THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM YOUR DEANERY TEAM - July 2026
July 2026
Welcome to our July mailing. This is where we share encouragement and inspiring good news stories from around the Deanery. There is much to share.
Thanks to all who have sent contributions which give a glimpse of the different initiatives and approaches taken across the deanery parishes to grow inwardly and outwardly.
As always, please distribute this newsletter to your PCCs and throughout the Deanery, as it’s a great place to let others know about what has inspired us and new ideas being tried in our churches.
Please send contributions by 20th of the month, if possible, including good quality photos, for the next newsletter, and any updated contact details to me at msndeanery@gmail.com
Thank you. Kate Mayo
Deanery Service with Bishop Fiona
Sunday 26th July
St John’s Chilcompton will again be hosting our Annual Deanery Service. Please make this uplifting service, where we get a real sense that ‘church’ is so much bigger than our individual congregations meeting on Sundays, a priority in your diaries. This service will replace other parish services on 26th July.
The theme this year is New Birth. An exciting morning is planned including testimonials following recent Alpha courses and our special guest this year is to be Bishop Fiona.
As last year there will be plenty of parking in the adjacent Manor Farm, activities will be provided for children who need them and the service will be followed by generous hospitality in the church hall.
Please be willing to help and volunteer before, during or after the service, if asked.
Address: St. John’s Church Chilcompton, BA3 4HN, BA2 5JJ.
New in Chilcompton - Dad Drop-in
St. John’s Chilcompton have recently launched something new for the community. A relaxed and welcoming space for dads and father figures to connect, chat, and get to know others in and around our community. The Dad Drop-In is all about building friendships and creating stronger community connections in a friendly, informal setting. Whether you’re new to the area, have lived here for years, come with children, or attend on your own, you’ll be very welcome.
We’re initially running the group for three sessions as we begin building the community and see whether it’s the right fit for local people. The next one is on Saturday 18th July at 9:30am and we’d love to see dads and father figures from the area come along and support it.
Growing church and building connections -
Waterside Benefice and Paulton Benefice
Waterside Benefice
St Nicholas Radstock has seen a doubling in its regular congregation in recent months which may be in part have been facilitated by the adoption of cafe style seating and, intentionally, a more relaxed atmosphere. There is further recent exciting news, as Rev Ian writes:
Pentecost Sunday Baptisms and Radstock Fayre
Pentecost Sunday was a day to remember as we celebrated the baptism of four teenagers from the same family. It was the first time in decades that St Nicholas had been able to hold full-immersion baptisms, and the atmosphere was full of joy and celebration. What made the day even more special was that all four teenagers invited their friends, who are not yet believers, to come along and witness this powerful moment of faith.
The following week, we hosted the Radstock Fayre in our church field and opened the church to visitors throughout the day.
Inside, people enjoyed crafts, a walk-around church quiz, and refreshments including tea, coffee, and cake.
Outside, we added a memorable highlight: a zipwire from the church tower, used to launch cuddly toys into the abyss.
It was a wonderful day, full of fun, hospitality, and some amazing conversations.
Paulton Benefice
Holy Trinity Paulton has seen significant growth over the last few years with the ‘everyone together’ approach for weekly Holy Communion proving ever popular with families. And in the benefice there were Baptisms on Pentecost Sunday. Rev Adam writes:
We held baptisms for two adults and one teenager (two separate services on Pentecost Sunday). These are people in our villages who felt God’s call in their lives and sought out baptism to confirm their choice to follow Jesus. It’s really exciting to see God moving in this way, out in front of us and at work in people’s lives.
Message from College Chaplain
From Jane van Haaps, working with Lux Youth Project and supported by our Deanery in her role as part time Chaplain at Bath College, (Somer Valley Campus):
At the recent “People, Faith & Community” day students worked with me to create the pictured Dove Canvas. Following on from this I was able to encourage a student who had worked on the canvas to thoughtfully reflect on the Dove of Peace, helping them through a period of difficult mental health. This is a positive sign that part of the role of College Chaplain, to be there as a sign of Hope for staff and students, particularly in dark times, works, and is of value.
Coming soon.. Local Preacher Training
An opportunity to ‘up-skill’ and grow in service and ministry is coming up in September. Rev Ian Roussell will be leading a course train a group from across our Deanery parishes to preach in their local church. If you think this could be for you, or someone in your church please let your vicar know of your interest. More details to follow.
Please continue to pray for Alpha
Lux Youth Project - Auction of Promises Fundraiser
This fundraising event is OPEN NOW online - click on the image below or attend in person on
Thursday, 7.30pm St Luke’s Church, Hatfield Rd, Bath BA2BD
Manna Magazine – June issue
To read the latest Manna magazine click image below.
Do you have something to share in the next
MSN Deanery Newsletter?
Please email msndeanery@gmail.com with your news and photographs
to be included in future newsletters.
Deadline for August newsletter-
July 20th
