Reading Central Warm and welcoming

Fast Facts

DIVISION: Central, Southern and Channel Islands

CORPS LEADERS: Majors Adrian and Beth Maddern

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/readingcentral

Tradition In Transition

WE have been the corps leaders at Reading Central since July 2021 and what is a traditional corps is now expanding and diversifying in so many ways. Shortly after our arrival we conducted a survey to establish what was needed. The fellowship recognised the importance of making people feel welcome and accepted and giving folk a sense of belonging and value. In response to this, a sizeable welcome team is now in place, led by Valerie with her love and care for people.

We started some small house groups and, although not initially well attended – we hope to relaunch these again during Lent – they are a work in progress. Our large hall has an exterior sign saying ‘a church for all’ and we mean it! We want our church to be inviting, inclusive and integrated.

Being Bold As Brass

The biggest growth for us has been with our young people and they are setting a fantastic example for us all. It is from the youth themselves that growth has come, and their enthusiasm is infectious.

In September we had eight new young brass learners and now we have twenty, with one of them bringing five of her friends to join! A mother of two of those youngsters is now attending as part of our congregation.

Our group of senior players are providing excellent ongoing teaching and support and, when West Midlands Youth Band visited, they gave a lesson to our brass learners. The young learners are growing in confidence and loved playing ‘Jingle Bells’ at Christmas.

Embracing Diversity

We have three other churches who meet in our hall – Kharis Pentecostal church, Jyoti (Nepalese) church and a Spanish church. At Christmas we held a combined carol service with them all and gave glory to God together in many languages. It was wonderful.

We are blessed that God continues to send people of all nationalities to be a part of our fellowship, including from South Korea, Ghana, Nigeria, Hong Kong and India. As a university town, we find that students often join with us during their time here.

Growth From Small Shoots

Our focus is on families and nurturing disciples of Jesus. We are seeing amazing growth from small shoots. Eight junior soldiers were enrolled in February and a YP leader, Rachael, was commissioned. We thank God for all the great things he is doing here at Reading Central.