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April 2023 April 2023

But his life is one marked by the good news message of sins forgiven in Jesus excited to have arrived at their chosen resting
Christ. That message changed Patrick and thus he was able to return to Ireland ground. Where had they come from? Where are
and demonstrate the love of Christ toward his enemies. they going? So many questions, but not really my
concern. I just felt privileged to have shared a
Legend says that Patrick drove all the poisonous snakes from Ireland. Whilst this is brief moment of their journey. To marvel at the
unlikely, it is known that Patrick taught the Irish the fundamental Christian truths vision capability they have to navigate and fly at
about God, including His triune nature (the trinity= one God, but three persons). night in perfect formation, the teamwork they
The gospel message is the good news that while we were yet sinners, Christ died employ to take it in turns moving up and down
for us. Jesus died for us while we were His enemies, and Patrick in like manner was the formation so everyone benefits from easier
enabled by that same love to love his enemies. Christians today should likewise flying in the wake of those in front. Yet again the
love the unloveable, but the only way a person can truly and selflessly love others nocturnal world shows we can learn so much
is when they have experienced the love of God themselves through believing the from nature, if we choose to listen.
gospel.

John Williams Time to move on. Down the track to Throop
passing Glebe House on my left, home to the Rev
William Ettrick in the early 19th Century. Vicar of
BERE HEATH METHODIST Turners Puddle, or as it was known until around his time Toners Puddle. A complex
character he seemed to have a problem with women, accusing his Bere Regis
CHAPEL born housekeeper/gardener Susan of witchcraft and various dark arts after a
series of unfortunate events starting in 1804. Eventually he removed her from his
employment but thankfully she survived and lived to eighty dying in 1838. I believe
What’s on at Bere Heath Methodist Church according to church records she is buried in the now deconsecrated and private
in April churchyard, but despite the owner allowing me to look I can find no trace.

March was a very mixed bag as far as the weather was As for the Rev Ettrick after nearly two decades as vicar he returned to his native
concerned. As we go into April we will have April Sunderland upon the death of his father in 1808 to run his estate as his was a
showers during the month. How did your Lent go? I wealthy land owning family. By 1825 his diaries record he had found another local
hope that you had time to reflect ,do something new or just simply relax. As we witch to blame for failures on the estate.
approach Easter and follow the events of Holy Week and then sing or say Jesus
“Christ has risen today “ on Easter Sunday may we feel the presence of Christ As I travel that track and lean on those bridges in the early hours I often think of
with us as we continue on our Faith Journey. Susan, treading the same paths over two centuries before, the prejudices and
accusations she had to endure. I wish I saw ghosts, as I would enjoy talking to her
Sunday 2 April Palm Sunday - Monthly Service at 2pm led by our Minister Rev one frosty night with the river mist rising. The Rev Ettrick, not so much.
nd
John Yarrien . Holy Communion will be celebrated at the service. Tea, Coffee Join me next month through the early hours as the journey continues, through the
and biscuits served after the service. All welcome. Piddle valley and beyond...into the heart of nature and imagination.

Saturday 15 April - Craft and Kids – 2.30 --3.45pm .(Last Saturday of Half Term
th
School Holidays ) An afternoon for children and their Parents/Carer to come Simon Goddard
along and have some creative fun (and messy fun ) . You do not have to be
creative. Drinks and food during the session. Why not come along , give it a try.
(Parents can have a go too or just drink coffee)
Enjoy your Easter Eggs and enjoy April .

With best wishes from All at Bere Heath Methodist Church .
Peter Jenner – Lay Worker – Children and Families and Outreach .

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