Xn - July 12

FREE!

FREE | Good news for Reading, Wokingham & Bracknell

Pi ck me up!

OLYMPICS

On your marks for the Games!

NEW!

Discover our Christian heritage

HELP

Great tips to take care of yourself

Summer

Fantastic holiday fun for children

footie

Church teams get their rewards

YES, CHEF!

A Woodley conjuror enjoys sharing the Good News with magic

Secret suppers from a famous name

flame on!

Join us online

8

xnmedia.co.uk

search for xnmedia

JULY 2012

ISSN 2049-4971

@xnmedia

2

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

v Get in touch! email your stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk Deadline for August issue Wednesday, July 18

From the editor ARE you looking forward to the Olympics this month? Or, after three weeks of Euro 2012, are you bored of sporting events?

I can’t wait – like the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy something very special taking place on our own doorstep.

And there are a number of extra special ways in which the 2012 Games are being celebrated.

First up, there’s the torch relay which comes to the region in the second week of July.

Churches are rising to the challenge to open their doors to welcome the community so that they can celebrate together.

Some of the torch bearers are Christians and have been nominated for their service to the community. Their run is one way in which they can be rewarded for their work.

And then there’s the opening ceremony itself. Taking place on Friday, July 27, it promises to be the greatest show on Earth.

Again, many churches will welcome people so they can enjoy the fun of the day.

It’s great that churches can do this: we provide a safe space for people to come together and enjoy life’s big events. And friendships made on the night can have a lasting impact.

That’s an Olympic legacy to treasure.

Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk

v Choral treat Reading Bach Choir is preparing to tour to Belgium this month, where they will sing in Ypres Cathedral and at the Menin Gate.

But before they go, they will perform a concert at All Saints Church, Downshire Square, Reading on Saturday, July 7.

Conducted by Matthew Hamilton the concert includes works by Elgar and Jaako Mantyjarvi and be based on the theme of love and losing.

It conludes with a setting of Ae Fond Kiss by the conductor. v Tickets cost £12, or £10 concessions, under 16s get in for £5. For more details, e-mail tickets@readingbachchoir.org, call (0118) 947 8097 or log on to www.wegottickets.com/f/4673.

v Sporting fun for all the family

makes the news!

A COMMUNITY festival will take place next weekend – and everyone is invited.

A sports-based all-age and all-ability event, the Norreys Community Festival is being hosted by All Saints and Norreys churches in Wokingham on Sunday, July 8.

It starts at 2pm with a performance by Wokingham Rock Choir and afterwards there will be a host of free activities, some organised by former GB 110m hurdler Dwayne Stoddart.

There will also be fun for under fives with a soft play and ball pool area, plus games, crafts, demonstrators and a barbecue.

It takes place at All Saints Primary School field in Norreys Avenue, Wokingham.

Xn editor Phil Creighton shared the vision for the hyperlocal news magazine with fellow media professionals at the UclanMADE event for news entrepreneurs in Preston Picture: Stuart Morris XN recently took part in a Google-sponsored weekend for news entrepreneurs.

The UclanMADE event brought together 30 different new media ventures for an intense 48 hours of training, mentoring and networking.

Held in The Sandbox, the media factory of the University of Central Lancashire in Preston over the weekend of June 15-17, the sessions shared ideas and inspiration to ensure that the new media enterprises would be successful.

“Starting up a new media enterprise is pretty straightforward; keeping it up is much more complex. And that’s the key challenge the MADE project is tackling,” said course organiser François Nel. The weekend received funding from the inaugural International Press Institute News Innovation contest sponsored by Google.

A total of 90 applications were received

and Xn was one of just 30 shortlisted. Five of the projects were then taken up for the MADE Hothouse, as 12-week business incubation support programme.

Xn editor Phil Creighton said he was delighted to have taken part.

“It was an amazing weekend,” he said.

“There was such a diversity of projects, with everything from business to business projects to community websites that it was an honour to be at UclanMADE. “We’re looking forward to putting this knowledge into action to make Xn even better.”

The results of the Hothouse stage were yet to released as Xn went to press. v For more, visit uclanmade.blogspot.co.uk. v Phil will be preaching at Crowthorne Baptist Church on Sunday, July 8. He will be the guest speaker at its 6.30pm service.

Green light for new RE syllabus Reading Borough Council last month approved a new RE Syllabus for the Borough, in line with the revision suggested by Reading SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education).

The Council says that the revisions reflect the faith traditions represented in the Borough’s diverse communities.

“The syllabus is the result of extensive consultation with local teachers, faith groups and other authorities within the Royal County of Berkshire, as well as the expert guidance of RE Advisors Jan Lever and Jo Fageant,” explained Mustafa Chaudhary, vice-chair of SACRE.

SACRE says that the new syllabus for Reading is a much leaner document, incorporating an inquiry-based approach.

“RE is about exercising higher thinking skills,” said Rabbi Zvi Solomons, SACRE chair. “We expect students to understand the relevance of religion to adherents, and to see how the same values are reflected in their lives.”

Reading SACRE says that the committee has been able to work efficiently across cultural and religious boundaries, to produce a really effective document for teachers.

“Richard Woodford, our Clerk, has helped to keep us on track

through his meticulous records of our meetings,” said Mustafa.

“Our meetings are considered an oasis of peace by all the councillors who contribute.”

At the Council meeting on Monday, June 11, the Report was approved and will form the new 2012 to 2017 syllabus for RE. Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Education, John Ennis, said: “We are committed to ensuring that our schools have a diverse and respectful RE programme.

“I have no doubt that this syllabus will promote more understanding and help us come together as a community in Reading.”

v JAC texts A QUICK and easy way to donate money to Wokingham-based charity Just Around The Corner (JAC) has been launched.

The charity has teamed up with JustGiving to collate donations via text message.

To donate, simply text JATC11 followed by the amount you wish to donate then sending your text to 70070.

The maximum donation is £10 per text and up to £30 a month.

All texts are free of charge and every penny goes to JAC.

v Book sale BOOKWORMS should book Saturday, July 7 in their diary - it’s the date of the latest opportunity to purchase some bargains from a special coffee morning.

St Luke’s church in Erleigh Road, Reading, is hosting the book sale from 11am to noon.

At the morning, there will also be opportunities to buy home made cakes, fairtrade goods and bric-a-brac.

Refreshments will be served and books cost 30p or 50p.

v Barbecue MEMBERS of St James’ Finchampstead are looking forward to a barbecue after the morning service on Sunday, July 8. All ages are welcome.

Starting at noon, entry is £3 or £8 for families and participants are requested to bring a pudding. v For details, call the church office (0118) 973 0133.

News

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

3

jubilee celebrations

Now that’s a street party!

Whitley churches teamed up for a fantastic community celebration ‌ just one of many Jubilee events. Find out more overleaf Picture: Chris Poston

4

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

jubilee celebrations

Feeding the 5,000, whatever the weather! v Whitley churches FOR some, the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 is easy to grasp – because they experienced a 21st century version when they attended the South Reading Churches Street Party.

Held along Northumberland Avenue (see previous page) on Saturday, June 2, the event brought Whitley people together.

It was opened by Reading FC chairman Sir John Madejski and Reading mayor Cllr Jenny Rynn.

The event was hugely popular and entertainment included a fancy dress parade, live music, face painting and dancing.

Churches also gave away copies of the Diamond

Jubilee New Testaments.

Writing in his blog, Richard Walker, a volunteer pastor of Reading Family Church, noted: “For me, it’s wonderful to have moments like these when I connect with people who live only metres away from me, but due to the brick walls that divide, lead us to inhabit totally different worlds.”

Whitley Councillor Rachel Eden said: “This was a street party that will be talked about for years to come. It was a powerful demonstration of the South Reading churches dedication to the community of Whitley.

“It had a wonderful friendly atmosphere that brought people together.”

v St James, Finchamsptead A BEACON was lit at St James’ Church on Monday, June 4.

It was one of about 4,200 that were lit throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Commonwealth and Overseas UK Territories in celebration

Youngsters enjoy some of the food at the Elm Road party in Shinfield, a partnership between a pub and a church St Barnabas Church and the Sportsman Pub teamed up for a street party in Elm Road, Shinfield on the Monday afternoon.

Events included a parade and teddy bears’ picnic,

Shinfield’s Got Talent show, a pork roast, a bouncy castle, games and stalls.

The church was opened for prayer and the time was opened and closed with singing.

v St Mary’s, Twyford

of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

More than 500 villagers gathered while the tower bells pealed, joined in prayers and then shared in the Loyal Toast with a glass of ‘bubbly’, followed by community singing.

Close to 1,000 people attended the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at St Mary’s Church in Twyford on Monday, June 4.

They enjoyed cream teas, children’s entertainment and watched the Jubilee Concert live on a big screen inside the church.

At around 10.20pm the church beacon, one of the official chain throughout the world, beamed half a mile into the sky at the culmination of the day’s activities.

Proceeds from the event will go to Twyford-based charity Global Hearts for Children.

Brian Roach

v Wesley Methodist, Reading The rain fell, but it did not dampen the spirit of the Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch organised by Wesley Methodist Church and St Andrews URC, together with members of the local community.

Residents of the Watlington Street and St John’s Road area were invited to share the lunch with church members, and numbers exceeded expectations – 300 or so came compared with the 200 expected in the planning. But, in true loaves-and-fishes spirit, there was plenty for all.

The weather forced plan B into action. The tables were going to

be along the street, but as many as possible were put up in the church hall, leaving some outside under cover. The food was also served under gazebos, creating the air of a street market.

The Lyndhurst Arms pub across the

road joined in with a barbecue. The hall was full, and there were still people braving the elements outside.

The Revd David Shaw, Wesley’s minister, started proceedings with a grace. Entertainment was provided with Gospel songs from Uganda and Nigeria.

During its Regenerate mission, Wesley ran a prayer-walking campaign in the area to which we extended invitations to the lunch. The community building through this lunch takes the process a step further.

JONATHAN BROWN

Lady Benyon and Alok Sharma MP with some of the winners of Holy Trinity’s fancy dress contest

v Holy Trinity Theale The wet weather over the weekend didn’t dampen the spirits of the Theale community who celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in large numbers with a community picnic event.

Originally planned as an outdoor event, the Big Lunch and Jubilee Garden Party was quickly relocated into the village hall, and organisers say that the events went better than anyone had dared to imagine.

The Garden Party was the idea of the church’s priest in Charge, the Revd Ann Templeman, along with her husband and associate priest, the Revd Peter Templeman.

Being new to the village, Ann and Peter wanted to mark the 60 years of The Queen’s reign with something that would engage as much of Theale as possible.

Ann said: “It has been a fantastic way to bring all sections of the community together and wonderful for us as new to the parish to get to know so many different people.”

The days’ events started with a packed church full of children and young people as well as civic dignitaries including Alok Sharma MP and Theale’s parish council.

The choir sang the Coronation anthem Zadok the Priest and the children and young people representing most of the uniformed organisations in the village took part in a thanksgiving narrative giving thanks in turn for the events and achievements of each decade of the Queen’s reign.

The Big Lunch continued after the church service with a fancy dress parade judged by Lady Benyon from the Englefield Estate and Alok Sharma.

The rain stopped in time for children’s Jubilee games and a pub tug-of-war, which organisers said created a superb community atmosphere.

Newbury MP Richard Benyon was on hand to give support and advice to the competing teams.

The eventual winners of the tug-of-war were the team from The Fox & Hounds.

Ann added that the lighting of the Beacon on the top of the huge Holy Trinity bell tower was a fitting climax and hundreds of people turned out to see it be lit.

As the flame first appeared on the top of the tower at 10.20pm exactly the crowd burst into a spontaneous rendition of the national anthem.

News

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

jubilee celebrations

5

Take care!

Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Keep taking the water

v Sindlesham Baptist Church To mark the Jubilee, Sindlefield Baptist Church member Michael Hibbitt created two murals.

Displayed on the outside of the church, the first combined a Union Flag with a portrait of the

v St Michael and St Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead MEMBERS of the church held a fundraising flower festival over the Jubilee weekend.

Every inch of the church was decorated with floral displays and there was even a special Tiara walk to enjoy.

The church’s bell tower was opened and there was a special craft fair in the parish centre, plus a special service on the Monday, where guests were encouraged to wear crowns.

v St John The Baptist, Crowthorne THE church’s plans for a big community picnic had to be adapted due to the weather – so the community event was held in its church halls instead.

Queen. The second featured the Cross.

The church plans to keep the pictures up for while so they can continued to be appreciated by the community.

v St Mary’s Church, Winkfield THE church involved the local community for its flower festival – displays came from pupils of St Mary’s Winkfield, Cranbourne, Lambrook, Haileybury, the Montessori and Edith Rose Nursery School together with the children from the St Mary’s Family Praise congregation.

Flower teams from St Mary’s, St Martin’s Chavey Down and St Peter’s Cranbourne also took part, with displays coming from, among others, the Bell Ringers and St Mary’s choir.

The church was open throughout the Jubilee weekend.

Water is among the most important elements for the maintenance of life. It is used in the body for transporting nutrients and wastes, regulating temperature, maintaining the structure of tissues, and supporting cell functions (including brain function).

Water is vital for digestion, regulation of body temperature, elimination of waste products and lubrication of joints and eyes. Generally, healthy adults are advised to consume between 2 and 3 litres of water per day in order to maintain good levels of hydration, counteracting fluid loss through perspiration and body waste.

One of the key triggers for most people to prompt the need for a drink is simply that they feel thirsty. As we age, these thirst triggers begin to diminish so we don’t always feel thirsty even though our body may be running low on fluids.

We take in water through drinks but also in the food that we eat.

Therefore, as we age and our appetite starts to reduce, our ability to take on board liquids through our meals also reduces.

Additionally, some of the medication prescribed to elderly people can have a diuretic impact on those who take them, leading to further potential fluid loss.

The effects of dehydration can be severe. Dehydration has been identified as one of the risk factors for falls in the elderly. Dehydration can lead to deterioration in mental state resulting in dizziness and fainting. It can be a major factor in accelerating the deterioration in a person’s health when they have bouts of sickness which cause high levels of fluid loss.

Please therefore take the trouble to ensure that there are always plenty of fluids readily to hand, particularly for the vulnerable, the very young and the very old.

Increasing quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables in the daily diet also helps increase fluid intake as these items typically have over 70% water in them (tomatoes and water melon contain over 90% water).

Encourage those taking medication to drink a full glass of water with their tablets or medicine.

Remember, milk shakes, soup, iced lollies and sorbets are also fluids so you can be imaginative in finding ways to increase your fluid intake.

As the summer temperatures start to rise, we all lose more fluids through perspiration so having the means to top up our tanks regularly throughout the day is really important.

Philip Keohane is owner & director of Home Instead Senior Care in Reading

6

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

Olympic logos and London 2012 images on this page are © London 2012

OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN

Torch bearers prepare for their epic run Sally Army helper Sharon is a bearer

Kerith’s Andy is ready to run

A VOLUNTEER for the Salvation Army has been picked to carry the Olympic torch through the streets of Bracknell.

Sharon Barton will pick up the flame when it comes through the town on Tuesday, July 10.

She told the Bracknell Forest Standard: “I simply couldn’t believe it when I was selected. I thought it was a joke from my colleagues. I’m so excited about it.”

The 34-year-old, who works for Vodafone, was nominated by her colleagues. In their nomination statement, they praise her diligence and determination to help people.

“She is a very strong advocate in the Consumer Legal Team for doing the right thing for external customers.

“She constantly pushes for improving the position for our customers and ensuring that our products and propositions are clear, simple and honest,” they said.

“Her strength of belief in the importance of our customers is second

One of Kerith Community Church’s members, Andy Jackson has been selected to carry the Olympic Torch as it passes through Berkshire, below is an excerpt of the article which will be published in the next issue of LinK magazine, the church’s quarterly magazine

to none – she truly goes the extra mile for customers.”

The Salvation Army has benefitted from her commitment to helping others too, as Sharon has been giving them a helping hand.

“Sharon has also helped the Salvation Army over the last three years at Christmas time volunteering for events they hold,” her nomination papers state.

She also volunteers for Sports Able, a charity that helps the disabled enjoy sport.

Bringing Religious Education to life From the Lost Sheep…

...to life after death

Pupils and teachers say we are “inspirational” and “amazing”. Head teachers appreciate that “children have the opportunity to engage with adults whose faith is central to their lives”.

We provide training, resources, and mentoring for people in churches like yours who have a passion to help all children explore the big questions of life and bring RE to life through positive encounters with people of faith.

Find out how we can help you build partnerships that last with local schools by supporting RE and collective worship give us a call on 0118 966 3929 or email office@re-inspired.org.uk

www.re-inspired.net

Churches Together in Earley and East Reading Schools Project Registered charity no 1109291

What is your role at the Kerith?

I started work at the Kerith Centre six years ago as manager of our then new Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Centre.

It was something of a dream job for me – I was able to use skills I’d gained as a lawyer and work for people in real need.

We’ve seen God do some amazing things in people’s lives.

Last summer my role changed to oversee all the social justice projects at Kerith Community Church – everything from CAP to Foodbank, Konnections, Hilltop, Crisis Intervention, Act For Justice, our very new Job Club and some of the background aspects of our project in Serenje, Zambia. I’ll also be looking at what we might develop next.

We certainly don’t have it all worked out when it comes to social justice at Kerith, but we’ve come a long way.

We have a team of very committed people who are passionate about what they’re doing and the people they’re reaching. It’s a privilege to be overseeing them and I don’t take for granted that I’m part of a church where we don’t think twice about whether the pursuit of social justice is something we should be doing.

How did you come to be picked as an Olympic torch bearer?

I was very kindly nominated by somebody, but I have to confess that I didn’t ever expect to be selected. I was amazed when I received the email telling me that I will be carrying the torch in July when it goes through Maidenhead.

I feel as though I’ll actually be carrying the torch on behalf of a lot of other people – my family, the church and anyone involved with our CAP debt advice centre.

My wife Janine was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer seven years ago and subsequently had to have a leg amputated.

As a family we’ve had to face the challenges of living with that diagnosis and Janine’s disability.

She had cancer again last year but is now in remission for a second time. She’s the hero really and I should probably have nominated her!

We’ve received incredible support from the church and would not be where we are without it.

Did you ever dream you’d one day be carrying the Olympic flame?

This may sound like a cliché but I don’t think there can ever have been anything further from my mind.

As a teenage middle distance runner I used to dream of coming off the final bend in an Olympic 1500m final to take the gold medal. It was pretty clear even then that this would only ever be a dream.

Carrying the torch is something I never contemplated and it will be a real privilege to be involved in the Olympics even in this small way. v For more information on social justice projects at Kerith Community Church, log on to its website www.kerith.co.uk, call (01344) 862699 or send an email to info@ kerith.co.uk

The Torch’s route through Berkshire v Tuesday, July 10 08.25 Arrives at Wallingford 08.43 Arrives at Crowmarsh Gifford 08.57 Arrives at Nettlebed 09.09 Arrives at Henleyon-Thames 10.11 Arrives at Bisham

10.48 Arrives at Maidenhead 11.39 Arrives at Eton Dorney Lake 12.30 Arrives at Slough 14.32 Arrives at Windsor 15.34 Arrives at Egham 16.26 Arrives at Ascot 17.31 Arrives at Bracknell 18.14 Arrives at Reading 18.50 Evening celebration at Madjeksi Stadium

v Wednesday, July 11

08.04 Leaves Caversham Court Gardens 10.07 Arrives at Theale 10.31 Arrives at Thatcham 10.58 Arrives at Newbury 12.30 Arrives at Basingstoke … and continues its journey to Salisbury

News

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

7

Olympic logos and London 2012 images on this page are © London 2012

OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN

Reading parties for Torch’s arrival “I would like to encourage people to imagine a thousand voices singing a song together as the Olympic Torch Relay comes into Reading on July 10th and the impact it can have on people who are part of the crowd. It can be something to remember forever.”

That’s the heartfelt plea of the Revd Richard Becher, one of the ministers of St Andrew’s Church in Reading.

The fellowship is planning a special celebration as the Olympic flame and the Praise Bus come past the London Road building on Tuesday, July 10.

Starting at 5pm and running until 7pm, there will be family fun and live music.

When the Olympic Torch Relay passes at about 6.15pm, it is planned to get all present to form a large choir to sing Graham Kendrick’s song Let The Flame Burn Brighter.

“We might not be able to get a thousand voices but, from all the churches in Reading, we should be able to gather a lot of people to sing the song,” said Richard.

“The message is that we have a wonderful opportunity which will never be repeated so let’s turn out in our thousands to sing and praise the Lord in a way we might never have a chance to do again.” v For more details, log on to urcreading.moonfruit.com.

The Praise Bus which is travelling ahead of the Olympic Flame route, offering praise and prayers for the nation along the way.

Picture: More Than Gold

Art exhibition for St Barts TO MARK the arrival of the OIympic Torch in Reading, the first church it will pass is opening its doors for a community celebration.

St Bartholomew’s Church in St Bartholomew’s Road stands on the corner of London Road, where the flame will start its journey through the town on Tuesday, July 10.

As part of the celebrations, the church is hosting a special art exhibition as well as serving refreshments. Doors open at 4.30pm and continue through to 7pm.

If the Olympic Flame runs to time, it will pass the church at 6.15pm. v For more details, log on to www.lukeandbart.org.uk

Fun days for opening ceremony St Sebastian Wokingham Without will be celebrating the Olympics with a fantastic community festival on Friday, July 27.

Starting at 4.30pm and taking place on St Sebastian’s Playing Field, there will be a range of fun activities taking place including races, games, magic shows, a barbecue and live coverage of the opening ceremony.

The church is organising an inflatable assault course, sumo suits, bouncy castles, a hog roast, arts and crafts and a circus skills workshop. Entry is free.

For more details, log on to www.stsebastians.org.uk.

ceremony.For more details, log on to www.ebc-bracknell.org.

v Wokingham Methodist Church is teaming up with Woosehill Church to show the opening celebration. Doors open at 5.30pm.

v Churches in Lower Earley are teaming up with local businesses for a family fun evening, also showing the opening ceremony.

It takes place at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, The Earley Retreat and Trinity Church.

Doors open at 6pm on Friday, July 27.

Tickets cost £5 for families, £2 for adults and £1 for under 16s.

For details, contact Jon Salmon on 07840 494072.

v EASTHAMPSTEAD Baptist Church will welcome the local community for fun on Friday, July 27.

Events will include a barbecue, bouncy castles, giant inflatable obstacle course and football.

It will also show the

ELC London Street

ENGLISH COURSES

www.elclondonstreet.co.uk Tel: 0118 958 2247 78, London Street, Reading RG1 4SJ

ELC London Street

Host families wanted Students: 16-60 yrs (2-24 wks) B&B + eve. meal only Tel: 0118 958 2247 email:elc@elclondonstreet.co.uk

Join in this Olympic breakfast WHITLEY churches are hosting a special breakfast as the Olympic Torch continues its journey through Reading.

It will be served around 8am

on Wednesday, July 11, outside St Agnes in Northumberland Avenue. The Praise Bus will stop for 10 minutes for a praise concert.

Caverham’s Christchurch Meadows on the northern banks of the Thames is all set for an exciting Caversham Festival on Sunday, July 8.

Churches Together in Caversham (CTC) is partnering Readipop, a local music charity, to promote the festival, which will reflect the spirit of the Olympics.

This unique festival will begin at 11am with a Worship Service on the main stage. This will include contributions of hymns/songs, prayers, and food for thought from the various churches.

At noon a Christian band will play on the stage. And local singer-songwriter Nicki Rogers, whose voice has been described as “beautiful … ethereal … crazy unbelievable”, will sing.

At 12.30pm, the Olympic Arena will open and events will run throughout the afternoon. The arena will provide a showcase for the talents of local schools and sports clubs – with the emphasis on audience participation.

Singers from St Anne’s school choir, Caversham Primary, Micklands and Caversham Park Primary Schools will be among those taking part.

The various activities will include a fun Pentathlon, football skills with Reading Football Club, “Diamond Cricket’ with Shinfield Cricket Club, Judo and Taekwondo demonstrations; dance groups; and circus skills provided by Larger Than Life who were recently at the Meadow

Madness children’s event.

Free funfair-type inflatable rides will be available. There will be a prayer and information tent and Christian bookstall – copies of Xn will also be distributed.

At 4.30pm Risen Solution, an emerging local band, will play on the festival stage.

There will be spaces where people can sit and eat picnics, particularly around the performance arena; some food vans will also be in the Meadows.

Christine Bates of Our Lady & St Anne’s church Caversham, who is working as a volunteer at the Olympic Games and is also involved in the festival, said: “My hopes are that it will be a fun and exciting day that will encourage more young people to get involved with their churches.”

Helping to underpin the success of the festival will be over 50 volunteers from the churches.

Entry is free – no tickets needed – so come and enjoy a fantastic festival – and organisers are encouraging you make it “green” if you can by walking, cycling and coming by public transport.

Car parking is available in Hills Meadow.

For more details, contact the Revd Jeremy Tear, chairman of the CTC Olympics steering group, on (0118) 946 2884, or email revjtear@btinternet. com. Alternatively, contact Jan Beardsley, CTC Olympics events Co-ordinator by emailing janet.bearsdley@tiscali.co.uk JOHN MADELEY

Festival aims to reflect the spirit of the Games

CORNWALL – HOLIDAY COTTAGE

Beautiful, spacious barn conversion in central Cornwall.

Great location for North & South coasts and attractions.

Sleeps 6 Contact Hilary & Bill Box, Tel 01872 510552 www.goenrounsenbarns.co.uk

8

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

v Yes, Love Can! READING UNIVERSITY GOSPEL CHOIR is one of the acts on the bill at a special fundraising music festival taking place later this month.

Love Can, which will be held at the Reading Univeristy Students’ Union, is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support and The Royal Berks Charity and will welcome a host of musicians.

The line-up includes John James, Rachel Kerr, 4 Fingaz, Lulu and SOS. Also making an appearance will be Diversity, who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.

Big hearted organisers are also helping raise funds for Yanne Nkurunziza, a pupil of Christ The King Catholiic School in Tilehurst. The lad, who has Cerebal Palsy, needs to raise £50,000 to fund a life-saving operation in the United States.

Visitors to Love Can will be encouraged to help by entering a raffle to win a new bike, with all proceeds going to his fund.

Another raffle will see one lucky winner scoop an iPad. It takes place on Saturday, July 21 and tickets for the show cost £10, with a VIP option for £25.

For more details, call Raphael on 07988 846557 or email cruprod@yahoo.co.uk.

v Good Prospects CAUSEWAY PROSPECTS is a group that meets to support people with learning disabilities.

The Christian-run group holds regular sessions on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Held at St John’s and St Stephen’s Church in Orts Road, Reading, they include refreshments, light worship, music, a chance to share news with each other and a chance to pray.

There is also a short creative talk where people are encouraged to take part.

The group also enjoys a range of social events including a barn dance which was held at Kennet Valley Free Church on Tuesday, June 26.

New members are welcome and transport may be available.

Sessions usually take place between 7.30pm and 9pm.

For more details, call Margaret Wall on (0118) 934 1564 or log on to www.prospects.org.uk.

Family’s busman holiday to help Ugandan churches MEMBERS of a family from Earley will show off some very different holiday snaps when they get back from their vacation – they will give an update on their church’s work in Uganda.

Six family members –four from Brookside Church and two from St Mary’s in Twyford – will be returning to the small village of Akwarikwar in the Bukedea district of the African country, to continue links that Brookside has built up since it partnered with the Sutherland Orphans Project in 2005.

The project helps feed, clothe and educate children who have been orphaned due to HIV/Aids, diseases and conflict.

Over the past few years visiting teams have offered practical support to the wider communities in a number of ways, including delivering medical supplies, bringing school textbooks and Bibles, offering dental and optometry clinics and leading seminars for rural health workers.

Last year, the team dispensed more than 500 pairs of glasses at its special eye clinics, helping transform lives through a very simple ministry.

Other practical ways in which the church has supported the communities in Bukedea and Kumi has been by providing bicycles for the rural health

Joe Davidson with the Revd John Edwards, a priest at St James’ A familiar figure in and around Wokingham and Finchampstead on his push-bike is Joe Davidson, who has been a member of St James’ Finchampstead congregation for many years.

On Monday, July 2, Joe will be doing a sponsored cycle ride along a 10-mile route to raise funds for his community allotments.

A trip to Uganda will be a family holiday with a difference this summer – they will be helping transform a Ugandan community workers and distributing mosquito nets.

There will also be time to catch up on some of the agricultural schemes that the church has been supporting including the building of a borehole and starting to create a new one.

The team will also help out with church services and visit six primary schools.

Brookside aims to support the Sutherland project financially and raises £2,000 every year.

Trip organiser Alan Magness said: “For £2,000 we can educate, care for and give life to up to 60 children and

young people. This is peanuts!

“All it takes is for 80 individuals or families to commit to giving £25 once per year. What a huge difference we can make for so little.

“But this isn’t just about financial support - it’s about building relationship, exposing ourselves to the needs of others, and in the process changing us so we can be the sort of extravagantly generous people God wants us to be.” v For more details on the trip, or to find out how you can donate, log on to www.brooksidechurch. org.uk or visit the Facebook group Uganda Brookside Links.

Park’s cakes help fund South African adventure VISITORS to the East Reading Festival were treated to a range of delicious cakes all baked for a good cause.

Members of Park URC, which is opposite the festival venue of Palmer Park in Reading, ran the cake stall to raise funds for its church community project it will undertake in South Africa later this summer.

Twenty two people from the church will be heading to Siyabuswa to support The Grace School, a Christian-run education facility.

During their trip they will help update the school’s computer room, catalogue the library, help with noticeboards and educational posters and help with assemblies and after-school activities.

“Several members of our

v Joe’s bike ride

22-strong team are qualified teachers and teaching assistants which means we’ll be able to offer specialist support to the teachers in the school,” said the Revd Rob Weston, the church’s minister.

The cake stall was a big hit – selling out – and it raised more than £155, which will be ploughed into buying equipment for the group to take with them when they go on their three-week visit later this month.

Rob said: “It will buy resources

such as chalk, calculators, posters, art materials and musical instruments to support existing work and enhance the curriculum that the school can offer.”

And the big-hearted volunteers will also use the visit to run craft workshops.

“These will help girls and women to set up their own business opportunities, potentially setting up a small greeting cards business,” Rob explained.

“Our youth team are planning an Olympic themed after school club for 200 children which will run over two weeks of the visit.” v Members of the church will be keeping a blog when they visit. You can read it at purcsouthafrica.blogspot.co.uk.

v Retreat for young Catholics YOUNG Catholics can get away from it all this September if they take part in a special retreat.

Held at Douai Abbey, the weekend is aimed at those aged 18 to 35 and will be led by Father De Malleray FSSP, who heads up the Juventutem Federation.

And there will be an opportunity for older people to learn more about their retreat at a special mass held at the Abbey on the Saturday morning. The service starts at 11am and will be followed by a Marian Procession round the Abbey’s grounds.

Organisers say all are warmly welcome to attend the procession and the masses.

The weekend runs from Friday, September 14 to Sunday, September 16 and costs from £5 to £51. v Places can be booked via www.youthcatholicadults.co.uk or by calling 07908 105787.

v Get walking WALKERS looking to make the most of summer and explore Reading will be able to do just that thanks to two Reading churches.

St Luke’s in Erleigh Road and St Bartholomew’s in St Bartholomew’s Road hold a walking group that will take in everything from Dinton Pastures to Palmer Park. Meeting on Friday mornings and Saturday teatimes throughout July and August, each walk lasts an hour to an hour and a half.

Everyone is welcome. v For more details, log on to www.stlukesandstbarts.org.uk.

News v G12 visitor

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

Dinner tonight is by our relief chef

Pastor César Castellanos will visit Reading laterthis month THE leader of a worldwide church movement is travelling from Colombia to Reading.

Pastor César Castellanos founded the G12 vision and the International Charismatic Mission in 1983, starting with just eight people in his living room.

It now has more than 150,000 members and many churches around the world, including LifeSpring Church in Tilehurst, have connected with this ministry.

He will visit the fellowship on Sunday, July 8 and will see the church’s new premises, The Pavillion on Oxford Road.

“We are mega excited for Pastor César coming to visit us,” says James Hollands, LifeSpring’s youth leader.

v Vineyard events a hit NETWORK VINEYARD Church’s summer specials saw it combine baptisms with a barbecue.

Held on Sunday, June 17, six people were baptised after the church enjoyed lunch and a quiz.

Other events included a curry night, a movie night, a family day out and a visit from zany Christian illusionist Steve Price.

“It was a very funny performance,” said Salim Yakub, spokesperson for NVC. “The church barbecue was well attended and Home Groups made tasty dishes.”

The church, which meets in Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell, says it is delighted with the response to its events.

Salim said: “More people attended than we had expected; everyone enjoyed themselves.

“These events were not planned as just a list of social events, but to reach out into the community and help extend God’s kingdom. It was very encouraging that a number of non-church members came, including some non-Christians.

“We invite them all to visit us again.” v For more details, call Salim on (0118) 966 9782 or email salim@ networkvineyard.org.uk.

9

Antony Worrall Thompson serves a meal he secretly made for visitors to CIRDIC’s food kitchen in Reading last month. His popular dish was much appreciated by guests Picture: Brendan O’Sullivan/Kingdom Utilities

SURPRISES were on the menu when a famous chef swapped his pub kitchen for the soup kitchen.

Antony Worrall Thompson, who runs The Greyhound at Rotherfield Peppard, volunteered to cook a chilli con carne at the Churches In Reading Drop-in Centre on Tuesday, June 12.

The visit was kept a secret and the chef’s food was appreciated.

CIRDIC trustee David Turner told getreading.co.uk: “We kept it quiet because we could have filled the place several times over. It was lovely to see the faces of our clients and volunteers.”

The centre, which is just off Berkley Avenue, has been running since 1990 and aims to help some of the most disadvantaged people in the local community. As well as meals, it offers access to nurses, opticians, art therapy and access to the St Mungo’s Street Services team.

It is open seven days a week at various times. v For more information on CIRDIC’s work, log on to www.cirdic.org.uk or call (0118) 950 2536.

Are you ready to touch heaven at conference?

FINAL plans are being made for the Touching Heaven, Changing Earth conference which takes place later this month.

The three-day conference, which takes place at Rivermead Leisure Centre in Reading from Thursday, July 26, will bring together leaders from a range of denominations to explore what would happen if Heaven came to Earth.

Speakers include Don Double, founder and director of Good News Crusade, Chris and Kerry Cole who founded Cross Rhythms in 1983, and Grenville Overton, regional minister team leader of the Southern Counties Baptist Association.

Local church leaders will also be part of the speaking team, including Yinka Oyekan, who leads Reading Community Church, Keith Dolding from The Well church, Neville Hollands from Lifespring and Dr Joel Thomas, from The Globe.

There will also be a range of activities for children with a crèche available for under fours Adult places cost £50 and day passes are available. v For more details, log on to www. barnabasengland.org.

More food for FAITH READIFOOD, the Reading-based charity which provides emergency food parcels to those in need, is delighted that more churches are opening collection points for food donations.

These include St Mary’s in Wargrave and Abbey Baptist Church in central Reading.

“Demand for food parcels is increasing so we’re looking to set up as many collection points as possible,” said director Malcolm Pierce. v If you think you can help set up a collection box for Readifood, call the charity on (0118) 987 2672 or log on to www.readifood.org.uk.

The Charity Store Prospects is opening a new Charity Store in the Oxford Road Reading in July

We urgently need Volunteers to work a few hours a week. You will gain experience and develop skills.

We also need Stock donations, particularly clothing.

If you are able to help, please contact our Store manager - Claire John Mob: 07720 736468 Email: clairej@prospects.org.uk

www.prospects.org.uk

10

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

Yeldall celebrates with strawberry teas

Yeldall Manor’s famous strawberry teas will be available to visitors at its open day later this month. As usual, the strawberries have been donated by Gray’s Farm in Wokingham FUN, games, strawberry teas and worship will all be on the menu for a country fete with a difference later this month.

Yeldall Manor, the residential rehabilitation centre for men with drug and alcohol addictions, is opening its gates for its annual open day on Saturday, July 14.

Starting at 12.30pm, the afternoon takes place in the grounds of the centre, a beautiful Victorian manor house. It aims to give people a chance to learn more about the work, while all the family can have fun taking part in the activities that are on offer.

The open day has been hugely popular over the years and organisers are planning the return of favourite activities and offering free entry.

It starts with the chance to enjoy hog roast lunches, drinks and ice-cream which can be bought from stalls, or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy.

Stalls open at 1pm, including bring and buy, homemade cakes, plants and Christian books. A range of popular games, including a coconut shy, a penalty shoot-out, a golf game and skittles can be played, while youngsters will be able to enjoy a bouncy castle, a puppet show and meet some friendly birds of prey.

Pat Row and Chris Ilsley at the California Crossroads street collection for Christian Aid

Donations up for Christian Aid Despite tough times, Christian Aid has received generous donations during its recent appeal week.

The parish of Finchampstead and California over £3,300 from – an 18 per cent increase over last year. Volunteers from the parish churches of St James’ and St Mary & St John’s arranged house-to-house, street and church collections.

4cmx2cols

v Christ Church in Reading raised £1552.75 during Christian Aid Week. v Caversham Heights Methodist church collected £930.44 from its collections.

A spokesperson for Christian Aid said: “Although you will never know the recipients personally, you know that you have helped to make their lives better.”

Counselling Training Course Intermediate Level (OCN Level 3) Starting September 2012 Tel: 0118 966 7422

www.philippireading.org.uk UK Reg. Charity No. 1016105

A celebration for the life and work of Yeldall follows at 3pm.

“It includes uplifting worship and inspirational testimonies of how God has worked in the lives of some of our ex-residents since overcoming their addictions,” explained Sue Hedger, administration and supporter relations manager for Yeldall.

To close the day, a strawberry tea will be served from 4.30pm and organisers promise that this will give you the chance to catch up with friends old and new while enjoying some live music.

“Whether you have been a supporter of this local Christian drug and alcohol

rehabilitation centre for many years, or have never heard of it before, everyone is welcome to join us for our annual Open Day,” said Sue. And to ensure that everything runs smoothly, Yeldall says it would appreciate a helping hand.

“To make the day its customary success, we also need people to help staff the games or stalls for an hour or so,” Sue explained. v To help, or for more details, call Sue on (0118) 940 1093 or e-mail suehedger@ yeldall.org.uk. v Yeldall Manor is in Blakes Lane, Hare Hatch. If using a satnav, use RG10 9TA.

Emma’s blog is up for a Brilliance award A licensed lay minister, mum and blogger from Lower Earley has been announced as a finalist in the 2012 Brilliance in Blogging Awards.

Emma Major’s blog, LLM Calling aims to be an open and honest account of God’s calling on her life as a minister, mum and serial charity volunteer.

More than 50,000 votes were cast across 12 sections for the awards which are backed by BritMums, and Emma’s blog is featured in the Change category.

The winners of the awards A screenshot of Emma Major’s blog which has been shortlisted for the were announced on the first prestigious Britmums award – the only Christian blog to do so. night of the BritMums annual especially since LLM Calling personal insights into mental conference, held on Friday, June is the first Christian blog to be health issues.

22 in London – just after the shortlisted.

Each Brilliance in Blogging July issue of Xn went to press.

“I love the process of writing Award category was reviewed Emma started the blog in the blog and sharing my faith by a panel of judges to 2009, intending to document and life with my readers; it is a determine the overall winner of the process of selection and very real part of my ministry. It is that category. The judges come training for lay ministry in the so touching to know that people from backgrounds in business, Church of England. Over the enjoy my writing enough that social change and campaigning, years the blog has broadened to they nominated and voted for with a wealth of experience on include not just her ministerial me in these awards. ” the subject matter. The awards learning but also sermons, Former Prime Minister’s wife were presented at a glittering prayers, biblical reflections and Sarah Brown and comedienne ceremony hosted by former children’s work.

Ruby Wax are among the high Blue Peter present, Katy Hill.

Weaved into this are profile speakers who were at the Speaking ahead of the awards commentaries on her life Starting September 2012 gala evening. ceremony, Emma said: “I am married to an agnostic, her v You can read Emma’s blog at thrilled to be a finalist in the experience of motherhood, her Tel: 0118 966 7422 lmcalling.blogspot.co.uk.

Brilliance in Blogging Awards, passion for charity work and

5cmx2cols

6cmx2cols

Counselling Training Course Intermediate Level (OCN Level 3) www.philippireading.org.uk UK Reg. Charity No. 1016105

Counselling Trai Intermediate Level

Starting Septem Tel: 0118 96

www.philippiread

UK Reg. Charity No

12

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

In the footsteps of giants Our Christian heritage with Paul Kingston

Glorious mud make

Thomas and Anne Curtis

W

e face difficult times. Many households have no-one in work, the gap between rich and poor is back where it was in the time of Downton Abbey, and there are cuts and more cuts.

In this series, we will look back at people who can give a glimpse of how particular Reading Christians faced the challenges of their times. I will attempt this for one of Reading’s many Christian strands, Quakers, starting with Thomas and Ann Curtis.

Thomas Curtis was born in 1620, so grew up through the period of the English Civil War. He was the son of a wealthy woollen draper with a shop in the centre of Reading near the still-surviving George Inn, and probably inherited the business from his father. He became a captain in the New Model Army, probably raising soldiers from the Reading area.

In 1654, when he was 34 he and his wife Anne heard Quaker preachers in Bristol, her home city. They became perhaps the first Reading adherents to the radical new sect, founded two years before by 28-year-old George Fox. By becoming Quakers, Thomas and Anne put at risk their positions as leading citizens of Reading. Anne knew about risk – when she was 12 her father had been hanged for support of Charles I. Quakers were unpopular with the authorities from the start; George Fox and many of his followers were often in jail for long periods; some died there. Very soon, Thomas had been in prison. Why face this?

It was less than 50 years since the Bible had become available in England in a version that people could take home and read. As they did so, they felt increasingly able to challenge the view of religion that they had had from priests. And then they lived through the Civil War, and the execution of the king – the world turned upside down. Radical sects abounded (Levellers, Diggers, Seekers, Ranters, as well as Baptists and Quakers), each with their own view of how the world should be. Even the citizen soldiers of Cromwell’s New Model Army promoted a grand vision of England after the war in which there would be equality before the law, freedom of conscience and universal (male) suffrage. Stirring times.

Now that’s a fun weekend … pictures of happy children tell the story from Anderson Baptist Church in Reading. The fun took place at the W

Discern George Fox was an avid reader of the Bible, but he went beyond the physical book to see direct communication between people and God, the “Light within”. In their meetings, Quakers could discern the will of God, and go on to act towards building the rule of God on Earth. In the year when George Fox first met the Curtises, he wrote this: “Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come, that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in every one.”

All were equal (and for many, this included women). All had Christ as a teacher – directly, from within. Many (including it seems the Curtises) found this an exhilarating message.

As Quakers believed that all were equal children of God, they shunned the elaborate manners of the time. They refused to swear oaths, as the truth is the truth. They kept their hats on when meeting others (whether peasants or aristocrats) and dressed plainly. Thomas Curtis and his wife, in the words of a contemporary, “have formerly lived very high, and very rich in apparel, but are stripped of all: he hath ripped off his gold buttons, and his wife hath stripped off all her jewels and rich attire.”

And they held their own “Meetings for Worship” in which they waited on the promptings of the Inner Light and “ministered” of what they heard (as all have access to the truth, all are ministers).

In Reading, people attracted to Quakerism started meeting at the Curtises’.

So, the wealthy Curtises, respectable citizens of Reading, were often in jail for their faith. Money and books were seized by officials, their goods were distrained and their house was padlocked against them. But they persisted and Thomas travelled widely, converting others to Quakerism.

Eventually Reading’s first purpose-built Meeting House was built in the Curtis’s garden, on a site in London Street now occupied by RISC. When Thomas died, he endowed a charity for poor Reading Quakers that has been maintained ever since.

The Curtises became good friends of George Fox, who visited Reading often and stayed with them. Later they fell out with him; and another couple (the Penns, late of Pennsylvania) tried to heal the rift.

But that’s another story…

IT WAS a case of mud, mud, glorious mud for some intrepid young campers last month.

More than 100 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, their parents and families of the 71st Sea Scouts took part in the annual youth camp of Anderson Baptist Church in Reading.

Held in Walton Firs Activity Centre in Cobham, the weekend saw participants take part in a range of outdoor activities and fun including archery and a specially designed assault course.

Taking place over the weekend of June 8-10, the days leading up to the camp had seen torrential rain fall, making the assault course muddy underfoot.

However, the weekend itself was dry so participants didn’t get soaked while camping.

As well as outdoor activities, the wide-ranging programme included talks from the church’s youth worker John Collins.

The weekend’s theme was Glorious 60, in honour of the Jubilee and, to mark the anniversary, campers held a tea party on the Saturday afternoon.

Treats included some hand-made pastries created during a patisserie masterclass run by the church’s very own pastry chef and held while the children were off having fun.

“Anderson really enjoyed their annual family camp weekend,” said Francesca Yates, the church’s administrator.

“It is a weekend where families from our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and some church folk, spend a weekend of fun together.

“We were truly blessed with the weather; the Lord always looks over this weekend for us and it never ceases to be an amazing experience.

“It does have a Christian theme, but is was very much a gentle outreach weekend.”

News

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

es a glorious camp

y of the recent weekend away held by the Sea Scouts and their families Walton Firs Activity Centre in Cobham

Fran explained that the talks gave the campers opportunity to reflect.

“In keeping with the theme, the thought for the day on Saturday was about being thankful,” she said.

“As we are all thankful for the Queens 60 years loyal service, everyone was encouraged to think of all the different things throughout the day that they could thank God for and for his loyal service.

“Many of the adults and young people shared these thoughts as we had the end of day prayer.”

Sunday’s service was dubbed Scouts’ Own, and centred on the theme of David and Goliath. Groups took time to think about how God helps us, even in difficult situations. They then presented their thoughts to the group in a number of creative ways, including songs, drama and even a rap.

Fran said that the weekend was a big hit with everyone who went. One parent, for which it was their

first camp, told her: “I think camp was the nearest thing to heaven for our son, he just loved every minute of it!

It was great for us to meet new people and spend time with some of our good friends too.

“We were overwhelmed with the way it was organised so effectively from activities to food and so on. We’ll definitely be there again next year.

“A huge thank you to all your team.”

The Scouts meet at the Amherst Road church across the week. Beavers, for boys and girls aged six to eight, meets on Mondays from 4.45pm to 6pm. Cubs also meets on Mondays, from 6.15pm to 7pm and is for ages 8 to 10. The Scout group is for ages 10 to 14 and meets on Fridays from 7pm to 9pm.

The church also runs a RDG youth group for ages 14 to 18. v For more details on all these activities,log on to www.andersonbaptistchurch.org.uk/youth.

13

Listening ear and a helping hand at women’s centre A CENTRE offering support and encouragement for women in Reading is reminding people of the services that it offers.

CIRWC – the Churches in Reading Women’s Centre – is open three days a week at Wesley Methodist Church in Reading’s town centre and aims to offer a safe place for women to come for a cup of tea, have a chat, relax and make new friends.

The centre’s networker, Jan Hearn, said that it offers encouragement and support for its users, particularly those hit by the economic downturn.

She said: “We can all be hit by either redundancy, poor health in self or close family, mental health problems and need that extra community support along with the NHS and Social Services. The Centre is a place to re-evaluate, take stock and discover something new.”

Throughout each meeting, CIRWC offers everything from craft activities to hot meals.

There is also opportunities to get support from other Reading-base agencies and services as well as taking part in day trips and having a listening ear.

The Watlington Street centre is run by volunteers from churches across the Reading area and Jan said that there is a

CIWRC networker Jan Hearn need for more women to offer help on a regular basis.

Mabel Boyd, CIRWC’s manager, added: “We are always looking for people who can help us out. There are plenty of ways to get involved – from helping in the kitchen, sharing skills or information or being a good listener.”

The centre is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 3.30pm and on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. v For more details, or to find out more about volunteering and supporting vulnerable women, log on to www.cirwc. org.uk, call 07817 373 773 or email enquiries@cirwc.org.uk.

14

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

Ethical cooking A tasty treat to make

v Divine’s White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cake

A towering way to mark Ascension Day TO MARK Ascension Day, members of All Saints Binfield had to set their alarm clocks for a special dawn chorus.

The early risers climbed the tower of the church on Thursday, May 17. They were there to

This lovely cake is made with white chocolate which helps make a surprisingly light sponge; it has a filling of strawberries flavoured with orange and white chocolate – the perfect cake for eating in the garden on a summer day.

MAKES 1 LARGE CAKE For the sponge n 1½ x 100g bars Divine white chocolate (150g) n 200g unsalted butter, diced n 3 large free range eggs, at room temperature n 150g caster sugar n The grated zest 1½ unwaxed oranges n 200g self-raising flour For the filling n 500g ripe strawberries (250g for filling and 250g for topping) n The grated zest and juice 1½ unwaxed orange n 1 tablespoon caster sugar n 1 x 100g bar Divine white chocolate n 150ml double or whipping cream, whipped n Icing sugar for dusting n 2 x 20.5cm sponge sandwich tins, greased and base-lined Heat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/Gas 4.

To make the sponge, break up the chocolate and melt very gently with the butter. Remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool until needed.

Break the eggs into the bowl of a food mixer. Add the sugar and orange zest. Using the whisk attachment, whisk on full power for about 4 minutes or until the mixture is extremely thick and foamy.

It’s ready when the whisk leaves a ribbon-like trail of mixture when you lift it out of the mixture. Gently stir the chocolate mixture then whisk it briefly into the egg mixture. Turn off the power as soon as it is combined to avoid over-mixing. Add the flour and gently fold in using a large metal spoon.

Divide the mixture between the two tins, and spread evenly.

Bake in the heated oven for 20 minutes until a light golden brown and the sponges spring back when gently pressed. Run a roundbladed knife around the inside of the tins, just to loosen the sponges, turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

To make the filling, wipe the strawberries and save half of the good-looking ones for decoration. Thinly slice the rest into a bowl.

Add the orange zest and juice, and the sugar and mix gently.

Leave for 10 minutes for the flavours to develop. Grate the white chocolate and gently fold half into the whipped cream. Save the rest for the decoration.

To assemble, set one sponge on a serving plate and spoon on the strawberries and juice. Cover with the chocolate cream then top with the second sponge. Decorate with the reserved strawberries and grated chocolate and dust with icing sugar, serve.

The assembled cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours. n For more recipes, visit www.divinechocolate.com

see dawn break and mark the day when Jesus returned to heaven.

Ascension hymns were sung before the participants enjoyed a hot breakfast. v www.binfieldchurches.org.uk.

Weary invited to accept Christ’s invite to rest AN INVITATION from Jesus formed the foundation for a conference for women last month.

Delegates at REAL, hosted at Kerith Community Church in Bracknell over the weekend of June 22 and 23, were encouraged to focus on Matthew 11:28-30: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”

In her introduction to the weekend, Kerith leader Catrina Benham encouraged delegates to accept this invitation from Christ, not just over the weekend but in their lives themselves.

She said: “It’s a wonderful invitation. It’s a picture of a great life. It makes my shoulders go down.

“And yet, my response to this verse is: My life doesn’t feel much like that – a walking, relying, grace-filled, free and light life. I must be doing something wrong … I must try harder.”

However, she continued, our focus can be in the wrong place.

“My personality, together with [my] early experiences [as a believer] and the subsequent way I’ve lived these last 30 plus years as a Christian, [have] contributed to my misconception of living the Christian life being all about serving and doing – not being,” she said.

“Many of us feel weary, burdened, in need of a rest and ‘burned out by religion’.

“We’d love to ‘live freely and lightly’, but we’re not living that way, because we don’t know how, or we’ve never seen this invitation from Jesus before – because His invitation is to share the load,

and to only carry his load.”

Catrina continued by focusing on this load, reminding the women in the audience that the people Jesus was speaking to in Matthew 28 were people who were trying to carry an impossible load: “namely the Jewish law and other standards imposed upon them by the religious leaders of the day”.

“Jesus’ listeners were exhausted from trying to measure up to the expectations of the law,” she reminded them.

“The Christian life unpacked is not religious, external or rules, but an intimate relationship walking with Jesus.”

She encouraged delegates to learn the unforced rhythms of grace: • Come to Jesus, however you can • Get away to tune into His rhythm • Walk with Jesus, every day, everywhere • Work with, and serve, others • Watch how: learn from Jesus and see how he takes a real rest “It’s Christ’s yoke which refreshes us,” she said, adding: “Trying to fix ourselves is a burden. But Jesus offers us something completely different: a chance to know Him and to be changed by that relationship.

“We can exchange legalism for real life, exchange endless striving for real rest: The unforced rhythms of grace.” v For more on the REAL conference, log on to www.kerith.co.uk. Catrina blogs at www. catrinabenham.com.

STOP PRESS: Extra Torch event planned for Reading CHRISTIANS who have a vision to see public prayer and worship gatherings sweep the UK are planning a special event to take place on the night the Olympic Torch reaches Reading.

The 7.14 Prayer and Praise event will take place on Monday, July 9 opposite Marks & Spencer in Reading’s Broad Street. It starts at 7.14pm and continues until 8.12pm.

Organisers say it’s a chance for the people of God to gather in one place at one time. v For more details, log on to its Facebook group, www.tinyurl.com/cvmrnzp

Faith at work

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

15

Simon says Houdini’s teeth are magic A childhood hobby is now a career for a retired policeman.

Vicky Wong finds out how a Woodley magician is sharing the Gospel through magic Simon Williams always prays before he goes on stage, but fortunately for the talented magician, he’s done these tricks so many times that he has minimised the possibility of it all going wrong.

“As long as I have practised, and thinking right and know what I’m doing all the rest of it then it will be fine,” he says. “I just pray that people will hear my message and that it won’t overshadowed by any magic that I do.”

This retired police officer turned illusionist and public speaker uses magic not just to entertain but also to communicate a deeper message.

Simon is hard pressed when it comes to naming his favourite magic tricks. After some deliberation he says: “There’s one I do called Houdini’s teeth, which sort of involves using a set of teeth that used to be owned by Harry Houdini.”

He fondly recalls his audition for the Magic Circle; a nerve-wracking 8-12 minute set in front of a panel of magicians that he had admired during his childhood.

He recalls: “I did Houdini’s Teeth and I also did a very old trick known as the Gypsy Thread, which is breaking a long piece of string into several pieces and putting them all back together.

“I did it almost as if doing it at the church show, as it represents the breaking of relationships and repairing represents the restoration of those relationships.

I wanted to include something in that audition about my faith.”

And he didn’t need to worry – he was accepted into the Circle and is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, acting as its treasurer.

He has devised a number of shows that he promises are all granny and family friendly and can be used to explain the Gospel or just watched for the fun of it.

With such an extensive reportoire – not to mention books that set themselves alight – does he worry about one of his tricks backfiring?

“Yes, of course,” Simon says. “Some tricks are designed to go wrong like the ones you set up where say the magician is in trouble, and when it becomes right everyone breathes a sigh of relief.

“Things go wrong from time to time and you have to move on to something else. If it goes wrong it goes wrong.

“What I hope is that I have worked out my routines to such an extent that I have removed the possibility of it going wrong.”

Simon Williams loves baffling people with his conjuring tricks – and the Woodley-based magician has even devised a magical routine that can explain the Gospel message to his audience Pictures: Paul Barnfather But Simon is aware that his conjuring tricks are just that – illusions to entertain.

He says: “At the end of the day it’s entertainment. If everything was going wrong that would be awful, but when they see you are just human then people can appreciate that.”

Simon recalls seeing his first magic show when he was five or six, with

memories of one of the tricks.

“I remember him performing a trick with a fishing net and pole and a live dove appeared and it left me with a sense of wonder as a child,” he says.

Simon was later given a magic set for Christmas and like all young boys began picking things up and went on to perform his first magic show in his living room on the Boxing Day that year.

He vividly remembers the first trick he performed called ‘cutting the lady in half’ using a cardboard cut out and added: “I do that for real now, which is slightly different!

“Dad got interested and was encouraging and he started getting interested in magic himself and he helped prepares props and things that I could use in shows.”

But it didn’t turn into a career until much later on. He became a Police Cadet at 18 and retired after finishing 30 years of service. In the last five years of his service he went to the police’s training department – an experience he enjoyed and was to prove really helpful in his work as a speaker.

He says: “It was a good stepping stone to putting me in front of people. When I finished I decided I wanted to try and do more magic and started to do talks and built it up from there.”

Simon’s faith and his experience in the police are put to great use in some of his talks. These topics include dog handling, asking if eyewitnesses are reliable and even one on how Simon turned a pastime and hobby into a profession.

He has been part of Woodley Baptist Church since 1981, and says with some pride that he was fortunate enough to see the church grow from 20 to over 200 members since then When he isn’t entertaining guests at social functions he also uses magic as a way of explaining Christianity to people who have never been to church and uses it to encourage them to explore faith.

As well as the odd Christmas party and coffee morning, Simon has also performed at weddings having added entertaining guests as one of his fatherof-the bride duties when his daughter got married at the church.

But no matter how many times he performs to entertain and please the crowds, Simon always makes sure that his magic tricks carry a deeper meaning that goes beyond just being entertaining.

“As a Christian first and foremost it’s the message that I am going to give that is important and anything I do must have a real permanent enhancement of that message.” v www.simonwilliams.me.uk

16

News

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

v Peter to help Catholic youth Peter McGeady has been appointed the Catholic Youth Ministry Leader for seven parishes in Reading.

Peter and his wife will move to Reading and he will take up this new appointment in September.

Peter has worked as a school chaplain and for the past three years has been co-ordinating youth activities in Southampton/ Eastleigh/Winchester area. His appointment has been made possible thanks to a special Living Our Faith fund.

Bid for Herman’s Hermits guitar A SCARF belonging to Kenneth Branagh and a guitar signed

by The Tremeloes, Herman’s Hermits and Union Gap are two of the unusual items coming up for auction.

And the items, which also include a chair made by a local carpenter and an afternoon on a private steam railway, are all up for grabs for a very good cause.

Reading-based community charity CommuniCare will be accepting sealed bids for these

items and more at a fundraising quiz night on Saturday, September 15.

The evening will be held at St John and St Stephen’s Church in Newtown, Reading and will help raise vital cash for the charity which offers advice, support and information to the community.

Teams of up to six are welcome and entry is £5 per person. You are invited to bring your own snacks and drinks, to ensure as much money as

possible goes to the charity.

At the interval, as well as the sealed bid auction, there will be a raffle where prizes include a cream tea at The Herb Garden in Sonning Common and vouchers for Argos, The Entertainer and other stores.

The organisers will accept bids from those who can’t make the quiz night.

“If you are unable to attend our really fun evening but would like to view the list of items to

VISITORS to a Bracknell church would have been forgiven for thinking the ark was coming when it turned its grounds over to the animals.

The visit by the furry friends wasn’t inspired by the wet weather – instead it was one of the ways in which Kerith Community Church marked Fathers’ Day. There were also live bands, inflatables and food to enjoy on the special fun day, which was held on Sunday, June 17.

v Birthday fun PARISHIONERS at St Peter’s in Woolhampton will be celebrating the church’s birthday on Sunday, July 1.

There will be a special service at 11am, followed by lunch in the Russian Hut at Monksmead Farm.

Also celebrating will be St Peter’s Church, Brimpton. It will host a Songs of Praise service at 10.45am, followed by drinks, nibbles and games for the children.

v Thirsty work Thirsty members of All Saints Church in Downshire Square, Reading have raised £110.88 at a recent coffee morning.

The money will be donated to Mission to Seafarers.

vMBE for school governor A GOVERNOR of a Reading school has received an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Margaret Wooldridge was recognised for her services to education and she sits on the governors’ board of English Martyrs Catholic School.

v Hymns and Pimms Reading Minster Church in central Reading held a Hymns and Pimms ecumenical celebration of hymn singing on Saturday, June 30, at 4pm.

The hymns sung were a top ten chosen by the parishioners.

Afterwards, the church served refreshments including Pimms, a selection of nonalcoholic drinks, scones and cakes.

be auctioned with their reserve price, and instructions on how to make a sealed bid, please email ccareauction@btinternet. com,” said Lorna Taylor.

“Your entry will be put in a sealed envelope and entered along with the other sealed bids.

At the quiz evening bids will be opened and the highest wins.

Bidding opens from July 6.” v For more details or to book tickets, call Lorna or Andrew Taylor on (0118) 966 3912.

Thanks Dad!

Summer fun for young ones at holiday clubs v CHILDREN in Woodley are invited to a week of craft, drama, games, painting and Bible stories.

The fun takes place at Christ Church in Woodley as part of an On Your Marks holiday club. It runs from Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 10. Sessions start at 10am and continue until 12.30pm.

The club is aimed at ages five to 10 and entry is free. For more details, call (0118) 926 8590. v Caversham children are set for a week of fun and games this Summer with the Churches Together in Caversham holiday club.

In the mornings, activities will be based on Scripture Union’s On Your Marks material and will be full of games, crafts, drama, music and Bible stories.

In the afternoons there will be the chance to try different sports, with sessions run by local sports coaches.

The holiday club runs from 10am to 3pm from Monday, July 23 to Friday, July 27 at Thameside Primary School, Caversham and is open to all children aged five to 11.

Places can be booked by calling Megan Temple on 07405 985331 or emailing holidayclub.caversham@ yahoo.co.uk. v The King’s Club team will return to Goring for On Your Marks.

Aimed at children aged four to 11, entry to the week-long event is free.

Each morning, from 10am to 12.30pm, children can enjoy a mixture of music, craft, drama, games and Bible stories, all using the Scripture Union material.

It runs from Monday, July 23 to Friday, July 27 and weather permitting, the week will end with a family barbecue on the Friday.

It takes place at Goring Village Hall and places are limited. For more details, log on to www.goringfreechurch.org.uk. v All Nations Christian Centre in Berkeley Avenue, Reading will hold an sports-inspired holiday club from Monday, July 23 to Friday, July 27 from 10am to noon. To book a free place or for details, email holidayclub@allnationselim.org or call (0118) 950 5661. v THE COOMBES CE School is the venue for a special holiday Bible Club later this month.

Going For Gold will be run

by Arborfield and Barkham

Churches and the fun-packed week will included talks, crafts, singing and sports.

Taking place from Monday, July 23-Friday, July 27, it’s open for under fives in the mornings and for children up to the age of 14 from 10am to 3pm.

Sessions for under fives cost £2.50, while children aged 5-14 pay £8 per day. An early arrival scheme will also run from 8.45am at £3 per child.

The church says that no family will have to pay more than £80.

Full details can be found on the church’s website, www.abch.org.uk. v WARFIELD churches are celebrating the end of term with a special family fun day following its morning service on Sunday, July 15.

Events will include games, football and a barbecue and take place at Warfield School from noon to 4pm. v St Mark’s Binfield is planning a holiday club with a sporting theme.

It will take place at the church from Monday, July 23 to Wednesday, July 25.

The holiday club is hugely popular – last year there were 83 children every day and organisers aim to give children a fun time while learning more about faith.

For more details or to book a place, log on to www.binfieldchurches.org.uk or call the parish office on (01344) 421079.

News v Choir off for an early Bath THE CHOIR of Earley St Peter’s will be singing at Bath Abbey later this month.

They have been asked to help with leading a choral evensong on Saturday, July 7, and the church is arranging a coach party to hear them in action.

For more details, call the parish office on (0118) 966 8575 or email stpetersearley@ btinternet.com.

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

17

Taking time for tea and prayer

v Morris men to star at fete THE Kennet Morris Men will be one of the star attractions at St Mary’s Church’s fete.

The Shinfield church has arranged for the troop to come and perform at the summer fun day on Saturday, July 7.

Plans are also in place for the usual array of side shows, stalls and games including a cake stall, toys, books and a plant stand.

The fun takes place from noon to 4pm at Shinfield School Green.

v Mini-choirs for mini-Prom TO CELEBRATE the Proms, a Reading church is holding its own version.

Four mini-choirs will be performing a range of music at South Street Arts Centre on Friday, July 13. The fun evening of music has been organised

by Reading Family Church and tickets cost just £5.

The church is also planning a family picnic on Sunday, July 15.

Activities will include a bouncy adventure course.

For more details, visit www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

v Go on safari MEMBERS of St James’ and St Mary & St John’s churches in Finchampstead ae preparing for a safari.

The big game they’ll be hunting won’t be tigers or lions, but tasty suppers instead.

The Supper Safari takes place across the parish on Saturday, July 14. It starts with pre-dinner drinks at one of the parish centres, before heading to homes for the meal.

It costs £15 per head. For detail, call Jacky Coleman-Smith on (0118) 973 4898 or Shirley Moore on (0118) 973 6436.

CAKES and cups of tea were combined with worship last month when a Reading church hosted its latest Prayer Cafe.

Held to coincide with the East Reading Festival on Sunday, June 10, St Bartholomew’s Church in St Bartholomew’s Road served the tasty refreshments as soon as the Palmer Park-based festival finished at 4pm.

The church had been converted into cafe style seating area and, to accommodate demand, organisers had to erect additional tables and dig out extra tea pots. Each table was decorated with an ice-breaking sheet containing puzzles, a short Scripture reading and a

cartoon and visitors were encouraged to talk to each other while enjoying the refreshments.

More than 40 people came along to sample drinks, cakes and biscuits at the afternoon event, which concluded with a short message from its vicar, the Revd Nigel Hardcastle, who retired at the end of June after 40 years of ministry.

The Prayer Cafe has been held at the church for just over a year and St Barts’ is pleased with how well it has been received by its guests.

“We’re meant to be part of the community and be a good neighbour,” said Jane Kenyon, one of the organisers. “Church can be

overwhelming for people but Prayer Cafe is a way to let people come in to a non-threatening space.”

“It’s good for churches like us to open our doors and make people feel welcome.”

Jane added that the Cafe has been valued by the people who come along each month to the simple 45-minute event.

“Having space at a prayer cafe setting is lovely. People really enjoy it and appreciate it.” v Prayer Cafe returns to St Bartholomew’s Church on Sunday, July 8 at 4pm. For more details, log on to www.lukeandbart.org.uk

Nigel retires afters 40 years AFTER 40 years of ministry, a winner of a prestigious local award and tireless champion of interfaith dialogue has swapped the pulpit for spending more time with his grandchildren.

The Revd Nigel Hardcastle retired as vicar of St Luke’s and St Bartholomew’s churches in East Reading at a special service held on Sunday, June 24.

The preacher at the special service, which was held at St Luke’s, was the Venerable Norman Russell, archdeacon of Berkshire. Afterwards, the many guests could enjoy refreshments and reflect on Nigel’s ministry.

Nigel joined St Luke’s and St Bart’s in 1999, although he had previously attended the church while he was a student studying physics at the University of Reading. Over the years he has worked within the local

As you were … Nigel Hardcastle at his ordination in 1972 and with wife June at the Pride of Reading awards last year over the last dozen or so years. communities, helping establish the Reading Faith Forum. This led Vicars can do very little on their to him being named Community own,” he said.

And he has lots to reflect on Champion in last year’s Pride of from his 40 years’ ministry.

Reading awards.

“I do remember someone in Although Nigel has been busy a time of darkness quoting back looking after two churches and a sermon I had preached on being a community leader, he suffering,” Nigel said. is quick to acknowledge the “I met someone who retold assistance he has received from to me the talk I had given to a the members of the churches. school at least 15 years before “I want to thank everyone for all their help, prayers and support that. I look round and see

people who started coming to church after a baptism – even a churchwarden. Recently a lady we knew nearly 30 years ago in Birmingham wrote to say she was being ordained.

“As the parable says, some seed fell on good soil.”

Nigel, with his wife June, are moving to Tilehurst and hopes to continue to bump into friends.

“If you do see me in town or in the supermarket do give me a wave or, if we both have time, stop for a short talk,” he said.

The churches are currently without a vicar and the Wardens will step in to the breach. But Nigel is looking forward to finding out what happens next to the churches he has looked after.

He said: “Vicars come and go.

Times change. Good things and bad things both pass away but God remains constant. He leads us on.”

18

Sport

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

v News from the Thames Valley Churches Football League

Awards night celebrates a successful season The 2011/12 season of the Thames Valley Churches Football League was a season of goals.

Over 107 games, 670 goals were scored: an average of 6.26 per game – not a year for the defender.

Kerith Community Church were ahead of the pack ending with a goal difference of +111.

In the quest for the Golden Boot, 19 players scored 10 or more, while Bethel United shared their goals around, with 21 players finding the net.

On Friday, May 25, players, managers and supporters of

teams within the Thames Valley Churches Football League gathered together at Wycliffe Baptist Church in Reading to celebrate the end of another successful season.

After food, teams settled down to a Christians In Sports Olympic themed quiz before the presentation of awards.

The league committee would like to thank everyone involved, particularly the managers, players and referees.

Thanks also to the churches for their continued support.

JAMES HERN

LEAGUE WINNERS Tilehurst Albion (above) RUNNERS UP Kerith (below)

Reading’s newest restaurant

B

barts grill

&

restaurant

Open seven days Noon-11pm • Lunches • Daily carvery • Fantastic main meals 3 course made to order Table D’Hôte Dinner • Veggie friendly 95 • Family friendly • Bar area 2 course • On 17 bus route Table D’Hôte Lunch • Call us & we’ll pick 95 you up (£7.50 for up to 4 people) 21 WOKINGHAM ROAD, READING, RG6 1LE (0118) 966 2268 WWW.BARTSGRILL .COM

Exclusive A la Carte menu

£19. £10.

Traditional & Contemporary Heavenly Indian Cuisine Est. 1980

www.miahs.co.uk

SUNDAYS

MONDAYS

HEAVENLY BUFFET FANTASTIC VALUE

£7.95

T AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE

PER PERSON EXCLUDES DRINKS

25% OFF

FOOD BILL ONLY EXCLUDES DRINKS

MAGNIFICENT MEALS EVERY DAY PHILMAR CUP WINNERS COLIN LOWERY TROPHY Kerith Community Church WINNERS Greyfriars Church SAFFRON PANGBOURNE SPENCERS WOOD GARDEN OF GULAB Runner-Up Tilehurst Albion West Reading CFC 0118 975 7789 0118 988 8394 0 1Runner-Up 18 984 3731 0118 966 7979 Wokingham Road Reading RG6 1JL

39 Whitley St, Reading RG2 0EG

Basingstoke Road,

26 Reading Road,

RG7 1AE RG8 7LY For the latest on the league, log on to tvcfl.footify.com

Sport/News

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

Best of British for flower festival

GOLDEN BOOT Ben Findley (Kerith Community Church) with 41 league goals

SPECIAL AWARD Neil Healy (Wycliffe Wanderers) for scoring over 30 league goals

FAIR PLAY WINNERS Reading Family Church and Greyfriars FC

FAIR PLAY RUNNERS-UP Vineyard FC

Player of the Season Winner Brady Liley (Tilehurst Albion)

Player of the Season – Runner-Up Barry Agar (Kerith Community Church) and Rob Tebby (Greyfriars FC)

New teams welcomed for the 12-13 season The Thames Valley Churches Football League is looking for more teams and referees to join them next season.

With the vision to attract churches, players and referees into a league that lives the values of the Christian message, organisers say that the TVCFL may be just what you’re looking for.

The league is an independently run 11-a-side adult men’s league.

Games are played on a Saturday morning between September and April.

The 2012/13 season will the 25th year that the league has been serving the

local Christian community, providing an alternative football experience.

If you’re not sure if entering a team into the league is for you, then organisers invite you to consider entering your church into its Cup competition.

This is a smaller commitment of approximately four games throughout the season.

The league also welcomes applications from referees, or for players who are looking for a club to join. v For more details, contact James Hern by emailing tvcfl.secretary@gmail.com.

The Crowthorne Flower Festival – an extremely popular event in the village’s Carnival calendar – is to return to St John’s church over the weekend of July 14-16.

More than 30 local organisations, schools, clubs and churches will be taking part making this a true community event. Organisers say that visitors will be delighted by the numerous spectacular floral displays, all of which will be created in the carnival theme of Best of British.

This year, Crowthorne church will be raising funds for COATS and HopeZone, two local charities supporting the older and younger members of the Crowthorne community.

Yvonne Hattersley from COATS said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the local charities to be supported by the Flower Festival in 2012.

“Not only will this help us financially but will raise public awareness of our work.”

The Revd Robin Selmes, assistant chair of the Crowthorne HopeZone, said: “The donation from the flower festival will make a huge difference as this will enable us to build upon our existing work and vision: Ensuring the young people in our community have a safe space to meet.”

The last Flower Festival, in 2010, raised more than £4,000 for Help for Heroes charity, and organisers of this year’s festival are hoping to raise a similar sum of money.

19

Carol Cain, chairman of the Crowthorne Flower Festival, said: “We are truly excited about this year’s festival.

“It’s great to see so many local people who are so passionate about their contribution and making the event a success. It is a great day out for all the family while, at the same time, raising valuable funds for a worthwhile charity.”

Visitors will be able to enjoy musical entertainment from various local groups.

Refreshments and light lunches will be available throughout the festival and profits from this will go to the church’s repair and renovation fund. There will be a display of patchwork and quilting items from Crowthorne Crafts and hopefully demonstrations from other local craft groups.

Doors to the Waterloo Road church will open on Saturday at 10am. On Sunday, visitors are welcome between noon and 6pm and on Monday, the festival will be open from 10am to 4pm. v For further information email Carol Cain on Carolcain@btinternet.com

20 July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

v What’s on These are some special events taking place in churches over the next month.

A full events calendar, complete with listings for special church services and local activities can be found at xnmedia.co.uk.

You can also submit your own events by sending an email to editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Sunday, July 1 ALDERMASTON – St Peter’s.

Church birthday celebration.

11am. All welcome.

BRIMPTON – St Peter’s. Songs of Praise service followed by drinks, nibbles and games for the children. 10.45am. All welcome.

EARLEY – Laurel Park. Go Kart Race and Fun Day organised

by Six Sixty. Other events include bouncy castle, face painting and entertainment. £5 per kart. In aid of Six Sixty, two local charities and a community project in Uganda. Details: www. sixsixty.org.uk or 07887 494875.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

The Kennet Ensemble in concert. In aid of Helen and Douglas House and Great Ormond Street Hospital. 3pm.

Music includes Krommer’s Concerto op 35 for two clarinets and The Shepherd on the Rock for Soprano, Clarinet and Piano. £10 adults, £5 concessions and under 12s free. Available on the door. Details: (0118) 979 2122 or email karen.ayton@ btinternet.com.

Monday, July 2 SOUTHCOTE – Grange URC, Southcote Lane. Churches Together In Reading AGM. 7.45pm. All welcome. Details: 01491 671357.

Tuesday, July 3 CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10am. Details: 07917 027783.

Thursday, July 5 CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10.30am. Details: 07917 027783.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Coffee morning in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. 10am.

Friday, July 6 READING – Tyndale Baptist Church, Cressingham Road.

Level 1 Food Hygiene training course for churches. 11.30am. £30 per person. Certificate lasts for three years. Details: Maureen Keeble, the church’s administrator, (0118) 986 7195 or email admin@

tyndalereading.org.uk.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

Reading Hard of Hearing Club. All welcome.

2pm-3.45pm. Details: (0118) 926 8055 or email maureendickens.271@ btinternet.com.

Saturday, July 7 CROWTHORNE – Wellington Business Park to Morgan Recreation Ground. Carnival, including procession and stalls. From noon. Partcipants include the Reading Scottish Pipe Band and Bracknell Vineyard Church. Details: crowthornecarnival.co.uk.

SHINFIELD – School Green.

St Mary’s Church presents its annual church fete. Noon4pm.

TILEHURST – St Catherine of Sienna, Wittenham Avenue.

Healing service with the Revd Robert Barthram. 7pm. All welcome.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

South Berkshire Singers present Songs for a Summer Evening in aid of the WADE centre. 7.30pm. £8, Concessions £6. Details: (0118) 931 0319.

Sunday, July 8 CAVERSHAM – Christchurch Meadows. Caversham Festival including Churches Together Service from 11am.

All welcome.

TILEHURST – Lifespring Church, Prospect School.

Visit by Pastors Cesar and Claudia Castellanos, leaders of G12 Vision. They will pray for the leaders and the church’s new buildings.

10.30am. Details: www. lifespringchurch.org.uk.

SONNING – Reading Blue Coat School. Church away day for Greyfriars and New Hope Churches based on the More Than Gold theme, focusing on respect, excellence, friendship, courage, determination, inspiration and equality. 10.30am-5pm.

Details: www.greyfriars. org.uk.

SONNING – St Andrew’s Church. Induction of The Revd Alison Waters as pioneer minister of the Sonning Parish, led by the Venerable Norman Russell.

10.30am.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Primary School Field, Norreys Avenue. All Saints and Norreys Churches present Community Festival.

2pm-5pm. Free entry.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Messy Church for families. 4pm6pm. Details: (0118) 926 8143.

Tuesday, July 10 CROWTHORNE – Vineyard Church, Wellington Business Park, Dukes Ride.

Encouraging Mums: A Garment Of Praise. 12.30pm2.30pm. Details: (01344) 780087.

CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10am. Details: 07917 027783.

READING – St Bartholomew’s Church, St Bartholomew’s Road. Art exhibition and café. 4pm-6pm. Includes opportunity to watch the Olympic Torch as it passes the church.

READING – St Andrew’s Church, London Road.

Celebrations of the Olympic Torch arrival including family fun events, lives music and more. 5pm-7pm. Free. All welcome.

READING –Broad Street, opposite Marks & Spencer.

Prayer and praise to mark the Olympic Torch arrival in Reading. 7.14pm-8.12pm.

Wednesday, July 11

Calendar Saturday, July 14 CAVERSHAM – Boat House.

Caversham LEP Church walk from Caversham Bridge to the Swan in Pangbourne.

10am.

CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road. Best of British Flower Festival in aid of COATS and Hope Zone. Includes musical interludes and craftwork exhibitions. 10am-6pm.

HARE HATCH – Yeldall Manor. Annual open day – strawberry tea, thanksgiving service, stalls and more.

Details: (0118) 940 1093.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road.

Barbershop Quartet concert.

Evening concert in aid of Tools For Self-Reliance.

7.30pm. Suggested donation of £8/£6 concessions. Tickets available on the door. Details: (0118) 926 8143.

SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yately Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Jubilee Fair.

11.30am-2pm. Lunches served noon-2pm. Details: sandhurstmethodist.org.uk.

Sunday, July 15

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Reading Family Church presents the Vocal Proms: four mini-choirs for your enjoyment.

7.30pm. £5. Details: www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Teddy Bear Olympics and family fun day. From 12.15pm. In aid of Church heating fund. Details: www.stmarysburghfield.org.

CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road. Best of British Flower Festival in aid of COATS and Hope Zone. Includes musical interludes and craftwork exhibitions. Noon-6pm.

Songs of Praise 6.30pm.

NATIONAL – Across area. Walk To Church Sunday and shrink your carbon footprint.

WARFIELD – School. Warfield Churches family fun day including barbecue, football and games. Noon-4pm.

Details: www.warfield.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

Come and Sing the Fauré Requiem with the church choir and a professional Soprano and Baritone soloists. 7pm. £8, concessions £4, under 18s free. 7pm.

Details: (0118) 932 8094.

WOODLEY – Baptist Church, Hurricane Way. Southern Counties Baptist Association event with Chris Duffet, president of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

Wednesday, July 11

Monday, July 16

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens. More Than Gold Cascade of Prayer prayer baton passed from Oxford to Reading to Salisbury. St Peter’s Church (next door) open for refreshments. Details: www. cavershamchurch.org.uk.

WHITLEY – St Agnes, Northumberland Avenue.

Olympic Torch relay breakfast outside the church. From 8am. Includes a visit from the Praise Bus. Details: www. saintapb.org.uk.

Thursday, July 12 CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10.30am. Details: 07917 027783.

Friday, July 13

SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane. Senior citizens afternoon tea and quiz. 3pm.

Details: 07900 191347.

Friday, July 13 CROWTHORNE – High Street. Visit by Chris Duffett, President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Includes training in practical street evangelism. Details: www.bighearted.org.uk.

CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road. Best of British Flower Festival in aid of COATS and Hope Zone. 10am-4pm.

Tuesday, July 17 CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10am. Details: 07917 027783.

HENLEY – Highmoor Hall. BRF presents a writers workshop for its Upper Room series of Bible reading notes. £20.

Booking closes on July 10.

Details: www.brf.org.uk.

Thursday, July 19 CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10.30am. Details: 07917 027783.

Friday, July 20 CROWTHORNE – Morgan Recreation Ground.

Churches Together Crowthorne and Thames Valley Police present summer fun sessions for youngsters.

2.30pm-5.30pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church. Patronal festival weekend: flower festival.

10am-1pm. Refreshments available. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

Reading Hard of Hearing Club. All welcome. 2pm3.45pm. All welcome.

Details: (0118) 926 8055 or email maureendickens.271@ btinternet.com.

Saturday, July 21 CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s, Albert Road. Summer fete.

All welcome. 2pm-4pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church. Patronal festival weekend: flower festival.

10am-4pm. Refreshments available. Madding Crowd Concert with finger buffet.

7.30pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

Sunday July 22 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church. Patronal festival weekend: flower festival.

1pm-5pm. Church tower open, plus cream teas, stalls and games. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

Monday, July 23 BRACKNELL – Methodist Church, Shepherds Lane.

Olympic-themed holiday club. 9am-3.30pm. £10.

Details: (01344) 304973 or email ljesudason@hotmail. co.uk.

CAVERSHAM – Thameside Primary School. Churches Together Caversham presents On Your Marks!

A holiday club for children aged 5-11. 10am-3.30pm.

Continues all week. Details: 07405 985331 or holidayclub. caversham@yahoo.co.uk.

READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue. Sports-themed holiday club for children aged 5-11. 10am-noon.

Free. Continues until Friday.

Details: holidayclub@ allnationselim.org, or call (0118) 950 5661.

GORING – Village Hall. On Your Marks holiday club

for ages 4-11. 10am12.30pm. Continues until Friday. Details: www. goringfreechurch.org.uk.

Tuesday, July 24 CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10am. Details: 07917 027783.

Thursday, July 26 CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church. Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10.30am.

EMMER GREEN – St Barnabas Parish Centre. Study and Discussion group open meeting: a talk by Colin Ferguson, a probation officer, family mediator and preacher.

8pm. All welcome. Details: www.saintbarnabas.org.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary & St John’s Church. Men’s group barbecue. 7.30pm Details: (0118) 973 0556.

READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre. Touching Heaven, Changing Earth conference, hosted by Barnabas Fellowship of Churches, Reading Christian Network and Charismata. Details: www.barnabasengland.org.

Friday, July 27 READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre. Touching Heaven, Changing Earth conference, hosted by Barnabas Fellowship of Churches, Reading Christian Network and Charismata. Details: www.barnabasengland.org.

LOWER EARLEY – Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.

Olympic Games opening ceremony party. Includes, food, games and the ceremony. From 6pm. £5 families, £2 adults, £1 under 16s, under fives free. Details: 07840 494072.

Saturday, July 28 READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre. Touching Heaven, Changing Earth conference, hosted by Barnabas Fellowship of Churches, Reading Christian Network and Charismata. Details: www.barnabasengland.org.

Tuesday, July 31 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Teddy Bears Picnic organised by Fledgelings Group. Bring a picnic. Children’s entertainer, usual fun and games. Details:, (0118) 973 0133.

Monday, August 6 WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. On Your Marks Holiday Bible Club. 10am-12.30pm. Free.

For ages 5-10. Continues until Friday. Details: (0118) 929 8590.

Talents

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

21

v Sharing talents God has given each of us unique gifts and skills. Xn’s talents directory is an opportunity to connect local people with local businesses.

For more on some of our advertisers, visit our website.

We’re sure you’ll find these pages invaluable.

v Piano tuition individual piano tuition.

Lessons for all levels and ages from experienced Reading-based piano teacher. Judith Creighton www.judithcreighton.co.uk or 07957 193366.

v Violin tuition

Violin lessons for beginners learning up to grade 1. One to One tuition.

Reasonable rates in the Reading areas. Contact: Tim Bishop 0752 505 4700 or email timbis2@gmail.com.

Loddon Counselling & Psychology Service.

Accredited counsellors, supervisors, trainers. Over 20 years experience NHS and other settings. CBT available.

07092 022294

Host families wanted

by ELC London Street language school. Students: 16-60 years (2-24 weeks).

B&B + evening meal only. Tel: 0118 958 2247. email:elc@elclondonstreet. co.uk

v Pearlstringing/ jewellery

v English tuition EXPERIENCED PIANO ACCOMPANIST available for music exams and recitals.

Judith Creighton www. judithcreighton.co.uk or 07957 193366.

ENGLISH COURSES with ELC London Street. www. elclondonstreet.co.uk.

Tel: 0118 958 2247.

78, London Street, Reading RG1 4SJ.

v Carpets

Reading Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Margaret Hutton www.asafeplace2talk.co.uk

v Host families

To advertise call 01932 252309 v Piano accompaniment

v Counselling

Pearlstringer/Jeweller.

Repairs and alterations to necklaces/jewellery. Orders taken. Visitors welcome to see workshop etc. Tel: Anne Finnerty (0118) 958 8274.

callaghan carpets and flooring. Home pattern service from a reliable family company. Carpets, vinyls & commercial flooring 40 years’ experience. www. callaghanflooringandcarpets. co.uk or (0118) 962 8527.

v Ted’s offer for Xn readers A LOCAL carpet company will help Yeldall Manor for every order placed through Xn. Callaghan Carpets and Flooring has made the generous offer as it seeks to support the community.

“For every job I do as a result of advertising in Xn magazine I will donate 5% of the total invoice price to Yeldall,” says Ted Callaghan, the company’s MD. “We believe our prices are very competitive – so what have you got to lose?” v For details, call (0118) 962 8527 or log on to www.callaghanflooring

andcarpets.co.uk.

Place your advert in and reach Christian buyers For details call 01932 252309 v Funeral directors A.B. Walker & Son – Berkshire’s leading family funeral and masonry service. www.abwalker.co.uk MILES & DAUGHTERS. The family funeral service. All areas covered. Owned and run by the Miles family. www.milesfunerals.com

v Cleaning & housework

Housework getting in the way? Do you need a helping hand with cleaning, washing, ironing (take away and delivery service only) etc. One-off cleans or regular weekly/ fortnightly Reasonable rate – £10 per hour. References available CRB checked. Contact Vicki Emmett 07916 177529 or vickimotwo@hotmail.com

v Financial services Dunamis Accounting Solutions. Helping you to prosper in business and financial security. E-mail dungerabb@live.co.uk or phone 07952 302737.

v Resources Faith in the Community (Wokingham) – helping Christians work together to transform their local communities. Phone Sharon Elliott 07843 091950 CHURCH NEWSLETTER ARTICLES. Great selection, new every month. Specially written and drawn. www. thesheepdip.co.uk

v Construction Kingsmen Limited.

Construction services, extensions, renovations, new builds, electrical, plumbing. www.kingsmenlimited.co.uk (0118) 958 5777.

v Family circle v Funeral directors

Fifth generation family funeral directors and monumental masons. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

24 Hour assistance 4 Offices with parking Competitively priced Flowers by telephone and on-line Stone memorials Pre-paid funeral plans

Reading head office 0118 957 3650

branches: Wokingham, Bracknell, Henley-on-Thames, Thatcham

www.abwalker.co.uk

v Ordination

v Moving on

Brynn Bayman. The ordination of Brynn Bayman as Priest took place at Reading Minster on Saturday, June 23 at 4pm. His first service to celebrate Holy Communion was held at 11am in St James’ Church, Finchampstead on Sunday, June 24.

HEATHER WILSON. The Baptist minister in training of Caversham Park LEP will conclude her ministry at the church on Sunday, July 1. The farewell service, which starts at 11am, will be followed by a bring and share lunch.

Julie Wearing was ordained in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford at 2pm on Saturday, June 30. The Revd Jamie Taylor, vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Sonning, represented the parish at the service.

METHODIST churches in the Crowthorne circuit will bid farewell to the Revd Robin Selmes at a special service on Sunday, July 15.

Starting at 5pm, it will be held at Crowthorne Methodist Church and give church members the opportunity to pray for him before he leaves the circuit.

The REVD ALISON WATERS will be appointed at Pioneer Minister of Sonning Parish at a special service on Sunday, July 8. The Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Venerable Norman Russell will lead worship at the Parish Eucharist starting at 10.30am. Alison will be based at St Andrew’s as part of the ministry team on Sundays, but will minister across the parish during the week, primarily to young people and families.

The REVD ANNA HARWOOD was ordained into the ministry on Saturday, June 23 at Reading Minster Church. She held her first communion at St. Mary’s Twyford on Sunday, June 24. Her first communion at St. Nicholas’ in Hurst will be held on Sunday, July 1, followed by a picnic on the grounds of the Church.

v Calling St James Church, Woodley has appointed the Revd Nick Jackson from Poole as its new vicar. His ministry will commence in September.

v To place an announcement in Family Circle call 01932 252309

v Retirement THE REVD nigel hardcastle retired from the ministry on Sunday, June 24. As well as being vicar of St Bartholomew’s Church and St Luke’s Church in Reading, he was chair of the Reading Interfaith Group.

v Deaths Canon Brian Murphy O’Connor, brother of Cardinal Cormac and formerly parish priest at English Martyrs, Reading has been promoted to glory. A Funeral Mass was held for him on Wednesday, June 20 at St Peter’s Church in Winchester.

Arts

July 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

Go out to Get Less

GREYFRIARS Bookshop is marking Independent Booksellers Week with a series of special events, including a visit from an author who wants to encourage us to do less to get more.

Brian Draper, who runs the Echosounder course on spiritual intelligence, will be signing copies of his latest book, Less Is More: Spirituality For Busy Lives, at a special session on Wednesday, July 4.

Starting at 7.45pm, the contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Thought For The Day slot will be making the visit to the Friar Street bookstore – part of the Greyfriars’ Church complex in Reading town centre.

At the event, he will lead a workshop and presentation into his practical book, which he describes as simple and profound.

Introducing himself on his website, he says: “I won’t tell you what to do, but I will think aloud – creatively, evocatively, inclusively – in a way that I hope will help you, too, to

quench

=

quenchshops.com

quench

Brian and his new book Less Is More release more of your God-given potential, and to make the difference only you can make.

“Most recently, I’ve written Less is More, which is a short, poetic exploration of how to do more with less. I’m delighted with it.”

Brian used to be editor of Third Way magazine and is an associate lecturer in culture at LICC, a faith-based think-tank in London.

Less Is More attempts to ask how we cam live simply among the frenetic and frenzied culture of the West today and amid the blizzard of downloads, texts, status updates, e-mails, and smart phones.

Tickets cost £3 and can be reserved by emailing bookshop@ greyfriars.org.uk. v Brian Draper’s blog can be found at www. spiritualintelligence.co.uk/. v Other events for Greyfriars include a special opening on Sunday, July 1 from 8.30pm – there will be drinks and nibbles available. There will also be a treasure hunt, with prizes of Bibles for the winners.

Laughs promised in panto

Justin Fletcher and Jolyon Dixon practice their slapstick routines for Beauty And The Beast, this year’s panto at The Hexagon in Reading. This will be their third Christmas working together YOUTH group leaders are being encouraged to think about Christmas now – and book tickets for The Hexagon’s pantomime.

The Reading-based theatre is welcoming back its double act of CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher and panto dame Jolyon Dixon for its performance of Beauty and the Beast.

They will play Willy Do-It and Dame Dorothy respectively.

Also joining them on stage will be Vicki Michelle, best known for her role as Yvette in the sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo, and Nigel Levinson, who played Beauty’s father in The Hexagon’s staging of Sleeping Beauty in 2010.

The show runs from Saturday, December 8

v CDs & DVDs quench

=

Satisfy the thirst for truth…

Serving the Church & Communities in Berkshire with Christian Resources Maidenhead | Reading | Slough | Wokingham • Bibles & Christian Books • CDs & DVDs • Gifts & Cards • Discipleship Course Material • Church Candles • Communion Wafers & Wine • Confirmation, Christening & Baptism Certificates • Bible Reading Notes & Study Guides • Sunday School & Teaching Material • Children & Youth Work Resources • and much, much more Pop into your local store Monday-Saturday Or visit us online at quenchshops.com Store addresses & opening hours are on-line Maidenhead 01628 621985 Reading 0118 957 6078 Slough 01753 538999 Wokingham 0118 977 6715

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Tim Hughes Ultimate Collection

Tim Hughes

Everything in Colour Ben Cantelon

Courageous DVD

The Hurt and the Healer Mercy Me 10,000 Reasons Matt Redman

The Loft Sessions Bethel Music

Spirit Break Out Worship Central

You are Love Darlene Zschech

Response Phil Wickham

Dad’s 50 Favourite Worship Songs Various

quench

to Sunday, January 6 and tickets are already on sale. Special rates are available for groups and Reading Arts, the company behind The Hexagon, says they are hugely popular with church clubs such as Scout troops and youth groups.

“Beauty and the Beast is already shaping up to be bigger, better and maybe even messier than last year’s panto if Dame Dorothy and Willy Do-It have anything to do with it,” said a spokesperson for Reading Arts.

“We love hosting groups and your church group could even get a mention in the show!” v To book call the box office on (0118) 960 6060 or log on to www.readingarts.com.

the thirst for truth… quench vSatisfy Top reads

=

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Hosting Serving the Church &the Communities in Berkshire with Christian Resources Presence Maidenhead | Bill Reading | Slough | Wokingham Johnson Strong • Bibles & Christian There Books • are CDsNo & DVDs • Gifts & Cards • Discipleship Course People Jeff LucasMaterial • Church Candles Healing Unplugged • Communion Wafers Wine & Randy Bill&Johnson • Confirmation, Christening & Baptism Certificates Clark • Bible Reading NotesJesus & Study Guides Lives • Sunday School & Teaching Material Sarah Young • Children & Youth Work Resources Spirit Rising • and much, much more Jim Cymbala Pop into your local store Monday-Saturday If God, Then What?

Or visit us online at quenchshops.com Store addresses &Andrew openingWilson hours are on-line The Voice Maidenhead 01628 621985 Reading 0118 957 6078 Slough 01753 538999Complete WokinghamBible 0118 977 6715 How God Became King

Tom Wright

The Fight Luke Wordley

Simply Jesus Tom Wright

quench

quenchshops.com

v Books

quenchshops.com

22

Sat

Serving the Chu in Berkshire with Maidenhead | Readin

• Bibles & Christian B • Gifts & Cards • Dis • Church Candles • Communion Wafers • Confirmation, Christ • Bible Reading Notes • Sunday School & Tea • Children & Youth W • and much, much mo Pop into your local Or visit us online Store addresses & Maidenhead 01628 6219 Slough 01753 538999

Puzzles/reader offer

To advertise call 01932 252309 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | July 2012

Str8ts STR8TS

1 6 5

9

2 3 9 4 6 8 7 1 5 6 4 1 9 7 5 8 2 3 5 8 7 2 3 1 9 4 6 7 5 6 1 8 2 3 9 4 1 2 3 7 9 4 5 6 8 4 9 8 6 5 3 1 7 2 9 7 5 3 2 6 4 8 1 3 6 4 8 1 7 2 5 9 7 8 6

8 1 2 5 4 9 6 3 7

Sudoku Solution

5 4 3 2

2 1 6 1 3 2 2 1 8 3 9 7 4 6 5 5 7 9 8 6 8 7 7 5 6 6 7 9 8 3 9 8 3 4 1 2 5 2 3 1 2 1 3

9 8 7

9

7 © 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

9 3

4

4

9 2

1

6 1 1 2

7

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 Each compartment must form a straight 6 4 5 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 3 6 2 remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight.

3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

6 3 2 1 5 2 1 9 8 6 7 6 3 5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts.

If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

25% off

v Xn shop Every month, we’ll put together a range of special offers and discounted books specially for you. Here’s our latest selection. Look out for another collection of great titles next issue!

Dare To Walk In Power, Authority And Love

Step Out in Faith Bible schools have grown to 206 with over 20,000 students and 5 orphanages with 1,857 orphans.

This was not through Suzanne’s vision or planning, but a result of hearing and obeying God in prayer.

This book teaches on the power, authority and love Suzanne has received from God and the Bible that has enabled this work to be done.

Foreword by Ed Harding Dare To

WALK IN POWER, AUTHORITY AND LOVE

The“ fifth title in Suzanne Pillan’s ” Dare To series, this book dares you to enter into the miracle ministry of SUZANNE PILLANS God by simple faith and obedience to the Word of God. It focuses on the Protection of God, the Authority of Jesus and the Love and Grace of God. Suzanne’s ministry supports over 200 Step out in Faith Bible schools and five orphanages.

Suzanne is a remarkable woman, simply being obedient to the call of God, learning and teaching biblical principles and above all, living in faith to believe God for big things. - Ed Harding, evangelist and author

This is the fifth book in the ‘Dare To’ series.

Suzanne lives with her husband and family at the Standlake Equestrian Centre and ranch in Oxfordshire, England.

They run a riding school for a living and the ranch to raise funds for the ministry.

They also travel extensively, speaking at conferences and crusades in many countries and running Bible schools and orphanages.

����������������������

www.newwineministries.co.uk

� ������ ������

��������������������������

���������������������

From �������������� ������������ Chairbound To Heaven Bound

���������������������������������������������������������������������

����������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������

for

������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������� ������������������������������������

�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �

����������������������

www.newwineministries.co.uk

� ������ ������

readers

������������ ���������������

�������������� ������������ ���������������������

Jean Neil was severely abused in both� her family life and in children’s �� homes in Jersey, and confined to a wheelchair after a car crash left her paralysed below the waist. But she ws instantaneously and miraculously healed on March 12th 1988. Her book is written to build faith that however hard your circumstances nothing is too hard for God. �

I’m holding the wet weather option!

��������������������������������������������

Mummy, I Can’t Wait To Go To Heaven �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������

��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������

�

Mummy,

I can’t wait to go to

Heave n!

The� story of the life, � faith and death at the age of 11 of James Hurst, as told by his mother Sadie. This is a moving testimony ����������������������� ���������������������� to the faithfulness and goodness of God in the most trying of circumstances – the long illness and suffering of a child. The story will inspire individuals and families who find themselves in similar circumstances. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������

����������������������������������������������������

����������������������������������������������������� ����������������������

���������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������� ���������������������

������������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������� ������������������

����������������������

www.newwineministries.co.uk

��������������������

��������������������������������������������������������������������������������

9 8 4 5 6

1

8

���������������������������������������������������������������������������

8 7 9 6 5 3 2 4

9

New Wine Press

ANSWERS Str8ts Solution

5 8 3 6

Dare To WALK IN POWER, AUTHORITY AND LOVE

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, investigate any written complaints.

Xn conforms to the newspaper industry’s voluntary Code of Practice, administered by the Press Complaints Commission. If you feel we have made an error in a report, or have fallen below our usual high standards, please write in the first instance to: Phil Creighton, editor, Xn, c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Reading RG1 3BE. If the editor is unable to resolve your complaint, it will be passed to Xn’s independent Council of Reference for arbitration.

The PCC code of practice, along with details of how to complain, is available from Halton House, 20/23 High Holborn, London EC1N 2JD, www.pcc.org.uk. Email complaints@pcc.org.uk or telephone 020 7831 0022, helpline 0845 600 2757.

3 7

3

2 2

SUZANNE PILLANS

Editor & publisher Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk Distribution Judith Creighton judith@xnmedia.co.uk Contributors Michael Penny, Steve VaughanTurner, John Madeley, Richard Becher, Ken Perrett, Mabel Boyd, Vicky Wong, Jonathan Brown, Neville Hollands Thanks to Michael Penny, Alan Magness, Louise Cole, JAC, Ray Coates, Laura Blackburn Finlay, Paul Burnish, RCN, Mary Brockington, Colin Preston, Matt Hearn, Sharon Elliott, Jeremy Sharpe, Christine Joyce, James Hern, Nigel Hardcastle Advertising Richard Roper, Roperpenberthy 01932 252309 advertising@xnmedia.co.uk Printed by Trinity Mirror Reading Xn is published monthly by Xn Media. ISSN 2049-4971

3 9

6 9 4 6

Xn is published by Xn Media c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE www.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmedia

Tough www.drawingfromexperience.blogspot.com

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

7

Steve Vaughan-Turner

Sudoko SUDOKU

Easy

23

� ������ ������

�����������������������������������������������������

RRP £7.99, Xn price £5.99

RRP £7.99, Xn price £5.99

RRP £7.99, Xn price £5.99

Beloved African

The Most Famous Book in the World – a Celebration of the King James Bible

Women in the Bible, Miracle Births, Heroic Deeds, Bloodlust and Jealousy

John Hammond was one of Rhodesia’s foremost educators of the black population.

Born in a pole and dagga hut and brought up speaking Ndebele, he educated a generation of children so they could run a modern country. John’s faith gave him motivation that so impressed people that he was called ‘our father – the great teacher, loved by all Africans’.

RRP £11.99, Xn price £8.99

Twenty two well-known personalities; clergy, politicians, media and sports personalities, scientists and businessmen, from across the spectrum of churchmanship, reveal their favourite Bible passage.

RRP £4.99, Xn price £3.74

��������������������

From Abi to Zipporah, Eve to the Whore of Babylon, this book tells the stories of the Women of the Bible. It looks at the meaning of their name, and explores what is known about them and the relevance and importance of their life in the wider Bible story. The beautiful gift book is illustrated and is a mine of information.

RRP £11.99, Xn price £8.99

To order, call 01932 252309 state code RXn001

To order your books and claim your discount telephone 01932 252309 and state code RXn001.

Alternatively write with a cheque to RoperPenberthy Publishing Ltd, Springfield House, 23 Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9LZ or email grace@roperpenberthy.co.uk. Post and packing £1.50 per book, orders over £10 post free.

26 –28th July 2012 Rivermead Leisure Centre, –28th July 2012 2626 –28th July 2012 Reading, Berkshire –28th July 2012 26 –28th July 2012 Rivermead Leisure Centre, Rivermead Leisure Centre, Rivermead Leisure Centre, Centre, ThisRivermead conference is Leisure about bringing “Heaven down to Earth”. We believe that we are poised for a Reading, Berkshire Reading, Berkshire Reading, Berkshire move of God and are asking our friends locally and nationally to come together, to stand with us Reading, Berkshire and see His Kingdom come.

This conference isisabout bringing “Heaven down toto Earth”. believe that we are poised for aa a conference is bringing “Heaven down Earth”.

We believe that we are poised ThisThis conference about bringing “Heaven down Earth”.

We believe that we are poised This conference is about about bringing “Heaven down to Earth”.We We believe that we are poised forfor move of and are asking our friends locally and nationally come together, to stand with us move of God and are asking our friends locally and nationally come together, to stand with Coming the move of God God and areconference asking our friends locally and nationally to come together, stand with move ofto God and are asking our friends locally and nationallytoto to come together, toto stand with us us and see His Kingdom come. and see His Kingdom come. andand seesee HisHis Kingdom come.

Kingdom come.

National and local leaders will be standing together to see the Lord come in greater measure upon Coming to the conference our city of Reading and in our land. To find out more about each leader attending the conference Coming the conference Coming to the conference Coming toto the conference please visit our website. www.barnabasengland.org.

National andand local leaders willwill bebe standing together toto see the greater upon National local leaders standing together see theLord Lordcome comeinin greater measure measure National local leaders will standing together to see measure upon National andand local leaders will bebestanding together to see the theLord Lordcome comeiningreater greater measure upon our our city of Reading and in our land.

To find out more about each leader attending the conference city of Reading and in our land.

To find out more about each leader attending the conference our city of Reading and in our land.

To find out more about each leader attending the conference our city of Reading and in our land. To find out more about each leader attending the conference please visitvisit ourour website. www.barnabasengland.org. please website. www.barnabasengland.org. please visit website. www.barnabasengland.org. please visit ourour website. www.barnabasengland.org.

Dr Michael Maiden.

Leader of Church for the Nations

Christen Forster.

Leader of ‘Supranatural’ Life

Billy Kennedy. Leader of Pioneer Network

Evangelist Don Double

Evangelist Kennedy.

Leader Christen Forster. BillyBilly Evangelist Dr Michael Maiden.Christen Kennedy.

Leader Forster.

Dr Michael Maiden.

Evangelist Billy Kennedy.

Leader Christen Forster.

Dr Michael Maiden.

Double of Pioneer Network DonDon Leader of of Church for Double of Pioneer Network Leader of LeaderLeader of Church for Don Double of Pioneer Network Leader of Leader of Church for Evangelist Billy Kennedy.

Leader Christen Forster.

Dr Michael Maiden.

‘Supranatural’ Life the Nations ‘Supranatural’ Life the Nations ‘Supranatural’ Life the Nations Don Double of Pioneer Network Leader of

Leader of Church for the Nations

‘Supranatural’ Life

Dr Hugh Osgood.

Leader of CIC International Dr Hugh Osgood.

John Noble.

Former Dr Hugh Osgood.

John Noble.

Former Dr Hugh Osgood.

John Noble.

Former Leader CIC ofCharismata Leader of CICof LeaderLeader ofCharismata Leader of CIC Leader ofCharismata International International International Dr Hugh Osgood.

John Noble. Former

John Noble. Former Leader ofCharismata

Leader ofCharismata

Rob Gardiner.

Leader of Network Vineyard Rob Gardiner.

Rob Gardiner.

Leader of CIC International

Chris Cole. Leader of Cross Rhythms

Keith Dolding. Leader of Barnabas

Dr Joel Thomas.

Leader of COGWWM

Chris Cole.

Leader Keith Dolding.Leader Leader DrJoel Joel Thomas.

Chris Cole.

Leader ofof Dolding.

Chris Cole.

Leader of Keith Keith Dolding. Leader Dr Dr JoelThomas.

Thomas.

Cross Rhythms of Barnabas Leaderof of COGWWM COGWWM Cross Rhythms of Barnabas Leader Cross Rhythms of Barnabas Leader of COGWWM Chris Cole. Leader of Keith Dolding. Leader Dr Joel Thomas.

Cross Rhythms

of Barnabas

Leader of COGWWM

Yinka Oyekan.

Rev Grenville John Manwell.

Tracey Dolding.

Neville Hollands.

Leader of Barnabas Overton.

Chairman of Together Barnabas Worship Leader of LifeSpring Team Leader for the Harvest, Leader Yinka Oyekan.

RevGrenville Grenville John Manwell.

Neville Hollands.

Tracey Dolding.

Yinka Oyekan.

Rev John Manwell.

Tracey Dolding.

Southern Counties Neville Hollands.

Liverpool Yinka Oyekan.

Rev Grenville John Manwell.

Neville Hollands.

Tracey Dolding.

Leader of Barnabas Leader Overton.

ChairmanofofTogether Together Leader LifeSpring Chairman Barnabas Worship Leader of Barnabas Barnabas Worship of of LifeSpring Baptist Association.

Leader of Barnabas Overton.

Chairman of Together Overton.

Leader of LifeSpring Barnabas Worship TeamLeader Leader for theHarvest, Harvest, Leader Team the Leader Team Leader for the Harvest, Leader Yinka Oyekan.

Rev John Manwell.

Tracey Dolding.

Neville Hollands. for SouthernGrenville Counties Liverpool Southern Counties Liverpool Southern Counties Leader of Barnabas Overton.

Chairman of TogetherBaptist Barnabas Worship Leader of LifeSpring Liverpool Association.

Baptist Association.

Baptist Association.

Would you love toHarvest, see the UK impacted by Team Leader for the Leader Counties Liverpool another move of God? God hasSouthern promised that Baptist Association.

Would you love to see the UK impacted by

Eric Whittaker.

Leader of Jubilee Fellowship Pat Whittaker.

Leader Eric Whittaker.

Whittaker.

Pat Whittaker. Leader Eric Pat Whittaker. Leader of Jubilee Fellowship

Rob Gardiner.

Pat Whittaker. Leader Eric Whittaker. of Networkof Jubilee of Jubilee Fellowship Leader of Jubilee LeaderLeader of Network Leader of Jubilee Fellowship Leader of Network of Jubilee Fellowship Leader of Jubilee Vineyard Fellowship Vineyard Fellowship Vineyard Fellowship

Ministering to Youth and Children Rob Gardiner.

Whittaker.

Pat Whittaker.

Leader Eric Leader of Network Leader of Jubilee of Jubilee Fellowship Ministering Youth and Children Ministering to to Youth and Children Ministering to Youth and Children Vineyard Fellowship

Ministering to Youth and Children Paul and Heather Garratt.

Rachel Owen.

Nicci Whittaker.

Leaders of Radiant of Seekers.

Leader Creche Paul and Heather Garratt. Leader Rachel Owen.

Nicci of Whittaker.

Paul and Heather Garratt.Rachel Rachel Owen.

Whittaker.

Paul and Heather Garratt.

Owen.

NicciNicci Whittaker.

Leaders of Radiant Leader of Seekers.

Leader of Creche Leaders of Radiant Leader of Seekers.Leader Leader of Creche Leaders of Radiant Leader of Seekers. of Creche

Would you love totosee the UK by Would you lovetowns seeand thevillages UK impacted impacted by where cities, will receive another move of God? God has promised that another move God has promised that another move ofGod? God? God hasthe promised that Him, He willof come.

We feel Lord has given where cities, towns and villages will receive Would you towns love to see the UK impacted by where cities, and villages will receive where cities, towns and villages will receive us a vision of renewal that is coming to the Him, He will come.

We feel the Lord has given another move ofWe God? God has promised that Him, He will come. feel the Lord has given Him, He will come.

We feel the Lord has given nation.

This renewal is about God’stosons and vision renewal that coming the where cities, towns and villages will receive usus a aavision ofof renewal that isis coming to the us vision of renewal that is coming to the daughters having a fresh encounter with Him nation.

This renewal is about God’s sons and Him, He will come. is We feel God’s the Lord hasand given nation.

This renewal sons nation.

This renewal isabout about God’s sons and daughters having aafresh fresh encounter with Him daughters having with us a vision of arenewal that is coming to the daughters having freshencounter encounter with Him Him

nation.

This renewal Conference hosted is by:about God’s sons and daughters a fresh encounter with Him Conference hosted by: Barnabashaving Fellowship Conference hosted Conference hostedby: by: of Churches, Barnabas Fellowship of Churches, LifeSpring church, of Network Vineyard and Barnabas Fellowship Barnabas Fellowship ofChurches, Churches, LifeSpring church, Network Vineyard and The Globe.

LifeSpring church, Network LifeSpring church, Network Vineyard and and Conference hosted by: Vineyard The Globe.

Supported by: The Globe.

The Globe.

Barnabas Fellowship of Churches, Supported by: Reading by: Christian and Charismata Supported Supported by: LifeSpring church, Network Network Vineyard and Reading Christian Network and Charismata Reading Christian Network and Charismata Reading Christian Network and Charismata The Globe.

Book online at: www.barnabasengland.org Book onlineat: at:www.barnabasengland.org www.barnabasengland.org Book online Paul and Heather Garratt.

Leaders of Radiant

Rachel Owen.

Leader of Seekers.

Nicci Whittaker.

Leader of Creche

Supported by: Reading Christian Network and Charismata