^{Individualism, identity and Christian unity} 

^{Dear Church Family}

^{I was recently reading about how we in the west are becoming more and more individualistic. We want our homes, lifestyle even our faith to suit our personal preferences. Among younger people, the issue of personal identity - ‘who I am’ - occupies increasing head and social media space. The quest for individualism is giving rise to a growing and dangerous problem: the more individual a person seeks to be the more isolated they end up feeling. This raises a very interesting question for us as a church family: how can a Christian be their individual self and deeply united with other Christians? Fortunately, the Holy Spirit has an answer!} 

^{'If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.’ Philippians 2 verse 1 and 2. (See also Ephesian 4 verses 1 to 16.)}

^{Our faith in Jesus unites us to Him in a very real, life affirming way. In Jesus we find encouragement and comfort in His love, we are blessed with spiritual life, affection and sympathy. It could be argued, the more we grow as a Christian, the more we become the unique individual God made us to be. But how can a bunch of unique individuals live in deep Christian unity? The answer is to be ‘. . . of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.’ In other words, the foundation of deep Christian unity is in knowing and agreeing on the wondrous truths God has revealed to us in His word. A high view of God’s truth, revealed to us in His word, unites unique individuals in beautiful fellowship.} 

^{Problems arise when we get mixed up and try to find our identity in holding to a different truth and our unity only in those who are like us. In Jesus, we discover we are unique, precious and loved individuals but united by the truth of God’s word. This is a great blessing to us all and speaks hope to a lost and searching world.} 

^{Love and Blessings}

^Jonathan 

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.

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Funeral Service for Revd Ted Longman

Ted’s funeral took place on Thursday 28th July at Shepton Mallet Parish Church, Shepton Mallet in Somerset. Click the player below to hear the audio recording of the service.

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Parish Church, Church Lane, Shepton Mallet BA4 5BW (w3w: self.outs.think)

Parish Office, Peter Street Rooms, Peter Street BA4 5BL (w3w: growth.impulses.packages)

Peter Street Rooms are available for hire

Peter Street Rooms are the rooms normally used for Church activities but they are also available for hire. We have two large meeting rooms (one with ground floor and ramped access, the other on the first floor) and a smaller meeting room on the second floor. There is a kitchen, male, female and accessible toilets and a small courtyard.

If you would like to find out more details with a view to hiring the rooms, please contact our administrator, Helen Bennett on 01749 342163 or 01749 346320

Who we are

We are gathering again post covid. 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

What to wear!

Most members of our congregation are generally casual but some a little smarter and some less so. To be honest, we don’t mind how you dress or what you look like - we’d just love for you to come and meet us!