The Church of England in Thatcham Issue 92 November 2017 Remembering As I write I have just come back from a meeng of the World War 1 Working Party, thinking about how we might remember and commemorate the events which took place one hundred years ago. Next year, on Sunday 11th November 2018, we will be remembering the 100th anniversary of the Armisce, the final end of the conflict. We have been reminded of courage, of brutality and sacrifice, of a generaon ravaged by war – and we were reminded today also of the Spanish Flu epidemic, which caused more deaths than the war. It maers what we remember and it maers how we remember. It maers because our memories shape us as people. Personally our memories are the realies of ourselves which make connecons as we live through the passage of me. Naonally, our memories shape our collecve identy – what is it that we dare to share with others who live alongside us? And I have been struck this year by the power of stories to shape our memory and imaginaon – as much in the stories we tell of the war and the stories we tell of our faith. We remember the war in part because the poets of the trenches brought it alive in all its mundane tragedy – recording events with a lyric power which belies the sordid reality. We remember because there were photographs and songs. But above all we remember because those who came back insisted that we should. The message they wanted to broadcast through history was “never again”. In fact it is a message that has not really been heeded – tragedies and conflicts on vast scale have been a feature of life since, and even the words with which they sought to broadcast hope have been turned to other purposes – we might say that even the cries for peace have been weaponised (is that really a word?) Just as we have to fight for the voices of those who wanted to speak to us out of the experience of war, so we have to fight for a voice for our faith. Just as the words of the war poets are twisted to fit a new agenda, so we have to be careful that we hear the words of faith aright. We live in strange mes. Neil MacGregor has a series exploring religion on Radio 4 at the moment. He suggests that we are living in a naon and at a me which is unprecedented – he suggests that we don’t have a story which we share which forms our identy, indeed that we may be a society – rare in human history – which claims to live without such a story. His perspecve, from his work as curator of the Brish Museum, is cultural and historical, and feels as though it has a lot of truth in it. How can this be, we might think, when the story of the war of a hundred years ago is told again in this season, as we tell again the story of Jesus through Christmas to Easter – how can this be? But if it is like that, we may just need to be faithful and courageous, and keep believing that the story is worth telling, and one day people will wake up and realise they need it. We remember, then, because the http://www.northtawton.org
Transcript
The Church of England in Thatcham
Issue 92 November 2017
Remembering
As I write I have just come back from a meeting of the World War 1 Working Party, thinking about how we might remember and commemorate the events which took place one hundred years ago. Next year, on Sunday 11th November 2018, we will be remembering the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, the final end of the conflict. We have been reminded of courage, of brutality and sacrifice, of a generation ravaged by war – and we were reminded today also of the Spanish Flu epidemic, which caused more deaths than the war. It matters what we remember and it matters how we remember. It matters because our memories shape us as people. Personally our memories are the realities of ourselves which make connections as we live through the passage of time. Nationally, our memories shape our collective identity – what is it that we dare to share with others who live alongside us?
And I have been struck this year by the power of stories to shape our memory and imagination – as much in the stories we tell of the war and the stories we tell of our faith. We remember the war in part because the poets of the trenches brought it alive in all its mundane tragedy – recording events with a lyric power which belies the sordid reality. We remember because there were photographs and songs. But above all we remember because those who came back insisted that we should. The message they wanted to broadcast through history was “never again”. In fact it is a message that has not really been heeded – tragedies and conflicts on vast scale have been a feature of life since, and even the words with which they sought to broadcast hope have been turned to other purposes – we might say that even the cries for peace have been weaponised (is that really a word?)
Just as we have to fight for the voices of those who wanted to speak to us out of the experience of war, so we have to fight for a voice for our faith. Just as the words of the war poets are twisted to fit a new agenda, so we have to be careful that we hear the words of faith aright. We live in strange times. Neil MacGregor has a series exploring religion on Radio 4 at the moment. He suggests that we are living in a nation and at a time which is unprecedented – he suggests that we don’t have a story which we share which forms our identity, indeed that we may be a society – rare in human history – which claims to live without such a story. His perspective, from his work as curator of the British Museum, is cultural and
historical, and feels as though it has a lot of truth in it.
How can this be, we might think, when the story of the war of a hundred years ago is told again in this season, as we tell again the story of Jesus through Christmas to Easter – how can this be? But if it is like that, we may just need to be faithful and courageous, and keep believing that the story is worth telling, and one day people will wake up and realise they need it.
We remember, then, because the http://www.northtawton.org
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From St Mary’s Tower
One Friday early in July the Newbury Branch of the Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers held a Six Bell Striking Competition at Midgham with refreshments provided by Richard Marshall and members of the local tower.
We entered two bands and were pleased to be placed first and second.
We then went on to represent the Newbury Branch in the Guild Competition which was held at North Leigh, near Witney on Saturday 7 October. Ten of the fifteen Branches within the Guild entered a band. After a closely fought contest we were delighted to win the competition. We were particularly pleased as we had been placed second in five of the previous six years. We were presented with the Silver Cup by the two judges from Birmingham and Oxford. Mark Bennet showed the cup to the congregation during Morning Service on Sunday 8 October.
We are always actively seeking new recruits to join our friendly and mixed age band. New recruits should be aged 13 up to retirement, physically active and able to climb the 36 steps to the ringing chamber. Just come along any Tuesday evening to see what is involved.
Tony Smith (Tower Captain)
The winning band
memories shape us; we make the memories into stories and we tell those stories because they are not just our own – they are a gift, if only such a gift would be received.
Mark
Advent course
three evenings on The Beatitudes starting 30th November
Shoe and Bag Repairs Engraving (trophies/pet tags etc.) Key Cutting * Watch Straps Batteries * Zippo Lighters * Leather Goods and accessories * Locks * Signs and lots more!
We’re the ‘last’ word In shoe repairs at…
SHOE CARE of THATCHAM
Unit 5, The Old Mews 32 High Street,
Thatcham, Berkshire
07796 148047
VISIT US FOR A TRADITIONAL SERVICE
Open 9.30 a.m. — 4.30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Café and Cabaret Friendship, Fun, Food (and Fund-raising)
What a lovely evening!
There is always the element of concern when organising a function like this. How many people will come? How much food and drink should we provide? How many ‘star turns’ will volunteer? But as usual, I needn’t have worried – we had an amazing 21 acts, nearly all volunteers from St.B’s and St. Marys and the church was packed – laughter and smiles from beginning to end.
Thanks to everybody who took part either in the show itself, preparation of the food and church and of course the clearing up afterwards , The church was put back in record time – many hand make light work.
One of the aims of the evening was to raise some funds for the continuing work of the church in the community. I am pleased to be able to tell you that we raised a mammoth £900 after costs, a wonderful response.!
Viv Druce
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24hr Domestic Locksmith (no callout fee)
Carpentry PVC Windows Doors & Soffits
Painting and Decorating
Fencing Repair and Install
Flat Pack Assembly
Bathroom & Kitchen Installation
Tiling Gutter Clearing General DIY
Picture & Curtain Hanging Shelving
Sarah & Mike's October Update
Dear friends,
October has been a month of connections – meeting new people, connecting with friends and networking. A couple of weekends ago we enjoyed visiting Glendale church in Berkshire (where I, Sarah, am from). Mike preached on the Sunday morning and I shared about our work in both Sunday services. It was great to see old friends again and meet new people too! During October we’ve also enjoyed connecting with people at a couple of local churches, near to our home in Llanelli, South Wales, where Mike has also preached.
Last weekend was our Step Weekend (open weekend) at the World Horizons centre in Llanelli. It was good to reconnect with some of our previous Gap Year students and also to meet new people exploring their first steps into global mission. During the weekend I also helped our current trainees to lead the children’s sessions. Trainees are asked to do this as part of their training programme as there are often opportunities for them to be involved in children’s work when they join our teams around the world. Leading the children’s work for the Step Weekend is good preparation.
At the moment I’m working part time with the training team at our centre and part time with Signpost (an international ministry in Swansea) - both roles are with World Horizons. By December I hope to be working full time with the Signpost ministry. There are so many nations on our doorstep! This week I’m meeting up one to one with ladies from Iraq, Belgium and China.
Last week Mike and I had the privilege of spending an evening with a Syrian family. The family are glad to be in Swansea, away from the fighting and unrest in their homeland. Aleppo, where they used to live, has been flattened by war. Please join us in praying for them as they adjust to life in Swansea, and for their friends and family who are still living in Syria.
Earlier this month one of our Chinese friends asked to come to church with us and last weekend another Chinese friend also wanted to come along with her son. Both ladies are coming to our weekly Bible study along with a few others from China and Italy. Each week we have a different theme at our International Friendship Group. A couple of weeks ago we had a Korean night. We had lots of fun learning Korean dance, dressing up in traditional clothes and eating delicious Korean food.
As well as our World Horizons work, Mike has also been busy with his Scripture Union work. He has been networking with ministry leaders across Wales following the Wales Leadership Forum last month where he led the children and youth stream. This week he has been involved in a light party (an alternative to Halloween), and has been out with the football cage, engaging with young people who don’t usually come to church.
If you have any questions about anything we've shared, please email us. We'd love to hear your news too! Thank you so much for your friendship and partnership - we really appreciate it!
Prayer Points
Thank God for all who came to our Step Weekend. Please pray for them as they explore their first steps into global mission.
Please continue to pray for our trainees as they prepare to work with our teams around the world, whether long or short-term.
Please pray for revelation for our four Chinese friends as they study the Bible at our weekly Bible studies. Everything about the Bible and faith is new to them – they have never had the opportunity to read the Bible before. They don’t know the Christmas or Easter story. Even the concept of having a faith is foreign to them.
Please pray for our Syrian friends who are adjusting to life in the UK and for their friends and family still living in Syria.
Please pray for Mike and the local churches he’s working with this week on the football cage tour.
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Urgently needed items: Tinned Vegetables, Tinned
Rice Pudding, Tinned or Packets Custard, Tinned
fruit
We've got plenty of: Beans, Breakfast Cereals,
Pasta, Tea
We always welcome donations and promise to
use them to provide help to people in crisis. Thank you—
https://westberks.foodbank.org.uk/
give-help/donate-food/
The Bible Challenge
I have always been fascinated with the Bible, and especially the stories of Jesus we find in the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. So on Bible Sunday this year I posed a little challenge to see whether some of you might recognise some of the bits of the Bible which have struck me over the years. As I write I have been reminded about the story of Josiah – one of the relative unknowns of the Old Testament, so far as I was concerned when I was young – no-one told me about him. But it seems that his rule probably had a major role in shaping the Old Testament as we have it today. In Josiah’s time the history of God’s people was rediscovered and retold afresh as the people turned back to the one true God – and we also got a name check for Obadiah, whose book is the shortest in the Old Testament.
Moses
The story of Moses is told in the book of Exodus (the second in the Bible) plus also Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy and many references elsewhere.
Noah
Noah is just one of the many familiar Bible characters who you will find in the book of Genesis, the first book in the Bible.
The writing on the wall
The mysterious writing on the wall appears at Belshazzar’s Feast in the book of Daniel. This is one of the prophetic/apocalyptic books of the Bible, with dreams and visions aplenty – and also the stories of the Lions Den and the Fiery Furnace.
The fly in the ointment
Many such expressions come from the Book of Proverbs, but this one is based on Ecclesiastes 10.1 – another of the Wisdom books in the Old Testament.
Samson
The story of Samson, his strength and downfall is one of the compelling stories told in the book of Judges. Don’t miss also Gideon and Deborah.
David and Goliath
David is one of the major characters in the Bible story, but strangely, though his great grandmother Ruth has a book of her own, David doesn’t. This part of David’s story is told in the first book of Samuel chapter 17.
Joseph and his coat
Another story found in the book of Genesis – where Joseph’s story takes up the final third of the book.
The Ten Commandments
A trick question – some things are found twice. The Ten Commandments are in Exodus Chapter 20 and Deuteronomy Chapter 5.
Entering the promised land
This part of the story is found in the book of Joshua, the leader who took over from Moses after he died,
The only book in the New Testament which does not refer to God as Father
This one is the third letter of John – which is short so easy to check. But can you find God as Father in all the other books of the New Testament – I wonder who first noticed this one?
The Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount (Blessed are the poor in spirit).
This is one of the passages Bishop Steven wants us to read – I had to learn it at school, and it is worth the time to learn. It is found in Matthew chapter 5.
The raising of Lazarus
Bishop Steven is also keen on this story, which is found in Chapter 11 of John’s Gospel.
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Call 01635 862223 or 07770 372486 for an appointment
Exciting opportunity to get to know an overseas visitor
Host and teach English!
(One or two week stays, payment
made) If you can help, email gilltaylor957@gmail.
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For theRecord...
Baptisms
8th Oct Daisy Lydia Rimmer
Erika Dawn Galbraith
Kym Dawn Galbraith
Eliza Dorothy Joan Tarrant
22th Oct Ayda Norabelle Grierson
Weddings
30th Sep Luke Mason & Zoe Goddard
Funerals
10th Oct Arthur Batey 93
11th Oct Edwin (Ted) Kingham 96
12th Oct Jamie Coventry 27
18th Oct June Hawthorn 78
31st Oct Joseph Meadway 83
THATCHAM PAROCHIAL ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
ONE BEDROOM FIRST FLOOR FLAT
Vacancy
The charity has a compact, one bedroom first floor flat becoming available shortly which is suitable for a single person over the age of 55 years. There is an accessible entrance to the building and a stair lift to the upper flats from the entrance hall.
The flat is self-contained, unfurnished and carpeted and consists of its own front door, hallway, living room, fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (shower).
The charity provides a cooker, fridge and washing machine.
There is an enclosed rear garden for the use of the residents of the flats.
Applicants must currently live in Thatcham, Greenham, Cold Ash or Midgham –The Ancient Parish of Thatcham. Priority will be given to the applicant with the greatest housing need.
Application forms and further information available upon request from:
Mrs. J. Davis, Clerk to the Trustees Council Offices, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham, Berks. RG18 3HF
Children’s groups on 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays at 10 am, workshop on 3rd Sundays. The Parish Communion services on the 1st Sunday of the month
is for people of all ages, especially the young, (includes Baptism Welcome).
6.30 pm Evening Services
1st Sunday Sung Evensong
2nd Sunday No service
3rd Sunday Healing Service
Weekday Services
Wednesdays
9.45 am Holy Communion 10.30 am ‘ABC’ (Adults, Babies, Children)
Every Weekday
9.00 am Morning Prayer (In the chapel)
10.00 am Sunday Services
1st Sunday Worship Service 2nd Sunday Communion 3rd Sunday Worship Service 4th Sunday Communion 5th Sunday Worship Service
More details from Revd. Brenda Harland 01635 847969 or Revd. Pat Jones 01635 865388
www.stbarnabasthatcham.weebly.com Serving to Build Community
www.stmarysthatcham.org.uk Inspired by the love of Christ to build God’s kingdom
Team Rector
Mark Bennet 867342
Team Vicar - St. Barnabas
Pat Jones 865388
Associate Clergy:
Marion Fontaine 861742 Brenda Harland 865064
Parish Administrator
Ann Watts 862277
The Parish office is open Monday and Friday mornings, 9.30am to 1.00pm, answer phone at other times.
Email: admin.stmarysthatcham @ntlbusiness.com
Churchwardens
Viv Druce 820718 Chris Watts 864567 Glenn Peters 869409 St Mary’s is fitted with an Induction Loop.
If you wear a hearing aid, switch to the ‘T’ position to benefit from the system
Page 8
Prayers for November
Loving Heavenly Father,
In a world where more food is produced than is eaten, and much is thrown away, we despair that so many starve. Many more suffer because of unfair farming and trade arrangements which disadvantage the poor farmer, and where powerful corporations call the tune and create a very uneven playing field.
Lord we pray for justice and for Fairtrade to have a bigger influence as it channels goods through Traidcraft. We pray for those countries at the mercy of the elements, where unseasonal weather disrupts the fine eco-cycle and crops fail, affecting the livelihoods of many. We pray for those places that have either too little, or too much, rain.
We give thanks that it isn’t all doom and gloom – that science is being used to produce crops that are hardier and less resistant to the effects of drought. That farmers and growers are being educated to manage the soil and give protection to what they plant. We pray your blessing on all their efforts and ask that they may be rewarded with healthy harvests.
We give thanks for last month’s Harvest Festival and for the many good gifts which were generously given - goods that made their way to the West Berkshire food bank. Thank you that many families benefited from the kindness of others and this showed a tangible demonstration of your power and goodness at work.
Praise you Lord!
We pray for all ministers and clergy who have undertaken to devote their life to the work of the church. Strengthen and encourage all, especially those who are expected to know all the answers. May they receive wisdom and guidance from your eternal Spirit; may they know your presence and receive comfort even as they seek to provide it. We pray for the Thatcham Team Ministry as it seeks to build your Kingdom through its work with schools, ABC, SOS, and we acknowledge your leading when CAMEO meets. We give thanks too for the outreach to the local hospital. Give wisdom and guidance to the PMC Steering Team and the MIT as it continues its journey to develop ties and discover People of Peace.
We pray for all who are unwell, those confined to bed, those who are waiting to find suitable accommodation and those for whom the long journey to recovery has been frustrated by set-backs and things outside of their control. May they know your presence, receive your patience and be blessed with healing in your good and perfect time.
As Christmas approaches, may we have opportunities to tell people about the ‘reason for the season’. For your incredible love for us demonstrated through the birth of Jesus. We pray for all will attend a service this year, some perhaps for the first time. May they be welcomed and encounter you for themselves.
Again Lord, we thank you for the blessings we receive, those both obvious and those less so.
May your Holy Spirit permeate every dark place to bring healing wholeness and love.
Use us, and with the gifts you’ve given us, bring about change. Speak to us, and help us listen out for that still small voice of calm. Hold us with those powerful and tender arms and abide with us always.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
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The Church in the Community - Our Challenge!
Most of us are very comfortable with our faith and without realising it, have set boundaries on how we personally follow Jesus. Unfortunately, that means we have become rather like a club, looking out for each other but not reaching out very far beyond the walls of the church. This is a generalisation of course. Some of us are already working in the community doing great things with young families, the sick, elderly, bereaved and lonely. But there is another group of people out there who are becoming increasingly vulnerable and with which we have few links. These are what are known as the ‘detached youth of Thatcham’. Youngsters who do not wish to join clubs and who are for many reasons alienated from schools or any forms of authority and who often end up on the wrong side of the law. Their home lives are often chaotic at best with no real support or nurturing.
We, the congregation at St. Marys, have set ourselves a challenge to somehow engage with these youngsters, to try to befriend them and gain their trust…..not an easy task and not one to be undertaken without guidance.
I was talking about this to a clergy acquaintance who has recently become Chairperson of the Berkshire Youth Trust. The Trust too is concerned that these youth are now without any state help and little community support. She suggested I meet with David Seward who is CEO of the Trust and who was a youth worker in Thatcham for many years. David has since been and talked to a group of us and told us of his vision for the future of youth support in this area.
Firstly, he says, we must come to terms with the fact that there is no government provision whatsoever for this group of young people. Any help in this area will be provided by the community. The Trust is currently recruiting part time youth workers who with community support can be a presence in the Town. What he is looking for is a support network (eventually 4000 strong!) to work alongside the new recruits on the streets so that the youngsters eventually feel part of the community. He stressed that this is not a policing roll. It is right that all youngsters should go through a period of rebellion, pushing boundaries and a certain amount of ‘high jinks’. I expect if we search our hearts and memories we all had our moments... I know I did. If we get to know them we may together be able to find exciting ways to channel this energy and natural urge to express themselves. If we don’t, the current substance abuse problems will increase, as criminals are very skilled at taking on the roll of nurturers and befrienders.
David stresses that the current situation in Thatcham is nowhere near as bad as in the larger towns of Reading and Slough. If we work together now, we may be able to slow the
Share and Prayer S,A,P
An informal group meets every 2nd Tuesday morning of the month (10.30am to 12,30 pm) off Bowling Green Road to discuss various topics and views, along with homemade refreshments and concluding with prayers.
We have been running since February this year and subjects have been varied: Love; Flowers, Easter traditions, talents and skills, recipes, holidays, music and headline topics / news.
It’s been amazing how our ordinary everyday lives and activities are so entwined with God and sometimes without us even realizing it!
A warm welcome awaits you if you would like to join us on any of our mornings.
14th November - Books
12th December - Christmas traditions.
Contact the Parish Office if you are interested in further details.
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CAMEO is for anyone, lonely, bereaved, lives on their own, or would like to chat - every Monday 2pm to 4pm in St Mary’s Church Meeting Room for a chat over a cup of tea and cake.
C A M E O
The highlight of the month was CAMEO’S Harvest Lunch when 38 people attended. It was a very busy afternoon; serving the lunch, then a harvest quiz followed by tea and cake. In between that happening The Mayor of Thatcham, Cllr Ellen Crumly came to visit and mingled with the ladies. Through CAMEO being advertised in the Thatcham Festival brochure we had 5 visitors come to join us as well.
A great big thank you to the CAMEO team who worked so hard to make the afternoon the success that it was:- also, thank you to Christine who has been our holiday relief driver. Without these committed people we could not function.
If you would like to make friends and enjoy a chat over a cuppa and cake then come along to CAMEO on Monday afternoons 2-4pm.
Joan
already increasing numbers of youngsters involved. Criminals from the larger towns have been seen in the area but it is proven that they steer clear of areas where there is strong community support.
WOW! What a challenge. The Town Council have pledged support for the scheme and are providing funds for training sessions for those of us who are keen to help. David’s vision is to keep these youngsters safe... and we can help. Young people are our future, please pray for them and all those involved in this community project.
If you know anybody keen to apply for the part time youth worker positions, I have copies of the job description. Please also talk to me or any member of the PMC/MITeam if you would like to be involved or have more information or would like to be kept informed of our progress.
Viv Druce
PMC/MITeam Members; Steve Rice, Margaret Holmes, Paul Bullock, Ben and Jo Harte, Viv Druce
(Continued from page 9)
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Dear Friends,
‘So long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu’ – as the song says!
I just wanted to say, ‘Thank You’ once again for my beautiful flowers and gift and I am sorry if I did not get a chance to say goodbye on that last Sunday morning at St Mary’s.
We have settled really well and are very happy here in Swanage. I have started attending the local Anglican church, St. Marks, which is just across the road from our home. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. It’s part of a group of four churches attached to St Mary’s Church, Swanage, in the centre of town. I have even been to a cream tea afternoon in aid of the church. It was very nice; scones with jam and cream but not a patch on Marion’s cream teas!
Several years ago, while here on holiday, I went to a Flower Festival in a local church and I bought a book mark called ‘One solitary life’ and the words have stayed with me ever since. I hope you enjoy them too.
A couple of weeks ago I met up with a couple of friends who happened to be in Swanage! It was lovely to meet up and spend some time together again.
God bless and keep you safe, Love
Anne Roper
Anne with David and Tom
Thatcham to Zambia
In September Vicki Evans delivered a blanket knitted by the ladies in CAMEO to a home for rescued street girls in Lusaka, Zambia where it was greatly appreciated. The ladies are continuing to knit smaller blankets for Mat and Di Evans to take with them on their trip to Zambia in July.
If anyone would like to join Mat and Di on a 2 week mission trip to Zambia (or one of the other countries Mission Direct operate in) please visit www.missiondirect.org or speak to Mat or Di
Thanks,
Di
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Leanne and Lottie Cox are running the Thatcham 5K Santa Fun Run
on Sunday 10th December!
We are hoping to raise money for St Mary’s Church, Thatcham - If you would like to sponsor us, please
fill in the sponsorship form in the church notice board
