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As we come to the middle of the year I return to the challenge of going for growth. At our Annual Mee ng in April I noted that the only use of the word grow or growth in the New Testament was growth in the grace, or love or knowledge of God and the Lord Jesus Christ – what we might call our spiritual growth – growing up into Christ is another way it is described. How can we do this? There are various ways. One way God calls us to grow spiritually is to be more informed, concerned and responsive to the voices of those who are crying out for help and jus ce in the wider world. From the mes of earliest awareness of God in the Hebrew Scriptures we read about a God who hears the cry of the oppressed and the vulnerable. The “manifesto” our Lord Jesus set out for his mission, according to St Luke, quo ng from the book of Isaiah, was “to bring good news to the poor, …to proclaim release to the cap ves and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free..”. Clearly this mission is not an op onal extra for us as we follow Jesus in the world today. In fact, to be bap sed, and to be regular partakers of the body and blood of Christ, is to have placed ourselves in a special rela onship of solidarity, not only with all other Chris ans in the world but with all people. Growing spiritually – for Chris ans at any rate – involves expanding our horizons about who our neighbour is. It involves a growth in our readiness to care about God’s mission and work to let the oppressed go free- free from lack of necessi es, basic ameni es, and lack of control over their own lives; free to enter into opportuni es to thrive and fulfil poten al. Too o en those who care and give support are the ones who are almost as
From the Rector — June 2012
2
vulnerable themselves. We find churches of the poor helping the poor not only in the shan es of the world's mega -ci es, but also in the estates of Bri sh ci es where 1 in 4 children live in poverty. As a church community All Saints has made commitments already to express our engagement with God’s mission to let the oppressed go free. We have a commitment to support Chris an Aid – the main Bri sh ecumenical church development agency - praying and taking part in Chris an Aid Week. We support the two main Anglican mission agencies – Church Mission Society (CMS); and USPG:Anglicans in World Mission. These are church-based organisa ons enabling us to get involved. They channel our giving to the people and places where it really makes a difference and will not be wasted, working with local trusted people and organisa ons. They send out professional Chris an people who offer their skills and energy to work alongside local people in key fields to help them build the capacity to create a be er future. So we support these organisa ons with our giving and our regular prayer. As a church we have commi ed to give 10% of our net income to this and other similar work. Suppor ng God’s mission to the whole world and all people is not an op onal extra but at the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. So part of the challenge to go for growth is to grow our ac ve interest and concern for the people and places - in the UK and across the world – where our loving gi s and prayers are making a difference in God’s mission to let the oppressed go free. Taking a keener interest in the needs of the poor in another part of the world or the UK – becoming a local champion for one of those organisa ons and helping us to know be er how to support and to pray – this is another way to be challenged in ways which will help you grow in faith, and hope and love, in the grace and knowledge of God. There will be an opportunity before the summer break for you to contribute your thoughts. As a church we will consider the organisa ons we plan to
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Please leave items for publica on in the Magazine tray in the Parish Office or email directly to the editor on or before the Copy Date please. Contribu ons can be typed, handwri en, or emailed.
All Saints PCC Wokingham is a Registered Charity, No. 1127585
Editor: Andrew McKenna (977 3812) Email: [email protected]
Distribu on: Sheila Longley (978 4193)
Adver sements: Andrew McKenna (977 3812)
Colla on: Sheila Longley & team (978 4193)
Copy Date for July: 17th June 2012
Collation: 29th June 2012
MAGAZINE INFORMATION
This magazine is published by the Rector and PCC of All Saints Parish Wokingham. Opinions expressed by individual contributors
do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers.
support as a church in 2013. We’d like to hear how best to make that support really meaningful to us all as a church so that you feel engaged and aware of how your gi s and your prayers are making that vital contribu on to our Lord’s work and le ng the oppressed go free.
David Hodgson
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Parish Clergy Rector The Revd. Canon David Hodgson 979 2999 Associa te Priest The Revd. Caroline Kramer 979 9956 Honorary Asst. Curate The Revd. Colin James 978 1515 Honorary Asst. Curate The Revd. Helen Charlton 978 9153 Church Wardens John Smith 979 0948 Katherine Hugge 07834450819 Vacancy — Parish Admini strator Jo Asplin 979 2797 Children and Youth Safeguarding Co -ordinator and Children’s Advocate Margaret Ragge 979 2797 Crèche Leader Rachel Garlish 978 2602 Junior Church Co -ordinator Harriet Swinyard 962 9313 Youth Church Contacts: Robert Vacher, Susan Westgate 979 2797 Friday Night Youth Dr op -In (FDI) Contacts: Katherine Hugge , John Smith 979 2797 Worship and Music Director of Mus ic (inc. Choir) David Rance 979 2797 Music Group Leader Gail Houghton 979 2797 Head Server Rachel Knowles 979 4736 Deputy Head Server Ruth Smith 978 7065 Bible Readers’ rota Joyce Baldry 978 8506 Tower Foreman John Harrison 978 5520 Flower Guild Chairman Lucille Taylor 978 6847 Worship Rota and Prayer Lists Co -ordinator Revd Colin James 978 1515 Lay Co-Chair of Transforming Worship Liz Rippon 978 0455 Parochial Church Council PCC Secretary David Atkinson 979 7911 Deputy PCC Secretary Jo Robinson 978 9730 PCC Treasurer Stephen Smith 979 4407 Deputy PCC Treasurer John A lp 979 2797
Clergy and Officers
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The Parish Office (0118 979 2797), in the Cornerstone, can be contacted about church related issues (Bap sms, Marriages, Funerals ). It is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and for urgent ma ers or by te lephone on Monday and Thursday fr om 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. e-mail: [email protected]
Posta l address: The Parish Office, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE
All Saints website: www.allsaintswokingham. org.uk
The Cor nerstone: For room bookings and general enquiries please phone 0118 979 7778. Adminis trator Monica Mar n is in the office: Monday 2-5pm, Tuesday 12.15-4.30pm, Wednesday 2-5.30pm, Thursday 1.45 - 6.00pm. e-mail: info@thecor nerstonewokingham.org.uk
PCC Treasurer’s Team Margaret Hawkins 962 9792 Dickon Snell 978 1044
Stewardship Co-ordina tor Jo Robinson 978 9730 Gi Aid Co-ordinator Peter Whi aker 978 6225 Stewardship Recor der Jim Creech 377 4194 Electoral Roll Officer Joyce Baldry 978 8506 Leadership Forum Convenor Barbara Smith 979 4407 Asst. Stewardship Recorder and Asst. Gi Aid Coordina tor Chris Westga te 979 2797
Pastoral Care contacts Home Communion Barbara Smith 979 4407 Healing Prayer Group Jack Hayley 978 3939 Pastoral Care Jo Robinson 978 9730 Bereavement Care Sarah Boylan 979 2797 Bap sms, Weddings, Funerals Parish Office 979 2797 Chur chyard Steward John Smith 979 0948 Transporta on Susan Westgate 977 1041 Clergy available days: David All days except Thursday Caroline All days except Friday Colin Mon to Wed, Sa t, Sun. Helen Usua lly Tues. and Sun.
Clergy and Officers
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Worship at All Saints
Services at All Saints' Church embrace a wide range of formats. An outline is given below but for details and informa on about occasional services, see the weekly leaflet.
Sunday Services
8.00 a.m. Holy Communion. A said service with a brief address us ing the tradi onal language version of the Common Worship Order One Eucharist.
9.30 a.m. Parish Communion. The service is sung, with hymns, and follows Common Worship Order One Eucharist. Children are catered for in the Crèche and Junior Church. The last Sunday in the month is Parish Communion for the Whole Church and o en includes Parade, children are present throughout, and contribute to the worship. Prayer for Hea ling with Laying on of Hands is offered regularly at certain Parish Communion services (see diary). Coffee is served a er the service and this is the weekly 'socia l gathering' of the Congrega on. Please come and meet us there if you are a visitor to the church or would like to get to know us be er.
11.00 a.m. (1st Sunday) Family Service The service is simple with songs, prayers and a ta lk for children. Everyone is inv ited but especially parents and children. If you ever worry that your children are too noisy for Church, this is the place to try!
11.15 a.m. (2nd Sunday) Holy Communion A said service us ing the Book of Common Prayer.
11.00 a.m. (3rd Sunday) Family Service
11.15 a.m. (Some 4th Sundays) Ma ns using the Book of Common Prayer, usually sung and including a sermon.
6.30 p.m. (1st - 3rd Sundays) Evensong us ing the Book of Common Prayer with sermon. Choral Evensong is sung usually on the first S unday of each month.
(An alterna ve form of worship on 4th & 5th Sundays; and Services of Healing)
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Weekday Services Morning and Evening Prayer are said, using Common Worship Daily Prayer, at 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. each day from Monday to Saturday.
All may, and are encouraged, to a end. These services may be led by a Priest or members of the La ity.
Holy Communion is celebrated as follows:
Monday 9.30 a.m. (Common Worship O rder One) Tuesday 9.30 a.m. (Common Worship O rder One with short address, followed by coffee) Wednesday 10.00 a.m. (Simple form of Common Worship Order One and short address (par cularly for parents and child minders of babies and pre -school children) Friday in various Res iden al Homes Major fes vals are also marked by addi ona l celebra ons of Holy Communion. Please see the Parish Diary elsewhere in the magazine, or see our Services leaflet.
Home Communion: If anyone knows of a housebound parishioner, either temporarily or long term, who would like to receive Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office (979 2797).
Confirma on, Welcome or Growth Groups: Anyone interested in confirma on, a refresher course, or learning about the Chris an faith is invited to join one of the Eureka! groups or a confirma on course - contact Barbara Smith on 979 4407.
Bap sms: are usua lly conducted a t a special a ernoon service on the las t Sunday of each month; or occasionally in Sunday morning services if requested. Bap sms can be booked via the Parish Office (979 2797). Wedding Bookings: Clergy are available in the Cornerstone on Monday from 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm and on Saturday from 10.30 am - 11.30 am on an appointment bas is. Please book via the Parish Office (979 2797).
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‘Sofa Talking Does Not Get Us Very Far’ This is the message in the May edi on of the MU publica on ‘Faith & Policy Watch’. The Mothers’ Union is ac vely involved in campaigning for the most vulnerable. Recent ongoing examples are the ‘Bye Buy Childhood’ campaign and our involvement with the United Na ons. One rela vely new method of collec ng members’ opinions at grass roots level is via rapid response groups and ques onnaires. One big advantage of email is that opinion can be sought very quickly either from individual members or from a group, with one person emailing the collec ve response. We have been asked for our opinion on many issues recently ranging from whether same sex couples should be allowed to marry to internet safety. The responses are used to form the MU’s official response to Government and other relevant bodies. When we have discussed issues within the branch, we have found a wide range of views and some very interes ng points have been raised. More importantly, it allows Chris ans’ views to be put forward at a me when there are those that believe religion has no place in government.
Next me you are asked for your views, please do consider if you have something to add to the discussion and complete the survey.
Branch News
This month we will be welcoming Fellowship for a joint mee ng. The guest speaker will be Mrs Anne Jeater talking about The Red Cross. Visitors are especially welcome to join us.
Our annual Wave of Prayer slot is on Friday 15th June from 11.34 to 12.08. This is when we pray for The Mothers’ Union worldwide and our link dioceses of Aru, Boga and Kisangani in the Democra c Republic of Congo, Okigwe North, Okigwe South, Orlu and Owerri in Nigeria along with our own diocese of Oxford. Please do remember to use the material in Focus, even if you are unable to pray at our allo ed me. It is always inspira onal to read and pray about the work in our linked dioceses, o en carried out in challenging
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circumstances. More informa on on The Mothers Union’s work worldwide can be found on the website www.themothersunion.org. For branch informa on or a li to mee ngs, please call Valerie (978 7363) or Mary (978 2678). Tues 12th June 9.30am Corporate Communion. Fri 15th June 11.34-12.08 Wave of Prayer Wed 27th June 7.45 for Joint mee ng with Fellowship 8pm Mrs Jeater from The Red Cross
DIAMOND JUBILEE QUIZ:
PRECIOUS STONES AND METALS
1) The Bible tells us that which two things are ”above the price of rubies” a) A quality (Job 28,8) b) A type of person (Proverbs 31,10) 2) Which wedding anniversary is celebrated a er 45 years? 3) What did Aaron make, using their jewellery, for the Israelites to worship? 4) What is the capital city of the Land of Oz in the book and film, ”The Wizard of Oz”? 5) Which gem did Jesus men on in his parable about the Kingdom of Heaven, which was “of great worth”? (Ma hew 13,46) 6) Who was the central figure in, ”Till Death Us Do Part”? 7) Which city is described in Revela ons as being made from gold and jewels? 8) Which type of gemstone was used by Damien Hirst to encrust a skull as an ”artwork”? 9) The High Priest wore which item set with 12 different gems to illustrate the 12 tribes of Israel? 10) What is Mick Jagger’s photographer daughter called?
Answers on pg. 35
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This month we are celebra ng the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and many of us will be joining in the celebra on either with family or at various community events. The Queen’s Corona on gown was designed by Norman Hartnell and embroidered on her instruc on with the floral emblems of Commomwealth countries. We know of her faith which o en features in her annual Christmas message to the Commonwealth. In 2000 she said “To many of us, our beliefs are o f fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you have drawn great comfort in difficult mes from Christ's words and example.” Our Queen has always put service above self, long may she reign over us.
Summer Flower Guild Workshop On Saturday 23rd June, 9.30-12.30
A parallel design which can either be front facing or
an all round arrangement.
Tickets £12 to include all materials and refreshments.
Contact Lucille Taylor on (9786847) Hazel Ma hews (9786700)or Gill Jones(9786773)
For details and bookings
Flower Guild
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Flower rota for June June 3rd Mrs L Taylor, Mrs M Whitaker LT June 10th Mrs P Glbey, Mrs T Freeston PG June 17th Mrs G Houghton, Mrs S James GH June 24th Mrs V Briault, Mrs M Holden VB For Informa on contact Lucille Taylor (9786847) or Hazel Ma hews (9786700)
Gardening Expertise …..at your service
Experienced local gardener has some availability
Phone 0118 978 6371
Overgrown areas tamed Beds and border s enhanced and maintained One project or seasonal
service Graves tidied, flowers for
anniversaries etc. Competitive rates
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Regular weekly domestic cleans One-off spring cleans Ironing
The same cleaner every week, familiar with your requirements
You can select as many hours as you need Pet friendly cleaners—we love animals!
Tel: 01344 350259
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All Saints’ Church Fellowship
Everybody is most welcome to Fellowship mee ngs usually held on the third Wednesday each month at 7.45pm for 7.55pm in the Cornerstone De Vitre Room. The cost to visitors is £1.50 which includes coffee and if you have any queries about Fellowship please contact Leader Diana Clifford 979 2614
WED. JUNE 27th. This is a different Wednesday in the month for us to meet when we will be joining with The Mother’s Union for their mee ng with Mrs. Anne Jeater talking about the Red Cross. Mrs. Jeater came to Fellowship many years ago and we s ll remember her excellent talk so do come along as we are sure you would enjoy listening to her.
WED. July 18th. ‘My Life As A Countryman’ with Mr. Ted Fox. The tle of the talk sums up the life of this gentleman who is now se led in Charvil near Twyford but spent part of his life as a farm instructor in the Canadian Prison Service then had his own farm and finally re red as a blacksmith and wheelwright. This will be a very interes ng and amusing talk.
WE THEN BREAK FOR THE SUMMER AND WISH EVERYBODY A HAPPY HOLIDAY OR JUST ENJOY A CHANGE FROM THE USUAL DAILY ROUTINE.
WED. SEPT.19th A light hearted look at LOVE AND MARRIAGE IN ART with Mrs. Rita Lenney
WED. OCT.17th THE HISTORY OF MAGIC with Mr. Keith Churcher
Full Fellowship details up to February 2013 in July magazine
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Report on the 9th Leadership Forum held at the Cornerstone on Saturday, 21st April
The main focus of our mee ng was our provision for young people in our parish and a desire to address the proposal to appoint a youth worker by finding out more about the difference this might make. Our theme was introduced by a video message from our Tweenagers group (for young people between Junior Church and the main youth group). With opening and closing message s from our volunteer youth workers, the young people took main stage and entertained us with a lively presenta on of their hopes and dreams. They felt a youth worker would be able to offer a greater variety of ac vi es, not only on a Sunday, and would have me and energy to inject lots of fun into such things as holiday ac vi es, learning more about Jesus, helping others by raising money for charit, and taking on new challenges. A er a period of prayer and reflec on, we were then treated to inspiring talks by two enthusias c young people who work in Anglican churches. Becci March is training at Twyford (working there whilst doing a degree) and Ben Askew is currently working at Beaconsfield. Both have been involved in youth work for 6 or 7 years. It was quite obvious that the young people they work with benefit greatly from their input. They are a constant presence in the young people’s lives. They are available a er school, at weekends and in the holidays - all mes when our own volunteers, o en juggling jobs and families or in full- me work - can offer very li le me. They head up teams of volunteers (and certainly could not do their work without the volunteers) and are able to organise the work so that for example if someone needs a week off from a Sunday class they can find a replacement. They can help to inspire and direct the youth team; when the youth worker joins a church they o en find that some members of the team are very red from trying to do too much. They can provide con nuity as young people move up from one school or one group to the next. They can help the young people to par cipate in church in order to grow in
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faith and know that they are valued. Star ng where the young person is, they can ease him / her into the life of the church at their pace. All this helps the church to engage with young people. They went on to say that if we employ a youth worker, we in our turn would need to support the him/her. It can be a very lonely job. We would need to welcome and nurture them, being encouraging rather than being cri cal. Young people are our future congrega on as well as our congrega on now. This means that we should invest in the work amongst our children and young people and priori se this. We finished our mee ng with an update on the Pastoral Care team. This will be a team of clergy and lay assistants. By the me this goes to press the lay assi stants will have been introduced to the congrega on at the 9:30 am service at Pentecost. We then had an update on the event planned for the Olympics - a Community Fes val with a sports theme planned jointly with Norreys Church. This will take place on the 8th July. Finally I asked if anyone would be willing to take over my role as Convener of the Leadership Forum and I’m pleased to say that Liz Rippon has volunteered and has taken on the role. I have really enjoyed being involved in the Forums from the beginning, and ge ng to know so many of you much be er. Liz will bring some fresh ideas…and I might volunteer to do the coffee!!
Barbara Smith
THE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY TABLE We hope to have the table in the Cornerstone following the 9.30am service on Sunday 1st July. There are lots of bits and pieces in the ‘bits and pieces box’ so children, come and help us to use them up - adults can also come as long as you behave!
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Next Gear THE ALL SAINTS’ ROLLING PROGRAMME FOR CHRISTIAN GROWTH
AIMS: To equip and encourage people on the path of discipleship
To share experiences and perspectives of the Christian journey
To provide opportunities for learning and prayer in a small group
To nurture to maturity and deeper faith
To explore doubts and dilemmas
To promote sharing of faith with others
To develop knowledge in (A) Bible study: interpretation and application, (B) Christian Tradition and Liturgy, (C) Ethics and the Christian Life.
Pilot MODULE A: Bible Study. May - June 2012.
A 6 week course exploring 2 short ‘books’ f rom the Bible: Jonah and Galatians.
Tuesday ev enings: May 15, 22, 29, June 12, 19, 26. Venue: tbd
Covering: 1. The context of the book, its genre, when and how written. 2. The whole book, a sense of the narrativ e, its power as the word of God. 3. Digging deeper into the meanings, explore applications in our spiritual and practical liv es
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Parish Diary - June 2012
Sunday Monday to Saturday Page 3 Trinity: Jubilee
08.00am Holy Communion 4 M 09.30am Parish Communion 5 T 11.15am Civic Service 6 W 3.00pm No service 7 Th 6.30pm Evening Prayer 8 F
9 Sa 10 Trinity 1
08.00am Holy Communion 11 M 09.30am Parish Communion 12 T MU Corp Communion 11 11.15am BCP Eucharist 13 W 3.00pm No service 14 Th 6.30pm Sung Evensong 15 F MU Wave of Prayer 11
16 Sa 17 Trinity 2
08.00am Holy Communion 18 M 09.30am Parish Communion 19 T Next Gear 18 11.15am Family Service 20 W 3.00pm No service 21 Th 6:30pm Said Evensong 22 F
23 Sa Flower Guild Workshop 12 24 John the Bap st
08.00am Holy Communion 25 M 09.30am All Age Worship 26 T Next Gear 18 11.15am No service 27 W MU/Fellowship 11 3.00pm Bap sm 28 Th 6.30pm Evening Prayer 29 Fr
30 Sa Forthcoming Events June 3rd Diamond Jubilee Civic Service, 11.15am June 24th Social Breakfast following 8am service 26
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Music List June 2012
Sunday Trinit y - 3rd June Org
Service Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting DAR
Anthem O taste and see - R Vaughan W illiams
Choir Hymn 67 HON
Final Vo luntary March: Crown Imperial - W illiam Walton
Service Civic Service for the Queen's Jubilee 11.15 DAR
Psalm
Anthem O taste and see - R Vaughan W illiams
Final Vo luntary Toccata (Fifth Symphony) - Charles-Marie W idor
Service Evening Prayer ---
Sunday Trinit y 1 - 10th June
Service Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting DAR
Anthem O Lord , increase our faith - Loosemore
Choir Hymn 361 HON
Final Vo luntary Marche Triomphale: Nun danket alle Gott - Sigfrid Karg -Elert
Service Sung Evensong: Ferial Responses (McKie Amen) DAR
Psalm 37 vv1 - 17
Canticles Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis: 3rd set
Anthem Let Thy hand be strengthened - John Blow
Final Vo luntary Short Prelude & Fugue in G minor (BWV 558) - J S Bach
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Music List June 2012
Responses Read ing
Psalms
Canticles Noble in B minor
Anthem Thou wilt keep h im in perfect peace - Herbert Sumsion
Final Vo luntary
Sunday Trinit y 2 - 17th June
Service Eucharist (Healing): Archer - St. Mark's Setting DAR
Psalm 92 vv1 - 4 & 12 - 15
Anthem Jesus Christ the apple tree - Elizabeth Poston
Choir Hymn 91 HON
Final Vo luntary Sonat a No 3 (F irst Movement) - Mendelssohn
Service Said Ev ensong with Piano ---
Sunday Trinit y 3 - Birth of John the Bapt ist - 24th June
Service Whole Church Communion DAR
Anthem How beaut eous are their feet - Charles V Stanford
Final Vo luntary A Trumpet Voluntary - John Stanley
Service Evening Prayer ---
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FORGIVENESS THAT HEALS
The week-end a er this magazine will become available, the country will be celebra ng our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and I thought it would be appropriate for us pay our tribute to our much loved and respected Queen Elizabeth. We are very much blessed that the Queen has such a very strong and deep rooted convic on in her Chris an faith. This is very evident in the way she accepts her responsibili es and the way she carries out her public du es. Her witness to her faith is even more revealed in her royal speeches. I would like to quote a few lines from her last Christmas speech in 2011, which not only witnessed to her Chris an faith, but also tes fied to her great sense of compassion. “It is in adversity that new friendships are some mes formed; and it’s in a crisis that communi es break down barriers and bind together to help one another. It seems that it is tragedy that o en draws the best from the human spirit.” “God sent into the world a unique person-‐-‐ – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Chris an faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communi es. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.”
It was Colin who, at one of our recent Tuesday morning services, drew our a en on to this last profound statement in the Queen’s last Christmas speech, when he was talking on the subject of forgiveness. I would like to pursue the subject further.
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How true it is that forgiveness lies at the heart of the Chris an faith. In the prayer that our Lord taught His disciples He said, “Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors”. (Mat. 6:9) Whilst we allow a resentment against someone to fester in our mind, it affects our whole rela onship with that person. By openly saying to that person that we forgive him or her we are immediately healed of that festering resentment. There are mes when we find it is almost impossible to forgive others, especially when we read of the horrific events that take place in the world. We remember par cularly the a acks made on New York and Washington, the day now known as 9/11, and the massacre of innocent civilians that is s ll going on in Syria. It is at these mes that our Chris an faith is tested to the limit. How can we possibly be expected to forgive in these circumstances? The Chris an answer must be that we believe that we have a God who forgives sins through the sacrificial death of his Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. It was at our Lord’s crucifixion that He gave us the finest example of forgiveness when he said of those who were nailing Him to the cross, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”. In doing so He has given us the eternal healing of reconcilia on with God our Father. We pray for God’s blessing on our Queen during this year of her Diamond Jubilee and that He will give her the strength, in her advancing years, to carry out all the visits and celebra ons that she has commi ed herself to complete.
Jack Hayley (Members of the Group are Gill Allen, Maggie Bateman, Jack Hayley, Mary Hughes, Ann Penn, Rosemary Sturmer, Joan Thomason, Joan Wa s and Karen Wellman). Please let us know of any need for healing prayer support. Confiden ality is assured. The Laying on of Hands will be made available at the Parish on Sunday the 17th June. The next Healing Service will be held on Sunday 29th July at 6.30 pm.
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The Parish Church of St Michael and St Mary
Magdalene, Easthampstead, Bracknell
Celebra ng
HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Flower Fes val
2nd—4th June Admission Free
Sat & Mon 10.00 — 16.00 Sunday 11.30 — 16.00 Cra Fayre Sat 10.00
BREAKFAST
SUNDAY 24th JUNE. We are very pleased to invite you to a con nental type breakfast in the Cornerstone following the 8.00am service or you might pre-‐fer to come before 9.30am. We will be making this a strawberry based breakfast plus the usual choice of fresh fruit, croissants, cereals and bite size sandwiches etc. To drink we will have fruit juice, a home made lemon drink
which we are trying for the first me, tea, decaffeinat-‐ed tea, green tea, cafe ere coffee, decaffeinated coffee, ice cold milk. If you have any dietary require-‐ments please contact Diana 9792614 - who enjoys helping with requests. There is no need to book – just come along. Looking forward, as we always do, to see-‐ing you.
27
We meet in the Cornerstone every Sunday for breakfast around 9.15. That’s very early for most young people, so that’s why we have free food! It’s a small group (4-5 people) – school year nine and above – and we use the Youth Emmaus material for our sessions, which we find to be really useful. Our sessions tend to be a mix of games, discussion, prayer, bible reading and crea ve stuff (drawing, cra work etc) – and hopefully a bit of fun as well! The members of the group are up for most things and are quite able to work out things for themselves, as well as challenge us if they think we are talking rubbish. We’ve covered topics such as the bible, the nature of God, church community and commitment to Christ. A number of the group have just gone through the Confirma on course. We’d only just got going late last year when the group not only agreed to design a youth service but also to par cipate in it as well – the theme was comedy. We had a stand-up comic to warm up the audience, sketches, sa rical jokes about the disciples (thank you, Gary Larson), paper aeroplanes as prayers and burs ng bubbles as forgiveness, as well as looking at passages on laughter in the bible. It also involved a lot of laughter on our part, too! One real issue is to increase numbers. Youth groups are like tribes – if it’s big, then more will come; but the opposite is true as well. We are at a turning point and the leaders’ concern is that one or two members will move on soon (some for legi mate reasons) and that may make the group so small as to be non-func onal. Another issue is having a vision for youth in the church. The leaders don’t really have me to think far ahead – we’re in maintenance mode rather than strategy most of the me. A full- me youth worker would really help on this point. A final issue is integra ng youth into the life of the church – simply turning up for communion does not cut it. Currently, it feels like there is a big bridge to be built between youth and the rest of the church. The All Age service, unfortunately, does not solve this issue. So pray for us – both members and leaders. We would value your support very much. Thanks.
Peter Barre , Chris Frame and Susan Westgate
Group of the Month - Youth Group Prayer Focus
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ROWENA WELSH
The Lady Painter and Decorator
Tel: 01344 776109
Mobile: 07749 898656
Email: [email protected]
Pippa Liddell FSSCh DipPodMed MBChA
Qualified Surgical Chiropodist HPC Registered
Surgery at: Sherwood School Road Barkham Wokingham RG41 4TN
0118 976 0099
CHIROPODIST
Helena S Gold
M.S.S.Ch., M.B.Ch.A
Registered Member of the British
Chiropody & Pod iatry Associat ion
And Health Professions Council
* Modern surgery in Binfield Village
* 10 minutes from Wokingh am
* Very easy parking
* Evening appointments
* Cryosurgical treatment for Verrucae
and Warts
Tel: 01344 459 371
67, Knox Green
Binfield
Bracknell RG42 4NZ
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Wokingham Choral Society's 60th Anniversary Season
Summer 2012 Concert with Wokingham Choral Academy
"VIVAT REGINA" Diamond Jubilee Prom
Wokingham Choral Society Parry: I Was Glad
Morley: Now is the Month of Maying Gibbons: The Silver Swan Bennet: All Creatures Now Handel: Zadok the Priest
Rutter (ed.): Four Folk Songs Elgar: Pomp & Circumstance March No. 1
(Land of Hope & Glory) Arne: Rule! Britannia
Emerson (arr.): Love is All You Need (A Tribute to the Beatles)
Huff (arr.): Beatles in Revue Parry: Jerusalem (with audience) Britten (arr.): National Anthem
Ben Woodward, Piano Conductor: Alexander Chaplin
Wokingham Choral Academy Henry VIII: Pastime with good company
Diemer: Three Madrigals Leite: Tres cantos nativos
Ayres: Music to hear Andrew McKenna, Piano Conductor: Jo McNally
Saturday 16th June, 2012 at 7.30pm All Saints' Church
Tickets: £13 (£8 under 18s) from Wokingham Information Centre in the Town Hall; Newbury Building Society, Wokingham; Bookends, Wokingham or by email or from WCS and WCA choir members.
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Ringing changes ‘in hand’ Most people have seen tunes rung on handbells, and most people know that changeringing, as performed on tower bells, is very different from normal mu-‐sic. Most people don’t know that changeringing is also regularly performed on handbells (about 15% of the peals rung every year are ‘in hand’ and not in a tower). The reason is that the most of it is done in private. Only occasionally is changeringing in hand performed in public. There was a performance during the fund raising concert at All Saints in 2001, and we rang handbells for some weddings while the bells were out during 2004. Ringing a handbell is easier than ringing a tower bell, but each ringer has a bell in each hand, so although it needs less physical skill, the mental task of knowing what two separate bells are doing all the me is much more demanding. Many ringers try ringing in hand at some me, maybe while at college, but many of them don’t take it up as a regular ac vity. Over half of our ringers at All Saints have some experience of handbell ringing, but only two of us ring reg-‐ularly (with a group loosely based around Reading). Three of St Paul’s ringers also ring handbells regularly, and we’ve recently rung three ‘all Wokingham’ quarter peals of Plain Bob Royal (ten bells, five ringers). Just before Easter, we gathered with over 30 other ringers from around the Diocese for the annual Handbell Day. Of the 36 quarter peals a empted (6 one hour slots x six rooms) 23 were successful – more in the morning than the a er-‐noon, probably because we were fresher.
John Harrison
“Total Quality Nursing Care” West Oak Care Home Murray Road, Wokingham
Sara Gallagher - Home Manager
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Email [email protected] www.smcsolar.co.uk
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RESULTS FROM THE QUIZ EVENING WE RAISED OVER £1240!
This was a great evening and many thanks to everyone who helped and came to support us. We par cularly want to thank B A McLeish Butchers for dona ng the meat. Brian’s shop is in Rances Lane, Wokingham and well worth a visit. The money raised will be going towards the
Norreys Community Fes val Sunday 8th July 2012
2pm – 5pm All Saints Primary School Playing Field,
Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UX
Prepara ons are now well underway to making this a fun-filled a ernoon for the community of Norreys which is being jointly organised by All Saints and Norreys Churches. During this month we will hopefully be very close to finalising our programme for the fes val and the list of events and people needed to help will be publicised shortly. Meanwhile, to whet your appe te, the programme will include a performance by the Wokingham Rock Choir; a circus skills workshop by
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Circus Scene; health and fitness checks by St Crispins Sports Centre; a bbq and ice cream van; a so play area for the under-5s; face pain ng; tradi onal races; refreshments/tea tent. There will be other events which are also being planned and finalised. I am hoping you have all
* put this date in your diary * seriously thought about making a commitment to help us * remembered us in your prayers as we plan these events and * put everything into ac on
A big thank you to those who have already made a promise to help us. If you would like to make that commitment NOW, please let me know.
Jo Robinson 0118 9789730
Do you need an NHS Den st?
All pa ents are welcome at our surgery 56 Easthampstead Road
Wokingham Telephone: 979 1551
THE CHIMNEY SWEEP - EXPERIENCED AND CLEAN
Contact Mr. M. Blair 0118 934 2799
Member of the Na onal Associa on of Chimney Sweeps
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ANSWERS from the “Precious Stones and Metals” Quiz on Page 11
a. Wisdom b. A virtuous woman c. Sapphire d. A golden calf e. Emerald City f. A pearl g. Alf Garne h. The New Jerusalem i. Diamond j. A breastplate k. Jade
HELP! JUST 120 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME
Wokingham Volunteer Centre operates a low cost transport scheme to enable those who cannot use public transport get to their hospital/doctor appointments
Due to the increase in demand for our help we have recently had to let some of our clients down. We desperately need more drivers (we naturally pay for your petrol).
We would love to be able to expand the driving scheme to enable us to take people shopping or for a short ou ng to say a garden centre. However, to operate this service we do need the help of more drivers.
If you can spare just a couple of hours a week to help with this scheme, or with any other opportuni es available throughout the district we would like to hear from you.
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Berkshire Counselling Centre
Counselling for the Community Counselling and training for individuals and couples. Self or Company referrals, help with depression, stress, rela onships and self esteem. Talking things over with a trained counsellor may help to free a situa on. Through counselling people can o en gain a new zest for life and make changes for the be er in their personal rela onships. Berkshire Counselling Centre provides an independent, confiden al service for clients. Anyone over the age of 18 can make an appointment for an assessment interview. (Financial contribu on discussed at 1st appointment) We are an accredited member of The Bri sh Associa on for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
0118 978 7879
Berkshire Counselling Centre The Cornerstone Norreys Avenue Wokingham RG40 1UE
Email [email protected]
Website www.counsellingcentre.com
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Bap sms 15 April Lilly Kate Allen 29 April Chris ne Courtney Paul Alfie Phillip Palmer Alfie Steven Moran Ethan Lee Jones Craig Breadmore Alice Elizabeth Hunter Charlo e Rose Murray Marriages 27 April Paul Harwood with Caroline Angela Frances Wade 28 April Gavin Sco Callard with Donna-Marie Ann Peddle 4 May Vincent Adam Maughan with Andrea Louise Bower 5 May Daniel William Blue with Lindsey Jane Whi ng 5 May Graham Douthwaite with Sheree Sarita Edwards
Burial 10 May Melville Raymond Elkins Age 74 Burial of Ashes 17 April Lillian Rose Powell Age 91 20 April Dora Kathleen Pren ce Age 95 23 April Keith Stephen Barnard Wintle Age 81 9 May John Alphonsus Kea ng Age 63 9 May Teresa Mary Heath Age 62 At Easthampstead Park Crematorium 8 May William Frederick Richardson Age 84 14 May Patricia Jean Stagg Age79
Number of Sundays 4 Sundays 657 Weekdays 118