Mission Rescue is the title of this year’s holiday club at Hemyock.  The annual event, which is the largest in the Blackdown Hills, begins on Monday 8th August at Hemyock School, and includes gripping and imaginative storytelling, creative Bible teaching, drama, craft and games.

The eighth annual walk in the Blackdowns drew nearly 70 participants on a gloriously sunny Easter Monday morning. Organised by Hemyock Baptist Church, the walk took in Dunkeswell Abbey and the Madford Valley. Lunch was served on return to the Church. 

Pictures
1.  The group assemble at the Baptist Church
2.  The Nichols family taking a break at Dunkeswell Abbey. 
3.  Walking down into Madford valley

This is the eighth year in which HBC has organised a pleasant walk in the beautiful countryside around Hemyock, followed by a light lunch upon return.  The walk is suitable for all ages, with coffee served at a suitable point halfway around.  Dogs are welcome so long as they kept on a lead.  Stout shoes are recommended.  So why not join the walk next Monday at 9.30am outside Hemyock Baptist Church.  Questions?  Give HBC a call on 01823 680946

The daughter of a past Minister at Hemyock Baptist Church, Judth Casell, is working in Japan.  Judith writes "Japan is in deep sorrow and facing a huge crisis. Words are not sufficient to describe what is happening. It's very difficult to concentrate on anything as the effects of the earthquake and the tsunami unfold. This morning I already noticed empty spaces at the supermarket, and we are expecting shortages and price rises etc. We are also being asked to conserve electricity.  Also this morning we felt another "jolt" and its being said that there is a 70% chance of another big earthquake.  At the moment only army, reporters, authorised personnel can go into the devastated area.

Yesterday at church we reminded ourselves the importance of seeking God's face in times of trouble, and gave thanks even when everything is stripped away.   Please continue your prayers for Japan."

A church high in the Andes mountains in Peru has received a late Christmas present from Hemyock.  The people of  San Jerónimo are building a new church and progress was slowing due to a shortage of funds.  Members at Hemyock Baptist Church decided to sponsor the windows and funds for twenty have been sent.    This included one by Jack Ould aged 8 who designed and made Christmas cards to sell at the Church.

 Following the unprecedented rains and flooding in Pakistan, much of the harvest has been lost with millions being displaced.  However this ongoing catastrophe hardly warrants a mention on our news programmes.  Hemyock Baptist Church were determined not to forget those affected and decided to call their Harvest Celebration “The Lost Harvest”. 

Around 50 members of Hemyock Baptist Church enjoyed glorious weather for their Church weekend away (21st-23rdMay) at the stunningly beautiful Lee Abbey retreat centre on the North Devon coastline.  Principle of Moorlands College Steve Brady was their guest speaker over the Pentecost weekend and his theme was “Living in the power of the Spirit”, speaking from verses in Ephesians chapters 5 & 6.  There was a separate programme for the children and youth, provided by the host team at Lee Abbey. 

A packed church wished a fond farewell to youth & childrens workers Ray & Becky Thomas as they concluded 3 years of training and service at Hemyock Baptist Church last Sunday (3rd January). Presentations and prayers were tinged with sadness as the couple had become so very popular with the young people of the area, many of whom attended the farewell service.

Describing them as deeply passionate about their faith and professional in their service to the church, Pastor Steven Reed, commented that the fruit of their labours were evident to all in the numbers of young people who were present at the service. The church presented the couple with a leaving gift of £400.

Much has been mentioned of late about Street Pastors. This movement which started in Jamaica and came to England first in Brixton, London has grown very rapidly and some local people have linked up with the schemes in Taunton and Wellington. The latter claims the distinction of being the smallest town in England to have its own Street Pastor team. But what do they do?