All Saints Wokingham Parish Magazine

March 2013

www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk £1.00

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Our country and our church arrived in 2013 with heavy baggage from recent years. There are huge challenges facing this country about putting things right. Lots of social and economic indicators are still heading in the wrong direction. Many of our trusted institutions and large corporations have been hit by scandal and leadership failure. There are divisions of view about cuts to local authority budgets and changes to welfare benefits, with deep anxieties that these will impact unfairly on the most vulnerable in our communities. There is a growing sense our communal life is blighted by inequality and injustice with no clear way forward. British soldiers are still being killed in Afghanistan.

The Church of England is struggling with differences about how to appoint women bishops and about gay marriage; our public face has been seriously egged.

With all the challenges ahead it would be easy to be pulled down in spirit. But there is always life and hope bubbling up. As a Christian I affirm that, because I believe in God who constantly gives out of the Spirit's well, a flowing stream of love and understanding. A truth of which Lent reminds us is that the way to meet challenges and overcome barriers, both in our own spiritual journey and in the life of the community, by God’s grace is to face the true picture of them, so that the real problems can be tackled. So Lent is a good time to be honest and look our challenges in the eye.

What about All Saints Church in 2013? What challenges and barriers are we facing as a church which wants to serve God and share God's love with the people, and the world, around us? There is no doubt, even though Wokingham is a prosperous place overall, 2013 will bring a greater need for help of many kinds to be given to people facing the impact of economic slowdown, overhanging debt, and cuts in the support they receive from public bodies. In fact, it is national government policy, affecting us all, to place greater responsibility on local communities and voluntary associations to step in with support in areas of life previously provided from the public purse. As a local church we will be challenged to be there, providing help and support in this local community. The social and economic challenges put pressure on us all to seek and find greater emotional, moral and spiritual resources - to grow and draw upon fresh reserves of peace, healing and understanding. As a Christian church we believe, and we proclaim, that these resources and reserves are to be found and may be grown through being part of Christ. But so many people in our community are disconnected from the good news and the hope which faith in Christ can bring.

This means our greatest challenge in 2013 as a church community is to grow. We need

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to grow spiritually and we need to grow in membership. So many other indicators may be heading downwards but there is no need to assume God's Spirit is being rationed! Our challenge is to increase our size and our capacity as a church. The good news is that there are things we can do to achieve this and we can succeed with God's help. Jesus told us to pray to God for workers to bring in the harvest. No-one who has a harvest to bring in stands idly by – they go out and get more people in to help. We need God's help with that because it is only the Spirit who moves us.

The need to grow brings many linked challenges. Some of them we are meeting already. We need worship which is good and attractive. So we appointed a new Director of Music when the post fell vacant in 2012 with a brief to develop the music we use in worship. There is the challenge to connect with young people in our community. They need to know we are there for them too, to experience and explore for themselves the peace and love there is in Christ. So for the first time ever we have appointed a professional full-time paid leader for our youth work. Families with young children can gain so much support and help from being connected to church and God's love for them in Christ. Also our church primary school is at the heart of the community tackling children's needs for achievement in these challenging times. So Caroline, our full-time Associate Priest applies her gifts, experience, skills and a passion for Christian nurture and education to leading our ministry to families and children and growing our support and ministry to All Saints C of E Primary. Now we have a new thriving 11am Family Service, a Messy Church service, and Little Steps monthly drop-in for parents with young children; our support for families seeking baptism for their children has grown, and we have even stronger links with All Saints Primary. And of all these activities involve lots of church members freely giving of their time gifts and energy.

Another challenge that comes with growing is to be equipped and organised as a church to care and support people when they face times of difficulty and sickness. We want to make sure if we can that no-one is left out. So starting last year we brought together church members to train up as lay pastoral assistants and to become a team, together with the clergy, who will lead pastoral care in the parish; which also already involves many of us in particular care teams.

These are just some of the ways All Saints Church is rising to meet the challenges we must meet if we are to grow in Spirit and numerically. There is more we need to put in place in 2013 to enable God's Spirit to use our efforts and bring growth.

We have reached a moment in our life and work as a church when we need to get organised for growth.

David Hodgson

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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)

Production/Distribution Sheila Longley & team (978 4193)

Copy Date for April issue: 16th Mar 2013

Production: 26th Mar 2013

Publication: 31st Mar 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.

No Time for Prayer?

What is this life if, full of care We have no time to spend in prayer? No time to meet our Father, dear And hear the words we need to hear? No time – because we’re rushed to death And fail to feel the Spirit’s breath?

No time – because our lives, absurd Preclude from time spent with His word! No time within our full employ To know our Lord’s transcending joy? What is this life if, full of care We have no time to spend in prayer? By Nigel Beeton

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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. Helen Charlton 978 9153

Honorary Priest The Revd. Colin James 978 1515

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

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 Claire Jones 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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Flower Guild An exciting freshness fills the air in spring – the season of rejuvenation. It is as though a great weight has lifted from our spirits. Colour begins to come into it's own again, and the sky seems that much clearer. There may be showers, but the clouds are soon broken by patches of bright blue sky. The evenings are lighter and there is a softness in the breeze. Suddenly the growing

process, which slowed down to a virtual halt during the winter months, increases almost alarmingly. One day the ground looks bare and the next it is coverd with green shoots several inches high. Of all the seasons, spring, particularly, is a time for bulbs. The very earliest bulbs - the winter aconites, snowdrops and crocus- finish with the end of winter, leaving the way clear for that wonderful family of bulbs the narcissus. Almost overnight daffodils, hyacinths,cherry blossom are beckoning brightly, followed soon after by tulips. With their bright joyful colours and their simple appealing shapes, spring flowers seem to demand more informal treatment than flowers from other seasons. Often a simple bunch of spring flowers in a glass vase can have just as much appeal as a very formal

arrangement. All spring flowers will last well provided it is cool, so do not place them to close to a radiator.

Lucille Taylor

Dates For Your Diary Flower Guild AGM Thursday 14th March at 8pm in the DeVitre Room in Cornerstone. Easter arranging will take place on Saturday 30th March at 9:45am If you would like to help with arrangements small or large do join us. If you have any blossom, forsythia, or any green or spring foliage and flowers these would be most welcome. Please leave at the vestry door before 9:30am on Saturday March 30th. Please see advert on page 13 regarding Easter donations in memory of a loved one. Our next Flower Guild Meeting will be on Wednesday 17th April at 8pm in Cornerstone. Further details in April Magazine. Vestments and Flower Festival 12th 13th 14th July. See Back Cover Page

Flower Guild Rota for April

Palm Sunday March 24th Mrs L Taylor Mrs L Barrell Easter March 31st Flower Guild Members For further information contact Lucille Taylor 9786847 or Hazel Matthews 9786700

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God 3: Church 0. Revd Helen Charlton

I started to write this article a few days ago. Its theme was a reflection on the

machinations of the church hierarchy as ‘they’,(maybe it should be ‘we’) try to sort out

the mess that’s left in the wake of the general synod vote about women bishops (or,

more accurately, about the nature of concessions/ appeasements for the minority who

remain opposed to women bishops). For the large number of women whose ministry is

keeping the church going it is difficult to see a solution coming fast enough over the

horizon, and so we continue to juggle ministry and family and other jobs (much of it

unpaid). It’s somewhat galling to be expected to ‘explain’ what’s happening – as I had to

this week to the car salesman while test-driving my new car (old one written off in

accident – long and bitter story – the car, that is, although possibly general synod too…)

Without wishing to diminish the overwhelming support and encouragement from the

congregation here at All Saints, and with due acknowledgement of the efforts by many

to push for change, the last couple of months has taken its toll. I speak personally,

although my thoughts probably resonate with many women clergy. After the initial

shock and anger, I have discovered a more subtle and corrosive impact. I find myself

asking questions like ‘Is this the sort of church I want to be part of/ serve?’, ‘How can I

be whole as a person and as a priest?’, ‘Is my call really valid?’, and finally, ‘How do I

keep going with energy and passion without becoming hard and militant?’

Due to the hectic nature of the week (telephone calls to insurance company, sorting

hire car, family events such as my mother spending a night in hospital after falling over

a wheelie bin, and unexpected day trip to a secure mental hospital in Northampton),

the article remained as a pile of random notes.

On Friday evening I arrived at the Acorn healing centre/retreat house in Bordon, Hants

for a weekend silent retreat – bliss! For those of you unfamiliar with retreats, there are

several different types, and it is the practice of many Christians, including most clergy,

to go on at least one a year. This one is run on the lines of Ignatian spirituality and is

‘guided’. The weekend is interspersed with meditations led by the ‘guides’, suggested

reading, and opportunities for 1:1 reflection with a ‘guide’ at points during the weekend

as well as a final communion service. An art room and various prayer stations are

scattered around the main house, the grounds are lovely, and the meals, although

virtually silent, are communal. I went armed with retreat essentials such as Bible,

notebook, bottle of red wine, and chocolate.

The silence isn’t oppressive, and actually isn’t all that silent. Quiet music is allowed, and

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once you settle into the pattern you notice the background noises of life. Neither does

the prayer and study have to be all that ardent. It’s wonderful just to have the time to

‘be’. In the quiet you notice that ‘things happen’, in fact God happens. In my experi-

ence, if you allow God a little time and space He invariably uses the opportunity to say

something!

So I am refreshed and energised. Some of my life questions are a bit clearer. I feel nur-

tured and affirmed by God and by the whole retreat experience. I have reconnected

with my sense of God’s call. God calls us all – a retreat is a good way to discern what

that call might be.

For me, there is the reminder that the call is from God, to do his work in the world. The

church, though important as a vehicle (oops!), is not the main focus. And the church,

though it may lead me into the slough of despond, is not necessarily a write-off. God,

however, leads me into green pastures (and I think that is also the name of another

retreat house…)

I continue to pray for the church and I encourage you to find more quiet space in your

life where you can hear God whispering to you.

www.acornchristian.org www.retreats.org.uk

Perhaps you would like to donate in memory of a

loved one.

Cash or cheques (made payable to All Saints Flower Guild)

may be given to:

Lucille Taylor, Hazel Matthews or Lois Barrell

EASTER FLOWERS The Flower Guild would be grateful

for

contributions towards the purchase of

Lilies and other Easter flowers.

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All Saints’ Church Fellowship

At our January A.G.M. the following committee was elected:- Diana Clifford (Leader), Diana Coates (Treasurer), Jill Jones (Secretary), Anona Jones, Sheila Shields, Marjorie Fletcher, Gillian Sutterby.We are always delighted to see Revd. Colin James at Fellowship and our special thanks to him for chairing the evening business. Following a short refreshment break we welcomed Mrs. Anne King who told us about her day at Buckingham Palace to receive a much deserved M.B.E. and we really enjoyed a discussion with her. Thank you very much Anne.

Meetings continue to be held in the Cornerstone De Vitre Room on the third Wednesday of the month unless stated otherwise at 7.45pm for 7.55pm. Fellowship contact is Diana Clifford 9792614.

WED. 13th MARCH (2nd Wed.) ‘Nurses in the 1st World War’ with Mr. Dixon. We are sure this talk will be as good as the one he gave last year.

WED.17th APRIL. ‘Queen Victoria’s Daughters. Talk by Mr. C.Parrish

WADE. This year are chosen charity is WADE and we will be having cake stalls to fund raise. We hope to have the first one on Sunday 21st April in the Cornerstone after the 9.30am service

ALL SAINTS CHURCH FELLOWSHIP

COLLECTION FOR THE ROYAL BERKS HOSPITAL

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.

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Mothers' Union Parenting Programme (Worldwide) helps people in 18 countries around the world. One of these countries is Guyana, where, in just one month in 2012 over 150 individuals graduated from their parenting groups. Specifically in Guyana members have built child protection into the content of the programme. The members worked with the local police, which resulted in a graduation from the programme with

red carpet and many officials present.

The government in Guyana is very interested in what Mothers’ Union is achieving through the parenting programme and members are in talks with ministries to renew support for the programme. Throughout 2013, Mothers’ Union Guyana will be reaching out to parents by running TV,

radio and newspaper campaigns including top tips for parenting.

Lady Day will this year be celebrated on Monday 8th April, translated

from 25th March, which this year falls in Holy Week. As it is the start of a new Triennium, the service will be held in Christ Church, Oxford; the new trustees including our new Diocesan President will be commissioned

during the service by the Bishop of Oxford.

The Diocesan Retreat this year is from 14th – 16th May. As in previous

years, attendance for part of the time is possible. The venue is again St Katherine’s, Parmoor and the leader will be Rev Michael Campling.

Booking details are available from Valerie or the MU diocesan office.

The MU General Meeting will be held in Bath this year on Wednesday 12th June. As this is relatively close this year, it provides an opportunity to hear what the MU is doing worldwide and to be inspired. Again

contact Valerie or the website for details on booking tickets.

Branch news. We are delighted to welcome one of our long standing

members, Mrs Ruth Smith, to our branch Committee member.

Our March meeting this year falls in Holy Week, so we are planning to

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Parish Diary - March 2013

Sunday Lent 3 Monday to Saturday page

3 4 Mo

08.00am Holy Communion 5 Tu Serendipity

09.30am Parish Communion 6 We

11.15am Family Service 7 Th Julian Group

3.00pm **No Service 8 Fr

06.30pm Choral Evensong 9 Sa

10 Mothering Sunday 11 Mo

08.00am Holy Communion All Together 12 Tu

09.30am Parish Communion 13 We

11.15am BCP Eucharist 14 Th

3.00pm **No Service 15 Fr

6.30pm Said Evensong 16 Sa

17 Passion Sunday 18 Mo

08.00am Holy Communion 19 Tu Serendipity

09.30am Parish Communion 20 We All Saints Fellowship 15

11.00am Family Service 21 Th Healing Prayer Group 25

3.00pm **No Service 22 Fr

6.30pm Healing Service 23 Sa

24 Palm Sunday 25 Mo

08.00am Holy Communion 26 Tu

09.30am Parish Communion 27 We MU 17

11.15am **No Service 28 Th Maundy Thu. 7.45 Sung Eucharist

3.00pm Holy Baptism 29 Fr Good Friday

6.30pm Choral Service 30 Sa

31 Easter Day 30 Mo

08.00am Holy Communion 31 Tu

09.30am Parish Com. All age + Holy Baptism 1 We

11.15am **No Service 2 Th

3.00pm ?Holy Baptism 3 Fr

6.30pm Choral Evensong 4 Sa

Forthcoming Events

Good Friday 29th 9.00am Prayers 9.30am Solemn Liturgy 11.00 Family Service

11.45 Ecumenical Event

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attend the Church’s evening worship. This will be followed by coffee and catch-up in The Cornerstone. All are welcome; this is a chance to meet

us informally.

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).

Sun 10th March 9.30am Mothering Sunday service

Tues 12th March 9.30am Corporate Communion

Wed 27th March (7.45 for Branch meeting – Holy Week

8pm) service

Mon 8th April 11am Lady Day service - Oxford

28 Maundy Thursday – time to wash feet

Maundy Thursday is famous for two things. The first is one of the final acts that Jesus did before his death: the washing of his own disciples’ feet. (see John 13) Jesus washed his disciples’ feet for a purpose: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” His disciples were to love through service, not domination, of one another.

In Latin, the opening phrase of this sentence is ‘mandatum novum do vobis’ The word ‘mundy’ is thus a corruption of the Latin ‘mandatum’ (or command). The ceremony of the ‘washing of the feet’ of members of the congregation came to be an important part of the liturgy (regular worship) of the medieval church, symbolising the humility of the clergy, in obedience to the example of Christ.

But Thursday was also important because it was on that night that Jesus first introduced the Lord’s Supper, or what we nowadays call

Holy Communion. Jesus and his close friends had met in a secret upper room to share the Passover meal together - for the last time. And there Jesus transformed the Passover into the Lord’s Supper, saying, ‘this is my body’ and ‘this is my blood’ as he, the Lamb of God, prepared to die for the sins of the whole world. John’s gospel makes it clear that the Last Supper took place the evening BEFORE the regular Passover meal, and that later Jesus died at the same time that the Passover lambs were killed.

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Word Search

Our story comes from Luke 19: 1- 10

Tax collectors don’t often sit in trees. But they are resourceful people (you have to be,

to collect tax) and so when Jesus arrived in Jericho, Zacchaeus the chief collector

climbed a large sycamore tree to see over the crowd. To his delight, Jesus saw him in

the tree, and immediately responded to Zacchaeus’ interest in him. Out of all the

people in Jericho, Jesus chose his house to go to for dinner. Zacchaeus was so

transformed by the visit that he decided to reform his ways, give half his wealth to the

poor, and restore anyone whom he had overtaxed fourfold. Jesus said: “Today

salvation has come to this house. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what

was lost.”

Welcomed

tax

House

Collector

Resourceful

Jericho

Zacchaeus

Tree

Sycamore

Immediately

Responded

Interest

Transformed

Restore

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Colour Me

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10 Mothering Sunday – 4th Sunday in Lent

There is an old Jewish saying: God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods - our human mothers - all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’ - as the fourth Sunday in Lent is affectionately known. It has been celebrated in the UK since at least the 16th century.

In Roman times, great festivals were held every Spring to honour Cybele, Mother of all the Gods. Other pagan festivals in honour of Mother Earth were also celebrated. With the arrival of Christianity, the festival became one honouring Mother Church.

During the Middle Ages, young people apprenticed to craftsmen or working as ‘live-in’ servants were allowed only one holiday a year on which to visit their families - which is how ‘Mothering Sunday’ got its name. This special day became a day of family rejoicing, and the Lenten fast was broken. In some places the day was called Simnel Day, because of the sweet cakes called simnel cakes traditionally eaten on that day.

In recent years the holiday has changed and in many ways now resembles the American Mothers’ Day, with families going out to Sunday lunch and generally making a fuss of their mother on the day.

24 Palm Sunday: Jesus at the gates of Jerusalem

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when the Church remembers how Jesus arrived at the gates of Jerusalem just a few days before the Passover was due to be held. He was the Messiah come to his own people in their capital city, and yet he came in humility, riding on a young donkey, not in triumph, riding on a war-horse.

As Jesus entered the city, the crowds gave him a rapturous welcome, throwing palm fronds into his path. They knew his reputation as a healer, and welcomed him. But sadly the welcome was short-lived and shallow, for Jerusalem would soon reject her Messiah, and put him to death. On this day churches worldwide will distribute little crosses made from palm fronds in memory of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.

29 Good Friday – the day the Son of God died for you

Good Friday is the day on which Jesus died on the cross. He was crucified at 9am in the morning, and died six hours later, at 3pm. It is the most solemn day in the Christian year, and is widely marked by the removal of all decorations from churches. In Lutheran churches, the day was marked by the reading of the passion narrative in a gospel, a practice which lies behind the ‘passions’ composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750). Both the St Matthew Passion and the St John Passion have their origins in this observance of Good Friday.

The custom of observing a period of three hours’ devotion from 12 midday to 3 pm on Good Friday goes back to the 18th century. The ‘Three Hours of the Cross’ often take the form of an extended meditation on the ‘Seven Last Words from the Cross’, with periods of silence, prayer, or hymn-singing.

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AMAZING, SAVING, HEALING GRACE This is a subject on which I wrote in the magazine about twelve years ago and which I feel, in all modesty, is worthy of repetition. A theological definition of ‘the Grace of God’ is, “The free and unmerited favour of God shown towards humankind”. The word has come to have a looser meaning in describing the prayer we offer at the end of a group meeting, or a period of worship and prayer. It is then that we pray that we may continue to be blessed with these bounties which derive from our Lord Jesus Christ as the intermediary of God’s grace, that the unending love of God will continue to be poured out on us, and that the power of the Holy Spirit will continue to lead and guide us to eternal life. We also use the word grace for the prayer we offer before a meal, when we take the opportunity of thanking God for providing us with the meal in which we are about to partake and all the benefits of his grace. Most of us, have at sometime, used the word loosely when we have been aware of someone close to us having had a traumatic experience which could easily have happened to us, and we have exclaimed, with deep gratitude, “There but for the grace of God go I!” But the wonderful aspect of God’s grace is that it is free. We don’t have to earn it or strive for it; it is just there for the taking. One of the greatest expressions of that grace was the words of Jesus, when he said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so the everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life (John 3:16) A great example of God’s grace being undeserved is that of the early life of St Paul. Here was a man, on his own admission, brought up as a Hebrew,

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steeped in the knowledge of Jewish law, and a zealous Pharisee, to the extent that he was commissioned, by the Jewish religious leaders, to outlaw, what they considered to be, the deluded followers of the teachings of the disciples of Christ, who had been crucified for his heretic teachings. The Acts of the Apostles records that at the climax of his persecution of the disciples, and their followers, he was witnessing the stoning of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr. But, by God’s grace, through the experience of his dramatic conversion, when on his way to continue his work of persecution in Damascus, he became one of the most profound and dedicated teachers of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Lord said to Ananias, whom he sent to cure Paul of his blindness, “Go for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before the Gentiles and Kings and before the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15) There were many acts of God’s grace during his missionary journeys; his several releases from prison, his escape from attempts to have him sentenced to death and his survival of severe storms at sea. His survival of the shipwreck on the Island of Malta, on his way to Rome to be tried as a Roman citizen, was truly providential. Having survived the shipwreck, he and his party had to stay there for three months before they could get a ship to take them to Rome. In that short time, Luke records in Acts 28, that Paul healed the father of Publius, the chief magistrate, of dysentery. Many other acts of healing followed through the laying on of hands and God’s healing grace, and many of the islanders were converted to Christianity. The island to this day is deeply Christian, and is a country which must have the highest proportion of practising Christians amongst its population. 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 next Healing Service will be held on Sunday 17th March at 6.30 pm. The Laying on of Hands will be made available at the Parish Communion on Sunday 21st April.

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SAVE THE DATE

Early summer will be ‘Festival Time’ at All Saints. The season starts on Pentecost weekend when All Saints and St Pauls choirs will combine to give a number of performances. In additional to choral services there will be a concert for which tickets will be on sale nearer the time.

Festival time concludes with a Flower Festival entitled ‘Worship the Lord’ on July 12th, 13th and 14th. By then we will have received all 12 new sets of vestments which have been so generously given to us through the legacy of the late Eric Rands. The vestments are contempory in design. They depict the full range of Christian celebration of God’s grace and love through the different church seasons which make up the Christian year of worship. The flowers festival will be a unique opportunity to see these robes all together as a collection; each chasuble is an individual work of art in its own right.

It is nearly 25 years since we last staged a flower festival. The last one spanned two weekends with each featuring different displays, this will be a more modest affair but we will still need a lot of help and we hope that ‘Festival Time’ will involve all members of our congregation as we welcome a large number of visitors to our church.

I am leading the group which is organising the flower festival and I am working with Anne King and Sue James on a greater festival which we hope in addition to celebrating this wonderful gift to our church will also be a celebration of our congregation and the wider community in which we reside. We would like to have activities for all age groups and would welcome suggestions. We have the Cornerstone reserved for the whole weekend and so there is plenty of scope, we just need your suggestions.

Contact:Anne 07768 923608, Pam 0118 978 5694 and Sue 0118 978 4339

By email: flowerfestival@allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Pam Gilbey

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The Eric Rands legacy and the new vestments at All Saints Parish Church

Eric Rands died in August 2006. He was a regular attender of the Parish Communion service at All Saints for many years. Eric and Dolores, his beloved wife of 50 years, did not have any children. Eric's will divided his substantial estate between family members, friends and the many charities he supported. He bequeathed a significant sum in trust to the Rector for use in the parish for religious purposes. I chose to use the majority of these funds to support the employment by PACT of a Family Support Worker dedicated to families of children attending, or preparing to attend, All Saints C of E Primary School. This almost full-time post was funded for 3 years by the Eric Rands legacy. Eric was a man who loved artistic expression. He attended the theatre, ballet and art galleries often; and had a keen interest in photography and in gardening.

So I chose to commission Julie Quinn, an established Artist Embroiderer of Croft Design Associates, to design and create new contemporary vestments, funded by the Eric Rands legacy.

Julie was chosen, after viewing the work of a number of practitioners, as an artist who could most likely meet the vision for these vestments combining the desired design style with high quality work and affordability. The designs were approved by our PCC and the Diocesan Chancellor and a faculty has been issued.

Each vestment set will consist of a chasuble and two matching stoles for the priest and deacon to use at Communion services, baptisms, weddings etc. There will be twelve new sets covering all the church seasons and occasions. The designs are contemporary and the materials will be pure silk and cloth of gold. The design brief was for visually stunning and accessible items. The aim is to enhance our worship with powerful and vibrant images which will evoke responses to the meaning and the message of the gospel in each season or sacramental occasion.

The skilled artistic work in these vestments represents the creativity we share with our Creator; and, as “works of art”, may provide a deep affecting element in our worship to stir our hearts as well as our minds in response to God's love in Christ.

The vestments will offer a lasting and tangible aspect of the Eric Rands legacy which children and adults will appreciate for many years to come. They will be fully displayed at the summer flower festival “Worship the Lord” in July and dedicated at the launch service of the festival on 11th July.

The Rector

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In your garden: a seasonal guide

What’s happening now . . . . .

The first signs of spring are with us. With lighter days the garden has sprung to life with

new growth everywhere. Snowdrops and aconites are making way for miniature iris,

narcissi and primroses, all giving welcome colour after the grey days of winter. Spring

bulbs steal the show along with later flowering magnolias and tree blossom. Tulips with

their jewel like colours will then herald the arrival of early summer along with the first

green leaves on the trees. Birds are busy making nests whilst watching and waiting for

insects.

March is the busiest time in the gardening calendar to start seed sowing in earnest,

either on a warm light windowsill or in the greenhouse. Opportunities are endless with

annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables all easily grown from seed. Give it a go, noth-

ing beats the thrill of seeing tiny leaves emerging from the soil.

Early spring is also the best time to plan your borders for the coming season. Here are

some simple rules to follow to help you create the perfect vista, whether it is large or

small.

Remove any plants that are not thriving. They may just be in the wrong position.

Consider the sunlight, drainage and the soil type. This will help you choose the

right plants for the right place. Generally large leaved plants need shade and

benefit from facing east or north. Whereas flowers needing sun will thrive in a

south or west facing position.

Plant in odd numbers of threes, fives and sevens as this gives a more natural

look. Remember to plant low plants at the front with taller shrubs or grasses at

the rear.

Think about what colours you would like to see. Reds, oranges and yellows will

feel warm and seem closer than they are. Whereas pale colours such as pink,

blues and creams will recede.

You may like to look at when your plants flower, to change or to lengthen the

season of interest. Choose when you want the border to look its best.

Cont...

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tasks to be getting on with this spring . . . . . .

March

1. Sow seed for all flower and vegetable crops.

2. Dig over and mulch areas with organic matter ready for sowing and planting.

3. Allow spring bulbs to die back naturally to feeds the bulb for the following year.

4. Divide congested perennials to create smaller vigorous plants to replant.

5. Transplant any evergreen shrubs or conifers, and water well.

6. Start using biological pest controls mid month, to combat slugs and snails.

Nicola Baily Gibson

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Bite Back at Hunger

Christian Aid Week, 12-18 May 2013

“It’s very rewarding to know that Christians of different traditions are working

together for one common aim during Christian Aid Week.” Christian Aid Week

Volunteer

Thousands of churches will stand together this Christian Aid Week to speak out

for change. Some 100,000 committed volunteers will go out and put their faith

into action, raising funds to help some of the world’s poorest and most

vulnerable people.

This includes Britain’s largest house-to-house collection, an extraordinary act of

witness – demonstrating to our communities that we care about ending

poverty and injustice.

There is enough food for everyone in the world, but one in eight people will go

to bed hungry tonight.

This year’s Christian Aid Week tells the story of how Christian Aid is helping

communities to bite back at hunger through the lens of land rights in Bolivia,

new technology in Kenya and innovative agriculture in Zimbabwe.

You can support Christian Aid Week by looking out for local events, and

discover how you can be involved by contacting your local Christian Aid Week

representative or by visiting www.caweek.org/article.

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Number of Sundays 5

Sundays 846

Week days 285

Baptisms

27 Jan. Leo Oliver Crisp

Emma Jessica Oughton

Harry Sayer

Burials

8 Feb. Mary Causer Age 93

14 Feb. Annette Jean Hickey Age 68

Burial of Ashes

11 Jan. Francis Albert Watson Age 69

8 Feb. Joan Pamela Ruth Baines Age 70

At Easthampstead Park Crematorium

17 Jan. Alan Barker Age 85

1 Feb. Ronald William James Butler Age 92

5 Feb. Enid Valerie Richardson Age 76

11 Feb. Valerie Ann Cope Age 75

11 Feb. Phyllis King Age 82

13 Feb. Muriel Gladys Lane Age 73

13 Feb. Charles Raymond Blanke Age 90

14 Feb. Patrick John Halcox Age 82

Advance Notice

All Saints Parish Church 2013: a summer of festivals

Including

Pentecost Festival of Choral Music

jointly with St Paul’s Church

Saturday 18th May Festal Choral Evensong Choral concert Sunday 19th May Recital Festal Choral Eucharist

Thursday 11th July to Sunday 14th July

Stunning flower arrangements complementing a display of

contemporary clergy robes, specially commissioned for All Saints Parish Church. There will be other activities for visitors and their children and more displays and refreshments in The Cornerstone.

Further details to follow.

Worship the Lord Flower and Vestment Festival