CHURCHES and Community Groups throughout Taunton are responding to a request from the Chaplain to 40 Commando Royal Marines, based at Norton Fitzwarren, to provide candles to encourage service personnel during their forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
Two services are being held this evening at All Saints Church, Norton Fitzwarren, and St Mary’s Church, Bishops Lydeard, at 7pm to which people can bring their candles.
The Rev Andrew Rawding spoke to church leaders at the recent annual general meeting of Taunton Christians Together and outlined the nature of the pressures faced by service personnel and their families during tours of duty in conflict zones such as Afghanistan.
Church members picked up on the Chaplain's explanation of a practical opportunity afforded by a simple candle which can provide a focus of hope and reassurance in some very dark situations.
Having received a similar presentation the young members of Taunton Sea Cadet Unit have also obtained a candle which they will present to the Royal Marines at one of two special pre-deployment services which have been arranged by the Commandoes' Chaplain.
Long-lasting church candles can be purchased from the Good News Bookshop in East Reach, Taunton.
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