for Jesus
for Jesus
Welcome!
From Shepton Mallet, Cranmore and Doulting Churches
A very warm welcome to the home of Shepton Mallet Benefice Churches in the heart of Somerset. Our churches are St Peter and St Paul’s in Shepton Mallet, St Aldhelm’s in the nearby village of Doulting with St Bartholomew’s in the tiny village and civil parish of Cranmore
We have regular services across the benefice each Sunday and at other times throughout the year. We look forward to meeting you!
Events and happenings in the weeks ahead. Information and downloadable posters for future church activities.
Our church and parish office are right in the centre of town with plenty of parking in nearby council car parks. Click below for directions and parking.
We have a vacancy for a Children’s and Youth Minister. To find out more about this exciting position within our growing church, click below.
Rector
Parish Office
Children’s, Youth and Families’
Worker
Creative Pioneer Pastor
Churchwardens (Shepton)
Parish Church
Via Regal Road or via Church Lane
Shepton Mallet
BA4 5BL
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
St Peter & St Paul’s has a child and vulnerable adult protection policy and we take this area of responsibility, along with safer recruitment and staff training, very seriously. All policy documents
Your privacy is as important to us as it is to you. We aim to be clear and open about what we do with your personal information. Please read our Privacy Policy doucment for more information. Designated Data Protection Contact
Copyright © 2024 Shepton Mallet Benefice. All rights reserved - Web design by media concepts (v18) custard creme
A letter from Jonathan
'Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' Hebrews 10 verses 23 to 25
Dear Church Family
As we concluded our Frontline Sunday Series, several were struck by the simple need for us to remain 'red' on our frontlines. By 'red', I am, of course, referring to the little red dots representing the 6% of Christians who are part of a worshipping community and scatter to their varied frontlines week by week.
As I am out and about in ministry I meet all sorts of people. It’s surprising how many identify quite clearly as Christians. They used to go to Church but, for a whole variety of reasons, they stopped. They hold on to their faith for themselves - quietly and sometimes only by their fingernails - but it is private and not shared. Their red glow is dimmed.
So, how is your glow?
We need each other together with God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit if we are to remain bright red to shine love and life into the grey world of our frontlines.
As you seek the Lord and His vision for you on your frontline, remember you may well be in places and with people no one else can reach. You might like to pray…
Father, thank you for the offer of new life in Christ. Thank you for giving my life renewed purpose – for transforming the way I see my daily work, my relationships and my leisure time. Thank you for all those who have showed and shared your good news with me. Now Lord, help me to live a fruitful life on my frontline – the frontline that you have called me to.
Lord, through me would you draw others to know you; stretch out your mighty hand to do great works in the places where I live, work and play and give me the courage and the presence of mind to share you each day through my actions, my speech and my behaviour. For your glory may it be so. Amen.
Amen?
Jonathan
Listen Again!
Our services are now live-streamed via our online radio station Shepton LifeStream and are available to listen live on Sunday mornings and at regular times throughout the week here
The audio recordings of the reading and sermon from these services are also available to hear again. Click on the play button in the players below.
Autumn-Term Sermon Series
Frontline Sundays
Imagine the difference we would make in the world.
Imagine what would happen if every Christian looked around at the people they spend their days with and asked God: how do you want me to be good news to the people here today?
Sunday 1st
Sunday 8th
Sunday 15th
Sunday 22nd
Sunday 29th
1 Peter 1:1-5
Genesis 28:10-17
Colossians 3:15-24
Matthew 6:5-14
Hebrews 10:19-25
All the difference in the world
Wherever we are
Whatever we do
Whoever we are
Together we grow
Starts Sunday 1st September 2024
Sunday
September 29
Jonathan’s sermon
Together We Grow
Hebrews 10:19-25 (read by John Knight)
(10.30 church service)
Sermon
Sunday
September 22
Jonathan’s sermon
Whoever We Are
Matthew 6:5-14 (read by Ros Baldwin)
(10.30 church service)
Sermon
Sunday
September 15
Stephen’s sermon
Wherever We Do
Colossians 3:15-24 (read by Rysha Burke)
(10.30 church service)
Sermon
Sunday
September 09
Jonathan’s sermon
Wherever We Are
Genesis 28:10-17 (read by Sami Cobley)
(10.30 church service)
Sermon
Sunday
September 01
Jonathan’s sermon
All The Difference in The World
1 Peter 1:1-5 (read by Jack Gibb)
(10.30 church service)
Sermon
Summer-Term Sermon Series
Following the Path
of Righteousness
Being a Christian is to follow the right way set before us by God. The path of righteousness is not always easy but it is the only path that pleases God and leads us closer and closer into the joy of His presence.
Along the way His word comforts and strengthens us in life’s challenges and trials, it instructs us in the way of true wisdom, it enables us to bring His blessing to others and shows us the way of love.
Sunday
August 25
Vaughan’s sermon
Ready for The King - Psalm 24
Psalm 24 (read by Janet Saxon)
(10.30 church service)
Sermon
Sunday
August 18
Julian’s sermon
Looking Both Ways - Psalm 21
Psalm 21 (read by Sylvia Ingham)
(10.30 church service)
Sermon
Shepton LifeStream
Inspirational Radio, all day, every day
(see the programme schedule below)
Click above to play
Shepton LifeStream is an online radio station brought to you by St Peter and St Paul’s Parish Church, Shepton Mallet. It’s on the air 24 hours each day with a mix of worship songs, gentle classical music, and meaningful content streamed to your computer, or any smart device. See below for the current schedule.
Playing now . . .
Recently played items . . .
LifeStream Programme Schedule
All day, every day - enjoy a mix of inspirational worship songs and gentle classical music
Daily at 12.00 midday and 12.00 midnight - listen to our sermon of the week from our current sermon series
Daily at 11.00 and 16.00 - Kids’ Praise! A Bible story followed by your favourite children’s worship songs
Daily at 17.00 - Faith in Kids Podcast with Jam, Amy and Ed. Find out more about this podcast here!
Daily at 21.00 - Instrumental Praise - no words, just restful, contemplative music
Sunday at 10.30 - live audio of our Morning Worship Service from Shepton Mallet Parish Church
Other convenient ways to listen to Shepton LifeStream
If you have Alexa, you should be able to set up Alexa to play Shepton LifeStream via MyTuner Radio as a ‘skill’. See your Alexa app for more details.
You can now download the MyTuner Radio app for IOS and Android. Search for Shepton LifeStream and select it as a favourite. Visit MyTuner Radio on their website.
You can now download the Online Radio Box app for IOS and Android. Search for Shepton LifeStream and select it as a favourite.Visit Online Radio Box on their website.
Visit Streema on their website. Shepton LifeStream is there too! And also on Radio UK - up there with the best stations in the UK on their website and their app!
We’re grateful to Ed, Jam and Amy for the use of their podcast Faith in Kids for Kids.
See the Faith in Kids website for the full range of Christian resources available at faithinkids.org
Policy Documents
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
St Peter & St Paul’s has a child and vulnerable adult protection policy and we take this area of responsibility, along with safer recruitment and staff training, very seriously.
Our safeguarding policy document can be downloaded here
The C of E Promoting a Safer Church document can be downloaded here
Our use of photography policy document can be downloaded here
Towards a Safer Church - Safeguarding Advice - the parents’ guide here
Towards a Safer Church - Safeguarding Advice - the PCC and churchwardens’ guide here
Action Plan - here
Revd Jonathan Hunter Dunn 01749 342420 and Ben Goodhind, Diocesan Safeguarding Manager 01749 588917
Shepton Mallet Parish Church
Parish Safeguarding Office (PSO) is Ros Baldwin 07721 096600 safeguarding@sheptonbenefice.org
Deputy PSO is Helen Bennett 01749 346320 admin@sheptonbenefice.org
Doulting Church
Parish Safeguarding Office (PSO) is Edwina Gould 01749 344140 mikegould91@gmail.com
Cranmore Church
Parish Safeguarding Office (PSO) is Revd Gill Sakakini 07969 158488 revgill.sheptonmallet@gmail.com
Benefice DBS and Training Coordinators are Ros Baldwin and Helen Bennett
Privacy Notice
Our Data Privacy Notice document can be downloaded here
Heath and Safety
Our health and safety policy document can be downloaded here
Fire Risk Assessement
Our fire risk assessment document can be downloaded here
Where to find us . . .
Parish Church, Church Lane, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BW (w3w: self.outs.think)
The Parish Church is situated in the centre of town behind the pedestrianised area around the historic Shambles. Access on foot is via several lanes that lead off this area. If you’re coming via car then parking is available at several nearby car parks:
Regal Road East - off Paul Street BA4 5AL
Commercial Road - Old Market Road BA4 5BU
Great Ostry Main - Rectory Road BA4 5TT
Distance to the church from these main car parks is just a few minutes’ walk.
Access to the church in a vehicle is via Regal Road and down past the rear of the Academy Theatre building. There is limited parking in the churchyard. During Sunday services parking is reserved for visitors who require special access.
Church opening hours:
Approximately 09.00 until dusk each day
Parish Office, Peter Street Rooms, Peter Street BA4 5BL (w3w: growth.impulses.packages)
The Parish Office is situated in Peter Street off The Batch. There is no parking in Peter Street, but often limited-time places in nearby The Batch are available. Main car parks are as above.
Distance to the office from these main car parks is just a few minutes’ walk. Access to the office from the church is via a private walkway on the north side of the church (open during office hours) or via the historic, cobbled Church Lane. There is limited parking in the churchyard. During Sunday services, this is reserved for visitors who need special access.
Parish Office opening hours:
Monday and Tuesday - 10.00 until 13.00 or by appointment.
Please call 01749 342163 or 01749 346320 to check.
We regret that Peter Street Rooms are not currently available for hire
Basis of Faith
We are a part of the Church of England. We uphold the biblical truths on which the Church of England was founded. These truths are described in the laws which govern the Church of England.
'The doctrine (the truths we believe and live by) of the Church of England is grounded in the Holy Scriptures, and in such teachings of the ancient Fathers and Councils of the Church as are agreeable to the said Scriptures. In particular such doctrine is to be found in the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, The Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordinal.'
This is canon A5 and can be found here
The Thirty-nine Articles of Religion can be found here, The Book of Common Prayer can be found here. They are both quite detailed and a bit difficult to read. The following is a faithful and true summary of the core beliefs they describe.
We believe . . .
in the one true God who lives eternally in three persons – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
in the love, grace and sovereignty of God in creating, sustaining, ruling, redeeming and judging the world.
in the divine inspiration and supreme authority of the Old and New Testament Scriptures, which are the written Word of God – fully trustworthy for faith and conduct.
in the dignity of all people, made male and female in God’s image to love, be holy and care for creation, yet corrupted by sin, which incurs divine wrath and judgement.
in the incarnation of God’s eternal Son, the Lord Jesus Christ – born of the virgin Mary; truly divine and truly human, yet without sin.
in the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross: dying in our place, paying the price of sin and defeating evil, so reconciling us with God.
in the bodily resurrection of Christ, the first fruits of our resurrection; his ascension to the Father, and his reign and mediation as the only Saviour of the world.
in the justification of sinners solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ.
in the ministry of God the Holy Spirit, who leads us to repentance, unites us with Christ through new birth, empowers our discipleship and enables our witness.
in the church, the body of Christ both local and universal, the priesthood of all believers — given life by the Spirit and endowed with the Spirit’s gifts to worship God and proclaim the gospel, promoting justice and love.
in the personal and visible return of Jesus Christ to fulfil the purposes of God, who will raise all people to judgement, bring eternal life to the redeemed and eternal condemnation to the lost, and establish a new heaven and new earth.
Who we are
We are learning from Jesus, that we may live for Jesus and love like Him. We believe that is what Jesus calls us to do.
When and where
Our weekly service in Shepton Mallet is on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am in the Parish Church. To locate us precisely go here. Our village church services times are here
What to expect
We are a diverse Church family of all ages and backgrounds and who appreciate differing kinds of services. Being together is more important than having exactly what any one of us wants but we do strive to provide a breadth of styles to our services for all to engage in and enjoy.
How long is our service?
The Sunday service in Shepton Mallet lasts for about 75 minutes.
Service patterns
Currently we have Holy Communion twice each month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. On the 4th Sunday, our children and young people return from their groups so that we are all present either to receive the bread and wine or to receive prayer.
Prayer ministry
Prayer is offered each week during and after the service
Jonathan Hunter Dunn
Albert Owen
Gill Goodall
Julian Tucker
Rector
Reader
Reader
Reader
Helen Bennett
Emma Hunter Dunn
Jeff Petch-Harrison
Benefice
Administrator
Bible Fellowship
Ministry Leader
Verger
Jonathan Hunter Dunn
Nick Bennett
Vaughan Ives
Andy Paull
Robert Goodhand
Sylvia Ingham
Rector
Churchwarden
Churchwarden
Treasurer
PCC Secretary
Standing Committee Member
Dave Crisfield
Suzi McKenzie
Steve Bruce-Jones
Cliff Brown
Stephen Jarrett
John Knight
PCC Lay Chair
PCC Member
PCC Member
PCC Member
PCC Member
PCC Member
and Cashier
Ros Baldwin
PCC Member
and Shepton PSO
‘He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ’. Colossians 1:28
Knowing that according to some recent statistics, we understand that 75% of Christian adults came to faith by the age of 18, we at St Peter and St Paul’s are doing all we can to disciple our children and young people and to give them a biblical foundation to their relationship with Jesus.
We long for our children to grow in likeness to Jesus, to understand that when suffering comes the gospel applies to them, to share their faith boldly and wisely, and to live and serve as part of a community of believers. This cannot just be their parents’ responsibility; as the spiritual battles rage for our children’s hearts and minds, it is as a whole Church family that we can nurture our young people to have hearts for God, to know the praiseworthy deeds and the wonders He’s done, and to know that God loves them.
Knowing that every Bible story whispers the name of Jesus, we are teaching the whole Bible, and not just the favourite stories. Young people, like us, need head knowledge and heart change. The material chosen for the Sunday sessions takes account of this as we open the Bible, teach the doctrine, teach of the promises, pray together and strive to grow young disciples, in close partnership with their parents.
Sunday Mornings
We meet in church and begin the service with the whole Church family, and then leave for teaching in the Library, just a minute’s walk from the church. The children return to the main service just before it ends, or on Sundays when we have holy communion, in time for the communion.
We have two groups that run during the main 10.30 service:
Explorers - Secondary age - 11 - 15 years
Climbers - Primary age - 5 years and upwards
All our teaching staff and helpers are experienced, faithful and are DBS checked at enhanced level and are fully trained in safeguarding best practice.
Treasure Tots
Treasure Tots, our weekly babes and toddler group for pre-school children and their carers and parents runs in Peter Street Rooms on Tuesdays 10.30 - 12.00 during term time led by a core team of four church members.Together they enjoy free play, a bible story, songs, craft activities and healthy refreshments.
Youth Bible Fellowship
This runs weekly on Wednesday evenings for young people of secondary school age.
Contact Emma Hunter Dunn for more information
emma@sheptonbenefice.org
