SHOW YOU CARE!
I wonder whether, like me, you will anxiously await the Postman on the second Wednesday in February?  How good it is to receive a card - even an anonymous one - indicating that 'Someone' cares!
I am not a hearty proponent of commercial opportunity so I think Saint Valentine's Day has been greatly over-hyped and misunderstood - who was Saint Valentine anyway?  Yet the principle of showing someone that you care is to be commended and surely ought not to be restricted to the vague fancies of 'shy' lovers.
Most people value being loved and cared for - to know and to feel real, unconditional love.  There is no mistaking it.  You feel it in your heart.  It is the common fibre of life, the flame that heats your soul, energises your spirit and supplies passion in your life.  It is our connection to God and to each other.
Often we make the mistake of thinking that love is blind.  The truth is that when we care for someone in a loving way we see more of them, not less.  But as we see more, so we see less of their faults and it is natural to proffer appreciative words of praise to show how much we care.
We might use simple expressions, like:  "Nice going!"  "Terrific!"  "I'm proud of you!"  "Wow!"  "I really appreciate your help."  "You really are the best."  "Great job!"  "I know you can do it!"  "Excellent!"  "Couldn't have done it better myself!"  All give great encouragement to the one who hears them.
Just think what a better world it would be if we all valued each other just that little bit more by showing that we really do care for the environment and the people we live with.     Richard CP Terrel  Rector

SAINT MARTIN'S APPEALS TO PARISH
The Parish Church is trying to raise £25,000 to replace the obsolete heating and lighting systems in Saint Martin's.  In the eighteen months the Appeal has been running a small but enthusiastic group of Church Members have managed to raise half the required amount.  Now an appeal for help is being made to the whole parish.
Most parishioners make use of Saint Martin's.  They may not be regular worshippers but the church is always there for their important family and community occasions.  It is important to the village.
So the Rector is inviting all parishioners of goodwill to make a contribution to The Heating & Lighting Appeal Fund.  No donation will be too small and none too large.  Any 'Gift Aided Donations' will be of added benefit (contact Alan Selley for information).  If you feel so inclined please send your Gift to West Coker Rectory.

February Church Services: