Over the past two years we have put a huge amount of energy into the Rose Cottage project.  In fact, we have hopefully turned it around from being a church ‘project’ to a Community with a capital C – a group of people, committed to each other and to God, with a common purpose or goal.  This Community is not based around Lucy and I – and if it was, then we should definitely be leaving – because it is not, and never has been, about us.

Our vision was to create an environment where people could flourish and I think, under the grace of God, that we have achieved that.  One analogy is getting a rocket into orbit.  We have put all our energy in to get this thing off the ground – our time, money and effort – but now the rocket is in orbit, it needs some new skills to take it further into outer space – to build and maintain the space station.

So what has been achieved over the past two years?  Well, too much to list here!  The Rose Cottage Community does what it says on the tin – a faith community that seeks to bless the wider community through running a community centre and cafe.  We have loved every minute of it and will miss the Community here.  We love you all and you will always be in our prayers.

Heaps of Peace

Gavin and Lucy

If you would like to join in with Taste then come along to Rose Cottage at 10.15am and ask for Sandra or Lucy.

We welcome into the Rose Cottage Community some new members – Ian and Michael who will volunteer on Wednesdays, Judy, who will volunteer on Thursdays, and Paul and Dermot who will volunteer on Mondays and Thursdays. Welcome!!

Sue is back from Ireland and the kitchen is once again alive with the sounds of naughty giggles!

Righto, time to go and put on the coffee…

Warm, sunny day with a breeze that eases the heat on ancient gravestones.
“Sinner saved by grace’ what does that imply? What did she do? Was she blamed for the early demise of infant children? Or was there a death-bed conversion to Christianity?

Birds sing, unaware of what lies beneath, feathered angels fly skyward toward heaven, pointing the way to souls of the departed.

Daisies and buttercups turn toward the sun while the church looks on.

A giant redwood tree soars above, competing for dominance with the church tower.

Inside, shade and calm prevail, giving relief from the cares of the world.

Carved pews line up as soldiers, awaiting command and the ornate pulpit looks out towards the void.

A stone carved relief of the Last Supper is proud above the altar and choir stalls are silent until the next hymn.

Lush red carpet, leading from altar to font, where countless baptisms have been, proud parents standing by.

I leave refreshed, more able to face the day.

by Barbara Davidson

St. Michael’s Church, Twerton

A medium size, grey stone construction of its type. Appears to have very solid foundations. Obviously spanning many years, from the weathered look of the stone work. The church has a large tower, encompassing very ornate windows.

Set in a truly peaceful green-grass setting, surrounded by picturesque very old trees.

The entire site encompasses a feeling of thoughtfulness, to me, regarding memories of people’s lives, over the centuries, set in the messages on the surrounding gravesites.

Also a reminder of how each day is so precious to each of us, on this life time journey through many large gardens of our own life memories.

The visit to this dear little church, I found to be wonderfully thought provoking.

A further visit one day would be very much enjoyed especially to see the interior.

by De Hewitt