St Mary's
Sturminster Marshall
St Stephen's
Kingston Lacy
St Bartholomew's
Shapwick
CHURCH AT HOME: WEEK 11
Dear Friends in the Bridge and Lower Stour Benefices,
After another gloriously sunny week, I'm pleased to invite you to our service this Sunday, 31st May, which is Pentecost Sunday:
Pentecost Sunday Service 31st May
I very much appreciate the help with this service that I have received from Sally, the Bridge Benefice Choir and friends, from Ernie and from Roger.
It feels like we are turning the page of a new chapter this coming week, as our local schools and some other businesses in the villages re-open. For those able to go out, we are able to mix a bit more too. I am looking forward to this new chapter. However, let us continue to hold our local community in prayer, especially those who are anxious, lonely or feel challenged by these developments. I was talking to a teacher in one of the parish schools yesterday, who was explaining the many challenges they face to create a new way of safe working. I know they'd appreciate our prayers for the staff and children.
Zoom Morning Prayer
For those able to join me for Morning Prayer, it is always good to see you. If you've not ever been but would like to, you'd be very welcome. I'm happy to explain the technology side if you give me a ring a day or so beforehand (01258 858353).
On Wednesdays at 9.00am with a focus on the Bridge Benefice. On Thursdays at 9.00am with a focus on the Lower Stour.
I haven't got a Pew Sheet to send you this week, but for those who like to know the set readings for Sunday, they are:
Acts 2: 1-21 Psalm 104: 26 - end John 20: 19-23
With my prayers for a joyful week ahead,
Carolyn
About the Bridge Benefice
These three beautiful villages are situated between Wimborne Minster and Blandford Forum in the county of Dorset and in the Diocese of Salisbury. Each village has its own church, with lots going on, but we also enjoy getting together for joint services and social events.
The photo at the top of the page shows White Mill Bridge, where the three parish boundaries meet. There has been a mill here on the River Stour for centuries. Now in the care of the National Trust, it is well worth a visit.
To find out more about what's going on across the Benefice please explore our website further.
We also work closely with our neighbouring parishes in the Lower Stour Benefice: Spetisbury, Charlton Marshall and Lower Blandford St Mary. In fact, we share a priest-in-charge, Rev Carolyn Couzens.
PLEASE NOTE There will be no printed copies of the Bridge Magazine until further notice. So please do read the online version.
Coronavirus update
Due to Covid-19 all regular church services are cancelled and our buildings are closed for the foreseeable future.
However, the church is still active in the community and we are still praying.
If we can support you in any way, please do contact us:
revcarolyncouzens@gmail.com or 01258 858353
May you know God's blessing and peace.
Carolyn
Rev. Carolyn Couzens
Priest-in-Charge
Our Monthly Service Rota
Safeguarding
In the Bridge Benefice we take our responsibilities concerning the safeguarding of children, young people, and vulnerable adults very seriously, and we try to ensure that we always work in accordance with best practice. To view the Safeguarding Policy of each of our churches please visit their webpages.
For any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Safeguarding Officer,