With Easter being so late this year we have plenty of time to think about how to use Lent, which begins on the 9th of this month with Ash Wednesday services in church. Christians have used Lent as a time of spiritual discovery and growth. The idea of giving up something for Lent has its roots in the spiritual discipline of fasting; a practice shared by many religions of the world, but for Christians based on the example of Jesus who fasted in the desert at the start of his public ministry. There are different ways and types of fasting. Nothing should be done which is harmful to health. If you want your fasting to be a purely Lenten discipline it needs to be other than giving up habits, like smoking or excessive drinking, which you should be giving up in any case for other good reasons and not going back to doing after Easter. Even so this Lent could just be your time to make that positive change of lifestyle you need which will last for the rest of your life not just until 24th April! Another traditional spiritual discipline for Lent is the practice of giving money to charity. This can be linked to fasting. The money you save by giving up something during Lent can be donated to a charitable cause. Again, to make a real difference this needs to be over and above what you give already because of your love for God and neighbour. Even so this Lent could be the time you review your overall giving to God’s work and decide to move permanently to a new level of generosity. It could also be a time for a spring clear-out of stuff you don’t need anymore, which could be sent to a local charity shop or charity re-cycling scheme. A third good way for Christians to use Lent is to get to know Jesus better, by prayer and by study of his life and teaching. Actually the other Lenten disciplines are also about deepening our awareness and knowledge of God’s goodness and love all around us, which was embodied in Jesus. Jesus is the model and also the source of our life, and so, what better use of Lent is there than to take extra time to know Jesus better? This will need discipline but it is not a harsh regime; actually it’s a brilliant “luxury” to make for ourselves because it will be enjoyable, in the true sense of
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bringing joy. This Lent what will you give up; and what will you take up? This Lent at All Saints we are inviting everyone to join in The Big Read 2011. What is The Big Read? It’s a commitment to read through the whole of Matthew’s Gospel during Lent; either in housegroups, private reading or both. Matthew’s Gospel is the gospel being used in Sunday services during 2011 as well. To help us there is a book by Bishop Tom Wright, the New Testament expert, called Lent for Everyone: Matthew. For each day of Lent there is a reading with a reflection by the author. Some of our existing housegroups will be joining in and we will also set up new groups for those who are not in a group currently. Materials to help group discussion are available on the website of The Big Read 2011. There will be an opportunity to sign up for a group and purchase the book at a discounted price at church on Sunday 6th March, the Sunday before Lent. More information will be presented that day during our Sunday Plus event in The Cornerstone after Parish Communion, when we launch The Big Read at All Saints during our Fair Feast on “Carnival Sunday”. Keeping Lent can be lonely if you don’t share it. The spirit of The Big Read is about reading the Bible with others – so do think seriously about joining a group to discuss your reading; or if that isn’t possible; share with Christians locally and worldwide online through Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc; which are all being used to help people read through and talk about Matthew’s Gospel together. We are adding a lunchtime event to our church programme during Lent – each Tuesday at 12.30pm in church there will be a short prayer service, with that day’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch and stay on for chat afterwards. On Ash Wednesday 9th March there will be services for the beginning of Lent at 12.30pm and at 7.45pm; as well as the usual “Wednesday Mums” at 10am. Let’s use these extra days ahead of Lent this year to think carefully about
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what we will give up, and what we will take up for Lent; and don’t forget to come and join in the feasting and fun as we share Carnival Sunday, before Lent begins in true Mardi Gras-style, on 6th March after Parish Communion in The Cornerstone. David Hodgson
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)
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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 Chris Gilham 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
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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 3948 978 7065 978 8506 978 5520 978 5694 978 1515 979 2797 954 0466 979 0948 979 4407 979 2797
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
962 9792 978 1044 978 9730 978 6225 377 4194 978 8506 979 4407 977 1041 977 1041
Pastoral Care contacts Home Communion Barbara Smith 979 4407 Healing Prayer Group Jack Hayley 978 3939 Pastoral Care contact Jo Robinson 978 9730 Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals Parish Office 979 2797 Churchyard Steward John Smith 979 0948 Transportation Volunteers needed to assist other parishioners. Please help. Clergy days off:
David Caroline Colin Michael
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
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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.
11.15 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) No Service (2nd Sunday) Holy Communion. A said service using the Book of Common Prayer.
11.15am
(3rd Sunday) No Service
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)
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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 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
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Flower Guild I am not sure which calendar I was using when I wrote the piece for last month’s magazine but I am afraid I made some mistakes with the dates and so let me try again. We hope very much that members will come to the Guild Annual Meeting which will take place in the Cornerstone at 8pm on Thursday March 17th. After the formal part of the evening there will be a short flower demonstration. Over the years flower arranging styles have evolved and changed and we see this reflected in our work in church - the trend is for less ‘fussy’ arrangements. Previously we might have arranged pedestals using a multitude of different kinds and shades of foliage (I remember often saying how much I loved my arrangement of foliage and wishing I didn’t have to include any flowers). The present trend is for more dramatic cleaner looking designs using say no more than three different foliages, one of which will more than likely be large leaves, and not too many varieties of flowers. This is the style of pedestal which will be demonstrated, and it will definitely feature large leaves which I know many of you find difficult to use. Quite a few people have retired from the weekly flower rota and so if you know anyone who might like to arrange flowers do please encourage them to come along to one of our meetings or otherwise they can contact me to discuss what is involved, tuition is always readily available and there is an allowance made for the purchase of the flowers – the new rota will run from Easter. The Cornerstone is booked for Guild Meetings on:
Mon. April 11th, Thurs. June 16th and Wed. September 7th, all starting at 8pm, please check that you have these dates correctly in your diaries.
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There will be a Christmas Day School on the morning of Saturday December 3rd. We will be decorating the church for Easter on Saturday April 23rd from 9.45am. Perhaps you might like to bring along a friend or family member to help you arrange one of the windows. Pam Gilbey For information contact: Pam Gilbey (978 5694) Hazel Matthews (978 6700) or Lucille Taylor (978 6847)
GREEN AND GROWING Spring’s nearly here, so can you identify these plants, flowers and trees named in the Bible? (Answers on pg.36) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Jesus said they do not work or spin but are more finely dressed than Solomon (Matt 6,28) The dove returned to the ark with a leaf from this tree in its beak (Gen 8,11) The smallest of seeds, said Jesus, it becomes a tree (Matt 13,31) Absalom, David’s son, was caught in its branches (2 Sam 18,9) In Jesus’ parable, weeds were sown by an enemy in this crop (Matt 13,24) Solomon ordered timber from these trees of Lebanon for the Temple Jesus said, ”I am the true….” (John 15,1) Branches of this were waved as Jesus rode into Jerusalem (John 12,13) Adam and Eve made themselves clothes from the leaves of this tree (Gen 3,7) Ruth gleaned after the harvest of this grain (Ruth 1,22)
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Make a Mother’s Day Ethical gift catalogues are again available for you to purchase a Mothering Sunday gift for your mother or in memory of a much loved mum. This year the slogan is ‘We don’t just give hand-outs. Give a gift that lasts.’ Gifts start at £3.00 and are therefore attractive to all. The gifts all support the Mothers’ Union’s work and the choices include money towards basic supplies following disaster, teaching farming skills, forums and workshops for communities seared by pain, violence or poverty and support for Mothers’ Union workers around the world. A card can be requested (free) to send to your mother informing of the purchase made. Details can be obtained from the website www.makeamothersday.org or from MU members. Branch News For our March meeting, we will welcome a speaker from the charity Sue Ryder Care. As usual, the meeting is open to all, not just members. Would any members who have not yet paid their annual subscription please forward it to our treasurer by the middle of the month at the latest. 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). Tues 8th Mar Sun 13h Mar Wed 23rd Mar
9.30am 9.30am 7.45 for 8pm
Corporate Communion Quarterly coffee Branch Meeting – Speaker from Sue Ryder Care
Sun 3rd April
9.30am
Mothering Sunday
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The Church Cleaning Team Due to an editor’s error, this article did not appear in February’s print edition, and is re-printed here to give due credit to this hard-working group. We are a small, and rapidly diminishing band of volunteers who endeavour to maintain a clean and tidy church for the rest of the congregation. The team is in the classic situation of being noticed only if we didn't do our job, rather than when we do! For the purpose of cleaning, the church is divided into several sections each, with its own team of 4 or 5 peopel who are prepared to spend about an hour a month. You do not have to clean the whole church by yourself! The most common time for cleaning is a Saturday morning but for some people Thursday or Friday is more convenient. However clattering around with brooms or vacuum cleaners is not to be recommended should a wedding or funeral be in progress. There is very little enthusiasm amongst the congregation for this task but you can come with friends or family to lighten the task. More volunteers are always very welcome and all materials are provided. The duster box is full of all the very best quality cut down cotton T-shirts so we are very eco-frinedly. Finally it is a complete myth that you have to be a senior citizen in order to qualify for this form of Stewardship.
For more information, please contact the Team Leader, Sheila Longley 978 4193.
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My Greenbelt Adventure! It is amazing what you can get talked in to at the pub! A quiet Sunday evening at ‘Pints of view’ sees me being invited to cycle to Greenbelt. My sponsorship form tells everyone that it is a 90 mile ride over 2 days. It turns out to be 2 days of excellent (if on occasions damp) riding in fantastic company and 106 miles. Arriving, feeling virtuous and on a huge high we find our way to our respective campsites and much to my relief I find that our wonderful young people have put my tent up for me! After finding all of my belongings I catch up and make it down to Main Stage to find the others and enjoy ‘The band with no name’. It’s then dinner courtesy of the YMCA and then off to the Jesus Arms to meet friends old and new. That’s one of the great things about Greenbelt, that in the busy world that we live in there is time to catch up, find out what is happening in each others lives and what God is saying to each of us. It is then off for the only early night of the weekend. Greenbelt (for me) follows a pattern of being up early and putting on the kettle whilst deciding what to do that day. There are so many things that you can do that it is worthwhile spending time sitting down with the programme and working out what are your must-sees. For me there are four things that I will always remember this Greenbelt for. Firstly, Milton Jones. Not only did we get the best seats in the house, at the front ready to heckle and be picked on back, but also the queue. You see the queue forms part of the entertainment. We waited for hours to get in and bag our seats. To make the time fly we played games and made new friends, a group that came from across the south but all had links, as they taught us how to play goose, we included them in Chinese whispers and gorillas. Secondly, Goth Eucharistic. I went with Jacob and both of us really did not know quiet what to expect. For me it was a chance to get out of my comfort zone. It turned out to be one of the real highlights. A 1662 service with the theme of inclusion. A service where I thought that I would be in a
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minority turns out to be a genuine welcome, a chance for quiet reflection, and a time to listen. It goes to show that to embrace a range of people you don’t always have to reinvent the wheel and do something different. Beer and Hymns comes a close third. A chance to sing at the top of your voice and have a beer. The Jesus Arms packs out and as the compare points out there are those who have made it to hymns and ‌ as there is not enough space inside. How often does that happen on a Sunday morning? We start with a prayer there is even a brief sermon but above all it really it about singing hymns with a good tempo with gusto and enthusiasm. We even go as far as rounds as the competition builds up to be the loudest song. As far as worship goes it is far removed from the peace and tranquillity that the Goth Eucharist had but there is still the connection. Finally youth scratch choir. No, not being a member, but watching them all perform on Main stage. Being part of a group whose support and pride that one of us was on Main Stage was as amazing as the performance itself. We get to hear a lot about young people only thinking of themselves and not considering others, but everyone turned out in order to ensure that those on stage every one knew that we believed in them and that we were there to support them. I think form the volume we made and the comments after that they knew! So as the weekend drew to a close I had a decision to make, how was I going to get home? I had already decided that if it was raining then I was catching the train. However, Tuesday morning came and it was wonderfully sunny, so I decided to cycle. Having made sure that everything was packed away I headed home. This time the cycle ride was not quiet so scenic as I went straight down the A41 to Oxford. After lunch and a brief pause it was back on the saddle for the final stretch of the journey. This was probably the hardest part. I never realised that 6 miles to Nettlebed could seem so long. The temptation to give up was very strong but I didn’t. I made it and the downhill stretch to Henley was a welcome relief. It was then that the option to opt out had to be fought. I had come all this way and the determination to finish what I had started won the day.
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Counselling for the Community Counselling and training for individuals and couples. Self or Company referrals, help with depression, stress, relationships and self esteem. Talking things over with a trained counsellor may help to free a situation. Through counselling people can often gain a new zest for life and make changes for the better in their personal relationships. Berkshire Counselling Centre provides an independent, confidential service for clients. Anyone over the age of 18 can make an appointment for an assessment interview. (Financial contribution discussed at 1st appointment) We are an accredited member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
0118 978 7879 Berkshire Counselling Centre The Cornerstone Norreys Avenue Wokingham RG40 1UE Email info@counsellingcentre.com Website www.counsellingcentre.com
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So I made it. I had my adventure. There and back to Greenbelt and a fantastic experience in between. I made new friends and strengthened existing friendships. Met people I thought that I would never see at a Christian festival. Would I do it again? You bet. Encourage someone else to go? Yes. You see Greenbelt is not just for those who want to worship and party the night away. There really is something for everyone. It’s fantastic to turn up to something and see that there is a representation of every cross section of society. A place where everyone is welcome and included. Katherine Huggett
The Cornerstone Would you like to support The Cornerstone? How about becoming a member of the Cornerstone Steering Group? The group has about fifteen members and takes decisions about the strategy and policy of The Cornerstone. It only meets three times a year, but is a very important link with the local community. The annual election for four members (two regular users and two local residents) will take place immediately before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday 17 April at 11.15am in The Cornerstone. We really need your help. Please contact Dickon Snell (9781044) for further details. 18
Some thoughts for Lent Rev Helen Charlton I am a big fan of Henri Nouwen, the Dutch RC priest, teacher and writer. His writings are infused with humility and honesty. One of his well-known books is The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming. It is often studied in Lent because of its theme of reconciliation and ‘turning around’. It is a deeply personal account of Nouwen’s deeper relationship with God following a chance encounter with Rembrandt’s painting of the same name. He later went to see the original at The Hermitage in St Petersburg where he was transfixed for hours watching the figures in the painting warm and move in the changing pattern of the sun from the window. One of the problems with Lent, as I see it, is that the focus on repentance and the ‘giving-up’ of things doesn’t make any sense at all unless there is a clear aim towards a positive goal. That is not to say that the discipline involved doesn’t serve some purpose, but we are turning towards a God of love who, in the words of the confession said at Evensong, ‘desireth not the death of a sinner but rather that he turn from his wickedness and live’. And LIVE! We turn to this God of love, this God who welcomes us home with open arms and with great tenderness, this God who offers ‘life in all its abundance’. Nouwen says that he was at a very low ebb when he first saw the picture, and he was struck by the embrace of the son by the father; an experience of homecoming, belonging and safety – and he realised that this was what he wanted and needed. It helped him to see who he really was and what his true vocation would be. Lent is a good time to really open ourselves to God, to let his light shine on our darkness. Nouwen describes how he first considered himself as the prodigal son, but he also had to see a likeness to the self-righteous older son, before looking at the father, and the father’s acts of selfless compassion. As Nouwen shares his meditations in the book, the reader is taken on a spiritual journey of discovery. One theme is that of the addictions of modern life. We search for
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meaning and for unconditional love among the worldly attractions of money, power, status and consumption, deluding ourselves that these things provide what we need. We find it so difficult to remember that the wonderful provisions from God such as our health and our gifts should be developed for his glory. In Lent, we can refocus on the deep truth and we can reclaim our true identity as the beloved children of God. In Nouwen’s words from the prologue to the book: ‘I am called to enter into the inner sanctuary of my own being where God has chosen to dwell. The only way to that place is prayer, unceasing prayer. Many struggles and much pain can clear the way, but I am certain that only unceasing prayer can let me enter it.’ This Lent, whether we give something up or not, I hope that we all rediscover the joy of falling into the loving arms of God who offers us a ‘peace that the world cannot give’.
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 20
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Sunday Service
Next before Lent - 6th March Eucharist: Archer - St Mark's Setting
Hymns
551, 53, 81, (255a) HON, Alleluia, song of sweetness
Music
O nata lux - Tallis
Final Voluntary
Introduction-Chorale and Menuet Gothique - Leon Boëllman
Service
Choral Evensong
Introit
O nata lux - Tallis
Responses
Smith 5-part
Psalm
84
Canticles
Brewer in D
DAR
Hymns
139, 318, 262 AMNS
Music
Give us the wings of faith - Bullock
Final Voluntary
Tuba Tune - C S Lang
Wednesday
Ash Wednesday - 9th March
Service 19.45
Eucharist (with Ashes): Archer - People's Setting
Hymns
106, 145, 287, 372 HON
Music
Org DAR
DAR
Turn thy face from my sins - Attwood View me, Lord - Richard Lloyd Bone Pastor - Hilarión Eslava
Final Voluntary
Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele (BWV 654) - J S Bach
Sunday
Lent 1 - 13th March
Service
Eucharist: Archer - People's Setting
Hymns
465, 293, 120, (68), 536 HON
Music
Lord, who throughout these forty days (Coe Fen) - Ken Naylor
Final Voluntary
Sonata No 3 (1st Movement) - Mendelssohn
Service
Sung Evensong: Plainsong Responses
Psalm
50 vv1 - 15
Hymns
65, 217, 138 AMNS
Music
Hide not thou thy face from us - Farrant
Final Voluntary
Short Prelude & Fugue in F (BWV 556) - J S Bach
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DAR
DAR
Sunday Service
Lent 2 - 20th March Eucharist: Archer - People's Setting
Psalm
121
Hymns
15, Morning Glory, 149, (159), 148 HON
Music
God so loved the world - Stainer
Final Voluntary
"Little" Prelude & Fugue in E minor (BWV 533) - J S Bach
Service
Healing Service
Sunday Service
Lent 3 - 27th March Whole Church Communion
Hymns
HON
Org DAR
---
DAR
Music
Call to remembrance - Farrant
Final Voluntary
Canon in D major - Pachelbel
Service 18.30
Choral Eucharist
Setting
Missa in Simplicitate: Veni Sancte Spiritu - R R Terry
Music
Bone Pastor - Tallis
DAR
Hymns
126, 122, 156, 194 AMNS
Final Voluntary
Prelude on "Rhosymedre" - Vaughan Williams
Sunday
Lent 4 - Mothering Sunday - 3rd April
Service
Eucharist: Archer - People's Setting
Hymns
HON
Music
The Lord is my Shepherd - Howard Goodall
Final Voluntary
Prelude to a Te Deum - Charpentier
Service
Choral Evensong
Introit
Lord, for thy tender mercies' sake - Farrant
Responses
Plainsong
Psalm
31 vv1 - 16 (Plainsong)
Canticles
Fauxbourdon Setting - Percy Whitlock
Hymns
AMNS
Music
Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt - Schütz
Final Voluntary
Echo Fantasia - Sweelinck
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Sunday
1 Before Lent
Monday to Saturday
6
7
Mo
page
08.00am
Holy Communion
8
Tu
09.30am
Parish Communion
9
We
11.15am
Sunday Plus
10 Th
03.00pm
**No Service
11 Fr
06:30pm
Choral Evensong
12 Sa
13
Lent 1
14 Mo
08.00am
Holy Communion
15 Tu
09.30am
Parish Communion
16 We
All Saints Fellowship
32
11.15am
BCP Eucharist
17 Th
Flower Guild
8
06.30pm
Sung Evensong
18 Fr
Serendipity
Julian Group
19 Sa 20
Lent 2
21 Mo
08.00am
Holy Communion
22 Tu
Serendipity
09.30am
Parish Communion
23 We
Mother's Union
10
11.00am
Family Service (NEW)
24 Th
Healing Prayer Group
28
06.30pm
Healing
25 Fr 26 Sa
27
Lent 3
28 Mo
08.00am
Holy Communion
29 Tue
09.30am
Parish Communion Whole Church
30 We
11.15am
***No Service
31 Th
3 00pm
Holy Baptism
1
Fr
06.30pm
Choral Eucharist
2
Sa
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April
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Gardening Expertise …..at your service
Experienced local gardener has some availability • • • • •
Overgrown areas tamed Beds and borders enhanced and maintained One project or seasonal service Graves tidied, flowers for anniversaries etc. Competitive rates
Phone 0118 978 6371 25
Home Communion Group We are a group of people consisting of both clergy and lay members. Lay members have been authorised by the Bishop of Reading to take the sacrament to the sick or housebound and may also, with the Area Bishop’s permission, lead a service of Holy Communion by Extension and administer the elements which have been previously consecrated by a Priest. At present we go out to four residential homes in our parish where we provide a shortened service of Holy Communion, with prayers and maybe a short talk and a hymn or two. Colin James also provides a service of Holy Communion at Acorn Drive. All of these usually take place once a month. We also visit individuals in their homes. This might be for several years, or it might be just once or twice while someone is recovering from an operation or from some other illness. It can be very hard for people who are used to being in Church and receiving Communion regularly to suddenly feel cut off. There is definitely no need to feel that having Communion at home is giving up in any way - we are simply living into who we are as a Christian community. We provide a link between All Saints and the housebound, taking news from everyone to those we visit. A church is not a building, but a body of people! We feel that there must be more people who would like to be included in this way, so please do get in touch (see page 5 of this magazine, or contact the parish office) if you would like one of us to visit. Also, please pray for us, for the work we do, and for all those we visit. Those of us who are lay members feel very privileged to share in this ministry with our clergy. Barbara Smith
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DEALING WITH PAIN The effects of pain are one of the unpleasant aspects of life which affects us all in various degrees and which we have to come to terms with and deal with. The derivation of the word pain is, surprisingly, from the Latin word poena meaning punishment and the Greek poine meaning penalty. These derivations seem to be remote from the normal use of the word. My medical encyclopedia gives a better explanation of the meaning of the word when it describes it as, “An unpleasant sensation, often localised, caused by strong stimulation of sensory nerve endings by an event or process damaging to, or liable to damage, tissue.� Sudden onset of acute pain for no apparent reason serves as a warning signal and leads to investigation and appropriate treatment by surgical or medical means. This is a beneficial aspect of pain. Pain does cause distress and anxiety, resulting in fear, and the mental effects may be similar to that experienced through anger and aggression. . There are many ways of controlling pain depending mainly on its source. Pain as a result of a physical injury will firstly be dealt with by first aid treatment, followed by the treatment of any complications such as fractures. Where the source of the pain is a disorder of the functions of the body, drugs may ease the symptoms or surgery may prove to be necessary. Analgesia is always given after surgery to relieve the soreness; as a result the patient is less worried and more relaxed. Reassurance will generally relieve fear. There are many physical forms of pain control that are used. Touch is the most basic form of relief, particularly when treating children. We have all
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experienced the comfort of those words, “Mummy rub it better” after a tumble. Other forms of treatment are massage, application of ice or a cold spray to the injured area. Acupuncture, analgesics or manipulation may also be used to control physical pain. Control of pain can be very much a matter of the mind. Some people have what is known as a low pain threshold and find it difficult to manage low amounts of pain, while those with a high pain threshold can put up with higher levels of pain. Lack of fear can be a contributory factor in being able to withstand pain. The authoritative assurance of a doctor can help to minimise the effect of fear. Another form of pain is that of emotional pain which is normally suffered in the mind, but in extreme cases may give rise to physical pain, most commonly in the form of tension headache. This can be the result of bereavement, broken relationships, sometimes ending in divorce, unemployment and redundancy, financial disaster and loss of selfesteem. The control and cure of this sort of pain relies on the comfort and support of relations and friends, and also counsellors, especially where technical advice is needed. Where general counselling is required, that based on Christian principles is to be desired. In all cases of experience of pain, be it physical or mental, as Christians, our first reaction should be that of prayer in support of whatever medical action is taken. St James’ advice, in chapter 5 of his letter, was, “Are any among you suffering? They should pray. ….The prayer of faith will save the sick.” Noone knew more about pain and suffering than our Lord Jesus Christ, having been persecuted during His ministry, flogged at His trial, and suffering the cruellest of deaths by crucifixion. What better mediator could we have! 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 20th March at 6.30 pm. The Laying on of Hands will be made available at the Parish Communion on Sunday 17th April
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All Saints’ Fellowship Welcome to Fellowship held in the Cornerstone De Vitre Room at 7.45pm for 7.55pm. The cost to visitors is £1.50 which includes coffee and if you would like more information or a chat about the group please contact Leader Diana Clifford 9792614. Our thanks to Revd. Canon David Hodgson for his time, help and guidance at the January AGM. The Committee was appointed as follows: Leader: Diana Clifford, Treasurer: Diana Coates, Secretarial duties: Jill Jones & Gillian Sutterby, Sheila Shields, Marjorie Fletcher, Anona Jones Our funding raising for 2011 will be divided between The Children’s Society and children’s projects at Eustace crescent Flat. Upcoming Dates WED. 16th MAR. ‘MAKING VIOLINS’ yes a completely different evening for us to which you are most welcome with MR. DONALD LOWE WED. 20th APR.
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WED.20th JULY ANNUAL SUMMER GET TOGETHER HAPPY SUMMER WED.21st SEPT. ’EVEN MORE ODD ODES AND TRUE STORIES’ with MR. ALAN STOCKWELL WED. 19th OCT. ARMCHAIR EXERCISES with MRS. JILL HIBBITT
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ARE YOU THE MISSING PERSON? If you are a caring person and would like to help those in the community who are less fortunate than ourselves, and enjoy a good social life as well, why not come along to one of Wokingham Lions Club’s meetings to find out more about us and what we do? We are well known for organising the Wokingham May Fayre – but due to this, and other successful events, we need more members to follow our international motto – “We Serve”. We meet at the Committee Room, Wokingham Town Hall on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. for 8:00. Or contact Wokingham Lions Club on 0845 833 7384 for further details. www.wokinghamlions.org.uk
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Notes from the February PCC Meeting The agenda looked surprisingly light, and we were promised an early finish. Having completed the normal formalities for the start of our meeting we delved into the first key agenda item, the Annual Report, for presentation to the congregation at the APCM. Katherine Huggett had volunteered (?!) at January’s PCC to take on the task of producing the report on behalf of the PCC, as all felt last year’s approach of a single author produced a very readable report. Her first draft was praised by all; we broke into 4 groups to consider what other items we should add into the report and what to leave out. As each group reported back on their discussions, what became so clear yet again was the incredible breath of activity undertaken by our church membership in serving our congregation and community, and the pressure some key teams are under because of the need for more volunteers to help, for instance the Servers & Church Cleaners. We agreed collectively what we felt should be added and Katherine promised her next draft well in time for the next monthly Standing Committee meeting. David Atkinson then shared with us an early look at the feedback so far received from the congregation on the first two of our proposed 5 new goals, which were overwhelmingly supported by the responses received so far. We briefly discussed how important it was to encourage members of the congregation to respond to all 5 goals, and agreed to hold back some blank forms from previous weeks in order to achieve this. This moved us on to the goals themselves, and John Smith led a discussion on how we should go about realising the goals, through top down leadership and direction, or through individual and groups redirecting their efforts such that they help deliver the goals. It was strongly felt by the PCC that the latter approach was the best way forward, but consideration may have to be given to the need for some specific objectives to be given a firm push from the top. We also talked about how we should measure our progress against our 5 goals, there was a general consensus that for instance a structured set of measurable targets was not the best way and a more informal approach to measuring success should be followed.
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David then led a brief discussion on his thoughts on our Pastoral Care to our community. He reminded us about the wide range of pastoral activities undertaken by our church, and felt that we would better serve our community by bringing them all together under a single co-ordinating body. This idea was supported by all. By this point in the evening time was pressing, so the meeting ended with our normal round up of items for information including a brief report from John Smith on the church break in and burglary, The Grace was said and the meeting closed 5 seconds before 10 o’clock – so much for an early night! Robert Newman PCC Member This article is the opinion of the writer and not an official record of the meeting which can be found in the published minutes.
Green and Growing Quiz: Answers (from pg.9) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Lilies of the field Olive Mustard Oak Wheat Cedar Vine Palm Fig Barley
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Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals Humane Research The latest news of humane research is interesting. The Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research reports that Dame Judi Dench, who has been a supporter for some time, has decided to show her support publicly by becoming a patron. Many universities have projects going on exploring the use of non-animal methods of working on human disease. Professor Philpott of Queen Mary’s, University of London, believes that if we are working on human disease we should be using human tissue. In Britain, 17,000 animals a year once underwent very painful procedures to produce important medical proteins called monoclonal antibodies. Since 2003 all the animals have been replaced with cell cultures. The proteins produced are purer and safer thus benefiting patients. The DHT pioneered the development of miniaturised cellular systems to look for anti-cancer drugs instead of hit-and-miss animal tests. The research showed that tiny samples of a patient’s tumour could be used to tailor cancer treatment to a patient’s own requirements. A Prayer for Animals by Albert Schweitzer Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful. Marcelle Williams
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Farewell ..... Stan and his family have decided that their work has been completed at All Saints and are leaving the Stewardship Team in charge. They want to thank everyone who has worked hard throughout the recent Stewardship Campaign, particularly the Clergy for their helpful sermons. They hope that everyone has been challenged by them and had a re-think about their financial giving and the giving of their time. However, they have left us a couple of tasks to do: ♦
To feed back to you all about how the campaign went; and
♦
To give you an up-date on Gift Aid which is about to change in April (see below)
Gift Aid Up-date Gift Aid is really quite a simple idea, even though a lot of people (including the Government!) make it sound complicated. In effect Gift Aid transfers to the Church some of the income tax (or capital gains tax) you have already paid. The taxman is saying ‘if I had known about this donation at the time it would have been tax free so I will refund the tax to the Church who received it’. Now, the refund is at the basic rate of tax, but when the basic rate changed from 22% to 20% a few years ago the Treasury paid ‘transitional relief’ (unnecessary complication again!) so that we continued to receive 22%. This all changes on 6th April 2011 and from then we shall only receive 20% of Gift Aided donations. So – instead of your £10 being worth £12.82 to the Church it will only be worth £12.50. This is all very sad and an extra difficulty for the Church. Stan and his family’s parting words were “KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND THANK YOU”
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House-to-House Collection for Children 2-9 April 2011 The Wokingham Committee has regularly been one of the top house-tohouse fundraisers in the whole country. The money we raised last year through our collection in the town enabled the Children’s Society to fund one of their project centres for an entire year, providing specialist support and advice to vulnerable and scared children who had run away from home. This year alone it is estimated that 100,000 children will run away. A quarter of first time runaways will be under 11 years old and two thirds will not be reported missing by their parents or carers. Many face violence, poverty and neglect at home and feel their only option is to run away. It isn’t. Every penny you raise enables us to take action to rescue and support these children when they need us most: listening to their problems, helping them find safe accommodation and protecting them from harm. The Children’s Society is driven by the belief that every child deserves a good childhood. We can’t help every child in need, but we do try to target some of those who face the greatest danger or disadvantage in their daily lives, who can’t find the support they need anywhere else. So please help us again this year with our house-to house collection across Wokingham, or volunteer to join our team of about 100 people, to raise money for some of the children who are the most at risk. Without your help, many children will miss out on the childhood they deserve. If you can help deliver and collect envelopes house-to-house, please contact Dickon Snell on 9781044.
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WOMAN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER NAPAYKULLAYKI ... that is ‘greetings’ from the Christian women of Chile who have compiled the service for this year. Stretching from Peru to Antarctica Chile is a country with many natural resources including copper, fish and timber. Most of the present day inhabitants are Mestas (mixed Spanish and indigenous people) with a small indigenous population of Mapuche, Aymara and Quechua . Chile is still suffering from the regime of Pinochet between 1973 and 1990 when many people were killed or disappeared with families even to this date not knowing what happened to them. Over a third of the workforce is made up of women in less well-paid jobs and a lot suffering from domestic violence. The churches try to provide spiritual support for them and offer prevention workshops. Bread pays a large part in their daily lives so a theme of ‘How many loaves have you?’ is appropriate for this international service. We do hope you will be able to come and encourage others as this year is the turn of All Saints to host and we want everybody to feel really welcome. WOMEN’S WORLD DAY of PRAYER SERVICE ALL SAINT’S CHURCH FRIDAY 4th MARCH 1.45pm SPEAKER: REVD. CAROLINE KRAMER Refreshments will be served in church following service Diana Clifford 9792614 Lilian Clark 9782171 Ursula Morris 9794473
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We believe in life before death
This Christian Aid Week, hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country will go out into their communities to collect door to door. The money they raise will help to transform lives around the world, empowering poor communities to work their way out of poverty. Please help to make Christian Aid Week (15-21 May) a bumper week in Wokingham by volunteering to collect this year. Names are needed by 14 March please give your names to Valerie Kemp 9782586.
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Baptisms 30 Jan. 12 Feb.
Jack Joseph Howard Anna Iris Howard Benedict Christopher Farnall Thurstan (at Ludgrove School Chapel)
Burials 4 Feb. 9 Feb.
Rose Anne Keating Maureen Laker
Age 93 Age 81
Shirley Anne Price
Age 75
Burial of Ashes 9 Feb.
At Easthampstead Park Crematorium 21 Jan. 21 Jan. 25 Jan. 31 Jan.
Mary Agnes Harwood Irene Winifred Webster Keith Thomas William Ambler, MBE Joyce Stroud
Number of Sundays Sundays Week days
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Age 98 Age 97 Age 78 Age 79
4 774 145