On a glorious Saturday at the end of June 2008, we filled a coach with church connected families for our annual outing to Weymouth. The weather was very kind and we spent the whole day on the beach, building sand castles, bathing and playing beach games.

Everybody enjoyed the day out, including our pastor Peter who joined the younger people for a paddle on the water’s edge.

CMBC hosted a barbecue for the churches of the East Wessex cluster of Baptist Churches at Misterton Recreation Ground in early June. We were pleased to welcome as guests of the East Wessex cluster our BMS Link Missionaries from Nepal, Ian and Cynthia Chadwell and their children Justin and Lucy. We heard from Ian about the work in Nepal and particular prayer needs at this time. All of the churches in the cluster were represented.

The following day, we were pleased to welcome as leader for the monthly All Together Praise at Misterton in June, Revd.Ryder Rogers, formerly our BMS World Mission Link Missionary in Albania, together with his wife Heather. Continuing the missionary theme, Ryder presented his message about the great commission, focussing on the word GO.

Our service at North Street Chapel this weekend was led by members of the Chard branch of the Gideons who place Bibles all over the world.

Our activities for children and young people ended for the summer break on Tuesday, 15th July with a special ‘Kids’ Clubs Finale’. This took place at the W.I. Hall in Misterton and was led by Charles Freebury from Crewkerne Methodist Church, also known to the children as Rocky from his time as leader of the Wastewatchers’ Holiday Bible Club earlier this year.

There were prizes for the girls and boys and many parents and other friends were able to join us for this special occasion. The Club Rock Cup for the young person who has made the biggest contribution to church life in 2007/2008 was awarded to Simon Green. Robert Doble won the Kingfisher Club Shield for the best attendance in 2007/2008.

As part of the nationwide HOPE08 initiative, we joined together with our friends at St. Leonard’s Church, Misterton for a Community Fun Afternoon in the Misterton Village Hall on the afternoon of Saturday, July 5th. The event was completely free of charge and there were activities for all ages with a barbecue and cakes plus ice lollies for the children. Despite the awful weather, a good crowd of villagers turned up and enjoyed the chance join in the various games and other activities and to make new friends.

Sixteen men joined together for our latest skittles evening at The White Swan during June. We were grateful to have John Smith from Wincanton Baptist Church, with us and he gave a brief thought provoking epilogue. We finished with a meal together in the restaurant at the White Swan, for whose hospitality we are very grateful.

Nearly thirty different youngsters enjoyed taking part in our club from 19th to 22nd February. The decision to hold the club at Misterton Village Hall was a great success, and we really enjoyed having more space. The theme of Waste Watchers reminded the youngsters of two truths – the need to clear up the mess we have made of our planet and the need to deal with the mess we have made of our lives.

Over 60 people, including more than half of the children, attended the Finale on Sunday morning, February 24th. This was led by Charles Freebury, who had been responsible for leading the club during the week, along with over 15 other people who gave support as leaders.