RG31
April 2017
The Parish Magazine of Tilehurst St Catherine & Calcot St Birinus
Including Parish Review of 2016 supplement
April 2017
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Who’s Who in the Parish Licensed Lay Minister (Cornwell)
Licensed Lay Minister Mike Heather ℡ 0118 962 4852
Tony Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659
michaelheather@btinternet.com
tony.bartlett.ccc@ntlworld.com
Churchwarden (Cornwell) Richard Yates ℡ 0118 942 4920
Churchwarden Sonia Ludford ℡ 0118 945 4631 sonia.ludford@gmail.com
richard.yates@mailcity.com
Assistant Churchwarden Anne Soley ℡ 0118 942 5407
Assistant Churchwarden (Cornwell) Evelyn Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659
anne.soley@btinternet.com
evelyn.bartlett@ntlworld.com
St Catherine’s Hall bookings Sheila Drew ℡ 0118 942 7254 hall@stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Cornwell Centre bookings Tilehurst Parish Council ℡ 0118 941 8833 bookings@tilehurstpc.co.uk RG31 is published 10 times a year on the first Sunday of the month (not January or August) by the P.C.C. of Tilehurst: St Catherine & Calcot: St Birinus and is also available via our website www.stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Editor: Tony Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659 Assistant Editor: Rosemary Cunningham ℡ 0118 942 0713 Advertising: Richard Canning ℡ 0118 942 8238 All details and events are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print. The P.C.C. and Editors are not necessarily in agreement with the views expressed by contributors in this magazine. We welcome contributions of articles or letters for future issues from anyone living in, or connected with the parish. All contributions must be received by the editors by the 20th day of the month preceding the next month’s issue at the latest. Contributions may be sent to magazine@stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Read your own copy of RG31 (10 issues) - only 50p each issue, or £5.00 for a year’s subscription. Details from the editors whose details are above. ©Tilehurst St Catherine & Calcot St Birinus P.C.C. 2017
Cover Picture : Daffodils herald the start of Spring
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photo Stuart Poore
April 2017
Tony Bartlett Beginnings and Endings As I write this, the news is filled with the aftermath of the Westminster terror attack; the stories of death, injury and heroism as well as the unfolding investigation. What caught my attention before that happened were two soundbites on the radio. The first snippet was a comedian talking about the importance of making a good first impression with an audience, saying in essence ‘get that first minute right and they’re with you for the whole set, get the ending right and they’ll go away rating you highly’; beginnings and endings. The same is true for a work presentation or a sermon. The second soundbite followed the death of Martin McGuiness; an event overshadowed by the Westminster terror attack, but highly significant. Ian Paisley Junior, son of the Ian Paisley said this of Martin McGuiness “I think the Christian view in life is how a person’s journey started is of course important, but it is how it finishes which is actually more important”. Martin McGuiness had turned from IRA commander to statesman and Deputy First Minister, shaking hands with the Queen. Beginnings and endings. We start out in life with a blank canvas, our future may be influenced by our genes, our upbringing and environment, but our ending is not predetermined, it is determined by the choices we make in life and by the people we meet and mix with. I suspect that the majority of Christians can put down their ‘conversion’ to the action or words of a particular person who brought them to faith. A faith that carries this guarantee:
‘This is the testimony in essence: God gave us eternal life; the life is in his Son. So, whoever has the Son, has life; whoever rejects the Son, rejects life.’ (1 John 5:11-12 - The Message) Some people hope that they will receive eternal; life. John says those who commit their lives to Jesus as saviour and Lord can know they will have that new beginning after the ending of their earthly life. We all can have a part to play in allowing others to have the new life that we celebrate at Easter. In the weeks and months ahead you’ll be hearing more about ‘The Turning’; something that started in Reading with the visit of evangelist Tommie Zeto and has spread to other churches in Reading, now to other towns and cities. ‘The Turning’ empowers Christians to challenge people in the street about ‘endings’; do they know where they’re going at the end of their earthy life. When challenged, many thousands have then been led to pray a prayer of commitment and given their contact details so that they can be gathered into a local church; the start of a journey to become not merely church members, but disciples.
Tony
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Services in the Parish The Garden Room at St Catherine's is open during the day and reserved for quiet, prayer and meditation. Every Thursday 12.15 pm 2.00 pm
Holy Communion or Prayers - Garden Room Community Prayer - Garden Room
Saturday 1st April 3.30 pm
Messy Church - St Catherine’s - ‘What is Easter?’
Sunday 2nd April - 5th Sunday of Lent Ezekiel 37.1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8.6-11, John 11.1-45 8.00 am Morning Prayer - Garden Room 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell Our AGM as part of our normal Sunday service do please come if you can as we look back and look forward
Wednesday 5th April 11.00 am
Service at York House
Sunday 9th April - Palm Sunday Matthew 21.1-11, Psalm 118.1-2,19-29 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell 3.00 pm St Catherine’s AGM - St Catherine's Church
Thursday 13th April 8.00 pm
Maundy service - St Catherine's Church
Good Friday 14th April 10.30 am Good Friday All Age Event - St Catherine’s 12.00 noon Churches in Tilehurst Act of witness at Tilehurst Triangle 2.00 pm ‘Last hour’ service - St Catherine's Church 4
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Sunday 16th April - Easter Day Acts 10.34-43, Psalm 118.1-2,14-24, Colossians 3.1-4, Matthew 28.1-10 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
Sunday 23rd April - 2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 2.14a,22-32, Psalm 16, 1 Peter 1.3-9, John 20.19-31 8.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church There are 5 Sundays in the month so it’s a joint parish service, this time 10.00 am at St Catherine’s combining with the APCM (the parish AGM) all encouraged to attend (No service at Cornwell that day)
Sunday 30th April - 3rd Sunday of Easter Acts 2.14a,36-41, Psalm 116.1-3,10-17, 1 Peter 1.17-23, Luke 24.13-35 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
Wednesday 3rd May 11.00 am
Service at York House
Saturday 6th May 3.30 pm
Messy Church - St Catherine’s - ‘What is Prayer?’
Sunday 7th May - 4th Sunday of Easter Proposed visit of Rev Graeme Fancourt to both churches
Acts 2.42-47, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2.19-25, John 10.1-10 8.00 am Morning Prayer - Garden Room 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
Sunday 14th May - 5th Sunday of Easter Proposed parish ‘awayday’ details to be announced
Acts 7.55-60, Psalm 31.1-5,15-16, 1 Peter 2.2-10, John 14.1-14 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell April 2017
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Janet Steines RIP Many of our readers will remember she and husband Len lived on the corner of City Road and Hildens Drive. They kindly put us up for 2 weeks in 1986 when we were between homes. Later they moved away from Tilehurst to Berriew, near Welshpool in Powys, but sadly Len died soon after. About 2 years ago Janet moved to Sible Hedingham in Essex to be near her daughters. Below is part of what they have written. Tony Bartlett “Our dear mum passed away in Papworth Hospital on 13th March as a result of complications following a heart operation. She had decided not to
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undergo further treatment and was looking forward to being re-united with Len. She was comforted throughout her last week with reminiscences, songs, hymns and prayers and the help of the palliative care team at Papworth. We feel she was given the opportunity to die as peacefully and comfortably as possible. The funeral will be at Sible Hedingham church and sometime afterwards there will be a service of thanksgiving in her beloved Berriew church and her ashes scattered with Len’s in Wales.” Elizabeth, Sarah and Jackie
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St Patrick's Day Lunch On 17th March, the cafe held a very successful St Patrick's Day Lunch to celebrate a saint who brought Christianity to Ireland. St Patrick lived in the fifth century and has always been greatly loved in Ireland and beyond so it was fitting to mark his special day. Many thanks to the highly efficient catering and waitressing team – Joanne,
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Maureen, Sheila, Shirley, Sonia and Stephanie who ran everything so well. We enjoyed Irish stew with colcannon followed by Irish cheesecake. As well as having a delicious meal, we enjoyed each others company – those attending were a good mixture of church attendees and our neighbours and friends. Rosemary Cunningham
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Tilehurst Horticultural Association Talks Programme at the Village Hall, Victoria Road, RG31 5AB Entry is free & there will be an opportunity to join the Association. Membership of Tilehurst Horticultural Association is £6 a year, £3 for seniors. 7.45pm Thursday 27th April Heather Skinner ‘National Garden Scheme’ Heather is the County Organiser, Berkshire NGS and her talk tonight will cover the history of NGS from its Victorian roots to the present day. There will be slides of gardens and an explanation of how the money donated helps nursing and caring charities. Heather will also cover how you can prepare and open your garden for the NGS. There will be an interval with refreshments and a raffle. www.ngs.org.uk
Future events Saturday, 22nd April Beanpole Day Caversham Court Gardens, we will have a Plant Stall at this Econet event. Thursday, 25th May Plant Exchange Village Hall, Victoria Rd Saturday 3rd June RBH League of Friends Fete Victoria Rec. Tilehurst, we will have a Plant Stall once again at this fete. www.tilehurstha.org.uk
AQUASPORTS is a Christian lakeside water sports activities holiday that’s definitely not to be missed! Based near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, the holiday offers young people from 14 to 19 years of age and of any background, a week of exciting activities – on the water and off. This amazing holiday offers young people the chance to learn and improve in different water sports in a safe environment, taught by qualified instructors, along with chilling out in or by the water. As well as the water sports there are land-based activities such as football, tennis, volleyball and more. Each evening there are challenging Christian talks, small group discussions and ‘Late Night’ – a mad session of interactive entertainment. Alongside this there’s great food and great company – you will never want to go home! For further information and to book your place visit: www.aquasports.org.uk Helen Boyer
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March meeting Moira introduced the Rev. Lady Denise Brown who is our Diocesan Chaplain and whose subject was ‘Her life and work in the MU’. Denise, a twin, was brought up C of E, married to David for 43 years, been a member of the MU for 30 years and ordained for 15 years. Always a questioning young lady while studying Computer Science she was still looking for God’s purpose in her life. She started a Mother and Toddler Group and was asked to join the MU which led to a bible study group and her serving on the Young Families Committee.
In conclusion Denise gave each member present a stone and prayed that God would speak to us while we considered each one’s formation. How we have been shaped by relationships with God and other people – thinking of Peter the Rock, Psalm 18 – the Lord is my Rock. Then we thought about a cairn and what it could mark. Finally we each carefully placed our stone at the foot of the Cross she had brought, building a cairn and thereby the body of the MU.
Leading family worship was not enough for Denise so her Vicar suggested she trained as a Reader, then 18 months later she started training for ordination. So 15 years ago she was priested at Reading Minster and showed us her personal stoles which had painted silk panels one of fruits in bowls made of hands, and the other had ‘living water’ flowing from the cross – beautifully illustrated. During her faith journey she has found that God acts when we say yes to Him. She now leads workshops in different types of prayer.
Moira thanked Denise for a particularly thoughtful and interesting evening. Sheila Bryant
Tilehurst Library Craft Meet Meets in Tilehurst Library every Tuesday 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm Enjoy crafting with company Bring along your knitting, sewing, crochet, drawing Tea and Coffee provided
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Crop Rotation Good for the Soil and for the Soul So here we are at the beginning of Spring again. Every living creation is preparing to burst into action. The birds are singing, the plants and flowers are budding and the people are throwing open their doors and windows to welcome in the sunshine. What a time of year to feel alive! Of course, every wise farmer knows that in order for their crops to flourish every field has to be cleared of the previous years debris. The soil must be turned over and weeds and pests removed. They must be freshly fertilised in preparation of planting a different crop than the year before. This is crop rotation and every few years a field is left fallow, to rest and regain its growing potential. Farmers know that if this is not done the crop will weaken. The soil will have been depleted of good nutrients, the weeds will thrive and the pests will have a field day. Our parish may be metaphorically seen this way: the churches the 'fields' and us as the 'crops'. - Are we like the wise farmers and tend to our 'fields' this way? Do we clear out old debris, root out weeds and pests, turn the soil and apply new fertiliser? Do our 'fields' generate a healthy yield or do we reap the same results year on year? We are currently enjoying the fruits of crop rotation in one respect. The visiting ministers are like a breath of fresh air in the field. What's good for the soil...can be good for the soul ..may our 'fields' rotate together!
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building 1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV Lorraine Roberts April 2017
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Dates for the Diary See the following pages for more information April Sat 1
Messy church 3.30 pm at St Catherine’s ‘What is Easter?’
Sun 2
Cornwell Community Church AGM & Service 110.00 am
Tues 4
PCC meets 8.00 pm at St Catherine’s
Fri 7
St Catherine’s at Boxgrove House 3.00 pm
Sat 8
Purley Farmers' Market 8.30 am-12.30 pm at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Road, Purley on Thames
Sun 9
St Catherine’s AGM 3.00 pm, about an hour with tea and cakes
Mon 10
Ministry Team meeting 7.45 pm in St Catherine’s Garden Room
Tues 11
Tilehurst Parish Council - the meeting due tonight has been cancelled
Thurs 13 Service for Maundy Thursday 8.00 pm St Catherine's Fri 14
Good Friday All age service 10.30 am St Catherine’s Act of witness by churches in Tilehurst, 12.00 noon at Tilehurst Triangle ‘Last Hour’ service 2.00 pm St Catherine’s
Sun 16
Egg rolling & Kite flying 3.00 pm at Lardon Chase, Streatley Hill
Sun 23
Joint service 10.00 am at St Catherine's incorporating the APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) - no service at Cornwell that day
May Fri 5
St Catherine’s at Boxgrove House 3.00 pm
Sat 6
Messy church 3.30 pm at St Catherine’s ‘What is Prayer?’
Tues 9
Tilehurst Parish Council 7.30 pm at The Calcot Centre, Highview
Sat 13
Purley Farmers' Market 8.30 am-12.30 pm at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Road, Purley on Thames
Sun 14
The beginning of Christian Aid week
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Possible date for Parish ‘awayday’
Looking ahead - dates for your diary Saturday 3rd June - Summer Fete, Victoria Recreation Ground 10.30 am-4.30 pm Saturday 10th June - Calcot ‘Fun Day’ organised by The Gate Saturday 10th June - St Catherine's Pre-School Summer Fete Saturday 24th June - St Catherine's Church Summer Fete 2.00-4.00 pm Sunday 25th June - Songs of Praise & Picnic in Victoria recreation ground 4.00-6.00 pm Sunday 9th July - A joint service 1030 am at the Cornwell Centre followed by Picnic Sunday 13th August - Joint service at St Catherine's for the start of Holiday club week Monday 14th to Friday 18th August ‘Showstoppers’ Holiday club
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Community Event at St Catherine’s
What’s On In and
Wittenham Avenue RG31 5LN
Friday Friends Meets weekly from 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm every Friday Price £3.50. Offering a mix of light exercise, singing together, table-top games and craft activities in a safe, warm and friendly environment – with tea and cakes. April 7th 14th 21st May 5th 12th
Cards and Games Good Friday - no meeting today Bill’s games Cards and Games Seated exercises & TV series
If you think you would like to come, or think you could help, please Anne Soley ℡ 0118 942 5407
St Catherine’s Tea Dance We regret that these will not be taking place for the foreseeable future Anita Holbeche ℡ 0118 941 8046
Do something amazing
Give Blood At the Cornwell Centre, Home Croft off Clements Mead Weds 5th April Call 0300 123 23 23 to make an appointment or just turn up on the day
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Around the Parish April Weds 12th Readifood A talk by Alison Peyton, all welcome 8.00 pm St Catherine’s Weds 19th Bible Study 8.00 pm at 2 Laurel Drive Weds 26th Fellowship Afternoon 2.00 pm at 9 Compton Avenue May Weds 10th Bill Martin Talking about & demonstrating Antique/Vintage musical instruments, all welcome. 8.00 pm St Catherine’s Weds 17th Bible Study 8.00 pm at venue to be decided Weds 24th Fellowship Afternoon 2.00 pm at St Catherine’s church
Wednesdays A simple morning service with St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church held 9.30 am alternating between there and St Catherine's followed by a cup of coffee. See weekly notices at either Church. When at St Catherine’s followed by Meeting Point - meeting together and meeting with God. Teas and Coffees, people to listen and pray in the presence of God for you or for those you are concerned about.
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Registered Charity 102992
Cornwell 0-5s is a well established Parent & Toddler Group run by local mums in the Cornwell Centre, Home Croft (off Clements Mead), Tilehurst, RG31 5WJ. We offer a stimulating and fun environment for children and a great place for parents and carers to socialise.
We run two sessions a week: Tuesdays 10.00 am - 12.30 pm, feel free to bring along a healthy packed lunch for you and your child and join the lunch club in the picnic area from 12.00 - 12.30 pm And Thursdays, a special session for Childminders, 9.45 - 11.45 am If you are interested in joining, please feel free to drop in at one of the sessions or call Rebecca Devaney ℡ 0118 941 4920 email: toddlergroupcornwell@gmail.com or see www.cornwell0to5s.wordpress.com
Registered charity 1006732 - Established over 45 years St Catherine’s Hall, Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst, RG31 5LN A caring and supportive setting where Children are our heart and inspiration Ofsted Inspected with a team of qualified staff Outside Play Area Morning Sessions Daily during Term Time Children with Special Needs welcome ‘Little Munch Club’ facility For more information, or to arrange a visit to come and see us in action, contact us on 07745 909 348 see www.stcatherinespreschool.co.uk
St. Catherine’s Church Centre, Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst
Saturdays 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm April 29th, May 20th, June 17th, July 15th We provide time, space, tea & coffee. You bring along the craft projects you’ve always meant to do :A donation of around £1.25 per person, per hour to cover the cost of hall hire, tea & coffee.
https://www.facebook.com/CraftySpace Contact Val Poore ℡ 0118 962 4555 email val.poore@ntlworld.com 16
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Mothers’ Union Prayer Chain Prayer in Emergencies A call to one of the following numbers will start a chain of prayer straight away.
Valerie Forrow Hilary Smee Evelyn Bartlett Jo Day
℡ 0118 942 9319 ℡ 0118 941 2895 ℡ 0118 967 8659 ℡ 0118 942 1481
RIP Funerals taken by Ministers Geoff West Maurice White Please remember their families and friends in your prayers.
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Your friendly local tennis club in Tilehurst Whether you want to improve your game, play socially, or compete in matches, we have something for you. New members welcome! Visit us at www.woodlandtennisclubonline.co.uk Or call Jane on 07801 286 563
Established 1961
• Mini tennis for under 10’s • Junior and adult coaching • Ladies morning • •
For coaching enquiries call James Veterans a1ernoon on 07717 101 911 Or visit Junior and adult socials
www.igni ontennis.com
• Junior and adult teams Woodland LTC Wendover Way, Tilehurst, RG30 4RU
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Tilehurst Triangle WI Our March meeting had a very full programme. Sitting informally around tables, members enjoyed cheese and wine and the evening began with our Annual Meeting chaired by WI adviser Wendy England and her trainee Sarah. As there were no new nominations for the committee, the current committee agreed and the members seconded that they should form the committee again for the forthcoming year. Chris Turner was re-elected as President and Ros Somerville remains as Secretary. The annual committee report showed just what an active, varied and interesting year we have had, with talks, two parties, a murder mystery evening, quiz and keep fit just to mention a few. Our membership has grown to 50. Chris thanked the many members who, whilst not on the committee, make a very large contribution to our WI. In particular, Christine Emerson, who organises our many walks and outings, was presented with some flowers as a token of our appreciation for all her time and hard work. Sue Willitt has kindly bought a cup for the winner of the most competitions during the year and this year we had joint winners. Sue explained that she still held the competition cup from the former Birch Copse WI and would like our more recently formed WI to have a cup too. With the business over, Catherine Sampson, our speaker was welcomed. Catherine gave a very interesting and informative illustrated talk on Berkshire Churches (with a few on neighbouring county borders). We were amused to see and hear about the gate at St
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Thomas’s Church, East Shefford, which has a notice ‘Please shut the gate’. A perfectly normal request, except this gate is unattached to anything, so making the actual gate redundant. However, the ‘Please shut the gate,’ notice is still periodically replaced!
Other interesting isolated churches which could be combined with a country walk included, St Margarets’ Church at Catmore on the Berkshire Downs, St Mary’s Church Aldworth with the Aldworth Giants and St Oswald’s Church, Widford. St Oswald’s is a tiny isolated church and the only surviving building from a village deserted after the black death with wall paintings from the 14th century Our next meeting in April, is a flower arranging demonstration and workshop by some volunteers who help with the flowers at Basildon Park. If you are interested in finding out more about the local evening WI you may come as a visitor. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month (except August) at 7.30 pm in St Catherine’s Church Hall. For information contact the secretary Ros Somerville ℡ 0118 941 6838 wearettwi@gmail.com
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Tilehurst Parish Council Press Release Refund for Tilehurst Parish Council Residents Tilehurst Parish Council have at last got West Berkshire Council to agree to repay revenue taken prematurely with the 2016/17 Council Tax demands. The Council Tax for the year 2016/17 included a 'special charge' for the maintenance of St Michaels churchyard, a responsibility that had not been passed to West Berkshire Council. The churchyard which is situated within the boundaries of Tilehurst parish, was 'due to close. Upon confirmation of a formal closure order, the Church Commissioners could then request that future maintenance be passed on to the local authority. The parish council, on receipt of notification of the closure from the Parochial Church Council, resolved to take on the stewardship rather than pass it to West Berkshire Council. By using local contractors for the work, the parish council considered that best value could be achieved, with standards being monitored locally. The cost for the maintenance has been included in the parish's precept for 2017/18 With the help of our Member of Parliament, Alok Sharma, and almost ten months of correspondence with West Berkshire Council, confirmation has now been received that the refund will be included on the next Council Tax demand. Miss Jacky Major, Clerk of the Council ℡ 0118 941 8833 clerk@tilehurstpc.co.uk
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show the world that Jesus is the Son of God, that really matters.” Bishop Stephen says: “Prayer and evangelism belong together. When we pray, we pray that we would see ourselves, others and the world as God sees them, and want to be part of God’s work of transformation.
How to boost confidence in evangelism The Archbishop of Canterbury has launched a new training session aimed at helping Christians to share their faith. The video, available to download and use in churches, is part of Thy Kingdom Come – the global wave of prayer between Ascension and Pentecost. In the trailer Archbishop Justin is featured in conversation with Liz Adekunle, the Archdeacon of Hackney; Rachel Gardner, youth worker and founder of Romance Academy; and Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford. The four discuss how and why Christians share their faith, what some of the barriers are, and how to build confidence in evangelism. In the video the Archbishop says that God often uses us as the answer to our own prayers. “We witness to hundreds of things every day,” he says. “Being a witness isn’t unusual, but it’s about growing as a witness to Jesus Christ..” “...I want to tell people about Jesus because 43 years ago he found me and my life was changed. Through all the really bad and really good, he’s never changed. He’s always there. We exist to
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Evangelism is God’s work – he wants the world to be transformed, he wants the world to know Christ. That’s our motivation.” The full training session is designed to be run by churches, small groups or individuals and includes questions for small group engagement. Churches are encouraged to host the session for their congregations between Easter and Summer. Archbishop Justin says, “Join in, plan it into your church schedules - spend an evening looking at this and talking together. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as we have!” Download the videos: bit.ly/faithvideos
Setting God’s People Free: join the conversation Equipping each of us to live out our faith in all areas of life is at the heart of Setting God’s People Free, an initiative given a warm welcome by General Synod in February. The energy and creativeness of dioceses already committed to the principles of Setting God’s People Free are being
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Word for Today
Use what God has given you ‘SHE HAS DONE WHAT SHE COULD’ MARK 14:8 NKJV
Jesus paid one of His greatest compliments to a woman of the streets who poured costly ointment from an alabaster box onto His head: 'She has done what she could.' God requires no more of us, and is worthy of no less. One night in 1837, a woman called Florence heard the voice of God telling her she'd a special mission in life. Nine years later that mission began to take shape when a friend sent her information about an institution in Germany that trained deaconesses, so she went there and learned to care for the sick. In 1853 she became superintendent of a women's hospital in London. When the Crimean War broke out in 1854 she volunteered to take care of British soldiers and went to Constantinople. Once in Turkey, she was put in charge of nursing at a military hospital. It was a male-dominated society and the doctors were hostile towards her. The hospital was deplorably filthy, so she dug in her heels and began caring for her patients, at first using the provisions she brought with her and then undertaking a correspondence campaign to resupply the hospital. She spent hours each day in the wards, touching virtually every wounded soldier who entered it. The comfort she gave them on her night rounds earned her the nickname 'the lady with the lamp'. Who was she? Florence Nightingale. One of her most famous sayings was, 'l never made an excuse, or accepted an excuse.' So instead of focusing on the talents and resources you don't have, use what God has given you. This thought is taken from ‘The Word for Today’, Daily Bible reading notes produced quarterly by UCB (United Christian Broadcasters Ltd) PO Box 255, Stoke on Trent, ST4 8YY. If you would like to receive these free notes or those aimed at Secondary School age, please ask Evelyn Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659 who is our church rep for UCB.
(Continued from page 23) shared through stories of lay and ordained vocations. Carol Wolstenholme, Lay Chair of Newcastle Diocese told us about how an opera singer has helped boost confidence in lay people and Robert Hammond, Lay Chair of Chelmsford Diocese explains how his faith informs his job as a civil servant and how his professional skills support the diocese.
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We interviewed both Carol and Robert’s bishops too. Neither Bishop Christine nor Bishop Stephen grew up in Church attending families. Their stories show how encounters with Christians influenced and transformed their lives and lead to discipleship and ordained ministry. Each interview can be heard by visiting the Renewal and Reform Facebook page bit.ly/peoplefree
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How do I choose? Some charities feel almost 'sacred' - we'd BOO critics! In 2007, Martin Brookes of The Guardian dared to ask: "Which charities are really 'worth it'?" Brave man!! A popular charity promoted books for poor school children. A less popular charity de-wormed children: yuck! But de-worming improved school attendance and progress. The books had little effect. In many regions, drinking-water is a problem. One well-intentioned charity invented "PlayPumps", promising-
looking roundabouts for children, that pumped water! Celebs, including Bill Clinton, LOVED them! Lots were installed (but not really tested). Kids found them 'heavy' to move. UNICEF criticized. They were inefficient, hard to repair, and broke down too often. The old hand-pumps did much better. There's a bright side! Could we DO MORE GOOD with the SAME MONEY by being savvy? Google for "GiveWell" or "Giving What We Can". One little step at a time, it's not simple! Phil French
Actual Sentences Written in Patients’ Notes • The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed. • The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993. • Discharge status: Alive but without my permission. • Healthy appearing decrepit 69 yearold male, mentally alert but forgetful. • The patient refused autopsy. • Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital. • Patient’s medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only a 40 pound weight gain in the past three days. • Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch. • On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared. • She is numb from her toes down. • The skin was moist and dry.
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• Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches. • Patient was alert and unresponsive. • She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce. • I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy. • Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year. • The lab test indicated abnormal lover function. • The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stock broker instead. • Skin: somewhat pale but present. • Patient was seen in consultation by Dr Blank, who felt we should sit on the abdomen and I agree. • Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities. Source - Grovebooks Newsletter
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St Catherine’s Hall - Regular Bookings Monday
7.30 am - 1.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school www.stcatherinespreschool.co.uk
Contact 07745 909 348
3.45 pm - 5.00 pm
Pilates
Contact Kathi Elliott
kathielliott@hotmail.co.uk
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
8.00 pm - 9.15 pm
Rockin ‘n Roll Jive class rockinrythym.org
Contact Debra Tompkins 07748 391 776
7.30 am - 3.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
W.I. (3rd Tuesday)
6.45 pm - 7.45 pm 8.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Yoga exercise (2 classes) antoncarraro@gmail.com
Antonella Carraro ℡ 0118 942 8397
7.30 am - 3.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
1.15 pm - 3.30 pm (In church not hall)
Vivace Voices Ladies Choir www.vivacevoices.org.uk
Contact Sue Hennell ℡ 0118 966 1291
400 pm - 6.00 pm
Kumon Maths
Contact Greg Medalla ℡ 01256 471 640
7.30 pm - 10.00 pm
Tilehurst Triangle W.I. (3rd Wednesday)
wearettwi@gmail.com ℡ 0118 941 6838
7.30 am - 3.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
5.45 pm - 7.15 pm
7th Tilehurst Brownies andreafishenden@yahoo.co.uk
Contact Andrea Fishenden 07976 002 809
7.30 pm - 9.45 pm
Trefoil (4th Thursday)
7.30 am - 12.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Friday Friends
See page 16
7.45 pm - 9.15 pm
Church Youth Group (fortnightly)
Contact Evelyn Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659
11.00 am - 1.00 pm
Kumon Maths
Contact Greg Medalla ℡ 01256 471 640
1.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Crafty Space (monthly)
See page 18
3.30 pm - 5.00 pm
Messy Church (monthly)
Info@StCatherinesTilehurst.Org.Uk
tilehurstafternoonwi@gmail.com
7.30 pm - 10.00 pm Short Mat Bowls Club Sunday
Contact Anne Soley ℡ 0118 942 5407
9.00 am & 11.00 am Refreshments after church services
St Catherine’s Hall is available for hire at competitive rates for groups or individuals, both regularly or for one off events. It is especially popular for Children's Parties. For booking details, contact Sheila Drew on ℡ 0118 942 7254 hall@stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk
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Three courses and coffee for ONLY ÂŁ15.95. Children 12 and under JUST ÂŁ8.00 Dining from 12.15 pm Reservations please call 0118 941 6423 Celebrating? Book a private party Sunday lunch in your very own suite, please call Banqueting Office 0118 972 8601 Also available for all types of private functions: Parties, Christenings, After funeral gatherings and Conferences.
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The Anglican Parish of Tilehurst St Catherine & Calcot St Birinus ST CATHERINE OF SIENA Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst, RG31 5LN www.stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Saturday 3.30 pm Messy Church is on one Saturday most months and also other ‘Messy Dates’, it’s a fun time of worship and activities for all the family followed by a meal. Sunday 8.00 am Our Early Service of Communion or Morning Prayer, is quiet and reflective. An opportunity to start Sunday thinking about God. Sunday 9.30 am Is an exciting time of Praise and Worship, to fire you up for the week ahead. An opportunity for an encounter with God through word, sacrament, prayer, prophecy and healing. There are refreshments at 9.00 am and again at 11.00 am. Where there’s a fifth Sunday in the month Both churches meet together sometime during that month (details pages 4-5) for a joint service at 10.30 am held either at St Catherine’s or the Cornwell Centre.
CORNWELL COMMUNITY CHURCH The Cornwell Centre, Home Croft, off Clements Mead, Tilehurst, RG31 5WJ www.cornwellcommunitychurch.org.uk Sunday 11.00 am An opportunity for the whole family to meet with God through praise, prayer and teaching with special fun activities for children (Sunday School). Refreshments (including cakes and fresh coffee) from 10.30 am and after the service. An informal Communion Service occasionally held, see pages 4-5 for dates
is
See pages 4 & 5 for a full listing of church services in the Parish For initial enquiries regarding baptisms and weddings, please telephone ℡ 0118 942 7786
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