From the Rector — July 2011 Keeping in touch and welcoming newcomers We have been learning recently that some of the issues and challenges a church faces are connected to the size of the church community. When the community is larger than 150 people, according to experts, it is not possible for any one person to know everyone. All Saints as a church community is much larger than that. Our total attendance across all services on a typical Sunday is about 225 people and our membership roll (electoral roll) is about 340. Because most of us do not attend church every single Sunday, it means over 400 different people attend services at All Saints and would count themselves members of our church community. About 80 of the 400 are under 16. One of the challenges in a church of this size is communication – how do people know what’s going on? Another challenge is making sure that everyone is included so that if there are times when people have particular needs for support from the church they are not missed out or “slip through the net”. A third challenge is helping people when they are new and getting to know others in the church. All three of these challenges really depend on building relationships within the church community. Some people join smaller groupings – house groups, the Choir, Junior Church, Tuesday morning Communion service, etc – and make friends in the church in that way. Others stay on after Parish Communion for coffee for example. It is important then that all of our existing groups are very aware of the need to welcome newcomers and are organised so that it is very easy for newcomers to join and feel part of the group quickly. A round-up of some current issues and projects at All Saints Church Following a recent morning consultation with church members involved in various forms of pastoral ministry we are developing a more coordinated approach to pastoral care. One key ingredient will be a pastoral care team made up of church members and clergy together – many of whom are already offering ministry in particular areas such as home communion or bereavement care for example – who will be available to make visits,
1
to lend a listening ear, to pray with people, as needed. Another important area which is being further developed is our ministry to families who present their children for baptism. We are increasing the amount of contact the clergy have with these families before the baptism itself and ensuring that we are able to keep in contact regularly afterwards. The new 11am Family Service is also a great place for parents with young children to access Sunday worship and deepen their contact with the Church. Members of All Saints Church are now supporting the monthly Little Steps session on Fridays for all parents with babies and toddlers in the community. This is another part of our mission to those in our community who have the vital role of nurturing children. Many people visit the church during the week to be still and pray privately. We are highlighting the Lady Chapel as an ideal place for private prayer where prayer resources can be found and prayer candles lit. Church services on Sunday are still the main way for people to experience the ministry which All Saints offers; and the Parish Communion service remains the largest service. So the planning group for that service is keen to know what you think works well and what you think we should change about that service. Look out for a range of opportunities for you to give your views about that. Support in both prayer and practical help for All Saints Primary School – our church school- is especially needed at this time as the school copes with a building project on site, which is running over schedule and all the disruption that is causing. Caroline leads our ministry in the school and several church members including the Chair of Governors, Peter Whittaker, and the Vice-Chair Robert Newman, are deeply involved in its governance working closely with the Head. Caring for God’s creation has been an important aspect of our church life for some years now. We have an energetic environmental group. Its current main focus is shrinking the carbon footprint of our church buildings so that we do our bit to slow climate change and also save money on energy costs. The PCC is looking seriously at the need to replace our main church roof.
2
This is over 150 years old and has become cracked and thin. This presents an opportunity to combine maintaining the building with reducing its carbon impact as we hope to place some solar panels on the new roof and possibly also on The Cornerstone too. More details soon. Our ministry to teenagers has been identified by the PCC as an area which needs more resources. Michael Johnson’s role has broadened across the Deanery and he will no longer be part of that team from September. The Sunday youth church and the Friday night drop-in sessions are run by dedicated teams of volunteers. We need the leadership of a qualified youth worker working in the parish full-time both to support our volunteer youth leaders and to enrich further the offer we can make to the teenagers in this parish. We need your prayerful support in all these ministries and others. Please sign up to our mission prayer network for regular prayer information. David Hodgson
MAGAZINE INFORMATION Please leave items for publication in the Magazine tray in the Parish Office or email directly to the editor on or before the Copy Date please. Contributions can be typed, handwritten, or e-mailed. All Saints PCC Wokingham, is a Registered Charity, Nbr. 1127585
Editor:
Andrew McKenna (977 3812) Email: editor@allsaintswokingham.org.uk
Distribution:
Sheila Longley
(978 4193)
Advertisements:
Andrew McKenna (977 3812)
Collation:
Sheila Longley & team
(978 4193)
Copy Date for Aug/Sept:
July 17th 2011
Collation:
July 29th 2011
3
Clergy and Officers Parish Clergy Rector Associate Priest Honorary Asst. Curate Honorary Asst. Curate
The Revd. Canon David Hodgson The Revd. Caroline Kramer The Revd. Colin James The Revd. Helen Charlton
Attached Clergy Deanery of Sonning “Fresh Expressions” Mission Priest The Revd Michael Johnson Church Wardens Parish Administrator
Jo Robinson John Smith Vacancy Jo Asplin
Children and Youth Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Children’s Advocate Margaret Raggett Crêche Leader Rachel Garlish Junior Church Co-ordinator Harriet Swinyard Youth Church Co-ordinator (Acting) Revd Michael Johnson Friday Night Youth Drop-In (FDI) Co-ordinator Lorraine Hodgson Worship and Music Director of Music (inc. Choir) David Rance Music Group Leader Gail Houghton Head Server Rachel Knowles Deputy Head Server Ruth Smith Bible Readers’ rota Joyce Baldry Tower Foreman John Harrison Flower Guild Chairman Pam Gilbey Worship Rota and Prayer Lists Co-ordinator Revd Colin James Lay Co-Chair of Worship & Music Development Liz Rippon PCC Secretary Deputy PCC Secretary PCC Treasurer Deputy PCC Treasurer
Parochial Church Council David Atkinson John Smith Stephen Smith John Alp
4
979 2999 979 9956 978 1515 978 9153
979 0098 978 9730 979 0948 — 979 2797
962 9378 978 2602 962 9313 979 0098 979 2999 947 6734 979 2797 978 7065 978 8506 978 5520 978 5694 978 1515 979 2797 954 0466 979 0948 979 4407 979 2797
Clergy and Officers PCC Treasurer’s Team Stewardship Co-ordinator Gift Aid Co-ordinator Stewardship Recorder Electoral Roll Officer Leadership Forum Convenor Asst. Stewardship Recorder Asst. Gift Aid Coordinator
Margaret Hawkins Dickon Snell Jo Robinson Peter Whittaker Jim Creech Joyce Baldry Barbara Smith Chris Westgate Chris Westgate
Pastoral Care contacts Home Communion Barbara Smith Healing Prayer Group Jack Hayley Pastoral Care contact Jo Robinson Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals Parish Office Churchyard Steward John Smith Transportation Susan Westgate Clergy days off:
David Caroline Colin Michael
962 9792 978 1044 978 9730 978 6225 377 4194 978 8506 979 4407 977 1041 977 1041 979 4407 978 3939 978 9730 979 2797 979 0948 977 1041 Thursday Friday Thurs/Friday Saturday
The Parish Office (0118 979 2797), in the Cornerstone, can be contacted about church related issues (Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals). It is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.15 am to 1.00 pm and for urgent matters or by telephone on Monday and Thursday from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. e-mail: Postal address: All Saints website:
parishoffice@allsaintswokingham.org.uk The Parish Office, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk
The Cornerstone : For room bookings and general enquiries please phone 0118 979 7778. Administrator Monica Martin is in the office: Monday 2-5pm, Tuesday 12.15-4.30pm, Wednesday 2-5.30pm, Thursday 1.45 - 6.00pm. e-mail: info@thecornerstonewokingham.org.uk
5
Worship at All Saints Services at All Saints' Church embrace a wide range of formats. An outline is given below but for details and information about occasional services, see the weekly leaflet.
Sunday Services 8.00 a.m. 9.30 a.m.
11.00 am. 11.15am
Holy Communion. A said service with a brief address using the traditional language version of the Common Worship Order One Eucharist 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 often includes Parade, children are present throughout, and contribute to the worship. Prayer for Healing with Laying on of Hands is offered regularly at certain Parish Communion services (see diary). Coffee is served after the service and this is the weekly 'social gathering' of the Congregation. Please come and meet us there if you are a visitor to the church or would like to get to know us better.
(1st Sunday) Family Service (2nd Sunday) Holy Communion. A said service using the Book of Common Prayer.
11.00am
(3rd Sunday) Family Services
11.15am
(Some 4th Sundays)
Occasionally Baptisms will take place during this time Matins using the Book of Common Prayer, usually sung and including a sermon.
6.30 pm.
(1st - 3rd Sundays) Evensong using the Book of Common Prayer with sermon. Choral Evensong is sung usually on the first Sunday of each month (An alternative form of worship on 4th & 5th Sundays ; and Services of Healing)
6
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 attend. These services may be led by a Priest or members of the Laity.
Holy Communion is celebrated as follows: Monday Tuesday
9.30 am. 9.30 am.
Wednesday 10.00 am.
Friday
(Common Worship Order One) (Common Worship Order One with short address, followed by coffee) (Simple form of Common Worship Order One and short address (particularly for parents and child minders of babies and pre-school children)
in various Residential Homes
Major festivals are also marked by additional celebrations of Holy Communion. Please see the Parish Diary elsewhere in the magazine, or for whole year’s dates, see leaflet “Days to Remember at All Saints”.
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).
Confirmation, Welcome or Growth Groups: Anyone interested in confirmation, a refresher course, or learning about the Christian faith is invited to join one of the Eureka! groups or a confirmation course - contact Barbara Smith on 979 4407.
Baptisms: are usually conducted at a special afternoon service on the last Sunday of each month; or occasionally in Sunday morning services if requested. Baptisms 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 basis. Please book via the Parish Office on 979 2797
7
Flower Guild July is here and at last there should be plenty of foliage mature enough to use in arrangements. The shrubs which we planted in the new Quiet area of the churchyard are becoming well established. At Christmas we picked Choisya Sundance and recently we have been using the lovely grey leaved Senecio, which really was ready for a good prune. In the beds near the vestry door look for Euonymus and the large leaves of Bergenia and even some hostas. Obviously if you decide to use foliage from the churchyard you should pick in advance and condition it well before bringing it back to church to arrange. We will be making pew ends on the evening of Thursday July 14th, and still need helpers and so please ring me if you are available. Pam Gilbey
Dates for your Diary
Flowers in church during July
July 3
Mrs S Boylan
Mrs L Shelley
SB
For Confirmation: Mrs P Gilbey Mrs G Jones
Mrs H Matthews PG/HM
July 24 July 31
Mrs J Potter Mrs J Alp
Mrs S Newman Mrs A Wade
PG PG
For Information contact: Pam Gilbey (978 5694) Hazel Matthews (978 6700) or Lucille Taylor (978 6847)
8
LOOKING FOR A HIGH QUALITY CLEANING SERVICE?
iClean-home We offer: • Regular weekly domestic cleans • One-off spring cleans • Ironing
We guarantee: • The same cleaner every week, familiar with your requirements • You can select as many hours as you need (£12 per hour) • Pet friendly cleaners—we love animals! Tel: 01344 350259 9
Mothers’ Union As you have no doubt read in the press, the Bailey Report on the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood is now published. The report makes 14 recommendations to tackle the concerns raised and hopes that the actions recommended in the report are implemented by broadcasters, advertisers, retailers, other businesses and regulators; there should be a ‘stocktake’ in 18 months time and if sufficient progress has not been made, legislation should be considered. The Mothers’ Union embraces the challenge to redouble our efforts to hold to account those to whom the recommendations are addressed, through the continuation of the ‘Bye Buy Childhood’ campaign. The recommendations are: • Ensuring that magazines and newspapers with sexualised images on • • • • • • • • • • • •
their covers are not in easy sight of children. Reducing the amount of on-street advertising containing sexualised imagery in locations where children are likely to see it. Ensuring the content of pre-watershed television programming better meets parents’ expectations. Introducing Age Rating for Music Videos. Making it easier for parents to block adult and age-restricted material from the Internet. Developing a retail code of good practice on retailing to children. Ensuring that the regulation of advertising reflects more closely parents’ and children’s views. Prohibiting the employment of children as brand ambassadors and in peer-to-peer marketing. Defining a child as under the age of 16 in all types of advertising regulation. Raising parental awareness of marketing and advertising techniques. Quality assurance for media and commercial literacy resources and education for children. Ensuring greater transparency in the regulatory framework by creating a single website for regulators. Making it easier for parents to express their views to businesses about
10
goods and services. • Ensuring that businesses and others take action on these
recommendations. Please pray that these recommendations will be adopted speedily for the benefit of all children and parents. Deanery news: As last year, there will be a series of Area Summer Meetings again this year. The East Berks. meeting is on Monday 11th July at St. James, Finchampstead. The speaker will be Rosemary Pierce and Finchampstead branch have promised strawberry cream teas. This is an ideal opportunity to find out about things happening outside the branch and to meet members from other local branches. Please consider attending if you are free. There will be a deanery Quiet Day, hosted by Bracknell branch, on Saturday 23rd July at St. Andrew’s, Priestwood. It was decided to hold this on a Saturday as members had commented that they were unable to attend during the week. The day will be from 10 am to 3pm. Drinks will be provided, but please bring a packed lunch. The leader will be Rev Jane Manley and the day will end with a Communion service. More information on The Mothers Union’s work worldwide can be found on the website www.themothersunion.org. For branch information or a lift to meetings, please call Valerie (978 7363) or Mary (978 2678). Upcoming Dates Mon 11th July
2.004.00pm
Area Summer Meeting – St. James, Finchampstead
Tues 12th July
9.30am
Corporate Communion.
Sat 23rd July
10.003.00pm
Quiet Day – St. Andrew’s, Priestwood. Leader - Rev. Jane Manley
Wed 27th July
7.00 for 7.30pm
Branch Meeting – Annual Meal
11
Group of the Month Tuesday Morning Eucharist Our Tuesday morning Eucharist was established during Canon Martin’s ministry at All Saints. This is a quiet devotional service at 9:30 am with a short sermon. As it is during the working week, it is attended mostly by retired people, complete with shopping baskets and trollies! Younger people do come when they are able and are always very welcome. The Mothers Union celebrate their corporate communion with us on the day of their monthly meeting. The service is followed by refreshments in the De Vitre room, which enables us to get to know each other and to support each other through difficult times; an essential part of pastoral care. Please pray for our group that we may continue to provide this devotional mid-week Eucharist, with mutual care and support. Barbara Hayley
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 outing 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 opportunities available throughout the district we would like
to hear from you. For more information please contact us on 0118 977 0749 12
“Total Quality Nursing Care”
West Oak Care Home Murray Road, Wokingham Tel: 0118 979 5100
Sara Gallagher - Home Manager Web: www.barchester.com
Do you need an NHS Dentist? All patients are welcome at our surgery: 56 Easthampstead Road Wokingham Telephone: 979 1551 The placement of adverts in this magazine does not signify any endorsement or confirmation of quality of either products or services offered.
Flowers For All Occasions FULLER’S 6 Denmark Street, Wokingham 978 7183 THE CHIMNEY SWEEP - EXPERIENCED AND CLEAN Contact Mr. M. Blair 0118 934 2799 Member of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps
Don’t forget to let our advertisers know you saw their ad in the All Saints Parish Magazine!
13
HARVEST FESTIVAL FLOWERS (Harvest Festival - SUNDAY 25th SEPTEMBER) Although we are all now enjoying our glorious summer and looking forward to the holidays (or perhaps some are lucky enough to have been on holiday already!), Harvest Festival will be here again sooner than we think. It is time again for forward planning. Each year we make and distribute flowers to the local care homes, elderly members of the congregation, the sick and housebound, home communicants and those bereaved during the past year. Each year our request for help is so generously responded to by many of you. As for previous years, I would like to say an enormous thank you; we could not achieve it without your fabulous support. I hope this year you will still be able to partake in any small way you feel able. DONATIONS REQUIRED: This year we need to replenish our financial resources, to ensure Harvest Flowers can be bought. Please look out for the forthcoming retiring collection and give what you can. Any monies over and above requirements will be kept in a fund for harvest flowers in subsequent years. We are in need of small, round clear plastic containers, without lids, of the sort used by the supermarkets to put fresh olives in. They must have no writing on please. If you have any, please save them. They can be donated to me. (I have limited storage space, so please could I request you contact me in September when you can hand them to me at church or I can call to collect them?) Or perhaps you can provide some greenery or berries from your garden (for small arrangements) on the morning of Saturday 24th September? Just bring them to church from 9am on the day. ASSISTANCE REQUIRED: We are also looking for assistance on Saturday morning the 24th
14
15
September to make small flower arrangements. You do not even need to be a flower arranger or an expert and the junior children are welcome to get involved too, though we do ask that you accompany them. All flowers will be provided, but greenery and berries suitable for small arrangements would be greatly appreciated. If you could also bring a pair of secateurs / scissors with which you can cut the greenery, it would also help. We usually spend a pleasant morning in the corner of the church whilst the flower arrangers work their magic on larger arrangements in the church. You are welcome to pop in for half an hour or as long as you like! After the Harvest Festival, we are very much in need of firm offers of help from volunteers on Monday morning 26th September from 9am, who can assist in distributing the flowers to a number of addresses in the local neighbourhood. Please meet at church and maps will be provided if necessary. It helps if you have the use of a car. We aim for each person to deliver no more than about 6 or 8 arrangements in a similar locality but obviously, the more volunteers we have, the fewer deliveries per person! Deliver as few or as many as you like. They are all with small cards and all that needs to be said is “With compliments from All Saints Church, Wokingham� or you are welcome to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers. If they are not in, they can be left on the doorstep. It is not an onerous task and it is often a delight to receive some of the responses first hand. Please don’t be shy about coming forward! Finally, can I say a big thank you once again, to all those who assist in any way with these things, whether it be once in a while or consistently each year, whether it be through spiritual support through prayer or physical support over the harvest festival weekend, it really helps to make a difference to those who most need to know we care. With gratitude, as always, Sue James 0118 9784339
16
Parish Diary July 2011 Sunday
St. Thomas
Monday to Saturday
3
4 08.00am
Holy Communion
5
Tu Serendipity
09.30am
Parish Communion
6
We
11.00am
Family Service
7
Th Julian Group
03.00pm
**No Service
8
Fr
06:30pm
Choral Evenong
9
Sa
10
Trinity 3
11
Mo
08.00am
Holy Communion
12
Tu Mothers' Union
09.30am
Parish Communion
13
We
11.15am
BCP Eucharist
14
Th
3.00pm
**No Service
15
Fr
6.30pm
Sung Evensong
16
Sa
18
Mo
17
Trinity 4
page
Mo
10
08.00am
Holy Communion
19
Tu Serendipity
09.30am
Parish Communion
20
We All Saints Fellowship
28
11.00am
Family Service
21
Th Healing Prayer Group
21
3.00pm
**No Service
22
Fr
6.30pm
Said Evensong
24
Trinity 5
23
Sa
25
Mo
08.00am
Holy Communion
26
Tu
09.30am
Parish Communion
27
We
11.15am
Choral Matins
28
Th
3.00pm
**No Service
29
Fr
6.30pm
Said Evensong
30
Sa
31
30
Mo
Holy Communion
Trinity 6
31
Tu
09.30am
Parish Communion (not Whole Church)
1
We August
11.15am
**No Service
2
Th
3.00+4:30 Holy Baptism
3
Fr
4
Sa
08.00am
6.30pm
Healing Service
Forthcoming Events Choir to Chichester Aug 1-7 (see pg 32)
17
Music List July 2011 Saturday Service Introit Responses Psalm
2nd July 16.30 Choral Evensong at Wimborne Minster One thing have I desired - Sumsion Walsh 27
Office Hymn
131 HON
Canticles Music Final hymn Final Voluntary
Short Service "in Gamut" - John Hilton, the younger Hide not thou thy face - Farrant 475 HON
Sunday Service Hymns Music Final Voluntary
Trinity 2 - 3rd July Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting 82, We walk by faith, 304, (156), 174 HON O for a closer walk with God - Grayston Ives Prelude in G minor - Gabriel PiernĂŠ
Service Introit Responses Psalms Canticles Hymns Music Final Voluntary
Choral Evensong I rejoiced when I heard them say - Geoffrey Holroyde Walsh 56 & 57 Short Service "in Gamut" - John Hilton, the younger 112, 118, 133 AMNS Pray that Jerusalem - Bob Chilcott Prelude in G major (BWV 568) - J S Bach
Sunday Service Hymns Music Final Voluntary
Trinity 3 - 10th July Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting 349, 318, 108, (383), 518 HON O sacrum convivium - Malcolm Archer Humoresque (L'Organo Primitivo) - Pietro Yon
Service Psalms Hymns Music Final Voluntary
Sung Evensong: Ferial Responses (McKie Amen) 60 & 63 100, 336, 202 AMNS Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace - Sumsion Short Prelude & Fugue in B flat (BWV 560) - J S Bach
18
Org DAR /MS
DAR
DAR
DAR
DAR
Music List July 2011 Wednesday Service Hymns Music Final Voluntary
13th July 19.30 Confirmation and Sung Eucharist - St. Mark's Setting
Sunday Service Psalm Hymns Music Final Voluntary
Trinity 4 - 17th July Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting 86 vv11 - 17 33, 25, 5, (143), 30 HON Bone Pastor - Hilari贸n Eslava Fugue in E flat "St Anne" (BWV 552) - J S Bach
Service
Said Evensong with Piano (Hymns 161, 133, 16 AMNS)
Sunday Service Hymns Music Final Voluntary
Trinity 5 - 24th July Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting 170, 442, 351 (361) HON, Praise to God Jesu, priceless treasure - J S Bach March in G - Henry Smart
Service Responses Venite Psalm Canticles Hymns Final Voluntary
Choral Matins Spedding Responses Nares 77 Boyce in A 227, 29, 239 AMNS Chorale Prelude: Nun danket alle Gott (BWV 657) - J S Bach
Service
Said Evensong with Piano (Hymns 227, 29, 239 AMNS)
Sunday Service Hymns Music Final Voluntary
Trinity 6 - 31st July Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting 551, 500, 531, (67), 142 HON He that shall endure to the end - Mendelssohn Marche Triomphale: Nun danket alle Gott - Karg-Elert
Service
Evening Healing Service (Hymns 522, 162, 233 AMNS)
Org DAR
If ye love me - Tallis View me, Lord - Richard Lloyd Scherzo - Eug猫ne Gigout
1st - 7th August - Choir at Chichester Cathedral
19
DAR
---
DAR
DAR
---
DAR
---
20
THE MYSTERY OF DREAMS The interpretation of dreams is for most of us a mystery. For some people they can at times contain a positive message of foreboding or of warning of some imminent event. On the other hand some people do experience dreams which contain a message which appear to demand action which result in events in our daily life which, as Christians, we can only explain as being God-inspired. My own experience, I am afraid, is that, although I dream most nights, I am very rarely able to recall what I have dreamed about. There are occasional exceptions to this, and one amusing dream I do recall, concerned our activities at All Saints. In my dream I was assisting at the Parish Communion on a Sunday following a Saturday during which there had been a lot of work going on in the churchyard, led by Michael Boyd, To my horror I came to put on my white cassock when I realised that they were all covered in mud and grass stains! I was forced to the conclusion that they had been used as overalls the previous day. There my dream ended. To return to more serious thoughts on the subject, the Revd Dr Russ Parker, Director of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, has studied in great detail the phenomenon of dreams and has written and spoken extensively on the subject In the latest edition of his Acorn News he recalls an extraordinary dream he had experienced recently. It went as follows. “ I woke in the night realising that I had had the same dream once again. It was quite short and simple and in it I believe I was hearing the voice of God. He simply said, “Tell your milkman that I the Lord God love him.” I had tried to dismiss the dream as a piece of fanciful thinking but it had persisted and it came with a sense of authority and calling. The trouble was that our milkman delivered his milk at the unearthly hour of five o’clock in the morning as we lived quite close to the dairy. And so very
21
reluctantly and feeling a little foolish I got up early to await his arrival at my doorstep. When he eventually reached my house I opened the front door not knowing how this was going to go. In that moment we recognised each other. His name was Frank and we had been at Secondary School together many years ago. After some preliminary chat I got around to my task and told him as calmly as I could that the Lord God loved him. Frank stood there gazing in astonishment when he suddenly said “Damn it!” He explained to me that his wife had recently been converted in an evangelistic crusade and that she had pestered him to become a Christian also. He told me that he had thought that he had silenced his wife by telling her “If your God exists I want him to tell me himself.” And now here I was being that very messenger. He subsequently surrendered his life to Christ in the months ahead. In all honesty, despite the fact that I had been studying dreams and visions in the Bible for some time before this event, I was shaken and challenged to discover that God still speaks through our dreams today. It was to affirm what has become a lifelong part of my ministry, namely to teach and train people to respect their dreams and be open to the revelations that they may bring.” Russ Parker concluded his story by saying that dreams are a precious resource for us to connect not only with ourselves better, but with the God of signs and wonders. Let us not neglect this gift but rather pray, “Come Holy Spirit of the Lord and renew your people through dreams and visions.” It is with the approval of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation that I reproduced this article. Jack Hayley Members of the Group are Gill Allen, Maggie Bateman, Jack Hayley, Mary Hughes, Anne Penn, Joan Thomason, Joan Watts and Karen Wellman. Please let us know of any need for healing prayer support. Confidentiality is assured. The next Healing Service will be held on Sunday 31st July at 6.30 pm. The Laying on of Hands will be made available at the Parish Communion on Sunday 21st August.
22
23
Notes from the June 8th PCC Meeting Twice a year, in June and January, PCC sets aside time to discuss a “Special Topic”, and on this occasion Revd Caroline had prepared a presentation about the “Leading your parish into growth” program, LYCIG for short. At the Rector’s suggestion Caroline had taken part in the Oxford Diocese LYCIG course and had found it interesting and very thought provoking. Now in its eighteenth year the course is specifically designed for clergy and lay leaders from across different traditions and denominations that are looking for help and encouragement in leading their churches into growth. About 10% of Anglican priests have already attended. Caroline explained that the course focused on Mission, Being Confident, showing Positive Leadership, if necessary moving from being maintenance based to a mission centred church and understanding where our church is now. We need to discover what church members can do to help their church grow. “Mission is about finding out what God is doing, and joining in” Rowan Williams Mission should be what we do and what we are, helping God’s love flow into the world. We need to be confident in our faith and our mission and recognise that Mission is about everything that we do as Church, it’s not something extra. We need a positive approach, avoiding a negative outlook, realising that most people are happy to be where they are, even if they complain sometimes. We need to focus on God not self and remember times when we have felt God's call in our lives. The Maintenance Church focuses on bills, buildings its annual round of events and history and its current members. It likes to think about now and pretends bad things are not happening. The Seven last words of the Church...... We've never done it like this before! To move to being a Mission centred church takes prayer, honesty about where we are and where we are going. Thinking about where we want to
24
Pippa Liddell
ROWENA WELSH
FSSCh DipPodMed MBChA
Qualified Surgical Chiropodist
The Lady Painter and Decorator
HPC Registered Surgery at: Sherwood School Road Barkham Wokingham RG41 4TN
Tel: 01344 776109 Mobile: 07749 898656
sykespippa@hotmail.com
Email: rowenaywelsh@hotmail.com
0118 976 0099
CHIROPODIST
Gardening Expertise …..at your service
Helena S Gold
Experienced local gardener has some availability • • • • •
M.S.S.Ch., M.B.Ch.A Registered Member of the British Chiropody & Podiatry Association And Health Professions Council
Overgrown areas tamed Beds and borders enhanced and maintained One project or seasonal service Graves tidied, flowers for anniversaries etc. Competitive rates
* * * * *
Modern surgery in Binfield Village 10 minutes from Wokingham Very easy parking Evening appointments Cryosurgical treatment for Verrucae and Warts
Tel: 01344 459 371 67, Knox Green Binfield Bracknell RG42 4NZ
Phone 0118 978 6371 25
be in three years time and together planning a route to get us there, painting a picture of how church could be and sharing out enthusiasm. Caroline had researched attendance at All Saints over several years and was happy to report that attendance at our weekly services is showing a little growth, but our Christmas services seem to be less well attended than they were. Caroline invited the PCC to complete exercises involving articulating a dream for your church and where we thought All Saints is in terms of Prayer, Presence, Persuasion and Proclamation. In other business the PCC discussed: The replacement of the nave roof and energy conservation matters, where it has been decided to revert to the traditional tendering system as using a negotiated contract would have involved paying significant fees for consultants. The recruitment and workload of the Churchwardens which was raised at the Annual Meeting. Meriel Dickson’s condition means that the situation is now worse. John Smith is preparing a list of tasks that could be delegated and taking up offers of help, but delegation still involves him in significant preparation. The real problem is that at least one other Warden is urgently required. If you have PCC experience and feel you could help please contact John and/or the Rector. The sale of “Madonna with the chair”, a painting discovered in the tower, by Bonhams Auctioneers, with any proceeds going to the Legacy Fund. Repair of the Turret Clock where the Diocese is insisting on a new PCC resolution. The successful sale of 18 Lowther Road which raised £77,000 over the guide price, no indication as yet of how much and when funds would be remitted to All Saints, and Deanery Synod’s approval of Ranelagh School changing to Academy status. David Atkinson. This article is only a snapshot of the PCC Meeting and Proceedings. The official record is contained in the Minutes.
26
Celebrate Our Birthday! On Saturday 2nd July we will be holding a garden party to celebrate our second birthday. Come and join us between 10am and 6pm, the BBQ will be smoking all day! There will be lots of fun to be had including a bouncy castle and face painting for the children and for the grown ups... your first beer (or glass of wine) on the house!
NEW Summer Menu from Friday 1st July Our new season’s menu includes favourites such as rabbit and ham hock terrine with rhubarb jelly and toast, honey glazed duck breast with Fondant potatoes, French beans and redcurrant sauce and summer berry Eton mess. Don’t forget we now serve food from 10am - 8pm on Sundays See our website for details of our summer opening times and events
Reservations on 0118 934 9094 The Shurlock Inn, The Street, Shurlock Row, Berkshire, RG10 0PS info@shurlockinn.com www.shurlockinn.com
27
All Saints’ Fellowship Come along to the Cornerstone De Vitre Room on the 3rd Wednesday each month for Fellowship. We arrive at 7.45pm ready to start at 7.55pm – at 9.45pm we pack up and go home. The charge to visitors is £1.50 which includes coffee. Any questions please to Fellowship Leader Diana Clifford 9792614. WED. 20th JULY. SUMMER GET TOGETHER. Come and enjoy a Strawberry & Cream Evening with chatter and ‘anything of interest to show or tell about’.
Dates for your Diary
HAVE A REALLY NICE SUMMER BREAK then see you for: WED. 21st SEPT. EVEN MORE ODD ODES & TRUE STORIES. For the third time we welcome back Mr. Alan Stockwell who is always hilarious with so many stories and odes. WED. 19th OCT. ARMCHAIR EXECISES with Mrs. Jill Hibbitt. Time to get fit again and to welcome Jill who must be visiting us for at least the tenth time! WED. 16th NOV. THE WAY IT WAS – GROWING UP IN THE 1940’s TO EARLY 1950’s with Mr. Tony King. Another chance to say hello to one of Fellowship’s friends and to have what we know will be a very interesting evening with Tony. It was with much sadness that we learned of the passing of Mrs. Betty Chapman. Betty was a faithful member of Fellowship for many years and took so much interest in the group. She attended for as long as her health would allow and she was then visited by Fellowship member Marjorie Fletcher.
28
HOME SOLUTIONS
S.K.S BUILDING SERVICES
INSURANCE APPROVED ALL HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATING ROOFING REPAIRS PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL NEW BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED BASINS ETC.
BRICKWORK PATIOS DECORATING TILING PLUMBING MOBILITY AIDS FITTED
FRIENDLY, CLEAN AND RELIABLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WITH TRADITIONAL VALUES
STEPHEN SPACKMAN
ALL WORK BACKED BY 12 MONTHS GUARANTEE
17 Telford Crescent, Woodley Reading, RG5 4QT
DAVID LUCAS 19 GOODINGS GREEN WOKINGHAM
Tel: 0118 969 5325 Mob: 0778 673 791
01189 786415 07818 612542 REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
29
Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals An account of ‘Canned Hunting’ ‘Canned hunting’ is the practice of hunting animals that have been raised in captivity and confined in a small enclosure with no hope of escape. It is also known as ‘fenced hunting’. Over 160 farms in South Africa breed lions for this type of hunting. The lions are raised by hand and so are accustomed to humans. They first ‘serve’ as tourist attractions with visitors able to view their enclosures, stroke them and take them for walks. After 4-7 years the lions are old enough to become trophies and are offered to hunters as targets! They have no fear of humans and are lured with bait or even sedated with drugs. The shooting enclosures give them no chance to escape! Trophy hunters especially from Europe and America will pay up to £25,000 for a male lion and females are shot for as little as £5,000 or less. Even the cubs are offered as fair game. Many of the hunters do not have a hunting licence or any hunting experience. It is a hobby for a wealthy minority from affluent industrialised nations. It is deeply unethical, terribly cruel and wholly unacceptable. In 2008 over 1,000 lions were shot in this cruel fashion in South Africa. The cubs are removed from their mother three days after they are born, with often fatal consequences. Once the cubs have been removed and deprived of their mother’s milk they are immediately inseminated; they are abused as ‘birthing machines’ and subjected to the constant trauma of losing their young. Rearing the animals by hand, allowing tourists to pet them, and keeping them in inappropriate conditions and unnatural groups causes permanent stress and behavioural issues. ‘Canned hunting’ should be made illegal; it is an unnatural and cruel practice. Marcelle Williams
30
31
BREAKFAST SUNDAY 24th JULY. CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST (with a strawberry flare). The breakfast will be in the Cornerstone following the 8.00 am service or you might like to come before 9.30 am. There is no need to book just come along and enjoy cafetiere or plain coffee, ordinary or green tea, fruit juice, cereal, croissants, strawberries, fruit etc. If you have any dietary requirements or questions please contact Diana 9792614. Enjoy the food – enjoy the chatter! THE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY TABLE We are hoping to have the table in the Cornerstone after the 9.30 am service on some Sundays in the autumn. Please see weekly leaflet for dates. Contact about activities to Diana 9792614.
32
HOME SOLUTIONS
S.K.S BUILDING SERVICES
INSURANCE APPROVED ALL HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DECORATING ROOFING REPAIRS PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL NEW BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED BASINS ETC.
BRICKWORK PATIOS DECORATING TILING PLUMBING MOBILITY AIDS FITTED
FRIENDLY, CLEAN AND RELIABLE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WITH TRADITIONAL VALUES
STEPHEN SPACKMAN
ALL WORK BACKED BY 12 MONTHS GUARANTEE
17 Telford Crescent, Woodley Reading, RG5 4QT
DAVID LUCAS 19 GOODINGS GREEN WOKINGHAM
01189 786415 07818 612542
Tel: 0118 969 5325 Mob: 0778 673 791
REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
33
34
June 2011 Baptisms 24 April 1 May 8 May
Lewis Robert Jones Samuel Robert Forman Annabel Zara Hotten
Marriage 16 April
Kevin Wilkinson with Maxine Mallinson
Burial of Ashes 6 May
Harry George John Evans
Age 86
At Easthampstead Park Crematorium 6 May
David Akerman
Age 55
Funeral in Church and cremation at Reading 16 May
Hilda Rose Humphreys
Number of Sundays Sundays Week days
35
Age 91
4 840 (inc. 316 Easter Day 187
Please note: a corrected Parish Register for June is printed on pg 35. Baptisms 29 May
Taylor James Muldoon Jayden Oliver Wright Benjamin Edward Adlard Theo Thomas William Henry Samuel Baker Theodore Anthony Marrison Ryan Jonathan Graves
Marriages 16 April 28 May
Kevin Wilkinson with Maxine Mallinson Gary Michael Harrison with Alfie Omega Silva
Funeral in Church and cremation at Reading 16 May
Hilda Rose Humphreys
Age 91
At Easthampstead Park Crematorium 3 June
Barry Wathey
Age 63
Number of Sundays Sundays Week days
36
4 713 176