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Vicar's Column
In June, Bishop Stephen
escorted the Berkshire Clergy off for a conference in France
- a bit like a school trip for Vicars (well, that's how I explained
it to the junior confirmation group!). A large proportion of
the 113 clergy piled onto Eurostar unbeknown to the other unsuspecting
travellers. We were "in mufti" but I think it would
have been rather amusing to see the reaction to that number of
dog collars!
There was a lot to digest…. Food for thought and stomach!
The theme of the conference "Let my people go" explored
the Exodus and was also related to mission. The speakers were
inspiring. Worship also formed a significant part of the conference.
For those of us who are used to being the ones leading worship,
it was refreshing to be on the receiving end for a change and
to grow in solidarity as we worshiped together. It was, in fact,
a golden opportunity to discover who my clergy colleagues in
the archdeaconary are and put names to faces. So, thank you to
the PCC for deciding even before I arrived to send me on this
conference. It far exceeded my expectations.
It is important that we have moments when we can step out of
the usual routine to reflect and recharge. No doubt many of you
are looking forward to a well-earned holiday over the summer.
But it is also worth taking time out with God. A retreat, quiet
day or even experiencing a different style of worship can help
us to get a sense of perspective with God again.
On June 9th, the PCC enjoyed an away day at Sandhurst Pastoral
Centre, facilitated by Janet Russell, the Parish Development
Advisor. We carried out the "Growing Healthy Churches"
audit of church life at St John's to assess our strengths and
weaknesses. Key strengths were identified as our children's work,
the social life of the church, teamwork and engagement with scripture.
Weaknesses emerged to be - listening to God, a clear and focused
sense of vision (it is there but needs to be recognised and "owned")
and an understanding of the connection between faith and daily
life. We will be addressing the last point as we seek to engage
more fully with the deanery "God at Work" programme.
When John Edwards comes to preach later this month, he will be
speaking on the subject.
The worship committee continue to seek to enrich and diversify
worship. A new trial pattern for evening worship has been accepted
by the PCC, which also retains our traditional element. From
September, the general pattern will be as follows:
1st Sunday - Iona Style Healing Service
2nd Sunday - Choral Evensong
3rd Sunday - Evening Prayer
4th Sunday - Alternative Worship or Taizé service
5th Sunday - Youth Service
The services are open to anyone and everyone. I was pleased to
see so many of the regular Evening Prayer congregation attending
the alternative worship for Trinity Sunday. Please do come along
and join us and be open to encountering God afresh. We would
welcome any feedback.
Rev'd Lisa Cornwell
Social Committee
In spite of great optimism that, for the Patronal Barbeque, Sunday
would be an exception to the forecast we were obliged to relocate
to the Church hall. Nevertheless over 70 parishioners enjoyed
themselves and the excellent food provided.
My thanks to David & Barry who braved the elements to BBQ
and to those attendees who provided salads.
To members of the committee who aided in the preparation &
to the "hands on" help in organising, and in clearing
the hall, again many thanks.to Rev. Lisa & Mike better luck
next time -forget to mow the lawn & clean the windows!!
Numbers for the River Boat trip are small but we hope that it
wil take place-we shall need confirmation & a deposit shortly.
Coming up in the Autumn will be the Harvest supper on Sept.
28th.
Tuesday 3rd July 8 pm. In the
Hall MU Social Evening with Supper. Husbands are welcome
Wednesday 11th 2.15 pm MU Summer Meeting with tea.
Monday 16th MU Prayer Group, 9.30 am, Lady Chapel
Wednesday 25th l0 am, MU Corporate Communion.
Playtex Moon Walk 2007
Carol took part in the Playtex
Moon Walk on May 19th. She raised almost £910 for Breast
Cancer and would like to thank all who supported her.
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Pet Service
Just to prove that
Lisa does not have the monopoly on dog collars, we are hoping
to pack the pews with poodles, pooches, and their four-, two-
or one-hundred- legged friends for our pet service, July 8th,
3pm.
All creatures are welcome, both great and small and although
we cannot guarantee animal safety, we can assure you that, to
date, no pets or their owners have been eaten, bitten, or even
chased around the church. Having said that, the Burrells' rabbit
did once get a bit over confident and try to take over the pulpit,
and we did have a very noisy goldfish that insisted on coming
up for air and singing 'I'm for ever blowing bubbles' during
the Noah's Ark song. Apart from that, the service tends to be,
as one might imagine, quiet and contemplative. Word has it on
the twilight barking blog, that there are lots of animals out
there, caged or otherwise, who would love to come along, if only
their owners would get off the sofa!
The service will be followed by refreshments and a competition
run by the Pathfinders, with categories including: the best/worst
behaved pet; the pet who looks most like its owner; and the pet
the vicar would most like to take home with her.
A Gift in Memory of .....
Over the past two years some families and friends have given
gifts in kind to the Church in memory of departed members of
our community. It would be good if there could be some record
to keep their memory alive, so a book is being prepared to record
these gifts. If you would like to add a name to this particular
book of remembrance, please get in touch with the Vicar or Gillian
Gyenes.
PRAYING FOR STREETS
In June we will be
remembering, in particular, the following streets:
1st Lake End Way, Towers Drive Greystoke Court
8th Linkway and Coppice Gardens
15thKingsley Close Hardy Green Byron Drive Fielding Gardens
22nd Cambridge Road Furze Hill Crescent
29th Heathermount Gardens
If anyone would like to become involved by delivering leaflets
in their area, it would be much appreciated.
Pastoral Visiting Group
Following foundational training, the group were finally commissioned
on Sunday 24th June. If you know of anyone who would like a visit
or you are aware that someone has not been in church for a while
then please do let the Vicar know. It is our hope that that we
will be able to come alongside those in need of a listening,
caring ear and that no one in the church family will be neglected.
Please continue to pray for the ministry of the pastoral visiting
team, as we seek to follow in the steps of Christ who calls us
to care.
Doughnuts and Devotions
During the summer holidays, on Sunday 5th August we shall
celebrate the 10am Eucharist in a more informal way than usual;
sitting round tables in the hall. The Service will be suitable
for all ages and will begin with refreshments and a chance to
chat to friends.
We are planning dramatised readings, sung responses to the intercessions
and the sermon will be a bit different from usual.
We do hope that this will be a service at which everyone in the
congregation who is not away on holiday will be present, and
that we will all enjoy this opportunity to worship together in
a slightly different way from our regular Sunday services.
Youth Group -
has had to be put on hold. We are immensely grateful to Karl
and Rosemary for the time and energy they have invested in the
Friday Youth Group. Any help in the future would be gratefully
received as leaders are in short supply. If you feel you could
lend a hand please contact the Vicar.
Sunday School
The last SS before the holidays is on 15th July and we meet together
again on 9th September. We wish everyone an enjoyable summer.
Fairtrade
Please note that there will be no stall during August.
Crowthorne Rainbows and Brownies
I am pleased to report that the Crowthorne Rainbow unit will
now be able to stay open as a Guider has come forward to run
the group however the 4th Crowthorne Brownie Pack (Tuesday night)
is still searching for a willing adult (or two) to help run the
unit and allow 20 enthusiastic girls to continue their Guiding.
If you can help please contact the Parish Office. |
