all saints church wokingham parish magazine

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An odd god not to believe in Have you travelled on an “atheist bus” yet? This is the campaign, initiated by journalist Ariane Sherine and backed by Richard Dawkins and the British Humanist Association, to place posters on buses which say “There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” I haven’t been on one yet and I’m not sure how I’d feel about it if I had to! The official responses of church leaders seem pretty relaxed though, even welcoming to the campaign, because when people see these posters it will make them think about the most important question in life. The word “probably” is the key. As one commentator pointed out: this is more unsettling to an agnostic than saying nothing at all – rather like saying to your spouse as the plane leaves the ground for your summer holiday “I probably locked the front door, so stop worrying and enjoy your holiday”!

I’m interested by the second sentence. The idea seems to be that since there is no God you can stop worrying and enjoy life. I’m enjoying the irony in that. “Stop worrying and enjoy life” is a fair summary of the message of Jesus! No need I’m sure for me to give you the gospel quotes here. What do you think?

Lent 2009 Lent begins on the 25th February. There will be a special Eucharist in the evening at 7.45pm. I’m attracted this year by the ideas for observing Lent which the charity Christian Aid have suggested. They are asking us to consider what it means to live thankfully, using the theme of “Count Your Blessings”. This is what they say:

“It’s easier to give up something for Lent if you’ve got something to start with. Far too many people in the world don’t even have life’s basics. As we face the financial challenges of each day, it’s easy to forget that the everyday things we have around us would be unimaginable riches to many people. Instead of giving up alcohol or chocolate this Lent, join us to count some of the blessings that surround us all. From our riches we can give something back, in thanks to God”

There will be a special Count Your Blessings Lent calendar from Christian Aid, available in church or from our church website. For each day, there’s a short fact about the realities of life in some of the poorest parts of the world, followed by a simple giving, reflection or prayer response. There will also be a children’s version.

In Wokingham this year we can look forward to a new format for our ecumenical Lent activities. Churches Together in Wokingham (CTW) will be providing a range of study groups and workshops with different topics we can choose from

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as suits our needs at this time. The hope is this will re-energise ecumenical sharing as people from different churches will come together in smaller groupings and get to know each other over a few sessions. Watch out for the special handbook coming this month from CTW. I am offering to lead a group reading the book Everything Must Change by Brian McLaren. He is the author of over ten highly acclaimed books on contemporary Christianity and in this one he sets out a fresh vision of what it means to be a person of faith and he applies the good news of Jesus to a world in need. It will certainly make you think about why you feel what you feel about things even if you might not agree with it!

The Vision 2010 – Leadership Forum meeting The Leadership Forum is a new parish gathering formed to help us fulfil the Vision 2010 for our church. It brings together leaders (or representatives) of all the different groups and activities in our church. It’s about going forward together as a church. The second meeting of the Leadership Forum happens this month. (The details elsewhere in the magazine). Evangelism will be the main topic of the morning. Evangelism is one of those “scary” words; but as the Bishop of Reading has explained, every Christian must have been evangelised at some point in the past, otherwise we would not be in the church. How did you get to be a Christian and a church member? It may have been by your parents taking you to church as a child; or it may have been later in life through a friend, through reading a book, maybe The Bible, or through seeing a film that moved you. I knew a man who was “evangelised” by the birth of his first baby – the miracle of birth changed his view on life and he found out what he really believed in and valued.

What is it that helps you stay connected to your faith and the church? What more help could your faith and your church be to you and our community? What are we doing and what could we do better as a church and in our groups to help people find Christian faith in a positive and helpful way? These are the sorts of questions the second Leadership Forum will be looking at. If you are a group leader, or a person asked to represent your group or activity, I hope that you will be interested enough to come to the Forum. I’m looking forward to a stimulating and enjoyable morning.

Hope needed in 09 This year has started very badly for many people; with so much death, injury and destruction in Gaza; and the continuing crisis in the world economy. The Christian faith can offer a very important gift in these grim times; which is the gift of hope. Hope is not a false optimism based on ignorance or a sunny disposition. It is a confidence based on God’s love and faithfulness.

“His hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us.” Romans 5:5

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Rector The Revd. David Hodgson 979 2999 Assistant Curate Vacant Community Priest (Youth) The Revd Michael Johnson 979 0098 Honorary Assistant Curate The Revd. Colin James 978 1515 Church Wardens Sue James 978 4339 Jo Robinson 978 9730 John Smith 979 0948 Director of Music David Rance 947 6734 Head Server Chris Gillham 978 3948 Deputy Head Server Ruth Smith 978 7065 Tower Foreman John Harrison 978 5520 PCC Secretary Janet Alp 979 2797 Deputy PCC Secretary John Smith 979 0948 PCC Treasurer Stephen Smith 979 4407 Deputy PCC Treasurer John Alp 979 2797 PCC Treasurer’s Team Margaret Hawkins 962 9792 Dickon Snell 978 1044 Gift Aid Co-ordinator Peter Whittaker 978 6225 Honorary Verger Vacant Electoral Roll Officer Joyce Baldry 978 8506 Stewardship Recorder Jim Creech 377 4194 Flower Guild Chairman Pam Gilbey 978 5694 Children & Youth Co-ordinator Margaret Raggett 962 9378 Parish Secretary Jo Asplin 979 2797

Clergy days off: David Hodgson Thursday Colin James Thurs/Fri Michael Johnson Saturday

The Parish Office (0118 979 2797), in the Cornerstone, can be contacted about church related issues (Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals). It is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.15 am to 1.00 pm and for urgent matters or by telephone on Monday and Thursday from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. e-mail: [email protected] The Parish Office, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE All Saints website: www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk The Cornerstone : For room bookings and general enquiries please phone 0118 979 7778. Monica Martin, Administrator, is in the office: Monday 2-5pm, Tuesday 12.15-4.30pm, Wednesday 2-5.30pm, Thursday 1.45 - 6.00pm. e-mail: [email protected]

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WORSHIP

Services at All Saints' Church embrace a wide range of formats. An outline is given below but for details and information about occasional services, see the weekly leaflet.

SUNDAY SERVICES

8.00 a.m. Holy Communion. A said service with a brief address using the traditional language version of the Common Worship Order One Eucharist

9.30 a.m. Parish Communion. The service is sung, with hymns, and follows Common Worship Order One Eucharist. Children are catered for in the Crèche and Junior Church. The last

Sunday in the month is Parish Communion for the Whole Church and often includes Parade, children are present throughout, and contribute to the worship.

Prayer for Healing with Laying on of Hands is offered regularly at certain Parish Communion services (see diary). Coffee is served after the service and this is the weekly

'social gathering' of the Congregation. Please come and meet us there if you are a visitor to the church or would like to get to know us better.

11.15 am. (1st Sunday) “11.15 Informal” An informal and contemporary child inclusive service 11.15am (2nd Sunday)

Holy Communion. A said service using the Book of Common Prayer.

11.15am (3rd Sunday) No Service Occasionally Baptisms will take place during this time 11.15am (4th Sunday)

Matins using the Book of Common Prayer, usually sung and including a sermon.

6.30 pm. (1st - 3rd Sundays) Evensong using the Book of Common Prayer with sermon.

Choral Evensong is sung usually on the first Sunday of each month

(An alternative form of worship on 4th & 5th Sundays ; and Services of Healing)

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WEEKDAY SERVICES

Morning and Evening Prayer are said, using Common Worship Daily Prayer, at 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. each day from Monday to Saturday. All may, and are encouraged, to attend. These services may be led by a Priest or members of the Laity.

Holy Communion is celebrated as follows:

Monday 9.30 am. (Common Worship Order One) Tuesday 9.30 am. (Common Worship Order One with short address, followed by coffee) Wednesday 10.00 am. (Simple form of Common Worship Order One and short address (particularly for parents and child minders of babies and pre-school children)

Friday in various Residential Homes

Major festivals are also marked by additional celebrations of Holy Communion. Please see diary, or for whole year’s dates, see leaflet “Days to Remember at All Saints”.

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HOME COMMUNION. If anyone knows of a housebound parishioner, either temporarily or long term, who would like to receive Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office (979 2797).

CONFIRMATION, WELCOME OR GROWTH GROUPS. Anyone interested in confirmation, a refresher course, or learning about the Christian faith is invited to join one of the Eureka! groups or a confirmation course - contact Barbara Smith on 979 4407. BAPTISMS are usually conducted at a special afternoon service on the last Sunday of each month; or occasionally in Sunday morning services if requested. Baptisms can be booked via the Parish Office (979 2797). WEDDING BOOKINGS. Clergy are available in the Cornerstone on Monday from 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm and on Saturday from 10.30 am - 11.30 am on an appointment basis. Please book via the Parish O f f ice on 979 2797 TRANSPORT. Pat Forsyth (979 7023) or Sue Farrington (978 2371).

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Please leave items for publication in the Magazine tray in the Parish Office or email directly to the editor on or before the Copy Date please. Contributions can be typed, handwritten, or e-mailed.

The Parish of All Saints Wokingham is a Registered Charity, Nbr. 1127585

Editor: Andrew McKenna (977 3812) Email: [email protected]

Distribution: Sheila Longley (978 4193)

Advertisements: Andrew McKenna (977 3812)

Collation: Sheila Longley (978 4193) & team

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Flower Guild

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We have now finalised details of the ‘Fun with leaves’ day school to be held on Saturday March 21st and you will find all you need to know on an advertisement in this magazine on pg 31. It should be an interesting and relaxing day – I can assure you that we will not be plaiting palms on this occasion! Places will be limited and so make sure you send off your application to Lucille without delay. The Guild Annual Meeting will be at 8pm on Thursday March 5th. I urge you all to consider whether you feel able to join the committee as we really are short of help - you all know so well the saying that ‘Many hands make light work’. Why not give it a try and see if you enjoy it? There is no need to be a first rate flower arranger, at the moment we are also looking for secretarial help.

Pam Gilbey

Dates for your diary Saturday April 11th Easter Flowers Thursday May 7th Guild Meeting Wednesday Sep 2nd Guild Meeting Flowers in church during February Feb 1st Guild Members PG 8th Mrs J Potter Mrs J Mitchell MW 15th Mrs S Richards Mrs J Alp GJ 22nd Mrs A Welch Mrs S Watson AW

For information contact: Pam Gilbey (978 5694) Margaret Whitaker (978 2308) and Kate Thomas (989 4190)

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Our AGM will be held on Tuesday 10th February in The Cornerstone at 8.15pm. This is our opportunity to reflect on the previous year and make plans for the coming year. We shall be reviewing our projects, electing new officers and discussing our finances. The annual subscriptions will be collected after this meeting and all subs. should be paid by the middle of March. Fair Trade fortnight is from 23rd February to 8th March and we are hosting the parish’s contribution to The Big Brew, which promotes fairly traded products. Due to positive feedback following last year’s event, we are again hosting a beetle drive (see separate advert). All proceeds will benefit the Mothers’ Union International Fund. For more information on any of the above or for a lift to meetings, please call 978 7363 or 978 2678. Tues 10th Feb 9.30am Corporate Communion.

8.15pm Branch meeting – AGM

Rev Colin James - A Special Birthday and 40 years of licensed ministry

Congratulations Colin!

The Church Wardens invite you to join us for coffee/tea and nibbles on Sunday 22 February after the 9.30a.m. service, to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Rev Colin James and his 40 years of licensed ministry at All Saints Church. All refreshments are provided.

Sue James, Jo Robinson, John Smith

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PEGGIE CLEMETSON 1916 - 2008 Peggie was a much loved member of All Saints’ Church for nearly fifty years. We print here the sermon Colin James preached at her funeral. The first reading was Philippians 4. 4-9. “Let your gentleness be known to everyone.” We could easily imagine that St Paul was talking about our dear Peggie when he wrote those words. None of you here needs me to tell you that we have lost from sight a person who embodied Christian gentleness as completely as anyone we’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. Peggie’s life was a model to us all of what it means to follow Jesus Christ simply, wholeheartedly and without a trace of affectation. She was also a perfect example of a Christian upbringing bearing rich fruit throughout a long and wonderful life. Each of us brings our own memories of Peggie with us today. So let’s pause for moment to think of some occasion which still makes us smile. And how could we think of her without smiling? Our order of service reminds us that we are here not so much to celebrate her life (the ever modest Peggie would have found that embarrassing) but to give thanks to God for it. So let’s offer all those thoughts to God as little prayers of thanksgiving. She could say Amen to that. Peggie was born in Worcester in 1916 and continued to love the city and the Malverns all her life. She was one of four children of a great Christian father who was in the drapery business. Many of you will remember her elder sister Zena whom she and John cared for so devotedly until her death ten years ago. Peggie attended the prestigious Alice Ottley school until she was sent for the good of her health to a boarding school in Burnham-on-Sea. Those who only knew her in more recent times may be surprised to learn that she was a marvelous tennis player and might have represented the county, if circumstances hadn’t intervened. Her passion for tennis lasted to very end. In one of my last conversations with her I asked whether she thought Andy Murray might at last gain a British win at Wimbledon. She thought probably yes. But she didn’t appreciate his aggressive style compared with the gentlemanly Tim Henman. And her pin up (and I mean that literally!) was Roger Federer.

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years. We print here the sermon Colin James preached at her funeral.

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On leaving school she worked in her father’s shop and also joined the ATS. When war broke out she was called up and served right through to 1946. She was in London during the V1 and V2 raids, but between VE Day and VJ Day she went into what was still a war zone as a member of Lord Louis Mountbatten’s staff in Ceylon and Singapore. There as a sergeant she won the British Empire Medal, which clearly indicates that she served with distinction, though the details have been obscured by her characteristic modesty. She was, however, thrilled when many years later John was awarded the CBE so that they belonged to the same order. The war over, Peggie worked in the offices of the Kuwait Oil Company. In 1949 whilst in digs in London she met John and two years later they married. There followed fifty-seven years of wonderful mutual devotion. But there was nothing selfish or inward looking about it. Their care of Peggie’s mother and of Zena through many years was offered cheerfully and without ever considering the cost. In the fullness of time Jane was born when they were living in Llandaff, and Peggie and John knew all the pride of loving parents for their daughter’s achievements. But care, concern and practical help were by no means confined to family members. They were freely offered to anyone who needed them. Many of you will have your own stories to tell. I can’t believe that any have more cause than I to thank God for the life and loving friendship of Peggie (and of John) over more than forty-two years. It is simply beyond price. Peggie was a church person all her life, and her contribution was enormous, though as often as not, hidden. I was going to start by saying she was a loyal member of the Mothers’ Union, as indeed she was. But the truth is that whatever she did, and to whatever she belonged, she was utterly loyal. It was her very nature. She consistently supported the Children’s Society. She was for years among our ministers of the eucharist, not just here on Sundays, but on Tuesdays and at Wednesday Mums. She came with us to share the communion with the residents of Meachen Court, Murdoch House, and until very recently Acorn Drive. She took the sacrament to housebound individuals and visited and befriended an even larger number of lonely and elderly people (though many of them were actually younger than her!) In whatever company, whether old or young, she was joyfully welcomed.

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People just couldn’t resist her innate goodness, her unforced interest, her natural readiness to be of service. She was never put off by the apparent lowliness of the task. The Tuesday morning communion was not finished until she had proclaimed the familiar words “Coffee will be served in the Annexe!” or of course the de Vitre Room. She provided the materials, and the contributions she raised went to a charity chosen by our vote. Peggie never held herself up as an intellectual, but appearances can be misleading. In the sixties she was a member of a remarkable study group which used to meet in James and Nancy Lows’ house and which was later described by the present Bishop of Gloucester (no less!) as “high powered”. She read weighty tomes, Hans Küng and others, and could always tell you which hero the church was commemorating on a given day. Before she arrived here she would have read up the relevant chapter of Celebrating the Saints. With John she discovered the riches of North East England and had a soft spot for Holy Island and St Aidan, though not for Wilfred! She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Bracknell New Town Lectures in Theology which used to bring us the leading scholars of the day. Her personal spirituality was nourished by the Julian Group, and her personal devotions gave her a wonderful assurance, a stillness and indeed serenity. And so she never had a hard or unkind word for, or about, anyone. She was a lover of poetry and even at her great age was always open to new ideas. She was naturally liberal and progressive. She strongly supported women priests and had hoped to have see women bishops. There was so much more to her than met the eye. One of the prayers we often use at the end of a communion service includes the words “May we who share Christ’s body live his risen life.” Peggie was always the first to greet me at Easter with the words, “The Lord is risen” to which we respond “He is risen indeed!” Peggie lived Christ’s risen life. The prayer I quoted goes on “May we who drink his cup bring life to others”. Peggie brought the life of Christ to others without number. It continues “May we whom the Spirit lights give light to the world”. Peggie truly brought light to everyone she met. We are all better for knowing her. Do you remember that list of qualities that St Paul commended to us in

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our first reading? “Honourable”, “just”, “pure”, “pleasing”, “commendable”. Doesn’t every one of those fit Peggie like a glove? One of the benefits of attending a church dedicated to All Saints is that it reminds us to think not only of the spiritual giants of the past, but also of the unsung saints who are all around us, if we would only open our eyes and look. This surely is the moment for me to confess that every time over the years that I have made that point, it is Peggie whom I have had uppermost in my mind. A saint was once defined as someone the light shines through. Such a one was Peggie. Someone else has said that whatever we Christians do or say either makes God less credible or more credible to others. Such was Peggie’s faith, lived out in such sweetness, service, humility and love, that in her presence God’s reality always seemed beyond doubt. Our order of service quotes The Pilgrim’s Progress, “…all the trumpets sounded for her on the other side.” If you listen hard, can you not hear them? They summon us to follow Peggie on that path that leads us into the very heart of God.

with thanks to Colin James

BREAKFAST IS SERVED!

A continental breakfast will be served in the Cornerstone (approx. 8.45am) following the

8.00am service on SUNDAY 29th MARCH. If you prefer, then you are welcome to come

before the 9.30am service, but remember to get up as this is the first day of British sum-

mer time!

Having forfeited an hours sleep just think what bliss – tea, coffee, orange juice, fruit, cereal, croissants etc all ready prepared just for you to sit down and enjoy. If you have any questions about these breakfasts which are held once a term please contact 979 2614.

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Make a Mother’s Day A Different Gift on Mothering Sunday

Do you wonder what to give your Mum on Moth-ering Sunday? Would you like to give an ethical gift this year? Perhaps you would like to make a gift in memory of your mother, a gift that will help another family? The Mothers’ Union are again offering a range of ethical gifts for Mother-ing Sunday. Gifts range from chalk and blackboards at £6, through par-enting training, a poultry project gift, a vegetable patch, a birthing kit, la-trine and handwashing gift or a bicycle to seed capital at £150. Each gift enables Mothers’ Union work to improve the lives of mothers and carers, and through them, families and communities. When you buy a gift you are buying a virtual gift. If you choose, for example, a vegeta-ble patch, your donation is guaranteed to provide whatever agricultural and vegetable-growing assistance towards establishing a sustainable food source that may be needed in the local situation. This flexibility en-ables your gift to be used in the most effective way possible by tailoring funding to supply items that will most effectively improve family life. A small proportion (around 3%) of your gift covers the actual costs of deliv-ering the assistance to a family in need, including the expertise of the Mothers’ Union development worker in that area. If you make a gift individually, you will receive a Mothering Sunday or In Memory card as appropriate, with details of your gift. Alternatively, we are happy to collect donations towards a larger gift from All Saints branch. In all cases taxpayers can increase their gift by signing a Gift Aid declaration. If you are interested in making a virtual gift, details can be obtained from Mary Hopkins (978 2678) or Valerie Flook (978 7363). We will be in The Cornerstone after the 9.30am service on Sundays 22nd February and 1st and 8th March. Alternatively you can visit www.makeamothersday.org for more information or to make your gift directly.

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20

If you go down to the woods today …

Well not quite the woods, but it involves trees and digging (in the dark). Every year the church Christmas tree appears and disappears — on a Monday evening, which should be bellringing practice, but ... the ringers arrive with gardening gloves, barrow, shovel, saw, torch, and heavy metal. Carrying the tree from our supplier‘s lorry in Norreys Avenue can be tricky. The person at the trunk end has something solid to hang on to but everyone else has to get some sort of hold on the springy branches. The tree stands in an old dustbin full of soil, which takes two barrow loads to fill. It is muddy and dark, in the rough ground in the churchyard from which we dig it. Getting the soil into the bin is harder than you might imagine, with branches stick out all round, and of course someone has to hold the tree vertical while the soil is put in. We have to ram the soil to compact it — if we didn‘t, the tree would lean to one side and then keel over — but that is even more difficult than shovelling. Ramming the soil in an empty bin would be easy, but it isn‘t when you are poking your hands down between the branches. The heavy metal helps though. Once the tree is self supporting, out come the ladders, and on go the silver bells, stars, tinsel and lights. There is a lot of tree to cover, and someone always points out a bare patch that needs filling, so it seems ages before we can reward ourselves with mince pies. A few weeks later, we reverse the process, which is quicker, so with soil back in the churchyard, and dustbin and decorations safely stowed in the tower, we normally get some time for ringing afterwards. I wrote about the tree six years ago, but thanks to modern technology (Katie‘s phone has a camera in it) you can now see us hard at work.

John Harrison

21

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23

PARISH DIARY - February 2008

Sunday Candlemas Monday to Saturday page

1 2 Mo

08.00am Holy Communion 3 Tu 08.15 pm Serendipity

09.30am Parish Communion 4 We

11.15am "11.15 Informal" 5 Th 08.00 pm Julian Group

06.30pm Choral Evensong 6 Fr

7 Sa

8 3 before Lent 9 Mo

08.00am Holy Communion 10 Tu Mother's Union 10

09.30am Parish Communion 11 We

11.15am Holy Communion (BCP) 12 Th

06.30pm Evensong (Sung) 13 Fr

14 Sa


08.00am Holy Communion 17 Tu 08.15 pm Serendipity

09.30am Parish Communion 18 We All Saints Fellowship 30

11.15am **No Service 19 Th Healing Prayer Group 26

06.30pm Evensong (Said) 20 Fr

21 Sa


08.00am Holy Communion 24 Tu

09.30am Communion for the Whole Church 25 We Ash Wednesday

11.15am **No Service 1 Th

3.00pm Holy Baptism 2 Fr

06.30pm Healing Service (page 26) 3 Sa

Forthcoming Events

Ash Wednesday Feb 25:

10.00am Wednesday Mums (no ashes)

7:45 pm Sung Eucharist (Ashes)

24

MUSIC LIST - February 2009

Sunday Candlemas - 1st February Org

Service Eucharist: Archer - St Mark's Setting DAR

Hymns

Music When to the temple - Eccard

Final Voluntary Prelude to a Te Deum - Charpentier

Service Choral Evensong DAR

Introit When to the temple - Eccard DMC

Responses Smith 5-part

Psalms 118

Canticles Noble in B minor

Hymns

Music Senex puerum portabat - Byrd

Final Voluntary ** No Voluntary **

Sunday 3rd Sunday before Lent - Education Sunday - 8th February


Hymns

Music Teach me, O Lord - Attwood

Final Voluntary Fugue in E flat "St Anne" (BWV 552) - J S Bach

Service Sung Evensong: Ferial Responses (McKie Amen) DAR

Psalm 5

Hymns

Music O Lord, increase our faith - Loosemore

Final Voluntary Short Prelude & Fugue in F (BWV 556) - J S Bach

Sunday 2nd Sunday before Lent - 15th February


Psalm 104 vv26 - 37

Hymns

Music God be in my head - Rutter

Final Voluntary Prelude & Fugue in C minor (BWV 549) - J S Bach

Service Said Evensong with Piano ---

25

MUSIC LIST - February 2009

Sunday Sunday next before Lent - 22nd February Org

Service Whole Church Communion DAR

Hymns

Music My eyes for beauty pine - Howells Final Voluntary Humoresque (L'Organo Primitivo) - Pietro Yon

Service Evening Healing Service ---

Wednesday Ash Wednesday - 25th February

Service Eucharist (with Ashes): Archer - People's Setting DAR

Hymns

Music Turn thy face from my sins - Attwood

Final Voluntary Prelude in G major - Franz Schmidt

Sunday Lent 1 - 1st March

Service Eucharist: Archer - People's Setting DAR

Hymns

Music Hide not thou thy face from us - Farrant

Final Voluntary A Trumpet Air - John Reading

Service Choral Evensong DAR

Introit Hide not thou thy face from us - Farrant

Responses Plainsong

Psalms 50 vv1 - 15

Canticles Tallis Short Service

Hymns

Music O for a closer walk with God - Grayston Ives

Final Voluntary "Little" Prelude & Fugue in E minor (BWV 533) - J S Bach

Sunday Lent 2 - 8th March

Service Eucharist: Archer - People's Setting DAR

Hymns

Music Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life - Malcolm Archer

Final Voluntary Canon in D - Pachelbel

Service Sung Evensong: Plainsong Responses DAR

Psalm 135 vv1 - 14

Hymns

Music Nolo mortem peccatoris - Morley

Final Voluntary Prelude & Fugue in G (BWV 557) - J S Bach

26

Thoughts on the New Year

As I write this article we have just moved into the New Year, 2009, when we contemplate what the year will bring, and when some of us make resolutions to improve our way of living. This has prompted me to look into the origins of the calendar we use, namely the Gregorian Calendar, and how it relates to the Nativity of our Lord. The calendar was ordered by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 in order to correct an error of 10 days that had arisen between its predecessor, the Julian Calendar, and the solar calendar. The Julian Calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in the year 46 BC, and came into force in 45 BC. It has remained in use into the 20th century in some countries as the national calendar. Although the Christian era anno Domini (“The Year of our Lord”), is regarded as beginning at the time of the birth of our Lord, the events surrounding the Nativity as recorded in the Gospels of St Matthew and St Luke, must have taken place in the period BC (Before Christ) because the death of King Herod is historically recorded as being shortly before the Passover in the year 4 BC. This discrepancy was perpetuated in the Gregorian Calendar. In addition to correcting the error of ten days in the Julian Calendar, it introduced new devices to reduce the error between it and the solar calendar to the extent that it was reduced to 26 seconds per year, which adds up to an error of one day over a period of 3,323 years! The celebration of Christmas Day on 25th December is thought to have been chosen to correspond with either a Roman festival or with the winter solstice. Whilst the secular New Year starts on 1st January, the Church’s year

28

starts on the first Sunday in Advent when we start to prepare ourselves, not only to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ but also remind us that we must be prepared and ready for the final coming of our Lord when God’s kingdom will be finally established. In the words of Delia Smith in her book “Feast for Advent”, “Today we begin to anticipate the joyful experience of the birth of Jesus. But in order to prepare for it we must pray for a new birth within ourselves, pray that God will do something new in our lives and awaken us from our complacent sleep. We live in a secular world shrouded in the darkness of unbelief, but we have accepted the light that enlightens all men (John 1:9) and we must allow it to penetrate our darkness, to heal and restore us so that we in turn can become a light in the world.” As we contemplate this New Year with the dismal outlook of the financial crisis throughout the world and the many areas of conflict, it is important that we do not allow this to shake our faith in the fact that God’s will, will finally prevail. In the words of our Lord, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Mat 6:34). These sentiments are aptly expressed in the following verse:- Lord for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray; Keep me, my God, from stain and sin, just for today. Let me both diligently work and duly pray, Let me be kind in word and deed, just for today. And if today my tide of life should ebb away, Give me Thy sacrament divine, sweet Lord, today. So for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, But keep me, guide me, love me, Lord, just for today.

Jack Hayley

Members of the group are Gill Allen, Maggie Bateman, Jack Hayley, Mary Hughes, Ann Penn, Joan Thomason, Joan Watts and Karen Wellman). Please let us know of any need of healing prayer support. Confidentiality is assured. The next Healing Service will be held on Sunday 22nd February at 6.30 pm. The laying on of hands will be made available at the Parish Communion on Sunday 15th March.

29

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30

We are looking forward to something a bit different for our next meeting in the Cornerstone DeVitre Room on Wednesday 18th February at 7.45pm for 7.55pm. Mr. John Taylor from Staines will be presenting 'The Magic Lantern' – a history of the lantern followed by the showing of several sets of Victorian slides. Mr. Taylor welcomes questions and we are sure you would have an interesting evening with us so do come along. The costs to visitors is £1.50 which includes coffee and if you have any queries about Fellowship please contact Diana Clifford 9792614.

BLANKETS

The collection of blankets/brushes/combs for The Diana Brimblecombe Animal Centre is now finished and we would like to say a huge thank you for the marvellous response. If you still have items to donate (they are still needed) then please take them to the centre in Nelsons Lane, Hurst (9341122). Our many thanks also to those who purchased cakes in sup-port of our 2008 charity Aid Conservation Through Education which con-tributed to the total of £120.

AUDREY GODLEMENT

Like many of you who knew Audrey we at Fellowship were deeply sorry to hear of her death shortly before Christmas. Audrey was a true mem-ber, always at meetings and took part enthusiastically. After a full and energetic life the past year had become difficult for her and we ask that she now rests with the Lord she worshipped not only at All Saints but with friends at Norreys Evangelical and The Salvation Army.

Thank you Audrey. Diana Clifford

All Saints’ Fellowship

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31

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32

Notes from a far country Well Devon really and retirement! Since leaving Wokingham for Exeter in 1996, you at All Saints’ have faithfully sent us the parish magazine every month, thanks to Sheila Longley. In that time I have been tempted to write to you on this or that issue. But, on reflection have felt that it was not appropriate for a former incumbent to put his oar in.

However, on this occasion I hope you will feel that it right that I should add my congratulations as the diocese of Oxford has appointed not one, but two honorary Canons of Christchurch from All Saints’ Wokingham. It is since I left the diocese that the Bishop of Oxford has decided to appoint lay canons to the cathedral in recognition of their service to the church and community in the diocese of Oxford. That it the meaning of Judith Scott being installed and admitted to the Order of St Frideswide, and I know from my own personal experience, and you will know even better, how much she deserves this honour. Equally in the ten years David Hodgson has been your Rector, you will know how he has not only led you as your parish priest, but has given generously of his time and energy to Sonning deanery and the wider church, and also has pioneered new thinking and action in developing new forms of ministry and service, both within the church and wider society. But both Judith and David would be the first to say that they could not have achieved any “success” on their own; the theology of the Body of Christ means that we are members one of another, and so their honour is a representative one, that honours all of you too. I know you felt this when I was given my canonry in 1994 and I am sure that you feel this now and so these words come from me not only with great affection for you all, but also with great pleasure!

In appreciation I hope you will allow me also to say a few words about our great friend Peggy Clemetson. Although she died peacefully at the end of a long and full life, there could have been no one who knew her that wasn’t saddened by the news of her death and very aware of the irreplaceable loss that is John’s.

33

No one’s life can be summed up in one brief article, and I know that Colin James did justice to her memory at her funeral in November. But all priests know from experience that there is so much more that could be said about a departed loved one, but there is neither the time or the words to adequately express how everyone really feels. I was privileged to meet both Peggy and John in 1981, and from the start it was obvious here were a couple who were devoted to their faith and each other, and completely accepting and loyal to the clergy at All Saints’. As they had supported Kenneth Martin so they supported my colleagues and me. If I was to sum up Peggy in one phrase, it would be with the question “who cares for the carer”? The answer is always people like Peggy Clemetson. She cared for others according to their need, without judgment or reservation. I never heard her express a negative word about anyone, what she thought she kept to herself. What mattered was could she help, and it was done willingly often without asking or saying much. This applied to Wednesday Mums, tidying up after a service, always being there with coffee after the Tuesday eucharist and for so many years being in the sanctuary as a lay minister, Sunday by Sunday. But, above all we carers felt cared for, and that was her hidden ministry to us. The one initiative in her life I am most proud of, was asking her along with Bob Boyd to take communion to the sick and housebound. This they did for as long as they were able: they both felt valued and were treasured, and often they were caring for folk older than themselves. True carers of others are always incognito, in imitation of the God who came disguised in our humanity to raise us to the Divine. So now she prays for us on another shore and in a Greater Light.

Brian C Bailey

34

Christians in the Community

We continue our series about Christians in the Community with an article from Barbara Stafford suggesting we could set up our own partnerships. If you would like to contribute an article about something you do in part-nership with the community, please contact Selina Wilkins on 9786380. It was the word PARTNERSHIPS which pushed me to respond to Selina Wilkins’ article in the All Saints magazine. A similar word, TOGETHER-NESS, has been with me for many years and particularly in the last few days, and also that of INTEGRITY. Integration of heart and mind, of spirit and body is the means of personal development and of achieving our po-tential. Education actually means to “draw forth potential|” Partnerships of positive and caring organizations are urgently needed now if we are to face the challenge of our present situation and survive the credit crunch. Such practical action can only happen at local level. One first step might be to consider a care Farms initiative (www.ncfi.org.uk). There are many hundreds of care farms in Europe and other parts of the world. Now there is a network forming in the UK. Care Farms are partnerships of local production, health care and skills education, and also provide social development for young people who have nowhere to go and nothing to do. Care Farms and gardens are also of great benefit to those suffering depression, stress and other emotional states. We need to start small. Small seeds can grow and small is beautiful as Schumacher said. The credit crunch is a very challenging economic cri-sis, but as Jung himself “Danger itself fosters the rescuing power”. We need to pull together to ensure that starvation, homelessness and crime are eroded in our own community, in the UK and world wide. As humans, the family is the first group we are involved with and care for those who suffer from family problems and breakdowns should also be an important first step. Our children and young people who suffer from

35

lack of family support are also a major concern .

Older people through loss and bereavement are equally a concern as they can easily become isolated.

If there is sufficient care for such members of society we find they have in fact much to offer in response. Their knowledge, and experience could be of great value to the young. Why a care Farm or garden? We all need shelter and care and we can learn so much about survival from wildlife, animals and from nature itself. We could grow out of trouble? Where could we start? On 17th January there was a letter to The Times, with the idea ”Woolies demise is a community opportunity……. A space to be used to create community / business networks to harness entrepre-neurial talent, foster resilience build local sustainability and create a new and productive bond between people, business and the commu-nity……..the former stores could be converted into modern market halls.” Is there anyone who might consider such a challenge by working together as partnerships? If you would like more information about the Care Farms initiative or would like to get involved in partnership work with another organization please contact Anne King (9783357) Robert Newman or Selina Wilkins.

CONGRATULATIONS We have two further congratulations this month. Firstly, to Rev. David Hodgson on his installation as Canon of Christ Church Oxford. His title is now Rev. Canon David Hodgson. Secondly, Congratulations to Ju-dith Scott, a member of All Saints Church who has been admitted to the order of St. Frideswide, which is the lay person's equivalent hon-our. We give thanks for all the work they have undertaken and the work they continue to undertake both with All Saints Church, Wokingham and the wider church.

Sue James

36

Eustace Crescent – Update and Developments

The work at the community flat, 19 Eustace Crescent, has continued to develop over the past few months. In October a Sunbeams group started and has seen many parents with their little children come each week. As expected numbers have varied, but right from the word go the group, though small, became viable. This is now running regularly on Tuesday afternoons, and establishing itself.

The Coffee drop-in has also proved increasingly popular with the resi-dents, providing an excellent space for them to chat, share a few bur-dens, and generally encourage one another. We feel this event has come into its own in the past months, since it is clear that the residents are in-viting each other to come along.

Thanks to some generous help and support by church members, we have also been able to equip the flat with two re-conditioned PCs and network equipment. Together with a potential plan by the Council library service to create a remote micro library, one of the rooms in the flat may become a study area where people can use the rooms to study, do homework etc. The computers make internet access and facilities avail-able to some who would otherwise have none, so is a great practical con-tribution.

Amongst the hub-hub of conversations the residents are gradually getting to know the volunteers better, and are able share aspects of their life sto-ries. It is a pleasure getting to know them, and to encourage them in their life decisions and struggles. Please continue praying, as we look for God to work through the flat and network of relationships.

From February this year the Coffee drop-in will move from a Wednesday afternoon to a Thursday afternoon, 1.15pm until 3pm. As the rota will have to be re-shuffled, there are openings for volunteering at Sunbeams, and the Coffee drop-in, as well as the council-run kids clubs on Mondays and Thursdays.

At present, there are 3 members from All Saints who help at the commu-nity flat. Jo and Ruth help at the Coffee drop-in and Diana with the Thursday run kids club. Diana has also recently changed from the Coffee drop-in to the Sunbeams Group.

If anyone is interested in joining the team, please speak to Karl Relton at

37

Wokingham Baptist Church; Diana Clifford, Jo Robinson or Ruth Payne at All Saints. If you would like to join any of us for a session at the com-munity flat to see for yourselves what goes on, please let us know.

Submitted by Karl Relton (Wokingham Baptist Church) and adapted by Jo Robinson and Diana Clifford

Did you know?

This month The Reverend Colin James will have served 40 years as a licensed minister in this parish, beginning as a Lay Reader in 1969.

WOMAN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (for Women, Men and Young People)

This year the international day of prayer is on

Friday 6th March and the service in Wokingham will be hosted by Rose Street Methodist Church starting at 10.30am. An invitation is extended to everybody and we

hope that All Saints will be well represented.

The theme is 'In Christ there are many members yet one body' and the service arranged by Christian women in Papua New Guinea. Dr.

Rosemarie Morgan-Barry, an experienced local Methodist preacher, will give the address.

If you are not sure about coming or have some queries please contact

Diana 9792614, Lilian 9782171 or Ursula 9794473.

38

Safer Medicines Campaign Last year in February 2008 I wrote about the organisation Europeans for Medical Progress. It has now changed its name to Safer Medicines Campaign to clarify its purpose. It is an independent organisation of scientists and doctors whose aim is to ensure that the best methods are used to assess the safety of medicines. Its members campaign for sophisticated human biology-based tests to be compared with the animal tests currently required by law. At recent annual party conferences there was a great deal of interest from MPs, ministers, journalists and party members who were very interested to learn that sophisticated human biology-based methods of research are available and could reduce the serious problem of adverse drug reactions costing the NHS £2 billion. Lord McColl of Dulwich is the Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, as well as Professor of Surgery at the University of London and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. He is Chairman of Mercy Ships UK for whom he is a regular volunteer surgeon and he shares the conviction that the answer to human health problems will be found by studying humans and their tissues rather than animals. In the past year three major potential new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease that proved promising in mouse ‘models’ of the disease failed in clinical trials because mice cannot truly mimic what happens in the human brain. This applies to other diseases. I am a volunteer testing a new drug that should cure all five different flu forms and have to have regular health checks to monitor my health – so far I have had no adverse reactions. It is regrettable that the UK is the ‘vivisection capital of Europe’ yet the Government was committed to the ‘three Rs’ of reducing the number of animal experiments, refining techniques and replacing them with other tests.

Marcelle Williams

39

FAIR TRADE FORTNIGHT THE BIG BREW

You are invited to a

BEETLE DRIVE

on SATURDAY 7th MARCH from 7.00 – 9.00pm in The Cornerstone

Everyone welcome – young and not so young!

£2.00 (£1.50 for under 12s) in advance £3.00 (£2.00 for under 12s) on the door.

Fair Trade refreshments available and there will be a raffle with fairly traded goods as prizes. All proceeds from The Big Brew to The Mothers Union International Fund which actively encourages and supports fair trade. This is a Parish Event. All parishes have been asked to support The Big Brew and the Mothers’ Union are hosting this Beetle Drive for All Saints. Please support fair trade producers worldwide.

Tickets available from Mary (978 2678) or Valerie (978 7363)

40

New Addition to the Library

Four Spiritual Giants by Raymond Brown. Each of the four men featured wrote a book which provided practical wisdom and spiritual help. Can you identify them from the clues given here? 1. Writer of the Confessions, lived 354-430. Key quote, “With love for mankind and hatred of sins”. Son of a devout Christian mother and a pagan Roman father, born in North Africa. Became a bishop but sowed his wild oats first! 2. Writer of A Simple Way to Pray, lived 1483-1546. Key quote, “Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ”. Son of a German miner, became a monk then a founder of Protestantism. Said “A shoemaker makes a shoe, a tailor a coat, so a Christian ought to pray. Prayer is the daily business of a Christian.” 3. Writer of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, lived 1628-1688. Key quote, “’Tis a goodly thing to be on our knees, with Christ in our arms, before God”. Born in Bedford. At various times a tinker, and a prisoner for his faith. 4. Writer of a Journal, lived 1703-1791. Key quote, “I look upon all the world as my parish”. Born son of a clergyman, 1 of 15 children, in Lincolnshire. Preacher and founder of Methodism.

Brown summarises, simplifies and links these books. Using short paragraphs and memorable headings he helps the reader to understand the content of the books and the intention of their writers. A final short chapter guides readers through the points which have

been made and gives possible ways that we can adapt them to improve our spiritual lives.

Su McArthur

Did you identify the ‘giants’? 1. St. Augustine of Hippo 2. Martin Luther 3. John Bunyan 4. John Wesley

41

PCC Notes – January 2009

At their meeting in January PCC members celebrated the New Year with one of the most strongly felt discussions for a long time. Although it was not expected to be a major item chairman David Hodgson had to allocate extra time to allow members to fully express their views. The discussion centred on the best way to handle the proposed cancella-tion of the current 11:15am informal service. The clergy team responsi-ble for the service have felt for some time that it was no longer fulfilling a unique need and so had floated ideas of change with members of the 30-40 strong congregation. It was reported that the best energy for these discussions had been generated by starting from the premise that the service was going to be cancelled after March 1st, and so it was proposed that PCC approve cancellation and allow ideas to develop about how this type of worship might continue and how the 11:15 slot could be used. Some members of PCC were however not at all happy with this idea and instead pressed for proposals to be developed for the future before can-cellation was agreed. The two views could not be reconciled and so the proposal to cancel now was eventually approved after a vote in which two PCC members abstained. PCC spent most of its time however on discussing issues around their responsibility as charitable trustees. PCC members have always been charitable trustees but recent new legislation requires us to register sepa-rately from The Church of England direct with the Charity Commission-ers. One of the topics was Good Governance and magazine readers will hopefully be encouraged to hear that PCC members felt strongly that our PCC acts with integrity and in accordance with its values. In an item of correspondence we heard from English Heritage that a re-quest from a member of the public to have one of the tombs in the churchyard listed had been turned down, this means that we still have just two grade II listed tombs, the Beaver Monument and the Daniel Mol-loney tomb.

John Smith (Churchwarden) This article is the opinion of the writer and not an official record of the meeting which can be found in the published minutes.

42

Visiting Fairford Church

Why? St Mary’s, Fairford, Gloucestershire, is unique: it has the only complete set (28 windows) of medieval glass (1490) in the British Isles. They have the theme ‘The history of the Christian church’. The large windows dominate the church, which seems to be made just as a setting for them. At this time of year, the clear winter light enables the strong primary colours to be seen to best advantage. The life of Christ, the life of the Virgin Mary, Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles are there, also a fearsome range of Sinners (persecutors of the Church) facing a row of Saints, while the horribly graphic demons of Hell are painted in blood red and intense yellow. Other glories of the church are superb carved choir screens and chancel stalls which probably came from Cirencester Abbey after Dissolution (1540), featuring misericords (carvings beneath the seats) with such curiously unecclesiastical subjects as a woman beating her husband, a couple draining a barrel and a drunkard! So many visitors asked to see the gravestone of the church cat that there is now a postcard showing this, whilst the current feline incumbent is cosily housed in an ‘igloo’ in the porch. How? Via the A417, either side of which going towards Cirencester are … Bonus The quaintly picturesque villages, the Ampneys, several of which have noteworthy churches:

Down Ampney All Saints Church was built by the Knights Templar in the Early English style. Today it is best known for two reasons:

• The birthplace of Ralph Vaughan Williams whose father was vicar here. The tune he wrote for “Come down, O Love Divine” he called “Down Ampney”. There is a fine exhibition here of RVW’s life and work.

• As an RAF church, there being an airfield nearby. The Arnhem memorial window celebrates this. There is a wealth of fine woodwork and 117 beautiful kneelers, all different.

43

Ampney St Mary Built away from the village, possibly as a plague resettlement, this gloriously plain church has splendid wall paintings and a carved Norman lintel over the North door. Ampney Crucis Church of the Holy Rood, mainly Norman. A huge carved medieval stone cross in the churchyard is one of the few which survive, commemorating the dead in the time before gravestones were used. There is a peal of six bells, one pre-Reformation one engraved in Latin with the words:

“Pure Gracious Virgin, take into thy care All those who I may call together here”.

Su McArthur

ARE YOU THE MISSING PERSON? If you are a caring person and would like to help those in the community who are less fortunate than ourselves, and enjoy a good social life as well, why not come along to one of Wokingham Lions Club’s meetings to find out more about us and what we do? We are well known for organising the Wokingham May Fayre – but due to this, and other successful events, we need more members to follow our international motto – “We Serve”. We meet at the Committee Room, Wokingham Town Hall on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. for 8:00.

Contact Wokingham Lions Club on 0845 833 7384 for further details.

www.wokinghamlions.org.uk

44

A poem about plurals

We'll begin with a box and the plural is boxes. But the plural of ox should be oxen, not oxes. One fowl is a goose but two are called geese, Yet the plural of moose should never be meese.

You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice, Yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.

If the plural of man is always called men, Then shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen? If I speak of my foot and show you my feet, And I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet? If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth, Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth? Then one may be that and three would be those, Yet hat in the plural would never be hose. And the plural of cat is cats and not cose. We speak of a brother and also of brethren, But though we say mother, we never say methren, Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him, But imagine the feminine: she, shis and shim! So English, I fancy you will all agree, Is the funniest language you ever did see.

Thanks to Harriet Swinyard

46

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47

Baptisms 30 Nov Thomas Oscar Colin Yelland Jaydn Lee Freddie Hazelwood Adelaide Ward Roger Cameron Victor Wayne Thomson

Marriages 22 Nov Gareth Rickers with Rachel Jane Legg Graham Peter Atkins with Lynn Ann Watts 29 Nov Darren Mark Belcher with Kirsty Jane Leek

Burials 15 Nov Cicely Margaret (Peggie) Clemtson Age 92 10 Dec Kathleen Rose Bailey Age 89 2 Jan Saturnina Jackson Age 75 14 Jan Patricia Ethel Woodward Age 82

(cont. next pg.)

48

Burial At Easthampstead Park Crematorium 5 Dec Ernest Arthur Leader Age 89 Burial of Ashes 12 Jan Peter Anthony Hermon Age 78 Funeral in Church followed by Cremation 3 Dec John Francis Slark Age 80 5 Jan John Stewart Age 88 9 Jan Audrey Godlement Age 76 At Easthampstead Park Crematorium 4 Dec Ailenn Doris Proud Age 81 4 Dec Edward Dalby Age 84 21 Jan Ewan Chrystal Age 56 23 Jan Audrey Goodspeed Age 96 19 Jan John Chute Gill Age 67

Number of Sundays 9 Sundays 1407 Week days 729 (inc. 384 at Christmas)

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