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!
Our up-to-date Church calendar of events and happenings in the weeks ahead.
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.
Find out more about our next Start Course.
We would love to meet you when we ‘Start’ again in later in 2025 with
For times and details of our Benefice services and events, click here
Visiting the church or the parish office? click here.
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 © 2025 Shepton Mallet Benefice. All rights reserved - Web design by media concepts (v27) raspberry tart
A letter from Jonathan
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither –
whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1 verses 1 to 3
Dear Church Family
If there is a secret to living the Christian life, perhaps it is simply this: God's way is the only way of human flourishing.
As verse 3 of Psalm 1 reminds us, God's desire for us is to be established, nourished, fruitful and successful. In other words, God's desire for us is for you to flourish! As our creator, He knows the only way for us truly to flourish is by delighting daily in His law - in the truth of His word, verse 2.
It may just me, but often my first reaction to laws is to be sceptical or to rebel: laws restrict, laws stop me from doing what I want to do. However, that assumes that I always want to do good and right things. God's law shows me that is not the case!
Writing to a friend, C S Lewis put it like this. 'Whatever we desire is either what God is trying to give us as quickly as He can, or else a false picture of what He is trying to give us—a false picture which would not attract us for a moment if we saw the real thing.'
Lewis realised that when we desire right things, God's law has already packaged them ready for delivery. When we desire wrong things, His law not only protects us from the harm of them but holds out to us something so wholesome and appealing that what we thought we wanted is forgotten in a moment.
In Jesus we see what it looks like for a human being truly to delight in the law of the Lord.
Delighting in the Word made flesh
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.
Spring-Term Sermon Series
The Book of Exodus recounts the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards freedom under the leadership of Moses. The story includes the plagues on Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, marking the beginning of a covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. Ultimately, Exodus establishes the foundation for the Israelites' identity as God's chosen people and lays the groundwork for their future as a nation
Exodus
Sunday
May 18
Jonathan’s Sermon
Why should I obey God?
Exodus 7:1-15 (read by Rosalind Ives) and Exodus 10:1-9 (read by Vaughan Ives)
(10.30 Church Service)
Sermon
Sunday
May 11
Stephen’s Sermon
You don’t need more willpower; you need more of God!
Exodus 5:1-4 and Exodus 6:1-9 (read by Robert Goodhand)
(10.30 Church Service)
Sermon
Sunday
May 4
Julian’s Sermon
Who am I?
Exodus 3: 1-12 (read by Janet Saxon)
(10.30 Church Service)
Sermon
Sunday
April 27
Stephen’s Sermon
A Promised People and a Promised Land
Exodus 1:1-10 and 2:1-10 (read by Ros Baldwin)
(10.30 Church Service)
Sermon
Sunday
April 20
Jonathan’s Sermon
Easter Sunday Service
Mark 15:42-16:8 (dramatised reading)
(10.30 Church Service)
Sermon
Sunday
April 13
Jonathan’s Sermon
Authority we can trust
Mark 11:1-25 (read by Amanda Karpinski)
(10.30 Church Service)
Sermon
Sunday
April 6
Julian’s Sermon
Jesus predicts His death a third time
Mark 10:32-45 (read by Sami Cobley)
(10.30 Church Service)
Sermon
Sunday
March 30
Alan’s Sermon
Jesus predicts His death a second time
Mark 9:30-37 (read by Amanda Karpinski)
(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.
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:
Tuesdays - 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.
Other services and events
Currently we have Holy Communion three times each month - on the second and fourth Sunday at 10.30, and on the third Sunday at 5pm. On the first and third Sunday of the month we have a service of Morning Worship at 10.30.
On the second and fourth Sunday, our children and young people return from their teaching groups so that we are all present either to receive the bread and wine or to receive prayer.
We also have a monthly Revive event with guest speaker, worship and prayer. See here for details of the the next Revive event.
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
Vacancy
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
Where?
Quantock Lodge, Over Stowey, near Bridgwater
When?
Friday 20th June 2025 until Sunday 22nd June
Click here for more information and booking form
‘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
