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January 2021 January 2021

Whilst the past year has been incredibly challenging, the difficulties have created minutes to get into to the shop because of the queue.
an even stronger, supportive community and such initiatives as Bere Connect, the
Food Bank, the work of the Pop in Place and so on, have all provided much Being a part of the shop volunteer team Is a great way to get involved in the
needed help in all kind of ways. The weekly Zoom streamed Church Services village and to meet everyone. If you’re new to the village or have been here a
have enabled parishioners to continue their worship and feel connected, and while and are now able to get involved. Please get in touch. There are
now that the church and chapel buildings are able to open again, those who are opportunities to serve in the shop or be a part of the behind the scenes team. All
not so keen on ‘technology’ can return to their preferred way of following their the stock that is sold in the shop is ordered, collected, displayed by volunteers
religion. and it works best when we spread the load. From
newspapers to Eggs; Doughnuts to Courgettes
As I write this, I have just learnt of the loss of Brenda Pitfield. As part of the something is being collected every day of the
‘backbone’ of our church community, she will be very much missed. I send my week and that is no mean feat.
deepest condolences to those, both family and friends, for whom she has been a
major part of life. I hope that we shall have a full tribute to her in next month’s In 2020 we need to buy a new freezer – the old
magazine. Rest in Peace, Brenda. one is leaking, and Lesley’s been defrosting it once
a month and we’re looking at further developing
Alison Debenham the shelving to be able to store and display the
vegetables better. We are also looking at access.
This project will take a bit longer and will no doubt
BISHOP’S LETTER require some fund raising but we feel It is important
that all members of the community now and in the
From the Bishop of Sherborne, Karen Gorham future should be able to access the shop.
Thank you for continuing to support the Village

shop the more you use us the more we can
2021 by Another Road
maintain a wide range of fresh produce.
‘They left for their own country by another road.’ To place an order please contact us on 01929 472000 during opening hours and
Matthew 2:12b by email Briantspuddle.shop@gmail.com. You can collect or we’re happy to
I wonder what happened to the wise men. How were deliver.
their lives shaped from that day when they left Ali Chorley, Chair, The friends of Briantspuddle post office and village shop
Bethlehem and returned to their own country by
another road? How did seeing the longed for Messiah change the rest of their
lives?

It was really encouraging in the Autumn to engage with clergy and laity from
across the diocese to look back at what church life had been like in 2020. This
time last year we would never have imagined or believed how the year would
turn out, and yet amidst all the tragedy, the fear, the anxiety, the challenge, there
have been many signs of hope, new life, creativity, energy, of discovering new
ways to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Our calling now is to go forward into this New Year, in the light of 2020, by another
road. To take that which has been good, new and energising into our future, not
just as the church, but also as individuals.
What may this look like? Well, for me my first three and a half years in this role
meant spending a great deal of time indoors and in the car. My challenge
therefore going forward is to consider how I continue to reduce my mileage and

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