All Saints Wokingham Parish Magazine

February 2013

www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk £1.00

1

From the Rector February 2013

The 2011 Census (remember that!) tells us that the population of Wokingham Borough is less Christian than it was 10 years ago. In 2001 72 in every 100 residents described their religion as Christian; by 2011 it was down to only 59 in every hundred. Those ticking the box for “no religion” went up from 16 per cent to 26 per cent . More than one quarter of all residents of Wokingham Borough now claim to have no religion.

A lot has happened in the world and to our society since 2001. There have been big changes affecting us all. It’s interesting to step back and think about the extent of change in just one decade.

I’ve been thinking: where do these changes leave the Church? Do they leave us behind? Do we struggle to share a faith perceived as rooted in the past when people today it seems want to know only about the next newest thing?

There are many questions. What do the 2011 Census results mean anyway? The meaning of “Christian” appears to have shifted since 2001, with a sense that it refers now either to evangelical Christians only, or at its widest, those who attend church.

And yet interestingly the social changes of the last decade don’t mean an absence of thriving and growing churches . Examples abound of spiritual life and growth in our own church in the last 10 years, and many others throughout Berkshire and across the whole country. London in particular has experienced an unprecedented growth in church attendance in the last decade.

This paradox of thriving and growing churches set in a social landscape of declining religious adherence could mean that churches are also growing more insulated from the society and culture around them. For some observers this is not only inevitable but also desirable. For those who think that way, what they see is a materialistic society growing increasingly alien to the Christian spirit and rejecting biblical values. So it isn’t surprising to them that churches which are friendly and organised are appealing to a good number of people looking for a place of haven and safety from what they see as the harsh winds of change.

Of course the church has traditionally offered sanctuary – a place and a community

where the hunted, the harassed and the wounded can retreat for healing and the

succour of God’s grace. This is right. Jesus himself said; “Come to me, all you that are

weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). One

of the historic roots of the modern-day hospital is care for the sick practised by

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Christian monasteries, possibly from as early as the fourth century. The philosopher

Alisdair MacIntyre sees the need for a re-birth of the monastic vision for the 21st

century in which local communities informed by the virtues of the Catholic Christian

tradition protect and sustain the good life against the corrosive effects of the all-

consuming market economy.

You may not agree that churches need to set themselves apart as havens of retreat and escape from the surrounding culture as society changes. I’m not sure I agree with that.. But even if we do think that churches need to stand firm against changes in social attitudes and mores; does that mean churches should be insulated from the society around them? The monastic tradition at its best was never about escaping from the world and closing the door against it. Monasteries existed for the rest of the world. The more contemplative traditions focussed on prayer and intercession for the world; others were active too; seeking to model and teach the Christian way, through involvement in health care, teaching, and preaching; and of course the great monastic commitment to learning and transmission of knowledge. Many contemporary religious are active for justice, peace and the integrity of the environment.

A Christian church community should always be a place of care and support. When, and if, the virtues of hospitality and care for those in need are being pushed aside by an ever-growing clamour for efficiency in a society which loves money more than people then I hope that our church and all churches will stand up to be different. We will continue to celebrate and practice the age-old spiritual calling of love for neighbour, rooted in and nourished by God’s love for us we believe was revealed in Christ.

But a Christian church community need not – should not - reject wholesale the findings of science, or the freedoms from ancient oppressions and fears which education and wealth have provided, or the insights brought through greater contact between different cultures and religions across the world.

Churches including All Saints need to be thriving, and growing in numbers. Otherwise we shall gradually diminish and eventually disappear; depriving our communities. But in these times of change and challenge I don’t believe it’s enough to thrive and grow numerically. The church of the future needs to be in conversation with - connected to – wider society; discussing and debating ideas and attitudes different from those we think we hold - ready to share what we believe of course - and also ready to question, listen and change.

David Hodgson

3

Please leave items for publication in the Magazine tray in the Parish

Office or email directly to the editor on or before the Copy Date

please. Contributions can be typed, handwritten or emailed

All Saints PCC Wokingham is a

Registered Charity, No. 1127585

Editor: Bill Poulsom (979 0484)

Associate Editor Harriet Swinyard (962 9313)

Email: editor@allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Distribution: Sheila Longley (978 4193)

Advertisements: Bill Poulsom (979 0484)

Collation: Sheila Longley & team (978 4193)

Copy Date for March: 16th Feb 2013

Collation: 22nd Feb 2013

This magazine is published by the Rector and PCC of All Saints Parish

Wokingham. Opinions expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily

reflect the views of the publishers.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

We are hoping to have the following:-

SUNDAY 10th FEBRUARY. The Children’s Activity Table in the Cornerstone after the

9.30am service.

SUNDAY 17th FEBRUARY. As 10th February

SUNDAY 10th March. Early continental breakfast in Cornerstone after 8.00am service

SUNDAY 21st APRIL. Fellowship Cake Stall in Cornerstone after 9.30am service.

Any queries for the above please telephone 9792614

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Parish Clergy

Rector The Revd. Canon David Hodgson 979 2999

Associate Priest The Revd. Caroline Kramer 979 9956

Honorary Asst. Curate The Revd. Colin James 978 1515

Honorary Asst. Curate The Revd. Helen Charlton 978 9153

Church Wardens John Smith 979 0948

Katherine Huggett 07834450819

Vacancy —

Parish Administrator Jo Asplin 979 2797

Children and Youth

Parish Youth Leader Kat Allwright 07729 398718

Safeguarding Co-ordinator

and Children’s Advocate Margaret Raggett 979 2797

Crèche Leader Rachel Garlish 978 2602

Junior Church Co-ordinator Harriet Swinyard 962 9313

Youth Church Contacts: Robert Vacher, Susan Westgate 979 2797

Friday Night Youth Drop-In

(FDI) Contacts: Katherine Huggett, John Smith 979 2797

Worship and Music

Director of Music (inc. Choir) Richard Smith

Music Group Leader Gail Houghton 979 2797

Head Server Rachel Knowles 979 4736

Bible Readers’ rota Joyce Baldry 978 8506

Tower Foreman John Harrison 978 5520

Flower Guild Chairman Lucille Taylor 978 6847

Worship Rota and Prayer Lists Co-ordinator The Revd. Colin James 978 1515

Lay Co-Chair of Transforming Worship Liz Rippon 978 0455

Parochial Church Council

PCC Secretary David Atkinson 979 7911

PCC Treasurer Stephen Smith 979 4407

Churchyard Steward John Smith 979 0948

Clergy and Officers

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Stewardship Co-ordinator Jo Robinson 978 9730

Gift Aid Co-ordinator Peter Whittaker 978 6225

Electoral Roll Officer Joyce Baldry 978 8506

Leadership Forum Convenor Liz Rippon 978 0455 Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Co-ordinator Jo Robinson 978 9730

Home Communion Barbara Smith 979 4407

Healing Prayer Group Jack Hayley 978 3939

Bereavement Care Sarah Boylan 979 2797

Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals Parish Office 979 2797

Transportation Susan Westgate 977 1041

Clergy available days: David All days except Thursday

Caroline All days except Friday

Colin Mon to Wed, Sat, Sun.

Helen Usually Tues. and Sun.

Clergy and Officers

The Parish Office (0118 979 2797), in the Cornerstone, can be contacted about

church related issues (Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals). It is open on Tuesday,

Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm and for urgent matters or by

telephone on Monday and Thursday from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon.

e-mail: parishoffice@allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Postal address: The Parish Office, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE

All Saints website: www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk

The Cornerstone: For room bookings and general enquiries please phone

0118 979 7778. Administrator Monica Martin is in the office: Monday 2-5pm,

Tuesday 12.15-4.30pm, Wednesday 2-5.30pm, Thursday 1.45 - 6.00pm.

e-mail: info@thecornerstonewokingham.org.uk

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Worship at All Saints

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

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

traditional language version of the Common Worship Order One Eucharist.

9.30 a.m. Parish Communion. The service is sung, with hymns, and follows Common Worship Order One Eucharist. Children are catered for in the Crèche and Junior Church. The last Sunday in the month is Parish Communion for the Whole Church and often includes Parade, children are present throughout, and contribute to the worship. Prayer for Healing with Laying on of Hands is offered regularly at certain Parish Communion services (see diary). Coffee is served after the service and this is the weekly 'social gathering' of the Congregation. Please come and meet us there if you are a visitor to the church or would like to get to know us better.

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

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

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

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

6.30 p.m. (1st - 3rd Sundays) Evensong using the Book of Common Prayer with sermon. Choral Evensong is sung usually on the first Sunday of each month.

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

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Weekday Services

Morning and Evening Prayer are said, using Common Worship Daily Prayer, at 9.00 a.m.

and 5.00 p.m. each day from Monday to Saturday.

All may, and are encouraged, to attend. These services may be led by a Priest or

members of the Laity.

Holy Communion is celebrated as follows:

Monday 9.30 a.m. (Common Worship Order One)

Tuesday 9.30 a.m. (Common Worship Order One with short address, followed by coffee)

Wednesday 10.00 a.m. (Simple form of Common Worship Order One and

short address (particularly for parents and

child-minders of babies and pre-school children)

Friday in various Residential Homes

Major festivals are also marked by additional celebrations of Holy Communion.

Please see the Parish Diary elsewhere in the magazine, or see our Services leaflet.

********************************************

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

Confirmation, Welcome or Growth Groups:

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

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

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

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9

Flower Guild Flower Guild Magazine Article February 2013

Thirty people attended our Christmas Workshop in late November. Pam Gilbey demonstrated how to condition and arrange Amaryllis, a flower widely availble in Winter and used in our arrangements in Church at Christmas We were also taught layering and how to manulate leaves. We had a thoroughly enjoyable morning and very one was delighted with what they had achieved. Our thanks to Pam for her informative demonstration and advice. The workshops seem to be popular and five people who attended came to help with arranging flowers at Christmas. Thank you to everyone who helped in preparing the Church for Christmas.

What I love about February

The way the earth throws off its winter blanket and signs of life return, the delicious anticipation of a colourful and warm spring.

Lucille Taylor

Date For Your Diary

Our next Flower Guild Meeting will be our AGM on Thursday March 14th in the De Vitre Room in Cornerstone at 8pm. If you would like to join the Flower Guild or our Committee but need more information contact either Hazel or myself on the numbers below.

Rota for February

February 3rd Mrs J Tattersdill, Mrs H Matthews February 12th Clear for Lent Mrs H Matthews

For further information contact Lucille Taylor 9786847 or Hazel Matthews 9786700

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Mobile: 07749 898656

Email: rowenaywelsh@hotmail.com

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Once again, The Mothers’ Union has a catalogue of ethical gifts which can be

purchased for Mothering Sunday. Make a Mother’s Day gifts start at £4.00 and

take the form of donations to help improve the lives of others. Catalogues are

available online, from a Committee member or on our stall in the Cornerstone

after the 9.30am service on Sunday 24th February. Orders need to be received

by 1st March if you wish a card to be sent with details of your gift in time for

Mothering Sunday on 10th March.

For the past few years, our branch, along with the rest of the MU, has been

supporting the ‘Bye Buy Childhood’ campaign and in June 2011, the Bailey

review ‘Letting Children be Children’, an independent review on the

commercialisation and sexualisation of children, was carried out for the

Government by MU chief executive, Reg Bailey. Reg was awarded Commander

of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s honours list for his services

to children and families. Great news!

Branch news

Following our AGM, branch subs are now due - £26.00 for the year, including

the branch levy – a bargain for a year’s membership with regular copies of

Families Worldwide and Focus.

More information on The Mothers Union’s work worldwide can be found on

the website www.themothersunion.org. For branch information or a lift to

meetings, please call Valerie (978 7363) or Mary (978 2678).

Tues 12th February 9.30am Corporate Communion

Wed 27th February 7.45 for 8.00pm Branch meeting

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The power of numbers

Numbers have an effect on people – we make a fuss about birthdays ending in 0, or

years ending in 00. It’s been so for centuries – in the Bible numbers like 7 have

special significance. The art of change ringing is dominated by numbers, and while

there are mathematical relationships in most forms of music, ringing is built almost

entirely on maths.

The performers aren’t normally aware of the deep theory behind what they are doing,

as they just learn patterns of work that have names. But every ringing performance is

defined by its length (which is the number of sequences rung, i.e. the number of times

each ringer strikes his or her bell). It has to be more than 5000 for a peal, and more

than 1250 for a quarter peal. For practical reasons, the length (on 8 bells) is normally a

multiple of 16 or 32, and there are many compositions of 5024, 5056 or 5088, etc.

But for one type of performance the length is its whole purpose. A ‘Date Touch’ is a

performance whose length matches the year in which it is rung. We have rung 20

Date Touches at All Saints since 1984, mostly on New Year’s Day, as we did this year.

Occasionally Date Touches aren’t rung at New Year, and they aren’t always rung in the

year they celebrate. For example, in July 2005 we rang a 1945 Date Touch to mark 60

years since the end of the war, and in January 2006 we rang an 1881 Date Touch to

mark 150 years since the founding of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell

Ringers.

There are no standard compositions for Date Touches, because this year’s length has

never been needed before. So if you want to ring one, you normally have to compose

one first. Most years the composition is complicated by the desired length not being a

convenient multiple of the block length of which most ringing methods are

constructed. Fortunately within the band at All Saints we have the requisite ability to

do this.

This year’s performance was very much a collaborative effort, as the team included

ringers from Hurst, Sonning, Shiplake, Eversley and Seattle, as well as our own.

There is a published record of the performance at:

http://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=218225

John Harrison

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Surprising lives

There are stories in the lives of some members of our church which are amazing, and

which most of us never know about until we hear them mentioned in a eulogy at a

funeral. I find this frustrating but at the same time extraordinarily uplifting, because

these people are such an example of courage and humility.

Think of dear Peggie Clemetson who, we learnt, joined the ATS during the 2nd World

War and, before going with Lord Mountbatten to the Far East, worked in London

when it was being badly bombed. And Geoffrey French who came to church every

Sunday and, on 11th of each November, was almost weighed down by the medals he

wore – evidence of the many campaigns in which he fought and about which most of

us knew nothing until he died.

Edward Fisher’s funeral was on 26th October 2012. He was quiet and unassuming and

no one could have guessed that at the age of 25 he accepted the surrender of the

Japanese Garrison at Singapore. Major Fisher of the 5th Indian Division, having

pursued the Japanese Army retreating from Kohima, arrived in Rangoon; atom

bombs were dropped on Hiroshima on 6th August 1945 and strong reports were

received that the Japanese who had occupied Malaya were ready to surrender. On

the morning of 25th August Edward took 10 of his men with him in a small assault craft

and landed on the island of Singapore, with no idea of what they might find. They

scrambled up a steep bank and to their astonishment found five Japanese generals

standing to attention; they wore their full dress uniform and medals and had their

swords raised. These they handed to Edward to signify that they were surrendering

Singapore to him!

Edward has written; ”After this simple, but momentous ceremony I wondered where

we should go from there. The answer was provided by the Japanese who invited me

and the other officers in our group to their Mess for a drink of Saki”. Despite

misgivings about being poisoned or later accused of fraternising with the enemy he

accepted the invitation on behalf of the officers present and they all went off for a

welcome glass!

Peggie, Geoffrey and Edward, faithful worshippers at All Saints, were all over 90 when

they died and it was such a privilege for us to know them.

Shirley Colwill

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All Saints’ Church Fellowship

Welcome to All Saints’ Church Fellowship which is usually held in the Cornerstone De Vitre Room on the third Wednesday in the month but please see weekly leaflet as sometimes this changes. We ask people to come at 7.45pm for 7.55pm start with prayers and notices. The cost to visitors is £1.50 which includes coffee. Contact for Fellowship is Diana Clifford 9792614.

MEETINGS:-

WED. 13th FEB. This is the second Wednesday in the month and we have changed from the third so that members can attend the evening service for Ash Wednesday.

WED. 13th Mar. Again this is the second Wednesday in the month when Revd Michael Johnson was to have been our speaker but this has now been changed to Wednesday 19th June. Speaker for March t.b.a. – please see weekly leaflet.

WED. 17th April. We welcome back Mr. Colin Parrish who will this time be giving a talk about Queen Victoria’s daughters.

We are collecting coins for the Royal Berks Hospital – ‘The Royal Berks Charity’. – specifically for Robbie Robot which is being used for operations but a lot of money still has to be paid for it. Later in the year we are hoping to have a member of the fund raising team to come to a Fellowship evening. Along with present currency old money such as Spanish Pesetas, American dollars and quarters, literally any foreign money can be used even as scrap value. Please have a look in boxes, drawers etc .It is surprising how we easily forget about a few coins (or notes) but they are all needed. Please do not leave them in Church or the Parish office but give to any Fellowship member or to Su McArthur. Alternatively telephone Diana . Thank you very much.

We would also like to extend our many thanks for the support given to our charity last year. We raised £225 for Stage Fright.

Our charity for this year is W.A.D.E. We will be having cake stalls to collect funds and once again ask for your support please

16

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17

NEWS FROM THE TREASURER'S DESK

The accounts for 2012 are still being prepared; it's thought likely that they will

show a deficit of a few thousand pounds but we will have to see. In the

meantime the cycle of activity never ends and in December the PCC had to

approve the budget for 2013.

This makes unpleasant reading because the budgeted deficit in the General

Fund is £18,490, and that figure is arrived at after assuming a 3% rise in

pledged giving.

Where does the church's money go to? Well most of it goes on clergy salaries,

training and housing, routed through the infamous Parish Share. Another big

slice (and one we should be pleased about) is the 10% of all our donated and

pledged income that goes to mission work, such as CMS and the Bible Society.

The remaining expenditure is pictured here:

And where does all this money come from? The answer is 'you, dear reader'.

7% of our income comes from funeral and wedding fees and another 2% from

other places, but pledges, donations and resultant gift-aid together make up no

less than 91% of our income. So when looking to solve a deficit there are not

too many sources to enlarge!

You might ask whether we can afford a deficit of £18,000 or more. Our reserves

would hold out for a year or two at that rate, but if 2013 actually works out as

bad as forecast we might have to take some special measures to try and balance

the books.

One final thought about the budget - we have Kat Allwright on our staff now

but her costs are coming out of a different pocket - the Youth Worker fund - and

even here there is a need for a subsidy from a special external source. We really

ought to paying for Kat out of our general income as well.

Steve Smith

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Parish Diary - February 2013

Sunday 2 before Lent Monday to Saturday Page

3

08.00am Holy Communion 4 M

09.30am Parish Communion 5 T Serendipity 8.15pm

11.00am Family Service 6 W

3.00pm Animal Blessing 7 Th Julian Group 7.30pm

6.30pm Choral Evensong 8 F

9 Sa

10 1 before Lent

08.00am Holy Communion 11 M

09.30am Parish Communion 12 T MU Corporate Communion 11

11.15am BCP Eucharist 13 W Ash Wednesday

3.00pm No service 14 Th

6.30pm Sung Evensong 15 F

16 Sa

17 Lent 1

08.00am Holy Communion 18 M

09.30am Parish Communion 19 T Serendipity 8.15

11.00am Family Service 20 W

3.00pm No service 21 Th Healing Prayer Group

6:30pm Said Evensong 22 F

Sa

24 Lent 2

08.00am Holy Communion 25 M

09.30am Parish Communion 26 T

11.15am No Service 27 W Mothers Union 11

3.00pm Baptism

6.00 pm Said Evening Prayer

Forthcoming Events

All Saints Fellowship moved to 13th February 15

Flower Guild AGM 14th March 9

19

WOMAN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

The annual international Women’s World Day of Prayer service this year is on Friday 1st

March. In Wokingham it will be hosted by Norreys Church to which everybody is invited.

For time of service and details please see weekly Sunday leaflet.

Diana Clifford 9792614

**********************************

JUST THE JOB

Do you know the occupation of these people in the Bible?

Simon Peter and Andrew

David,before he became King

The tribe of Levi

Paul

Matthew

Nimrod

Noah,after the flood

Luke

Tubal Cain

Joseph,Jesus’ earthly father Answers on page 39

**********************************

The voice of love

"Do you love me with all your heart?" Becky asked her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day.

"Mmm hmm," said Dave, checking his emails.

"Do you think I'm the most beautiful girl on the planet?"

"Mmm hmm," said Dave, sending a text.

"Do you think my lips are like rose petals?"

"Mmm hmm," said Dave, checking his Facebook page.

"Oh Dave," Becky sighed, "you say the most beautiful things!"

20

Music List February 2013

Sunday 2nd Sunday before Lent - 3rd February Org

Service 09.30 Eucharist: Archer - St Mark's Setting RS

Motet Exultate justi - Ludovico Viadana

Final Voluntary Apparatus musico-organisticus no 9 - Georg Muffat

Service 11.15 Family Service LA

Service 18.30 Choral Evensong RS

Introit O come in One to Praise the Lord - Thomas Tallis

Responses Byrd

Psalm 147

Canticles T A Walmisley in D minor

Anthem Like as the hart - Herbert Howells

Final Voluntary Master Tallis's Testament - Herbert Howells

Sunday Sunday next before Lent - 10th February

Service 09.30 Eucharist: Archer - St Mark's Setting RS

Motet Glorious and Powerful God - Charles V Stanford

Final Voluntary Organ sonata no 8 (2nd Movt) - Josef Rheinberger

Service 18.30 Sung Evensong: Ferial Responses (McKie Amen) tbc

Psalm 89 vv5 - 12

Canticles to Anglican chant

Anthem God be in my head - Walford Davies

Final Voluntary tbc

21

Music List February 2013

Wednesday Ash Wednesday - 13th February Org

Service 19.45 Eucharist (with Ashes): Archer - People's Setting RS

Motet Nolo mortem peccatoris - Thomas Morley

Final Voluntary Pavana Lachrymae - J P Sweelinck

Sunday Lent 1 - 17th February

Service 09.30 Choral Eucharist (Healing): RS

Short Commn Service in Phrygian Mode - Charles Wood

Psalm 91 vv1 - 11

Organ Prelude in C (BWV 846) - J S Bach

Motets Ad Dominum cum Tribularer - G P da Palestrina

Thou knowest, Lord - Henry Purcell

Final Voluntary Erbarm' dich mein, O Herre Gott (BWV 721) - J S Bach

Service 11.15 Family Service LA

Service 18.30 Said Evensong with Piano ---

Sunday Lent 2 - 24th February

Service 09.30 Eucharist: Archer - People's Setting RS

Motet The Crown of Roses - Peter Tchaikovsky

Final Voluntary Fantasia in B minor (BWV 563) - J S Bach

Service 18.30 Evening Prayer ---

22

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Across 1 ‘If you love those who love you, what — is that to you?’ (Luke 6:32) (6) 4 ‘They threw the ship’s — overboard’ (Acts 27:19) (6) 7 The first murderer (Genesis 4:8) (4) 8 He was the head Levite in charge of the singing when the ark of God was brought back to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:22) (8) 9 Samson was noted for this (Judges 16:6) (8) 13 Solicit money or food from passers by (Acts 3:2) (3) 16 What William Booth’s Christian Mission became in 1878 (9,4) 17 Alliance of Religions and Conservation (1,1,1) 19 ‘I will praise your name for ever and ever. — — I will praise you’ (Psalm 145:1–2) (5,3) 24 Simon had (anag.) (8) 25 Desperate (Deuteronomy 28:48) (4) 26 Elisha witnessed the boy he was seeking to resuscitate do this seven times before opening his eyes (2 Kings 4:35) (6) 27 The belly and thighs of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream were made of this (Daniel 2:32) (6)

Down 1 ‘Before the — crows, you will disown me three times’ (Matthew 26:75) (4) 2 Relating to the books of the Bible between Acts and Revelation (9) 3 ‘They have — the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’ (John 20:2) (5) 4 Belief (5) 5 ‘Take the following fine spices: ... 250 shekels of fragrant — ’ (Exodus 30:23) (4) 6 ‘Do not — Jerusalem, but wait for the gift’ (Acts 1:4) (5) 10 A seer (anag.) (5) 11 ‘Even there your hand will — me’ (Psalm 139:10) (5) 12 The wild variety was part of John the Baptist’s diet (Mark 1:6) (5) 13 A non-Greek speaker who was looked down on by civilized people (Colossians 3:11) (9) 14 Famous 1950s musical whose characters included members of 16 Across, — and Dolls (4) 15 The province from which Paul wrote to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:19) (4) 18 ‘He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring — — his hand’ (Ezekiel 40:3) (3,2) 20 ‘Today, if you hear his — , do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion’ (Hebrews 3:15) (5) 21 The Jericho prostitute who hid two Israelite spies on the roof of her house (Hebrews 11:31) (5) 22 ‘And now these three remain: faith, — and love. But the greatest of these is love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13) (4) 23 ‘God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end’ (Daniel 5:26) (4)

Solution on page 39

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THE SYMBOLIC GIFTS OF THE MAGI

At the time of writing this article we are celebrating the story of the visit of the

three Wise Men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Who the wise men were and how

they knew about the birth of Jesus is a mystery along with the all the other

mysteries in which the story of Jesus’ birth is steeped.

The first of these mysteries we read about is the appearance of the angel of the

Lord to Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, telling him that Elizabeth

was to bear him a son, even though she was old and barren. When Elizabeth was

five months into her pregnancy, Mary experienced the mysterious visit of the Angel

Gabriel to tell her that she was to conceive a son through the Holy Spirit who would

be the Son of God and she was to name him Jesus.

Joseph, who was betrothed to Mary, when he heard the news of her conception

threatened to divorce Mary because of the shame it would bring on the family. He,

however, also received a mysterious visit from the Angel Gabriel who assured him

that the baby was conceived by the Holy Spirit, saying,“She will bear a son, and you

are to name him Jesus”.

The next mystery, after the birth of Jesus, was the appearance of the angel of the

Lord to the shepherds, telling hem of the birth of Jesus and that they would find

him in a stable in Bethlehem.

The final mystery associated with the Birth of our Lord is that of the visit of the

Wise Men, or Magi, to the stable of his birth. It is not clear who these Wise Men

were, but they were obviously men of high intelligence and probably philosophers,

scientists and skilled in medicine. They would also have a good knowledge of

astronomy to enable them to navigate their way to Bethlehem. It is unlikely that

they followed a single star as legend would have it.

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Gardening Expertise ad. suspended until

the March edition.

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William Barclay, in his study notes on the Gospel of Matthew, tells of an amusing

legend which tells how the star, its work of guidance completed, fell into a well at

Bethlehem and it is still there and can still be seen sometimes by those whose hearts

are pure.

Later legend made them kings and gave them the names of Caspar, Melchior and

Balthasar. This has become a popular legend and is perpetuated in the Epiphany

hymn, “We three kings of Orient are”, and is a well- used image on our Christmas

cards these days.

The gifts they brought to the Christ Child, the bible story tells us, were those of Gold,

Frankincense and Myrrh. Each gift had a symbolic significance relating to the Christ

Child’s coming life on earth.

Gold, the king of metals, was considered to be the gift for kings which was

appropriate for Jesus as ‘the man born to be King’, but not by force but by love, and

not from a throne, but from a cross.

Frankincense was traditionally the gift for a priest, and it was at the Temple sacrifices

that they used the sweet smell of frankincense. The priest is the one who builds a

bridge between human beings and God. This is what Jesus did. He opened the way to

God and made it possible for us to enter into the very presence of God.

Myrrh was the gift for one who is to die, and was used to embalm the bodies of the

dead. Jesus came into the world to live for men and women and, in the end, to die for

them.

These gifts of the Magi foretold that Jesus was to be the true king, the perfect high

priest, and in the end supreme Saviour of the world, in the great act of reconciliation

of humanity to God our Creator.

Jack Hayley

(Members of the Group are Gill Allen, Maggie Davies, Jack Hayley, Mary Hughes, Ann

Penn, Rosemary Sturmer, Joan Thomason, and Joan Watts). Please let us know of

any need for healing prayer support. Confidentiality is assured

The Laying on of Hands will be made available at the Parish Communion on Sunday

17th February. The next Healing Service will be held on Sunday 17th March at 6.30 pm.

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News from Emily Hodgson about her work with VSO in Kenya September –

December 2012

I would like to thank All Saints' congregation again for their kind donations to VSO, as part of my trip to Kenya. I had an absolutely amazing experience, and saw a little bit of the great work VSO is able to do in developing counties. The program I went out with is part of the International Citizenship Service, that aims to use the skills of 18-24yr olds to tackle poverty around the world, whilst making volunteers more Global Citizens. The main areas that me and the 15 other volunteers (5 British and 10 Kenyans) focused on were around disability amongst children, livelihoods and sexual reproductive health. As a team we organised a disability awareness day in the centre of Kilifi, the coastal town I was based in, with 5 schools coming together with children from their disabled units to stage a parade through the town, and a mini Paralympics for the children. The response was really positive, and teachers have commented that the numbers of disabled children attending their schools had increased as a result of our presence in the schools and the event we organised in the town. There is still real lack of understanding regarding disability in Kenya, particularly in rural areas, and it was a really worthwhile focus for us as a team.

My main work placement was with the Digital Opportunity Trust, a charity that teaches ICT, business and livelihood skills in local schools and institutions. They run a 'Reach Up!' program that encourages young people to think about their futures, whilst equipping them with some of the skills that might help them fulfill their ambitions. I ran this program, along with my Kenyan colleague, in two schools as well as the local prison. The work in the prison was by far the highlight of my trip, with the prisoners being amongst the most humble and welcoming people I met out there. The prisoners are split into 6 different blocks, with up to 120 prisoners in each. Two of the blocks are for prisoners awaiting trail, some of whom will be waiting for up to 2 years for their court case, with a high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS during this time. I know that the prisoners I worked with would very much like to be kept in your prayers. I hope this has given you a brief insight to some of the work I was doing and thank you again for all your support.

Emily Hodgson

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2 The Presentation of Christ in the Temple/ Candlemas

In bygone centuries, Christians said their last farewells to the Christmas season on Candlemas, 2 February. This is exactly 40 days after Christmas Day itself.

In New Testament times 40 days old was an important age for a baby boy: it was when they made their first ‘public appearance’. Mary, like all good Jewish mothers, went to the Temple with Jesus, her first male child - to ‘present him to the Lord’. At the same time, she, as a new mother, was ‘purified’. Thus we have the Festival of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

So where does the Candlemas bit come in? Jesus is described in the New Testament as the Light of the World, and early Christians developed the tradition of lighting many candles in celebration of this day. The Church also fell into the custom of blessing the year’s supply of candles for the church on this day - hence the name, Candlemas.

The story of how Candlemas began can be found in Luke 2:22-40. Simeon’s great declaration of faith and recognition of who Jesus was is of course found in the Nunc Dimittis, which is embedded in the Office of Evening Prayer in the West. But in medieval times, the Nunc Dimittis was mostly used just on this day, during the distribution of candles before the Eucharist. Only gradually did it win a place in the daily prayer life of the Church. Ash Wednesday: a good time to admit you are sorry

Have you done something which haunts you? Which makes you feel restless and defensive, every time you think of it? Why not deal with it this month, and put it behind you? Whatever your mistake has been, consider what the Bible has to say to you:

‘I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance’ (said Jesus). (Luke 5.32)

‘Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55.7)

‘Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.’ (Joel 2:12-13)

God is inviting you to come to him this Ash Wednesday. What a wonderful offer! Make the most of it, and remember how the prodigal son was welcomed back by his compassionate father.

Both articles courtesy of Parish Pump

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13 ASH WEDNESDAY Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. But why 'Ash' Wednesday? The reason has to do with getting things right between you and God, and the tradition goes right back to the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, the Israelites often sinned. When they finally came to their senses, and saw their evil ways as God saw them, they could do nothing but repent in sorrow. They mourned for the damage and evil they had done. As part of this repentance, they covered their heads with ashes. For the Israelites, putting ashes on your head, and even rending your clothes, was an outward sign of their heart-felt repentance and acknowledgement of sin. (See Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 13:19; Job 2:8, 30:19; Isaiah 58:5; Jeremiah 6:26; Jonah 3:6) In the very early Christian Church, the yearly 'class' of penitents had ashes sprinkled over them at the beginning of Lent. They were turning to God for the first time, and mourning their sins. But soon many other Christians wanted to take part in the custom, and to do so at the very start of Lent. They heeded Joel's call to 'rend your hearts and not your garments' (Joel 2:12-19). Ash Wednesday became known as either the 'beginning of the fast' or ‘the day of the ashes’. The collect for today goes back to the Prayer Book, and stresses the penitential character of the day. It encourages us with the reminder of the readiness of God to forgive us and to renew us. The Bible readings for today are often Joel 2:1-2, 12 – 18, Matthew 6: 1-6,16 – 21 and Paul’s moving catalogue of suffering, "as having nothing and yet possessing everything." (2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10) The actual custom of 'ashing' was abolished at the Reformation, though the old name for the day remained. Today, throughout the Church of England, receiving the mark of ashes on one’s forehead is optional. Certainly the mark of ashes on the forehead reminds people of their mortality: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return..." (Genesis 3:19) The late medieval custom was to burn the branches used on Palm Sunday in the previous year in order to create the ashes for today.

The Collect for Ash Wednesday is: Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins And acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and for ever.

Courtesy of Parish Pump

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ANSWERS to quiz

Fishermen (Matthew 4,18-20

Shepherd boy (1 Sam 17,14-15)

Priests (Numbers 1,47-53)

Tentmaker (Acts 18,1-3)

Tax Collector (Matthew 9,9)

Hunter (Gen 10,9)

Farmer (Gen 9,20)

Doctor (Colossians 4,14)

Metalworker (Genesis 4,22)

Carpenter or builder (Matthew 13,55)

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Flowers for Valentine’s

Some husbands are thoughtful and buy their wives flowers on Valentine’s Day. And then there is my husband. One day I couldn’t stand it any longer. “Why don’t you ever bring me flowers?”

“What’s the point?” asked my husband. “They die after about a week.”

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Number of Sundays 9

Sundays 1379

Week days 688 including 352 at

Christmas

Baptisms

25 November Elliot Christopher Allen

9 December Rebecca Brown

Burials

20 November Baby Danny Andrew Petherick Age 23 Weeks

22 November Cynthia Edith Brockhouse Age 78

17 December Irene Smith Age 87

21 December Lucy Rose Whiting Age 90

Memorial Service in Church followed by burial of ashes

23 November Marjorie May Alice Thompson Age 90

Burial of ashes

24 November Geoffrey Stanley French Age 92

11 December Meriel Anne Dickson Age 69

At Easthampstead Park Crematorium

3 December Bryan Donald Devereaux Age 62

27 December Norah Mary Coates Age 80

28 December John Hodder Aldridge

28 December Mollie Christine Lacey

31 December Grace Downes

18 January Rodney Hamilton Astley Stogdon Age 91

21 January John Charles Lacey Age 66

22 January Terence Montague Warner Age 81

25 January Marjorie Ella Young Age 102

At Reading Crematorium (South Chapel)

21 January Doris Walsingham Age 96