The Parish of All Saints Wokingham

www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk £1.00

Remembrance

Lest we forget

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

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From the Rector — November 2012

Looking at Luke It so happens that I’m writing this on the eve of St Luke’s Day. I mention this because I am thinking at present about Luke’s Gospel. Luke will be the gospel we ‘ll hear most in church on Sunday mornings in the coming year. Each of the gospels has its own character. Luke has stories none of the other gospels have. One of the most obvious is Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. This is an example of what makes Luke different from the other gospels. Concern for the disadvantaged in society is a special theme of Luke. This gospel highlights how important compassion and hospitality were in the practice and teaching of Jesus and the early Church. It shows Jesus eating and drinking with “tax-collectors and sinners” – those with a low reputation. There is also a special focus on women in Luke’s Gospel and to women are given vital roles in the mission of Jesus and witness to the resurrection. In Luke’s Gospel the poor are blessed. It shows how God is especially concerned for those with little or no power and influence in the world, whose lives are restricted and diminished, often by the over-weening power of others. In Luke’s Gospel, wealth is a spiritual danger;; causing people to be self-satisfied and closed to the far-reaching grace of God moving in their lives. Luke’s gospel offers a challenge about what is involved in being a true disciple of Christ. How in practical terms do we model God’s creative compassion and wide, accepting embrace? How can we be “good news to the poor”? This special theme of Luke’s Gospel is very relevant to the challenges our communities and society face today. Look at any of the news media and it will be full of stories about the struggles of the poorest and most vulnerable members of society;; about how economic growth should be generated and shared out, and about the proper use of wealth. How well are those in need offered compassion and opportunity to live life to the full? Where do our own responsibilities lie? These challenges must be the concern of any Christian who wants to be faithful disciples of Christ. These challenges are the concern of God whose compassion, though the witness of Luke, we see embodied in Jesus. This month we launch opportunities for us to get to know Luke’s Gospel better. The aim of course is to get to know Jesus better;; and to make some time and

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space in our lives to reflect – on our own lives as disciples of Christ;; and on our communal witness and mission as a church community. Are we “good news for the poor” like Jesus is? What can that mean to us today? November is always a good time to prepare ourselves to get to know, or re-acquaint ourselves, with the gospel for the forthcoming church year, which begins on Advent Sunday. Luke in particular though has a special resonance with the church’s year in November. In church, during November, between All Saints Sunday and the feast of Christ the King the focus is on God’s kingdom. What would life be like if lived more thoroughly influenced by the Spirit of God’s compassion and peace? This is also the time when we remember those who have lived the whole of their lives on earth already . On All Saints Sunday we celebrate the acknowledged saints who lives shone as beacons of God’s light and active influence in this world. On other Sundays in November we recall departed loved ones who also shared the light and love of Christ in their lives among family, friends and neighbours. We remember too those whose lives were caught up and cut short in the conflicts of the nations , who went to defend our freedoms and peace. Luke’s special theme of compassion and inclusivity chimes well with a focus on the kingdom of God and the remembrance of forebears who looked for the light and peace of that kingdom in their lives and days. Here are the main opportunities for you to engage with Luke’s Gospel this month. Listen to audio recordings of St Luke’s being read aloud. Commit to listening each day and you will have heard the whole of Luke’s Gospel within the month, or sooner, depending on your listening time. Read through the gospel using Luke for Everyone – a modern translation of the Gospel by Tom Wright. Commit to read a section each day. Study individually using Tom Wright’s Luke for Everyone – Bible Study Guide Take time every day as you read through. Both Wright’s books are available on Kindle as well as in paperback. Study in a group by joining the next course of the Bible Study module in our rolling programme for Christian Growth. “Look at Luke” will be 3 evening sessions about Luke’s Gospel: Mon 12th, Tues 20th, Mon 26th November. On combine one or more of the above options! More information on obtaining the audio files or signing up for the groups are available in church, from the Parish Office, or online at the church website. David Hodgson

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Please leave items for publica on in the Magazine tray in the Parish Office or email directly to the editor on or before the Copy Date please. Contribu ons can be typed, handwri en or emailed

All Saints PCC Wokingham is a Registered Charity, No. 1127585

Editor: Bill Poulsom (979 0484)

Associate Editor Harriet Swinyard (962 9313)

Email: editor@allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Distribu on: Sheila Longley (978 4193)

Adver sements: Bill Poulsom (979 0484)

Colla on: Sheila Longley & team (978 4193)

Copy Date for November: Nov. 11th, 2012

Colla on: Nov. 20th 2012

BREAKFAST

Come along and enjoy a con nental breakfast in the Cornerstone following the 8.00am service (you might prefer to come before the 9.30am) on Sunday 4th November. We will be serving cereals, croissants, fruit etc. with a choice of coffees and teas. You sit down and enjoy your breakfast with a nice chat to others and we will get on with the work! Really we do so look forward to these once a term occasions and look forward to welcoming you. If you have any dietary requirements or ques ons please telephone Diana 979 2614. There is no need to book so see you on 4th.

This magazine is published by the Rector and PCC of All Saints Parish Wokingham. Opinions expressed by individual contributors

do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers.

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Parish Clergy Rector The Revd. Canon David Hodgson 979 2999 Associate Priest The Revd. Caroline Kramer 979 9956 Honorary Asst. Curate The Revd. Colin James 978 1515 Honorary Asst. Curate The Revd. Helen Charlton 978 9153 Church Wardens John Smith 979 0948

Katherine Hugge 07834450819 Vacancy — Parish Administrator Jo Asplin 979 2797 Children and Youth Safeguarding Co-ordinator and Children’s Advocate Margaret Ragge 979 2797 Crèche Leader Rachel Garlish 978 2602 Junior Church Co-ordinator Harriet Swinyard 962 9313 Youth Church Contacts: Robert Vacher, Susan Westgate 979 2797 Friday Night Youth Drop-In (FDI) Contacts: Katherine Hugge , John Smith 979 2797 Worship and Music Director of Music (inc. Choir) Richard Smith Music Group Leader Gail Houghton 979 2797 Head Server Rachel Knowles 979 4736 Deputy Head Server Ruth Smith 978 7065 Bible Readers’ rota J Joyce Baldry 978 8506 Tower Foreman John Harrison 978 5520 Flower Guild Chairman Lucille Taylor 978 6847 Worship Rota and Prayer Lists Co-ordinator The Revd. Colin James 978 1515 Lay Co-Chair of Transforming Worship Liz Rippon 978 0455 Parochial Church Council PCC Secretary David Atkinson 979 7911 Deputy PCC Secretary Jo Robinson 978 9730 PCC Treasurer Stephen Smith 979 4407 Deputy PCC Treasurer John Alp 979 2797

Clergy and Officers

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PCC Treasurer’s Team Margaret Hawkins 962 9792 Dickon Snell 978 1044

Stewardship Co-ordinator Jo Robinson 978 9730 Gi Aid Co-ordinator Peter Whi aker 978 6225 Stewardship Recorder Jim Creech 377 4194 Electoral Roll Officer Joyce Baldry 978 8506 Leadership Forum Convenor Liz Rippon 978 0455 Asst. Stewardship Recorder and Asst. Gi Aid Coordinator Chris Westgate 979 2797 Pastoral Care contacts Home Communion Barbara Smith 979 4407 Healing Prayer Group Jack Hayley 978 3939 Pastoral Care Jo Robinson 978 9730 Bereavement Care Sarah Boylan 979 2797 Bap sms, Weddings, Funerals Parish Office 979 2797 Churchyard Steward John Smith 979 0948 Transporta on Susan Westgate 977 1041 Clergy available days: David All days except Thursday Caroline All days except Friday Colin Mon to Wed, Sat, Sun.

Clergy and Officers

The Parish Office (0118 979 2797), in the Cornerstone, can be contacted about church related issues (Bap sms, Marriages, Funerals). It is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and for urgent ma ers or by telephone on Monday and Thursday from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon.

e-mail: parishoffice@allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Postal address: 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. Administrator Monica Mar n is in the office: Monday 2-5pm, Tuesday 12.15-4.30pm, Wednesday 2-5.30pm, Thursday 1.45 - 6.00pm.

e-mail: info@thecornerstonewokingham.org.uk

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Worship at All Saints

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

Sunday Services 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion. A said service with a brief address using the tradi onal

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 o en 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 a er the service and this is the weekly 'social gathering' of the Congrega on. Please come and meet us there if you are a visitor to the church or would like to get to know us be er.

11.00 a.m. (1st Sunday) Family Service The service is simple with songs, prayers and a talk for children. Everyone is invited but especially parents and children. If you ever worry that your children are too noisy for Church, this is the place to try!

11.15 a.m. (2nd Sunday) Holy Communion A said service using the Book of Common Prayer.

11.00 a.m. (3rd Sunday) Family Service

11.15 a.m. (Some 4th Sundays) Ma ns using the Book of Common Prayer, usually sung and including a sermon.

6.30 p.m. (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 alterna ve 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 a end. These services may be led by a Priest or members of the Laity.

Holy Communion is celebrated as follows:

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

Friday in various Residen al Homes

Major fes vals are also marked by addi onal celebra ons of Holy Communion. Please see the Parish Diary elsewhere in the magazine, or see our Services leaflet.

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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).

Confirma on, Welcome or Growth Groups:

Anyone interested in confirma on, a refresher course, or learning about the Chris an faith is invited to join one of the Eureka! groups or a confirma on course - contact Barbara Smith on 979 4407.

Bap sms: are usually conducted at a special a ernoon service on the last Sunday of each month; or occasionally in Sunday morning services if requested. Bap sms can be booked via the Parish Office (979 2797).

Wedding Bookings: Clergy are available in the Cornerstone on Monday from 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm and on Saturday from 10.30 am - 11.30 am on an appointment basis. Please book via the Parish Office (979 2797).

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SONNING DEANERY PRAYER CYCLE Our Area Dean, David Hodgson has asked me, in my role of Deanery Project Co-ordinator, to re-establish the Prayer Cycle, which was in opera on within the Deanery some years ago. It is hoped that in praying regularly for the special needs of our Parishes we shall be drawn into closer fellowship across the Deanery.

The Prayer Cycle will have two sec ons; firstly we shall pray each month for our Deanery Synod or for the Clergy and people in a par cular Parish or some mes Parishes. That is, in November we shall be praying par cularly for our Deanery Synod, in December for Arborfield with Barkham and the White House School and so on month by month for the different Parishes in the Deanery

Secondly we shall include par cular prayer requests from ANY Parish in the Deanery; these requests could be for new ini a ves of mission or evangelism, courses taking place, par cular groups etc.

I shall be in regular contact with Clergy and LLMs, Church Wardens, Parish Administrators and any person in each parish iden fied as having a par cular prayer ministry within the parish. I should be pleased to hear of anyone in your Parish that I might include on this list?

I shall circulate the Prayer Cycle out to Parishes on the first day of each month. The Prayer Cycle will also be displayed on the Sonning Deanery Website.

Hazel Berry - Deanery Project Co-ordinator

sonningdeaneryprojects@googlemail.com

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Helpful Bible Verses

Lord I believe, Help Thou mine unbelief. Mark9 v 24.

These words were said by a distraught father, who had already approached the disciples, asking Jesus ,as a final resort, to heal his son mentally tormented by evil demons. Jesus takes his trust and ,in faith, cures his son. That father comes across so vividly, as any fran c parent would, then and today, pleading for help for his child, yet fully and humbly conscious of his own inadequacies. Barely a day goes by without his words entering my consciousness, when my faith runs thin. Yet I have constant examples of Jesus' love working its purpose out. I give thanks that our church at All Saints provides a vibrant living example of Chris an faith to hold to through good and ill.

Chris ne Snell

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Flower Guild An increasingly familiar feature of many churches on the four Sundays before Christ-­‐mas is the Advent wreath. Advent Sunday is the fourth Sunday before Christmas and is the start of the Chris an year. Advent historically was a season of penitence and fas ng in prepara on for the coming of Christ. The four Sundays were originally associated with the themes of Heav-­‐en, Hell, Death and Judgement. In modern mes there has been less emphasis on these peniten al themes and themes of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace have gradually taken their place. Advent wreaths have their origins in the folklore of northern Europe. At the darkest me of the year people would light candles on wheel-shaped bunches of evergreen.

This symbolized their hope of the eternal spring of life, which would return with the longer days. The wreath is tradi onally made of evergreen plant material, laid in a circle to symbol-­‐ise eternity. Four candles, red or purple, stand around the circle. One candle is lit on the first Sunday in Advent; on the second Sunday it is lit again and is joined by a second candle, a third on the third Sunday, and the fourth on the fourth Sunday. They are all lit again on Christmas morning, when the central white candle is put in place and lit to symbolize the coming of Christ.

Lucille Taylor Date for Your Diary

We invite you to join us for a workshop Saturday 24th November

in the Cornerstone from 9:30am to 12:30pm

We shall be showing you how to create a simple arrangement using Amaryllis and display-­‐ing various design techniques.

The cost will be £12 to include refreshments There will also be an opportunity to buy materials to create a door hanging or table ar-­‐

rangement at home. Booking is essen al as we need to know how many amaryllis to purchase. Contact Lucille

Taylor 9786847 Flower Rota for November

November 4th Mrs K Thomas, Mrs S James, Mrs H Ma hews KT November 11th Mrs L Taylor, Mrs M Whitaker, Mrs G Jones, Mrs J Mitchell, Mrs A Wade LT November18th Mrs L Draper, Mrs S Shields, Mrs T Freeston LT Novembe 25th Mrs J Ta erdill, Mrs L Clark LB

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The Mothers’ Union

The Mothers’ Union publishes various booklets and resources. One example is the ‘Hand in Hand: Enjoying Faith as a Family’ booklet, which sells for £2.00 and is available on the MU stall on the last Sunday of each month, on request from a commi ee member or directly from Mothers’ Union.

This booklet is intended for both those parents who already have a strong faith and desire to nurture this in their children and for those who feel less certain. It comprises a number of sec ons which:

Connect us with a God who is love and loves us daily

Offer prac cal ways in which to share family spirituality

Help us enjoy finding faith in our families

Celebrate the wonder of life in good mes and bad

Help us to find out more about the Bible together

Enable us to develop our personal and family faith.

As well as being a stand alone resource (it could be a good Bap smal present), it could also be used by a parents’ group exploring how they experience faith in their family or together with downloadable prac cal ideas to help families enjoy faith.

There will be several winter mee ngs across the diocese this year. The nearest one will be during the day of Thursday 15th November at St Peter’s, Earley. The speaker there will be Primrose Gallimore, a past diocesan president. Soup and a Ploughman’s lunch will be served. All the winter mee ngs are open to all, so please do go along if you are interested, with or without an accompanying current MU member.

The winter mee ng is also a collec on point for Christmas cards donated for Bullingdon prison. This prison lies in our diocese and the chaplain has asked if MU members would be willing to donate Christmas cards, so each inmate will

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receive at least one card; also cards can be donated for the prisoners to send to those closest to them.

Branch news. The speaker at our November mee ng will be Mr Bill Crooks, who has witnessed the workings of the Mothers’ Union Literacy project first hand. All welcome: visitor’s fee £1.00.

More informa on on The Mothers Union’s work worldwide can be found on the website www.themothersunion.org. For branch informa on or a li to mee ngs, please call Valerie (978 7363) or Mary (978 2678).

Tues 13th November 9.30am Corporate Communion.

Thurs 15th November 11am—2.30pm Winter Mee ng at Earley

Wed 28th November 7.45 for 8.00pm Branch mee ng – speaker

Bill Crooks

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1 All Saints’ Day

All Saints, or All Hallows, is the feast of all the redeemed, known and unknown, who are now in heaven. When the English Reforma on took place, the number of saints in the calendar was dras cally reduced, with the result that All Saints’ Day stood out with a prominence that it had never had before.

This feast day first began in the East, perhaps as early as the 5th century, as commemora ng ‘the martyrs of the whole world’. A Northern English 9th century calendar named All Hallows as a principal feast, and such it has remained. Down the centuries devo onal writers have seen in it the fulfilment of Pentecost and indeed of Christ’s redemp ve sacrifice and resurrec on.

The saints do not belong to any religious tradi on, and their lives and witness to Christ can be appreciated by all Chris ans.

1,255 ancient English churches were dedicated to All Saints - a number only surpassed by those dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

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Gardening Exper se

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Phone 0118 978 6371

Overgrown areas tamed Beds and borders en-­‐

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anniversaries etc. Compe ve rates

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All Saints’ Church Fellowship

Everybody is most welcome to Fellowship mee ngs usually held on the third Wednesday each month at 7.45pm for 7.55pm in the Cornerstone De Vitre Room. The cost to visitors is £1.50 which includes coffee and if you have any queries about Fellowship please contact Leader Diana Clifford 9792614

ENJOY OUR AUTUMN PROGRAM

WED. NOV. 21st

Hold on to your seats as we are going AROUND THE WORLD IN SIXTY MINUTES with Mr David Grainger. Talk and slides.

WED.19th DEC. CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER with prayer & Bible reading for Christmas, plus fun quiz and light finger supper.

2013

WED. 16th JAN. A.G.M .

Following the evening business we are delighted that Mrs. Anne King will be tell-­‐ing us about her visit to Buckingham Palace when she received her MBE.

CAKE STALL. Thank you very much everybody who contributed to our October cake stall which raised £80 for Stage Fright.

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Service of Thanksgiving for Crea on and Blessing of Animals, 7 October 2012

Sunday 7 October was Animal Welfare Sunday and on that day was the Service of Thanksgiving for Crea on and Blessing of Animals at All Saints’ Church. It is always held on the nearest Sunday to St. Francis’ Day, 4 October, as he is the patron saint of animals.

David held the service and Julie Ramsbo om from St. James’ preached, and the animals were blessed individually by David, Julie, Colin and Caroline. Refreshments were organised by Jacquie Headland in the Cornerstone and there were packets of dog and cat food provided free by Burns Nutri on Ltd, a firm in Carmarthenshire. This food is totally natural and many people give it to their dogs and cats. Thanks are due to Jacquie and her helpers for organising the refreshments which were greatly appreciated.

The collec on amounted to £55.75. This will go to the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals which has several bishops on its commi ee. There were 41 people with their animals, mainly dogs, which all behaved perfectly.

Next year will be the 25th year that I have organised this service so it will be its’ Silver Jubilee

Thanks to all who supported the service.

Marcelle Williams

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Tuesday Morning 9.30 Holy Communion Service

Recently Susanne stumbled on one of All Saints’ be er kept secrets – the Tuesday morning 9.30 Holy Communion Service (and a cup of coffee, a biscuit and a chat a erwards).

Now that doesn’t flow trippingly off the tongue, I grant you, but you have to agree it does give a fair idea of what I’m talking about. Like Susanne, many of us some mes find that that precious, family day, Sunday, is so jam-packed with things to do, places to go, people to see that coming to Church just can’t be fi ed in. That’s when the TM 9.30 HCS comes into its own.

A quiet (no music, no children) in mate (the Lady Chapel) celebra on with an always-thought-provoking talk plus, if you choose, a coffee a erwards will provide an oasis of calm in a busy week.

Do give it a try – we don’t bite!

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Clergy Team Le er A couple of weeks ago the Church Times had an ar cle which talked about the feelings parent's o en experience when their children begin to refuse to go to Church. Guilt seemed to be the overriding feeling. It did not take many years of paren ng to realize that at some point my children would simply refuse to come with either of us on Sunday morning. At first we tried the same set of persuading and discipline tricks that many parents try but a er a conversa on with one of our daughters we decided to let them have more freedom. We realized that the children were experiencing Church so nega vely that we were running the risk of turning them not just off the ins tu on for life, but of seriously damaging their experience of God. We were in a tough Church, there is no hard and fast rule, but I wanted to put together a few thoughts that might help. Firstly it is worth thinking about how you experience Church as an adult. Your children, even at a very young age, will no ce your behaviour and reac ons. If you are engaged they will see that, if you are going through the mo ons for their sake every week, they will see that too. Yes, we all have those days when we would rather pull the covers around our ears (even clergy!) but overall what do we find we are doing at Church? Do our children see us joyfully reading the Bible, do we talk about prayer as something normal – do we pray with them? If you are feeling a bit despondent reading this – don't. Children understand honesty and they will get that this is something worth s cking at if they see you s cking at it rather than papering over every crack. They will also learn a valuable lesson if they see parents who are s ll learning and are willing to do so. Secondly, expect rebellion. Conversa on does not mean conceding to all demands, but you need to listen as well as talk (however angry the words which come your way). But remember that teenagers are looking for consistency and guidance (although they will never say so) – if you miss Church for the game you have ckets to it is, in their mind, perfectly reasonable to spend Sunday morning on the X-box. There is no hard and fast rule here, everyone had their own expecta ons. But even if you are going to make a hard and fast rule, listen kindly. Thirdly, try to allow your children to experience God, not just Church. Some teens love the tradi onal, others need noise and media. All will look

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for honesty and integrity. That means that Church has to behave like the body of Christ and not like a gaggle of people reluctantly poured together on a Sunday morning. Love really is quite infec ous. It is important for Churches to create dedicated space for teens but also to teach them about this community of which they are a part – to share tradi on and to learn new expressions of faith. The wider Chris an community is important too, things like Greenbelt, Soul Survivor and Diocesan and Deanery Youth Events. Again, there is no hard and fast rule but a good ques on is are we allowing our teens space to experience God and to begin to learn to own their faith for themselves? The reason so many young people fall away from Church is, I believe, because we spend a lot of energy keeping them in the building instead of really thinking about helping them build rela onships with Jesus (which o en keeps them in the building!). With no parents to insist, university students may have no real faith founda on upon which to base their own religious prac ce – and this is a tragedy. Teaching faith is not about facts and figures, it is about engaging religious imagina on, about nurturing the innate spirituality which children all have and about le ng that grow and blossom into a living rela onship with God. When children say “ I don't believe in God,” just pause to wonder whether what they are rejec ng is ins tu on, the way you see things rather than the maker of heaven and earth. Caroline

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THE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY TABLE

We are hoping to have the table in the Cornerstone on various Sundays leading up to Christmas. The next one is planned for Sunday 4th November and we look forward to seeing the children. Please see weekly Sunday leaflet for confirma on of this and other dates. The session follows the 9.30am service.

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Sunday 4 Before Advent - All Saints' - Back to Church - 4th November Org

Service All-Together Communion RS

Motets Sing of the Lord's Goodness - Ernest Sands, arr. Houghton

For all the Saints - trad., arr. Houghton/Smith

Gaudent in Caelis - T L de Victoria

Final Voluntary Nun danket alle Gott - Sigfrid Karg-Elert

Service 11.00 Family Service LA

Service Choral Evensong RS

Introit Gaudent in Caelis - T L de Victoria

Responses Neary

Psalm 150 - Stanford

Canticles Stanford in C

Anthem Give us the wings of faith - Ernest Bullock

Final Voluntary

Sunday Remembrance Sunday - 11th November

Service Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting RS

Motets Call to Remembrance - Richard Farrant

For the Fallen - Douglas Guest

Final Voluntary Fantasia in G minor (BWV 542) - J S Bach

Service 15.00 British Legion Service of Remembrance RS

Anthem Kontakion of the Departed: Give Rest O Christ (Kieff Melody)

Candle Lighting For the Fallen - Douglas Guest

Final Voluntary Fugue in E flat major (BWV 552) - J S Bach

Music List July 2012

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Sunday 2 before Advent - 18th November Org

Service Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting RS

Psalm 16

Motet O Nata Lux - Thomas Tallis

Final Voluntary Toccata in F major (BuxWV 157) - Dieterich Buxterhude

Service 11.00 Family Service LA

Service 15.00 Bereavement Service RS

Final Voluntary Elegy - George Thalben-Ball

Service Healing Service ---

Sunday Next Before Advent - Christ the King - 25th November

Service Eucharist: Archer - St. Mark's Setting RS

Motets Gloria - Antonio Vivaldi (Movement 1 - Gloria)

Gloria - Antonio Vivaldi (Movement 6 - Domine Deus)

Final Voluntary Fantasia in G (BWV 572) - J S Bach

Service 15.00 Baptism Service RS

Service Evening Prayer ---

Music List July 2012

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HEALING FEAR OF DEATH

At this me of year our thoughts are very much turned towards those who have died. On Remembrance Day we remember those who have died as a result of ac ve service in the armed forces and on All Souls Day all who have died. This sets our minds to the me when we shall be called to depart this earthly life. For many this induces fearful thoughts of how we will face up to this inevitable me, because there is nothing more certain than the fact that we, amongst all things living on earth, will eventually die. So why should we fear the inevitable?

There are, of course, several reasons why dying is feared.

Firstly there is the greatest fear, namely, that of the manner in which we will die. We all hope that it will be quick and peaceful. But for many, the process can be long, drawn out and full of pain. For those it is difficult to understand why it should happen to them and for those closest to them who will suffer with them. We are blessed these days with many hospices which provide pallia ve care to reduce suffering and give spiritual support and, in par cular, to console their thoughts about what may happen a er death.

For all, no amount of specula on will provide the answer to this ques on, but for those of a Chris an faith, life a er death should not, of its self, be a cause of fear. In the Apostles’ Creed we say, “We look for the resurrec on of the dead and the life of the world to come”. In the New Testament we read of many mes when Jesus’ promised eternal life. In John‘s Gospel, chapter 10, v. 26, he quotes Jesus as saying, in his analogy of comparing himself to the Good Shepherd, “I give them (his sheep, his followers) eternal life, and they shall never perish”. Again in verse 25 of chapter 11, “I am the resurrec on and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die”. For some the thought of living for ever can be a source of fear, but when Jesus talks about life

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Parish Diary - November 2012

Sunday Monday to Saturday Page 4 All Saints

08.00am Holy Communion 5 M 09.30am Parish Communion 6 T Serendipity 11.00am Family Service 7 W 3.00pm 8 Th Julian Group 6.30pm Choral Evensong 9 F

10 Sa 11 Remembrance

08.00am Holy Communion 12 M Bible Study Group 2 09.30am Parish Communion 13 T MU Corporate Communion 13 11.15am BCP Eucharist 14 W 3.00pm Remembrance 15 Th 6.30pm Sung Evensong 16 F

17 Sa 18 2 before Advent

08.00am Holy Communion 19 M 09.30am Parish Communion 20 T Bible Study Group 2 11.00am Family Service 21 W Fellowship 15 3.00pm Bereavement 22 Th 6:30pm Healing 23 F

24 Sa Flower Guild Workshop 9 25 Christ the King

08.00am Holy Communion 26 M Bible Study Group 2 09.30am Parish Communion 27 T 11.15am No Service 28 W Mothers’ Union 13 3.00pm Holy Bap sm 29 Th 6.30 pm Said Evening Prayer 30 F

31 Sa Forthcoming Events

19 Dec Fellowship Christmas Get together.

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eternal, it will be nothing like the life we have lived on earth and is beyond our comprehension.

St Paul in chapter 15 of his first le er to the Corinthians, verse 51, offers his vision. “Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” He follows with the following well known quota on from the Prophet Hosea, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your s ng?” With such assurances, how can we be afraid of what sort of life we should expect a er death?

Another fear is that of the possibility of judgement a er death. We also say in the Apostles’ Creed, “And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead”. I have read of research carried out a few years ago which showed that the fear of judgement is not as common as it was many years ago. Fewer people now a end church, and those who do, generally speaking, rarely hear a sermon on ‘future judgement’. No man or woman, however, who knows Christ need fear judgement, because as Paul so beau fully puts it in Romans, chapter 8, verses 1and 2, “There is therefore now no condemna on for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death”.

Lastly, there is the fear, or rather the sadness, at the thought of the coming to an end of a life that has brought us both joy and sadness; the joy of the beau es of God’s crea on, the joy of the loving rela onships that we have experienced and our gra tude for the way God has supported us in all of our trials and sadness. There is also our concern, rather than fear, for those who we will leave behind; for the loss they will feel in losing the love and companionship of years spent together.

So we pray Lord that you will bring us peace and comfort on leaving our life on earth, and to those we leave behind, and we look forward to being united with you and your Son, Jesus Christ and all the Saints,

Jack Hayley.

(Members of the Group are Gill Allen, Maggie Davies, Jack Hayley, Mary Hughes, Ann Penn, Rosemary Sturmer, Joan Thomason and Joan Wa s) Please let us know of any need for healing prayer support. Confiden ality is assured. The Laying on of Hands will be made available at Parish Communion on Sunday 21st October. The next Healing Service will be held on Sunday 18th November at 6.30pm.

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Ca e's Channel Swim

Our daughter Ca e went through Junior Church and Young Saints at All Saints and was briefly a bellringer. Many in the congrega on remember her. This is a report for interest about her swim across the English Channel.

It all finally got under way on Saturday 6th October. This was a er three post-­‐ponements and was announced as definite when Ca e was at a party in York-­‐shire! Nevertheless arrangements were quickly made. At midnight Ca e and her two supporter colleagues (Ella and Pete) and her Dad (Steve) assembled at Folkestone Harbour to meet Kevin, our pilot for the night, his assistant and Andy (the observer officially provided by the Channel Swimming Associa on).

Off Shakespeare Cliff, Ca e was coated firstly with sun cream lo on, then with an -jellyfish compound, and then finally with a fairly revol ng fa y compound. And with that she was gone, swimming towards the small beach so that she could officially start as was necessary with dry land under her feet. Start me = 02:02.

The night progressed, with Ca e swimming at a very regular pace, illuminated with a small strobe light on her swimming cap. Meanwhile we on the launch started the rou ne of preparing liquid feed every thirty minutes and then sig-­‐nalling to Ca e. She would then come alongside and using a pole and cord we would lower the bo le down to her. She would gulp down the 500 mls and then resume swimming. Some mes as a treat she would get half a chocolate mini-roll or similar - a quickly-eaten solid of less than one mouthful.

Ca e just kept plodding on, forward into the darkness. Ella had decorated the boat and ourselves with glow s cks, flashing lights and more, so we must have looked a strange sight to Ca e as she laboured below. The weather condi ons were pre y benign - a slow wind and only small waves - with rela vely clear skies and a half-moon to illuminate the scene. It must be noted though that the sea temperature was down at 13½°C overnight and 14½°C by day.

Around 5 o'clock we found ourselves approaching the busy westbound shipping lanes. We could make out the silhoue es and of course their naviga on lights. And then we saw something absolutely bathed in light. It was in fact an oil pro-­‐duc on pla orm being pulled incredibly slowly by two tugs. Kevin was in radio contact with the coastguard and in the event we think maybe the tugs altered course, because Ca e eventually swam in front of them (by a safe margin).

It was ge ng light now and the water started ge ng a bit more choppy. Ca e just ploughed on. This choppiness lasted for a couple of hours and then things calmed down again. A er the swim was complete, Ca e announced that she had 'really enjoyed' the swim throughout this me, and previously through the night. Something about swimming in the dark!

In due course it was agreed that Ella would join in and so Ca e was joined by a swimming companion. By this me England behind us and France ahead of us were both of roughly equal magnitude. Andy the observer was ming the

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companion swimmers and would announce a warning a few minutes before they had to clamber back onto the boat. A er Ella there was the statutory sixty minutes solo before Pete tasted the Channel water. Then Ella again.

France started looming larger in front of us, and it was soon me for Pete's se-­‐cond swim. This took us through the eastbound shipping lanes, without inci-­‐dent this me. But once through, France seemed to get stuck; it wouldn't grow any larger and we were wondering whether progress against currents and des really was being made.

We could see the coast ahead of us quite clearly now, stretching from far away at the right to a point slightly to our le . A er that it disappeared away directly from us. This was Cap Gris Nez which really is more or less a right-angle. We were aiming west of the cape itself (slightly to our right) where we could see the beach. Kevin the pilot appeared to ask if Ca e could swim faster for a cou-­‐ple of hours in order to make the beach before the de swept us past the cape. In retrospect the request was very op mis c - the increase in speed would have had to have been superhuman - and out of place - Ca e was in no condi-­‐on to increase her speed especially as her main characteris c is her ability to

keep going for ever at a steady pace.

The apparent lack of progress was now catching up on Ca e. She seemed to be having doubts as to her ability to make it, especially as the constant diet of liq-­‐uid feed was having its effect in terms of a feeling of general bloatedness, a need to burp, and so on. Lots of encouragement was needed from Ella, Pete and Steve to get past the headland.

But the naviga on now was different. Ca e had to turn to the right and swim against the current and make for the shore behind the cape. This was tough, very tough. Ca e was swimming solo and not enjoying it. Ella, Steve and Pete just poured con nual encouragement from the boat and Ca e produced a spell that transformed the event. Using all her reserves she pounded away pu ng real power in. Andy the observer was very impressed, saying that this was the most effec ve part of her whole swim.

For ages, the beach had seemed just as far away as ever, but then suddenly it looked within reach. With the light fading fast, the clock gradually cked around un l the moment when Ella was allowed back in again. Finally the two of them could actually be seen to be closing the infernal gap, and we breathed a sigh of relief. The light was so poor that we could barely make out Ca e (followed but not assisted by Ella) clambering over the rocks to the small beach. She had done it, a er a gruelling 16 hours 32 minutes and 22 seconds.

All in all was an unforge able experience. And that was just for the watchers and companions on the boat. For Ca e it was an absolute exhibi on of endur-­‐ance, physical performance, stamina, determina on, skill and sheer bloody-mindedness. A triumph.

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DAILY PRAYER – DO YOU?

Prayers are said every day Monday -Saturday at 9am and 5pm in the Lady Chapel using the Church of England's Common Worship Morning and Evening Prayer formats. This includes the bible readings and psalm for the day as well a me of prayer. We pray for Wokingham, for this parish, for the world and those who suffer; and we offer the pray-­‐ers which are wri en on the prayer-cross. There is always opportunity to bring your own prayer requests or pray aloud yourself. It lasts 25 minutes at most.

These prayers are led by a mixed team of clergy and lay members of the church. You are welcome to join on any day as li le or as o en as you would like.

Alterna vely, if you cannot physically a end the church on any day, you might like to go online and follow morning or evening prayer there. All readings are automa cally provided and there are sugges ons for prayer topics. You can access Daily Prayer online from our own church website www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk – see Daily Prayer in the Quick Link menu on the home page.

If you use a smartphone there are apps available which will take you straight to the Church of England's Morning or Evening Prayer. Search for “myCofE” if you use iPhone/iPad; or “pocket common worship” if you use Google/Android; or simply bookmark the Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer websites on the Church of England website which present well in mobile format. Don't forget our own church website is also available as an app for Google/Android phone users – search for All Saints Church Wokingham in the Google Play/Android marketplace stores. You can access Daily Prayer in the app via the Sunday Services icon.

If you would like to know more about being part of the team which leads the prayers we would love to hear from you – speak to any member of the clergy team or one of our regular leaders such as Barbara Smith, Clive Chaney or Geoff Davies.

Finally we would very much like to have a specific webpage and/or app which brings together in one place online the prayer bulle ns from the different organisa ons that we use in church at Morning Prayer so that online users can pray for the same prayer inten ons are we are using in church each day. Any programmers with me on their hands?

The Rector

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Lest we Forget

Nurses at War

Many of us who lived through the Second World War will have enjoyed watching the present series of unsung heroes and heroines in ‘War me Farm’ and ‘How we won the War’. We will never forget the sacrifices made by the Army, Navy and Air Force men and women in conflict, but there were other very brave people who gave us the freedoms we have today. So, nursing being my own privileged service, it seemed right to remember the part played by nurses.

First of all, there has to be Florence Nigh ngale, ‘The Lady with the Lamp’, who nursed the wounded soldiers at Scutari. She not only laid the founda ons of present nurse training but transformed the living condi ons of military servicemen.

Then, in the First World War, there was Edith Cavell who nursed the wounded in Belgium and developed an escape route for soldiers out of the war zone. She was arrested and shot at dawn by the Germans as a spy. She is buried in the churchyard of Norwich Cathedral.

In the Second World War, many nurses joined the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Service, the Women’s Royal Naval Nursing Service and the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. Many were on ac ve service in war zones such as Europe, Italy, Africa and the Far East. When the Japanese overran Singapore, seven Nursing Sisters were hounded to the flat roof of the hospital and pushed over the edge to their death. Many also worked in hospitals under canvas.

At home, when one reached 18 years of age, we had to contribute to the war effort by joining one of the armed forces, or become nurses, work in muni ons factories or on farms amongst other professions. I trained as a nurse in 1943 at Guy’s Hospital, London, much of my training being at the Guy’s unit at Orpington Hospital, and nursed wounded servicemen and air-raid casual es amongst other pa ents with rou ne condi ons.

Our Matron, Emily P. McManus, renowned for her work during the First World War, was Sector Matron for the whole of the South East of England. I experienced air raids on London, the pilotless missiles V1 (buzz bombs) and the V2 rockets as did many nurses.

The best way to conclude this tribute is to say:

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Esmé P.E. Few

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All Saints’ Kni ng Group

Most of you are probably aware that ‘Feed the Children’ charity in Twyford has unfortunately gone into liquida on. Our blanket kni ng started at Easter 1999. This followed the comple on of our kneeler project which was launched in 1996, with the s tching of Nave kneelers. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and enthusiasm of the congrega on, the sweet tempered cross-s tchers were able to complete further kneelers in the Lady Chapel and High Altar. Now that everyone was kneeling comfortably, the people with busy fingers realised that they were suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Kni ng squares for blankets was suggested and greeted with great enthusiasm. The blankets were sent to Kosovo via Children’s Aid Direct in Reading, un l they directed their efforts to fund-raising only. They referred us to Medicaid in Great Shefford near Newbury, and we made blankets, hats, jumpers, scarves, gloves and Teddy Bears. These were sent to orphanages in Ukraine. Unfortunately Medicaid was only open one morning and one evening each week and was a 75 mile return trip. Not very convenient. Shortly in 2001 ‘Feed the Children’ opened a depot in Twyford which was far more convenient. Ini ally our goods were sent to Afghanistan and Iraq, later they were sent to areas in need in Africa. Our total exports to these three chari es amounted to 18 shawls, 118 jumpers, 21 scarves, 170 hats, 23 pairs of gloves, 24 so toys and 985 blankets.

‘Feed the Children’ closed their doors whilst Jack and I were having a summer holiday in Iceland! I came home to a pile of 22 blankets on the spare room bed and enough squares for another seven! Having completed these, where should I send them? I visited the Helen and Douglas House shop in town and enquired whether the Children’s Hospice in Oxford could use them. A quick phone call to headquarters and the answer was ‘Yes please’. Having completed the kni ed garments and final total of 1014 blankets, I would like to thank everyone who helped us with this project, the kni ers, the s tchers and all the many gi s of kni ng yarn. Without them we could not have helped so many people in great need.

Barbara Hayley

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PCC mee ng 03.10.12

A er apologies for absence we started as always with prayers for those who could not be with us.

Having gone through the minutes to check that they were a true and accurate record of the last mee ng we got down to business. The first item for discussion was the solar panels, we have been fortunate enough to have been awarded the EDF grant! The discussion was about how to use the income from the solar panels to best help support the out reach of the church through the Cornerstone. Remembering that this is one major way that we show out reach in to the community.

Next on the list was Christmas! A quick overview of the service pa erns, note to everyone, Nine Lessons and Carols is on Sunday 23rd December at 6pm. It was then on to the new director of music and the work that he has already done in working with other music groups around the church including the younger members of our congrega on!

***************************** Oli’s first quarter peal

Learning to become a competent ringer is a con nuous process through many stages: learning to be safe on the end of a rope, learning to control the bell accurately, learning to fit in with a rhythm, learning the complexi es of change ringing, and so on. Most of these things are gradual – like learning to ride a bike.

But there are some definite landmarks, like the first me you ring with other ringers and when you first ring for a service. Another major landmark is ringing one’s first quarter peal, which Oli James did on 30th September.

A quarter peal is a con nuous performance that lasts about 45 minutes, and if successful it is published for ringers worldwide to see, in the ringers weekly newspaper The Ringing World, and also on-line.

This quarter peal was rung for the evening service at Harvest Fes val, and it was also a farewell tribute to David Rance on his re rement as Musical Director.

John Harrison

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Number of Sundays 4

Sundays 630 Week days 167

Bap sms 30 Sept. Mia Gwen Varley Ferreira Lilyrose Stringer Marriages 22 Sept. Mark Alfred Stevens with Jacqueline Patricia Dance 29 Sept. Ma hew Robin Clementson with Charlo e Rachel Su erby Burial 15 Oct. Eric William Priest Age 80 Communion Service in Church followed by Burial at St Paul’s 22 Sept. Rachel King-Salter Age 85 Funeral in Church followed by Crema on 26 Oct. Edward Court Fisher Age 92 At Easthampstead Park Crematorium 18 Sept. Edna Rose Dear Age 77 8 Oct. Olive Lilian Ben nck Age 84