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The Parish Magazine of Tilehurst St Catherine & Calcot St Birinus October 2017
October 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 : One of the Cornwell banners
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photo Stuart Poore
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Mike Heather The Lord is near to all who call upon him. Psalm 145:18
They say time flies when you are having fun, and that certainly must be the case here at St Catherine's as it doesn’t seem a year ago when we started the interregnum. It seems just like yesterday that Denis announced that he was being called by the Lord to follow another path and that he would be moving on. At the start, like the previous four interregnums there have been here at St Catherine's everything had that air of uncertainty about it. How would we cope, what would happen when decisions had to be made, would the services remain the same, would we have a service to go to? And a hundred and one other things we thought would happen but never did. During that time we have welcomed many Ministers here to lead us in worship. Each one with their own style but with the same message and however the message has been given we have seen that the message might be different but that the destination is the same, and we continue to learn and grow both individually and collectively, to learn about each other as well as ourselves. I have always thought of as an interregnum as a chance to spring clean our faith, to look at our strengths as well as our weaknesses, a chance to look at what we are, and how to come closer to God and that certainly has happened and continues to happen to more and more of us as the days go on. Getting to know the Lord in up-till-now unknown ways. If proof is needed that the Lord is here and ministering to us just look around, look at the faces of those around you, feel the presence of the Lord around you in your lives, feel the presence of the Lord during our worship. Not for us a church here hidden away and dying on its feet. No, a church that’s alive and vibrant, but we must not be complacent as we still have a way to go on our journey. Blessings.
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Services in the Parish Every Thursday 12.15 pm 2.00 pm
Holy Communion or Prayers - Garden Room Community Prayer - Garden Room
Sunday 1st October - Proper 21 Ezekiel 18.1-4,25-32 Psalm 25.1-8 Philippians 2.1-13 Matthew 21.23-32 8.00 am Morning Prayer - Garden Room A 5th Sunday month - so a joint service today at St Catherine’s 10.00 am Parish Harvest Festival - St Catherine's Church No service at Cornwell today
Wednesday 4th October 11.00 am
Service at York House
Saturday 7th October 3.30 pm
Messy Church, theme ‘Messy Harvest’ - St Catherine’s
Sunday 8th October - Proper 22 Isaiah 5.1-7 Psalm 80.9-17 Philippians 3.4b-14 Matthew 21.33-46 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 15th October - Proper 23 Isaiah 25.1-9, Psalm 23, Philippians 4.1-9, Matthew 22.1-14 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
Sunday 22nd October - Proper 24 Isaiah 45.1-7, Psalm 96.1-9[10-13], 1 Thessalonians 1.1-10, Matthew 22.15-22 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 29th October - Proper 25 Leviticus 19.1-2,15-18, Psalm 1, 1 Thessalonians 2.1-8, Matthew 22.34-46 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Word and Worship - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell 3.00 pm Memorial service & Tea - St Catherine's Church 4
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Wednesday 1st November 11.00 am
Service at York House
Saturday 4th November 3.30 pm
Messy Church, theme ‘Bigger Barns’ - St Catherine’s th
Sunday 5 November - All Saints Revelation 7.9-17, Psalm 34.1-10, 1 John 3.1-3, Matthew 5.1-12,
Or - 4th Sunday before Advent Micah 3.5-12, Psalm 43, 1 Thessalonians 2.9-13, Matthew 24.1-14 8.00 am Morning Prayer - Garden Room 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
The Garden Room at St Catherine's is open during the day and reserved for quiet, prayer and meditation.
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 ℡ 0118 942 9319 Hilary Smee ℡ 0118 941 2895 Evelyn Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659 Jo Day ℡ 0118 942 1481 Prayer plays an essential part in the life of the Mothers’ Union and the members of the Emergency Prayer Chain would be very pleased to welcome additional MU members to assist in this important work. If you would be interested, please contact one of the above mentioned members.
Prayer for Healing When we pray this prayer, our Lord gently and gradually removes layers of emotional scar tissue while we sleep, allowing us to be happier people.
Healing Prayer at Bedtime Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, go back into my memory as I sleep. Every hurt that has ever been done to me… Heal that hurt. All the relationships that have been damaged in my whole life that I am not aware of… Heal those relationships. But Lord, if there is anything I need to do, if I need to go to a person because he or she is suffering from my hand, bring to my awareness that person. I choose to forgive, and I ask to be forgiven. Remove whatever bitterness may be in my heart, Lord, and fill the empty spaces with your love. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
“Cast all your care on Jesus because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 October 2017
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Today will be cloudy at times I've got a translation of a 14th century book, "The Cloud of Unknowing". Anonymous (perilous then?) and mysterious. We have mysteries today. Hurricanes raise big questions. Fashion 'allows' SCIENTISTS to have questions, etc., but NOT Church people. "God moves in mysterious ways" is unpopular. Puzzles can be upsetting. "A and B are 3 miles apart; B and C are 4 miles apart. How far is A from C?" Obvious: seven miles! But if C came before A? One mile! What about A, B, C in a triangle? OOH, NO!! MY HEAD HURTS!! ... Worry not! We all get THAT feeling! At school, vertical lines HAD TO BE parallel! The Humber Bridge, near Kingston upon Hull, is a really long bridge with vertical end towers: the towers' tops are further apart than their bases!! NOT PARALLEL! Blame the Earth - it's curved! Again, just relax and feel 'awe' (unless you're a flatearther). The universe has bigger mysteries, but we DO try to make it fit our ideas! Like today's writers, that book recommended meditation and mental stillness. It says there's a "Cloud of Unknowing" between us and God. Intellect can't get through, but love can, BOTH WAYS. A bit like a baby which needs TLC but doesn't know a lot? (Not knowing doesn't worry it!) The book says it's vital to approach the "Cloud" humbly like a child, self-forgetting, wanting to give and receive love, longing for more beautiful closeness with our Creator. It also suggested that
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everyday Christian activities were a lot less important; Mary and Martha (Luke 10:40) were mentioned. A bit odd? I've often been advised to 'balance' things like that. Creation and the heavens "declare the glory of God" - challenging scientists and others! We know very little: we're only 'children'. Have faith and carry on learning. My little guess (as usual!) is that giving and receiving all we can through the "Cloud of Unknowing" - and also doing Martha's work as sensibly as we can will, with God's help, work together for us in a good way. Phil French
Ouch! (On so many levels) A man and his wife walked into a dentist's office and the man said to the dentist, "Doc, I'm in one heck of a hurry. I have two buddies sitting out in my car waiting for us to go play golf, so forget about the anaesthetic, I don't have time for the gums to get numb. I just want you to pull the tooth, and be done with it! We have a 10.00 am tee time at the best golf course in this area and it's 9.15 already…No time to wait for the anaesthetic to work!” The dentist thought to himself, "Well, well, here’s a brave man!!" So the dentist asks him, "Which tooth is it sir?" The man turned to his wife and said, "Open your mouth honey and show the dentist.”
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Source Grove Books Newsletter
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So, like many farmers in Malawi, Frank is pinning his hopes on a very special crop this Harvest - pigeon peas.
This year’s Harvest appeal is for Malawi 8,000 farmers in southern Malawi desperately need your help. The consequences of climate change and a ruthless marketplace is putting lives at risk. Frank confronts the devastating reality of climate change every year. He used to rely on growing maize to feed his family but Malawi’s unpredictable and extreme climate often causes the crop to fail.
This hardy crop is ideal for Malawi’s dry soil. Its deep roots are resistant to drought and can withstand the country’s increasing and destructive flash flooding. But no matter how hard Frank works on his crops, he can’t escape a life of grinding poverty. Unscrupulous middlemen are exploiting farmers by using illegal buying scales to drive down prices. It’s not enough to be good at farming. To survive, you have to be good at business too. Those unscrupulous middlemen are driving prices right down. As a result, Frank’s peas earn him just £100 a year. He simply can’t afford to send his four children to school or even to feed his family properly. If Frank can’t make a profit, his whole family will be at risk when the rains fail again. This Harvest time, help us give business training and resources to farmers like Frank so they can make a healthy profit from pigeon peas.
Where your Christian Aid money goes: One year, when drought ruined the harvest, Frank’s four-year-old son Peterson became critically ill. Frank carried him on foot to the hospital four miles away, to be told he was severely malnourished. And last year, his mother tragically passed away during a drought, due to hunger-related weakness.
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This year Christian Aid supporters have helped millions of people in 39 countries, in these ways: 45% developing communities 29% emergencies and disasters 15% on fundraising 11% campaigning for change To donate online go to: www.christianaid.org.uk/harvest-appeal
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AGM Mike Heather led an Evening Prayer Service to start our AGM which he also chaired. There were 19 members present and apologies were noted and the minutes of the last AGM read and signed. Moira gave the report on the years’ activities and said we now have 49 members. Hilary was pleased to report that our Quiz and Tea Afternoon raised £250 for the MU Summer of Hope campaign which raises funds for needy families and communities around the world. The present committee were all re-elected with the exception of Joan
Burbige who has, after many years service, decided to stand down. At which point Mike thanked everyone for all they do in St. Catherine’s Church life especially the committee. Valerie Forrow asked for another one or two people to be in the Prayer Chain which is greatly valued by anyone experiencing a crisis. Finally Moira presented flowers to Steph, Hilary, Rita and Maureen Ward in appreciation of their unstinting help this year. Also she gave Mike a mystery parcel for being with us this evening and Hilary gave flowers to Moira with thanks for all she does for the group. After joining in the Mothers’ Union Prayer Mike gave the final blessing which was followed by refreshments. Sheila Bryant
Stop worrying about it 'LET HIM HAVE ALL YOUR WORRIES AND CARES' 1 PETER 5-7 TLB
Author John Mason writes: 'l couldn't feel at peace. Unless I had everything figured out, I became anxious, restless, nervous, worried, and grouchy. . .similar to a drug addict who needs a fix. The severity wasn't the same but the symptoms were. I was a Christian and supposedly walked by faith. I trusted Jesus for salvation, but in other areas I trusted myself.' Are you living that way? Inspirational author William Ward wrote: 'Worry is faith in the negative, trust in the unpleasant, assurance of disaster, and belief in defeat. It's a magnet that attracts negative conditions. Faith is a more powerful force that creates positive circumstances. Worry is wasting today's time, and cluttering up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's troubles.' When an old man was asked what had robbed him of joy in his life, he replied, 'Things that never happened.' Do you remember the things you worried about a year ago? Didn't you expend a lot of energy on them? And didn't most of them turn out to be fine after all? Almost 99 per cent of the things we worry about don't happen. Did you know that a dense fog covering seven city blocks one hundred feet deep, is composed of less than one glass of water? Just one glass! But it can blot out practically all vision. And a cupful of worry can do the same thing. The Bible says, 'Mere mortals can't run their own lives. . .men and women don't have what it takes' (Jeremiah 10:23 MSG). Stop trying to control every possible outcome. Life goes better when you decide to stand on God's Word and trust Him to take care of 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.
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To ‘let go’ Doesn't mean to stop caring, it means that I can't do it for someone else. Is not to cut myself off, it's the realization that I can't control another. Is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences. Is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands. Is not to try to change or blame another, I can only change myself. Is not to care for, but to care about. Is not to fix, but to be supportive. Is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. Is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own outcomes. Is not to be protective, it is to permit another to face reality. Is not to deny, but to accept. Is not to nag, scold or argue, but to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them. Is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes, and to cherish myself in it. Is not to criticize and regulate anyone, but to try to become what I dream I can be. Is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future. Is to feel less and to love more. Source unknown October 2017
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‘Romero’ RISE Theatre Wednesday 18th October at St Joseph's Parish Hall
Romero – Heartbeat of El Salvador is a new play by RISE Theatre in association with The Archbishop Romero Trust, looking at the life and legacy of a man who chose to challenge those in power and stand up for social justice. Love is a heartbeat... The true story of Blessed Oscar Romero and the people of El Salvador is brought to life with explosive energy and passion from the RISE theatre team, accompanied by an original sound track from James Joshua Otto and inspiring graffiti set design by Gage Graphics. On March 24th 1980, whilst celebrating Mass at the chapel of the Hospital of Divine Providence in San Salvador, Archbishop Oscar Romero was killed by a single bullet from an assassin. A modern day martyr created. A future saint in the making. In 2017, Romero’s Centenary year, we continue to draw inspiration from his example, particularly when considering and responding to the injustice and oppression taking place in our world today. Tickets £10 adults, £8 concessions £5 under 18’s from www.ticketsource.co.uk/risetheatre
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MU Tea Afternoon This took place on 23rd August in the church hall and was very well attended – possibly because of the delicious array of afternoon sandwiches, scones and cakes! We sat at beautifully arranged tables with fresh owers, cake stands and lovely tablecloths and enjoyed the food and each others company. The afternoon was to raise funds for families at home and around the world to celebrate Summer of Hope. Many thanks to the hard work put in by so many MU ladies! Rosemary Cunningham
Hilary with guest visitor Sharon
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Dates for the Diary See the following pages for more information October Fri 6 Fri 6 Sat 7 Mon 9 Mon 9 Tues 10 Thurs 12 Fri 13
Harvest lunch 12.30 pm at the café £6.50 please pre-book at the café St Catherine’s at Boxgrove House 3.00 pm Quizaid 7.00 pm at St Michael’s Church Hall, see page 20 ‘Older People’s Day’ see page 29 Prayer ministry team meeting 7.45 pm at St Catherine’s Tilehurst Parish Council 7.30 pm at The Calcot Centre, Highview PCC meeting 8.00 pm at St Catherine’s The café will be closed today for a Diocesan conference (The conference continues tomorrow in the Hall) Sat 14 Crafty Space, see page 18 (this month in the church) Sat 14 Purley Farmers' Market 8.30 am-12.30 pm at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Road, Purley on Thames Tues 17 Finance Action group meets 8.00 pm Tues 17 to Fri 19 Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park Weds 18 RISE theatre production of ‘Romero’ 7.30 pm at St Joseph's Parish Hall see page 12 Sat 21 Jumble sale 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm at St Catherine's Sun 29 Clocks go back
November Fri 3 Sat 4 Sat 11
St Catherine’s at Boxgrove House 3.00 pm Messy Church 3.30 pm at St Catherine’s - Theme ‘Bigger Barns’ Purley Farmers' Market 8.30 am-12.30 pm at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Road, Purley on Thames Sat 11 ‘Psalms for the Common Era, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm at St Mary Magdalen Church Kentwood Hill. Bring packed lunch, tea/coffee provided see page 25 Tues 14 Tilehurst Parish Council 7.30 pm at The Calcot Centre, Highview Thurs 16 Interviews for the new incumbent due to take place today Sat 18 Crafty Space, see page 18 Sat 18 Community Litter pick 10.00 am from the Cornwell Centre Sun 19 Shoebox Sunday with special service at the Cornwell Centre Sat 25 St Catherine’s Christmas Fair
Looking ahead - Christmas events, provisional list Sunday 10th December, St Catherine's Carol service Saturday 16th December, Carol singing 2.00 pm at Tilehurst Triangle Sunday 17th December, Cornwell Carol service 4.00 pm Sunday 24th December, Messy Christmas Eve
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What’s On In and
Community Event at St Catherine’s 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. October 6th Cards & Games 13th Quiz time 20th Vivace Voices 27th Carol of the Bells November 3rd Cards & Games 10th ‘London’ - Alan Copeland 17th Julie with her flowers If you think you would like to come, or think you could help, please contact Anne Soley ℡ 0118 942 5407
The Link 28 School Road RG31 5AN A Tilehurst Community Cafe managed and run by volunteers. Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10.30 am – 4.00 pm Sat: 10.00 am – 2.00 pm Sun: CLOSED Teas, coffee, snacks, lunches. Over the last 26 years we have built our good reputation on providing home cooked cakes and soup as well as a listening ear and a Christian welcome to all.
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Around the Parish October Weds 11 Comical Poems with Marjy Carden 8.00 pm at St Catherine’s Weds 18 Bible study 8.00 pm at 9 Compton Avenue Weds 25 Fellowship afternoon 2.00 pm at 31 Normanstead Road Sun 29 Memorial service & Tea 3.00 pm at St Catherine’s
November Weds 8 Cheapside Hoard 8.00 pm at St Catherine’s Weds 15 Bible study 8.00 pm at 26 Normanstead Road Thurs 16 Flower Demonstration with Jane Haas 8.00 pm at St Catherine’s
St Catherine's & Cornwell Youth Group 7.45-9.15pm Friday St Catherine’s Hall 6th October Cardboard engineering (bring cardboard boxes) & Shoebox DVD 20th October Ice Skating (to be confirmed) 3rd November Night hike and bacon rolls 17th November Roll up roll up (Church Christmas Fair preparation) & Reading Street Pastors 1st December - Christmas Crafts 15th December - Christmas Party Contact Evelyn Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659
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Weds 22 Fellowship afternoon 2.00 pm at 2 Filbert Drive
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-12.00 noon, refreshments included 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
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
Oct 14th, Nov 18th , Dec - no meeting We provide time, space, tea, coffee& cake You bring along the craft projects you’ve always meant to do :A donation of around £1.25 per person, per hour is requested 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 18
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God's Only Son Proclaims Eternal Life The 500th anniversary of The Reformation falls at the end of this month on the 31st October. The Reformation in 1517 resulted in a split from the Roman Catholic Church, initiated by Martin Luther followed by other Reformers. He nailed a list of 95 objections to church practices on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This list was translated and printed and soon reached all parts of Europe. Hence, the inception of Protestantism. During those 500 years and still today groups of people are unable to agree on a united set of beliefs and practices. The choice of rules and regulations of differing (or no) denominations are mind-boggling. Yet Jesus' Good News message could originally be written in a few lines. Today the Roman Catholic Church is keen to move toward greater unity and reconciliation of all Christians - which in turn brings compromise into play. So where is the one True church? The one Jesus started?
From the age old Reformation and amendments we need present Transformation and truth. The GOSPEL message is drowning under the weight of our compromises and is short and simple. Romans 10:9-13(ESV)
''because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The same applies to The Bible - there were many more writings (apocrypha) that were declined for Biblical inclusion. Our present Bible doesn't contain all of the writings that were given in former times. Scholars decided what to include or disregard.
Lorraine Roberts
Jesus was Jewish and following His crucifixion, the disciples and followers (Jewish Christians) who founded the early church, generally retained their ethnic origins while teaching the Gospel message. Then Christianity grew along with many rules, regulations and traditions set by fallible mankind.
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Tilehurst Triangle WI At our September meeting we welcomed Alix Booth, who gave an interesting and amusing talk about the History of Punch and Judy told through her puppets. Punch has a long history and the origins can be traced to the 16th century street theatre Italian Commedia dell’arte. Alix covered the development of the characters linked to changes in British social history. She included many of the traditional characters including the baby, Toby the dog, Hector the horse and the crocodile.
Alix also added some modern political satire with a puppet of Nicola Sturgeon. Our book club has just celebrated its first anniversary and members continue to enjoy the many groups, including a regular walking group which has just started. At the end of September, some members will be following a treasure trail around Henley. Tilehurst Triangle WI meets in St Catherine’s Hall on the third Wednesday of each month, except August, at 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome. We have a new Facebook page so check us out and see what we have been doing and have planned. Ros Somerville (secretary) 0118 9416838
In addition, she used puppets of Samuel Pepys (who first saw Pulcinella in 1662) and Queen Victoria to tell the story.
QUIZAID Saturday 7th October 2017 7.00 pm at St Michael’s Church Hall, Tilehurst (Routh Lane RG30 4JY) It was during the Victorian era, with the introduction of bank holidays in 1871 and growth of the railways, when the seaside became popular, that Punch and Judy developed as many people remember it.
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Raffle, FairTrade Stall Bring your own drinks and nibbles Enquiries to Richard Canning ℡ 0118 942 8238 All proceeds/profits will go to Christian Aid UK
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Bishop Steven’s Blog To be more Christ-like in this place at this time means to catch a fresh vision of Jesus Christ. The Beatitudes are a self -portrait of Jesus. They show us that to be more Christ-like means to become a more contemplative church, a more compassionate church and a more courageous church. For Christians, being contemplative means simply to spend time with God. A contemplative church spends time with God. To be contemplative is to be poor in spirit, meek and pure in heart.
Dear Friends
Called to be Christ-like: contemplative, compassionate and courageous I am writing to invite every church, chaplaincy, small group and school in the diocese to do something very simple but life changing over the next year. I am asking the whole Diocese of Oxford to read, study and dwell in the opening words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.1-10. We are a large and complex diocese: a living, growing network of more than a thousand churches, chaplaincies and schools in one of the great crossroads of the world. We have a common calling and vision: to become a more Christ-like church in this critical moment of history so that we can better serve the communities of Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Bucks and Milton Keynes and our fragmented world.
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Compassionate people feel and show sympathy and concern for others. A compassionate church laments or mourns with the suering in the world and is full of mercy which leads to action. Courageous people are wholehearted. To be a courageous church means to put our heart and soul into everything we are and do. A courageous church will be hungry and thirsty for justice, seeking peace and reconciliation and willing to bear the cost of our discipleship and oer a bold witness to our faith.
Blessing, hope and joy In the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks words of joy and hope and blessing to the Church, not words of doom or despair or blame. I believe with all my heart that we need to learn to speak of the Church God loves in this register of joy and hope and blessing.
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(Continued from page 21) As we dwell in this passage together and think about the life of the Church in our diocese, I hope God will open our eyes to the many good things which are already happening: the stories of a contemplative, compassionate and courageous church in every place. I’ve seen many of these for myself as I have travelled across the diocese over the last year. I also hope that God will rekindle our vision and our imagination as we look forward together. What would it look like in five or ten years if we were able to be a more contemplative, more compassionate and more courageous church? And what difference would it make?
Simple resources There are many good ways to engage with the Beatitudes through sermon series, small group studies or quiet days. Your church or group will want to engage in your own way. As a diocese, we will provide and signpost simple resources to help including: • A short video and outline for PCCs, small groups and others to begin the process • Three sessions for small groups in the style of the Pilgrim materials based on the Beatitudes (available in good time for Advent). • Three sessions for small groups in a similar style on the story of the raising of Lazarus in John 11 exploring Jesus as contemplative,
compassionate and courageous (available in good time for Lent). • Resources for children, schools and young people on similar themes. Details of these and other resources will be available on the diocesan website. Other resources and reflections will be released through the year in the Door and through social media. As bishops we are keen to teach on these themes through the year and would welcome invitations to explore the Beatitudes in services and other events (as are the archdeacons and other members of the diocesan team). We will also be holding special days and events in each area of the diocese to explore these themes, beginning with the Dorchester Area Day on 30 September. There will be a special day for young people across the whole diocese on 24 February.
Learning together None of us has all the answers. We want to learn and discern together what it means to be contemplative, compassionate and courageous. We want as many people as possible to interact with the developing vision and ideas and to share your experiences of what is happening in the church today. Please share this letter as widely as you can within your own community. We want to hear your stories and so do others, so please do share on Facebook, Twitter and the diocesan website using #Contemplative, #Compassionate or #Courageous. (Continued on page 23)
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(Continued from page 22) You could share a smartphone video of your thoughts or something happening in your church, with photos or text, or share a link to a website or a piece of music or image that inspired you. We also want to hear from you about how you feel we need to be more compassionate, contemplative or courageous in the future.
Work on future strategy As we explore what it means to be a Christ-like church, through the Beatitudes and other opportunities for reflection, we also seek to understand where God wants us to focus our energies and God-given resources, time and talent. To this end, the Bishop’s Council has agreed to establish six working groups in the autumn to explore six areas for future strategic work. These are not yet set in stone but remain flexible as the listening continues. Again there are more details on the website. These ideas for future planning in the diocese will evolve, we hope, in dialogue with your explorations of what it means to be a more contemplative, compassionate and courageous church.
Living Faith The Living Faith vision has done its work well in laying a rich foundation of mission at the heart of the life of the diocese. From now onwards we will be using logos on the Beatitudes word cloud for this year of listening and discerning.
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However, parishes and deaneries are of course welcome to continue to use the excellent Living Faith materials for as long as these are helpful.
Yeast I love to bake my own bread. I’m amazed at the power locked up in tiny grains of yeast –enough to make a whole batch of flour rise. Jesus said: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened”. The Beatitudes are all about the kingdom of heaven: God’s vision for human life. They are a self-portrait of Jesus, the one who brings life in all its fullness. Let’s take this good yeast in the coming year and mix it and work it and knead it through the church to bring renewal and hope and fresh vision and joy. Your servant in Christ +Steven Oxford God of gentleness and love Draw near to us as we draw near to you Dwell in every heart and conversation Fashion us into the likeness of your Son Jesus Christ Help us to discern together all that you are calling us to be And all that you are calling us to do Assist us, by your Spirit, to become a more contemplative, More compassionate and more courageous church| For the building of your kingdom and the glory of your Son Amen
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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 Horticultural Society Winter Talks At the Village Hall, Victoria Rd Thursday 26th October 2017 7.45 pm ‘Soft Fruits’ A talk by Jan Lambourn Jan has been a professional gardener for over 17 years and spent 8 years in the Fruit Department at RHS Wisley. Currently Deputy Head Gardener at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Jan will be talking about all things relative to getting the best out of the Soft Fruit Crop.
Thursday 30th November 2017 7.45 pm ‘Tulips and Much More’ A talk by John Negus John trained at Wisley and is a gardening journalist, writing for Amateur Gardening. He gives lectures to many clubs and societies, and regularly broadcasts on local radio. John will be speaking about the bulb gardens of Holland, with a joyous meander around the Keukenhof Gardens in Spring. See - www.tilehurstha.org.uk October 2017
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Road safety advice from Thames Valley Police Driving safely is your responsibility. Bad driving puts both your own and other's lives at risk. Collisions on the road can lead to life changing injuries for those involved as well as resulting in serious consequences for offending drivers.
• Fatal accidents are four times more likely on rural ‘A’ roads than urban ‘A’ roads. To find out more about speed limits, visit the gov.uk website. www.gov.uk/speed-limits
A priority of our Roads Policing Unit is to reduce road casualties across Thames Valley.
Drink driving
Many fatal or serious collisions on our roads can be linked to the 'fatal four': • speeding • distraction • not wearing seat belts • driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs We hope that, by targeting those who persist on ignoring these potentially fatal risks, we can prevent people being killed or seriously injured. To keep up-to-date with our work, follow us on Twitter - @tvprp
Speeding Speed limits are there for a reason. The risk of seriously injuring someone increases with your speed, a few miles per hour could be the difference between life and death. • Speed is one of the main factors in fatal road collisions. • The risk of death is four times higher when a pedestrian is hit at 40mph than 30mph.
October 2017
If you drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, you put yourself, your loved ones and other road users at risk. Don’t take the chance, it's not worth the risk. Drinking any alcohol, even a small drink, makes you a worse driver. It slows your reaction times and makes you unable to judge speed and distance accurately. The only safe way is to avoid all alcohol if you’re driving. Never offer an alcoholic drink to someone who you know is driving. Being convicted of drink or drug driving means you will lose your licence for at least one year, have a criminal record and could be fined up to £5,000 or go to prison. If you’re planning to go out and know you will be drinking: • decide how you’re going to get home before you go • don’t drive to the venue • drink soft drinks until you get home • book a taxi or use public transport to get home, or stay overnight
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(Continued from page 27) If you suspect anyone of drink or drugdriving, call 999 if the incident is in progress or 101 if you have information about an offence. You could save someone's life.
The facts:
• Being convicted of drink or drug driving means you will lose your licence for at least one year, have a criminal record and could be fined up to £5,000 or go to prison.
• You are four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving. • Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50 per cent slower than normal driving. • Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.
• Each month across Thames Valley and Hampshire, just under 400 drivers are caught drink-driving.
Further advice and support
• Each year on the roads of Thames Valley and Hampshire, 140 people are killed or seriously injured as a result of alcohol.
The Highway Code - Essential reading for all road users.
• Combining alcohol and illegal drugs together is a deadly combination which can make a person 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision.
Safe Drive Stay Alive is a theatre education initiative which brings to the stage the harrowing stories of devastation caused by dangerous driving with the aim of saving young lives.
Mobile phones You are up to four times more likely to have a crash if you use your mobile phone whilst driving. Only use your mobile after you have stopped in a safe place, unless it’s an emergency. It is against the law to use a mobile phone whilst driving, this includes: • picking up your phone to make or receive calls • picking up your phone to send and receive texts or browse the internet • using your phone whilst stopped at traffic lights or when queuing in traffic
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Safe Drive Stay Alive
This innovative project hosts productions across Thames Valley and Hampshire, encouraging young people aged between 17 and 24 to be safe on the road. To find out more visit the Safe Drive Stay Alive website. www.safedrive.org.uk/
Older Drivers Forum The Older Drivers Forum aims to help more mature motorists stay safe on the roads for longer. For more information, visit the Older Drivers Forum website. https://olderdriversforum.com/ (Continued on page 29)
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Mobile speed enforcement is carried out using our fleet of 14 police safety camera vans.
(Continued from page 28)
THINK! THINK! is a national campaign that provides road safety information for road users in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads. For more information, Direct.gov.uk website.
visit
the
http://think.direct.gov.uk/
Contact us If you would like to speak to us about a speeding offence, a notice of intended prosecution, or a conditional offer, please contact the relevant department:
There are also 30 fixed speed cameras, and these are being upgraded to the latest digital technology. In addition to speeding, our officers detect additional road traffic offences including failure to wear seat belts and the use of mobile phones. To find out the locations of our safety cameras and for locations of reported collisions, which resulted in an injury, please visit the Traff Web website. www.tvphampshiretraffweb.co.uk/
• Camera offence - 01865 290470 • Roadside/officer issued offences (Traffic offence reports, parking tickets, penalty notice for disorder, driver retraining) - 01865 290472 • Conditional Offer (fine and endorsement), HMCTS Southend 01702 283860 • Court prosecutions offences - 01865 290471
–
Camera
• Court prosecutions – Roadside/ officer issued offences- 01865 541567 • Fixed Penalty Support Unit fpsuenquiries@thamesvalley.pnn.pol ice.uk
Speed cameras The Safer Roads Unit is committed to making roads safer through intelligenceled speed enforcement. To achieve this, the unit carries out speed enforcement on roads where road users have been injured or where communities are concerned about the speed of vehicles.
October 2017
Reading Older People’s Day Monday 9th October A fun-filled afternoon of events at Rivermead Leisure Complex (1 - 4 pm) The annual free event celebrates the contribution of older people to our communities. There will be a range of interactive activities throughout the day including guest speakers, song and dance, choirs, arts and crafts and discussion groups. There will also be information and advice available from over 50 local organisations, blood pressure checks and taster activity sessions where attendees can try their hand at walking rugby, table tennis, and walking netball. FREE shuttle bus to Rivermead from For any further information, please email opwg@reading.gov.uk or call ℡ 0118 937 2383
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St Catherine’s Hall - Regular Bookings Monday
Tuesday
7.30 am - 3.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school www.stcatherinespreschool.co.uk
Contact 07745 909 348
8.00 pm - 9.30 pm
Rockin Rhythm Jive class www.rockinrhythm.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)
7.30 pm - 8.45 pm
Yoga exercise antoncarraro@gmail.com
Antonella Carraro ℡ 0118 942 8397
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
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 am - 12.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Friday Friends
See page 19
6.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Boot Camp
7.45 pm - 9.15 pm
Church Youth Group (fortnightly)
Contact Evelyn Bartlett ℡ 0118 967 8659
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
Wednesday 7.30 am - 3.15 pm
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
tilehurstafternoonwi@gmail.com
Contact B&C Fitness
07809 524 061
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 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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