rev John Yarrien has sent a message to United Church Dorchester following his recent absence through illness. He expresses his thanks for all the prayers and support offered by everyone, and praises the staff at both DCH and Bournemouth hospitals. The good news is that he is now recovering well, and hopes to start a phased return to work in the middle of November. The full text of his message can be read by members of UCD in the Members’ Resources area: log in as usual, and there is a link to the message at the top of the page.
It is with great sadness, we announce the death of Mary Martin. Mary was a very active member of the church, having been a steward, senior steward, secretary, StoryTots organiser, Journey to the Stable co-ordinator, coffee shop volunteer and, as a nurse, was always there when someone felt ill in church. She will be greatly missed by so many people. Please remember her family and friends in your prayers. A Service of Thanksgiving for Mary's life was held at United Church Dorchester on Thursday 30th November at 2pm. Members of UCD who were unable to attend the service, but would like to view the recording, can find secure access instructions through the Members’ Resources area: log in as usual, and the relevant information can be found at the top of the page.
Three more fund-raising events have gone well recently: The Country Dancing Afternoon raised £190 and the Flutecakes concert raised £360 for the Dorchester Child Contact Centre. The Tuesday Country Dance group raised £200 for the Friends of DCH to purchase comfort bags for those who are taken into hospital as an emergency – the presentation of the cheque is shown below.
As we approach Christmas-time, Dorchester Poverty Action reports that many more people in DT1 and DT2 are struggling with their finances for a variety of different reasons, some work-related, others due to difficult family situations. Dorchester Poverty Action continues to support local people, making grants of up to £200 to local people who have hit a financial crisis. Request for grants have recently increased hugely: over £60,000 was distributed in 2022/2023. DPA depends on the generosity of local people: please consider if you are one of these good people and make a donation by visiting the Dorchester Poverty Action website.
Bridport United Church is holding its annual Christmas Tree Festival from 6th – 17th December. It will open with a Service at 7pm on Tuesday 5 December, and will then be open each day from 11.00am to 4.00pm (apart from Sundays, when it will be open 2.00pm to 4.00pm). There will also be a Folk Carols event on Friday 8th December at 7.00pm: folky carols, poems and a hearty sing among the trees and twinkling lights.
The Tolpuddle Old Chapel is now open to visitors, with free entry to this historic building and its long association with the Methodist Church. This means that in addition to occasional events, the Chapel is open every Monday and Thursday morning, from 10.00am – 12.00pm.
The Dorchester Town Chaplaincy team wants to recruit more people who can offer support and encouragement for shop workers, market traders, shoppers and anybody working in the town of Dorchester. The team is drawn from members of local churches. Each week chaplains visit the town centre. It is an initiative of Churches Together in Dorchester, backed by Dorchester BID and Dorchester Town Council. See the Dorchester Chaplains information sheet for more information, including the possibility of joining an introductory training session.
Churches Together in Dorchester are looking for a new Secretary. Please see Jobs and Opportunities for more details.
It is with enormous sadness that we have to announce that Traidcraft has closed. They have been struggling to make ends meet for some years but trading in the present economic climate proved impossible. We shall continue to stock Traidcraft products in the Church Shop until they run out, so please come in to buy them. We are already exploring other fair trade suppliers. Please pray for all the staff in Gateshead who lost their jobs. It is a sad time for fair trade.
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