Chalfont Close, Lower Earley, Reading, RG6 2HZ

The Council is required, as stated in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956, to co-operate with the minister in promoting in the parish the whole missions of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

The Church Council is currently made up of the following people:

Ministers: Simon Howard and Nick Thompson

Stewards: Tony Bonnett, John Brimicombe, Andrew Curnow, Jill Duncan, Stephen Edwards, John Goddard, John Louth, Joyce Louth, Richard Munday, David Ramsden and David Wise.

Church representatives: Cath Bethell, Wendy Keeley and Kate Robinson

Treasurer: Catherine Edwards

Senior Steward / Churchwarden: John Brimicombe

Church Secretary / Churchwarden: Elaine Munday

Property Administrator: vacant

Deanery Synod Representatives: Stephen Edwards and Virginia Thorne

Chair: Phil Hooper

Minutes Secretary: vacant

The following people have served on Church Council but have left during the course of the year:

Charlie Croal (church steward) and Ann Memmott (minutes secretary). Also, although Stephen Edwards has recently resigned from his position as Property Administrator, he continues to serve on Church Council as above.

Church Council meets during the months when there is no Church Meeting except August. Each meeting opens with 10 minutes’ worship, which is led by two of our members. There is always a pastoral report from one of the ministers, and a report from one of the church committees or groups. These report once a year to either Church Council or a Church Meeting on a rota basis.

Over the year, we have covered a lot of business. Some items for discussion come from one of our parent denominations, with requests for feedback, but generally our business is Trinity based.

There have been 7 Church Council meetings during the year, where we have discussed the following subjects:

Training of stewards, Anglican/Methodist Covenant, URC Future Patterns of Ministry, committee reports from the Pastoral group and Education and Nurture group, CTEER Schools Work Trust, approval of annual reports, Safe from Harm.

Anglican/Methodist Covenant, committee report from Property group, vandalism update, secretarial support to the ministers, sabbatical arrangements, building plans, outreach, feedback from Spring Harvest.

Report from Worship Committee, outreach, buildings plans (smaller schemes), shared committee meetings, Methodist Circuit East Team proposals.

July 2003

Reports from Staffing Committee and Lower Earley Family Contact Centre, finance, away day, outreach, Bishop of Reading, worship book, buildings update.

Committee reports from Youth Net and Junior Church, annual accounts, buildings update, outreach, sabbatical reflections, Staffing Committee update, Risk Assessment.

Committee report from Social group, buildings update, Associate Ministry, review of constitution, Safe from Harm, NSM job profile.

Pastoral Committee report, church life, Church Army Captain, Future Patterns of Ministry.

Unfortunately, our planned Away Day in June had to be cancelled due to several of our members being unable to attend because of last minute commitments. We tried to re-schedule for later in the year, but this proved impossible.

At the end of last year, the Methodist Church produced a paper on Risk Assessment, and asked all churches to discuss it. This is with a view to carrying out an assessment to establish an appropriate system to deal with any risk. We are currently in the process of reviewing the paper, and this will be reported on at a later date.

I would like to express my gratitude to all the members of Church Council for their commitment and hard work this year. If anybody would like to know more on any aspect of our Council, please contact me.

Elaine Munday

Church Secretary / Churchwarden

This is my last report as membership secretary, as Gill Glennon took over in January this year.

Trinity currently has 248 members on its roll. In addition there are 234 people, including children, listed as adherents (non members).

Sue Brickell

Membership Secretary

Aim: For Trinity Church to generate and develop its resources to meet its responsibilities to the wider church and to meet the Aims of growing, caring, unity and community.

At the present time there are 6 members of the finance committee:

Catherine Edwards (Treasurer)

Richard Munday (Assistant Treasurer)

Alison Travers (Assistant Treasurer)

John Medcraft (Gift Aid and Envelope Secretary)

Nigel Holloway

Tony Bonnett

In addition we welcome Nick Thompson to the committee meetings. We meet on a quarterly basis and regularly review the financial situation of the church.

The accounts for the year to 31 August 2003 show a net deficit of £350. Although our income had risen by some 3.6% our costs have risen by 5%, which resulted in the general deficit. However, we were still able to contribute 16% of our income to mission. The main increase in our expenditure continues to be the amounts we pay to the Anglican, Methodist and URC Churches in support of our ministers and their ministry. Full accounts are available separately to this report.

During the year we received a visit from the Inland Revenue to examine the way in which we monitor our tax efficient giving. I am pleased to report that we passed with flying colours and my thanks to John Medcraft for all his work in this area.

As a Committee we continue to consider how we can help in the achievement of Trinity’s Aims.

Growing All organisations and committees who are financed by the church were contacted during the year to see if they had any need for increased resources to help with their work. All were satisfied with the level of funding they currently receive.

Caring In the last year we gave 16% of our income to Mission, more than meeting our target of 10%. We continue to support the Crescent Community Centre and have 2 more contributions to make under our commitment to them.

Unity The next financial year will see a change in our pattern of ministry and there will be a consequent effect on the way our contribution to our parent denominations is divided. It is hoped that this can be achieved amicably, building on the good relationships created in the past between Treasurers.

Community We were able to increase our contribution to the CTEER Schools Work project to facilitate the major change being undertaken in the way this is managed. This will continue next year, when also we will be considering changes to the building to promote our church to the community.

Next year we face a challenging time with ever increasing costs and I would like to thank those who have increased their giving or looked at tax-efficient methods that increase the amount the church receives, and all those who contribute financially to church funds.

Catherine Edwards

Treasurer

 

The property committee has responsibility for the church buildings, equipment and the manse. The committee comprises:

Stephen Edwards Property Administrator

John Louth Buildings Supervisor

David Rains Equipment Supervisor

Alan Langdon Manse Steward

Ruth Bainton Church Users’ Representative

Jane Thompson Cleaning Co-ordinator

Simon Howard and Tony Bonnett are also on the committee in their Church Council roles.

The Committee is responsible for the maintenance of the church building, its equipment and the Manse. A separate Buildings Working Group has been established, by Church Council, to consider development of the building, and this has reported regularly to Church Meetings.

Normal minor maintenance has been carried out to the church and manse, much of which goes unnoticed but has included:

Replacing water heater for toilet in vestibule

Fixing the skylight in the kitchen

New coat hooks and general cleaning

The committee seeks to enable the fulfilment of Trinity’s aims by maintaining the facilities to assist growing and caring. Through our interaction with all of the three parent denominations we have the opportunity to promote unity. Members of the committee, and others, reach out to the community in maintaining a facility for the community to use, including the external appearance around the church such as the steps, lighting and the flowerbeds.

I should like to thank all those who have served with me during my tenure as Property Administrator, and particularly this year Alan Langdon who is coming to the end of his 6-year stint as Manse Steward.

Steve Edwards

Property Administrator

Aim: For Trinity Church to grow to understand and respond to the physical and spiritual needs of the whole church (within and without the local community) by witness and action.

The committee contributes mainly to the "Community" aspect of Trinity’s aims, being the focus for the church’s links with, and compassionate response to, the wider world. However, we should also be helping with "Growing" church members in terms of developing their individual responses.

The committee has seven members and met five times in 2003. It oversees a regular annual programme of events and special collections as well having the difficult job of deciding which of the many appeals that are received by the church we can realistically respond to. The activities that our members organised or assisted with last year were as follows:

NCH fundraising including house-to-house collection (£211), quiz and swimathon

Donation of tinned harvest produce to the Drop in Centre

Harvest Supper and auction of produce in support of Feed The Hungry, Uganda (£530)

Autumn Fayre in support of a water project in Msoro, Zambia (£610)

The Patersons’ visit to Trinity to talk about their medical/missionary work in Argentina, followed by donation of the Easter collections (£683) to the continuing work there

The Jar of Grace UNICEF appeal

The Trade for Life lobby of John Redwood in Wokingham

Printer recycling box in vestibule, in support of Traidcraft Exchange

Special Disability Sunday service

The donation of Toy Service toys to Newbury Family Centre

Christian Aid Week collections

We also, through John Medcraft, who stood down from the committee at the beginning of the year, maintain Trinity’s link with the hospital and community in Kagando, Uganda. Our £300/year donation meets most of the salary of their evangelist.

There has been great support from many others in church for the activities that needed it. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it such a successful year.

Richard Cocks

Chair, Missions Committee

Together with Pam Thompson, we hold a stall on the fourth Sunday of most months. Pam sells the crafts and cards while we sell the comestibles! The range of sweets continues to expand, as does our band of younger patrons.

As well as the regular stall we had another successful day at the Autumn Fayre. We also spent a very pleasant afternoon at the peak of our beautiful summer with Pam at the Earley Carnival. It wasn’t hugely busy but it was good to be there to fly the flag. Altogether, our sales for the year totalled about £1,700 – about 10% up on last year.

Pam’s stall sold just over £1,000 of goods at Trinity, making a total of about £2,700 sales through the church. Pam has been busier than ever with stalls at other events during the year and altogether sold £13,000-worth of fairly traded goods.

The tea and coffee for after-service refreshments were brought from Traidcraft and totalled £85 in the year. Trinity aims to be a Fair-trade church and serve only fairly traded drinks at all events, and I think we are nearly there. Please let us know if you come across any non-fairly traded tea or coffee being served and we will try to educate the offenders!

Margaret and Richard Cocks

Traidcraft Representatives

Aim: For worship at Trinity Church to enable people of all Christian traditions to respond to the presence of God, giving him praise and glory.

Worship at Trinity is a fundamental part of what we as a church are able to offer to both our members and those who might be drawn to us from time to time. Worship provides not only an expression of faith but is one way in which we can grow in terms of spirituality and faith and meet with others who will encourage us in our Christian journey. We must remember that whilst worship with others is important we must seek to set aside time for prayer every day of our lives – this might be at home or as we go about our everyday business.

The committee is made up of a number of members, each having a different perspective on our worship, in terms of the content of the various services, musical variety, provision of readings and other material. Our ministers who feed and nourish us through the various forms of worship that Trinity provides are also on the committee. Meetings are held about 3 times per year.

The committee has discussed the various services that Trinity provides, with particular focus on Christmas and Easter, when we experience an opportunity to welcome those who are infrequent attendees at church. We have been greatly encouraged by the growth in numbers, especially at the children’s services before Christmas. As in 2002, we provided refreshments between the Christingle and carol service, after the Christmas Eve Family service and after the Christmas Day service, and were joined by many who only come into contact with Christ as a result of attending such services with young people. We are also pleased to see continued interest from the uniformed organisations at the parade services and this is seen as a way of showing God’s love to young people (and their families), some of whom only attend at these services.

The continued use of the third Sunday in the evening for ‘something different’ is an important strand to worship, as is the leading of services by members of the congregation, as well as the use of stewards to lead Saturday morning worship. Refreshments continue to be provided after worship every Sunday evening and this provides a time of fellowship and discussion after this service.

The summer saw the continuation of a set of activities for all children under 7 at the 10:00 service and this was very successful as it allowed those with younger children to have more time to ‘do their business with God’ without the distraction of their small people!

We also welcomed a number of visitors during the year to lead us in worship – and benefited from each in terms of their different worship style and in many cases challenging addresses!

The new resource book is nearing completion, thanks to a small working party who have been collecting material during 2003. One of the most time consuming aspects of the work has been to check that Trinity can publish prayers, songs and other materials and tracking down the owners of copyright has in some cases proved almost impossible. Once we have the new resource book the number of sheets needed for services should diminish!

Music and song play an important part in worship at Trinity and we are blessed by a number of groups including the Trinity band, the praise and worship group and the singing group, all bringing their talents to various services throughout the year. These groups exist not only to enrich worship but also provide an opportunity for fellowship at practice and other sessions during the week.

A big thank you to all those who serve on the Worship Committee – we look forward to another year in which worship will remain an important part of life for Trinity Church. No doubt we will explore new and exciting ways in which we can enrich worship in the context of the Trinity aims covering growing, caring, unity and community with God at the centre, as well as encouraging personal time with God on a daily basis.

John R Brimicombe

Senior Steward / Churchwarden

‘Now we ask you, brothers to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.’

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV

The leadership team comprises the two ministers, church secretary, senior steward and treasurer. This small team meets on a monthly basis to discuss key issues that affect Trinity and the team members also offer support and guidance to each other and their families. During 2003 a number of issues have arisen and, as well as the regular meetings, there has been much exchange at additional informal meetings, on the telephone and by e-mail which is becoming more widely used. We live in a fast moving environment where change affects all aspects of our lives with church being no exception!

A standard meeting, which is normally held at one of the team’s homes, will start with some prayer asking for guidance as we discuss and resolve issues affecting us all. An informal chat follows allowing each member to share their concerns and issues that affect them and the life of Trinity Church. We then seek to help each other in sorting out these and, where necessary, determine what actions should be followed.

As with the previous year, a fair proportion of our time has been spent in thinking about 2004 and the way in which Trinity will develop when we move to a single stipendiary minister from the current 1.5 when Simon leaves. Nick will remain at Trinity as the full time minister until 2007 and as 2003 unfolded we were blessed with an offer of help in the form of Nina Mead of the United Reformed Church who will provide the bulk of ministry at Three Mile Cross, as well as continuing to take some services at Trinity, allowing Nick to concentrate on Trinity. We have also been lucky enough to have the support of Paddy Jose from the Methodist Circuit who is doing pastoral work to support the ministers and members of our own pastoral team. We will be looking to the Church of England for their support in 2004 to find an appropriate level of support for Trinity. The appointment of a new Bishop will help and we plan to have discussions with him as soon as possible to follow on from those already had with others in the Church of England.

Simon enjoyed a well-earned sabbatical during 2003, where he found time to reflect on God’s gifts, spend time with the family and consider what he was called to do next. He also found time to visit Iona as well as spend time in a kayak. The time without Simon was in some ways a trial run for 2004, and on his return Simon is now providing half his time to Trinity, with the other half being used to make sure the schools work continues into the future with the establishment of a schools work trust.

The Trinity aims covering growing, caring, unity and community with God at the centre have continued to permeate much of what we do and the leadership team continued to look at how Trinity embraces these aims and focuses on activities to further them. These aims were particularly important as we considered the options for making alterations to the physical building (remembering also some of the observations of the Quinquennial Review) and 2004 will be an exciting time as we start to focus on one of the schemes.

Trinity is always undergoing change – caused in part by the area in which we are situated. 2004 will continue to challenge us all but by prayer and a listening ear Trinity will continue to provide what the world is looking for – a community of people who care and show what life should be like.

I would like to thank those on the leadership team for their dedication and service to Christ through their work in Trinity and the wider community. Thanks are due to their families for helping the team during the year. Each member of the leadership team has faced challenges of their own during 2003 but have never lost sight of God and what we are called to do. I would encourage all of the church to pray for their leadership team and ask that they will be guided for the good of Jesus and all his people in Trinity Church, Lower Earley and the wider world.

John R Brimicombe

Senior Steward / Churchwarden

Earley Youth Net is approaching 2 years old and there are still many exciting developments. We continue to meet fortnightly on 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday night of every month at Trinity for Bible study and prayer. The sessions are attended by roughly 25 – 30 young people on a regular basis, although exams and school events do take their toll! The young people continue to grow in their faith and their confidence as part of the churches to which they belong. We are particularly grateful to Trinity for the support and encouragement we have had and for the willingness of the congregation here to allow us to lead various parts of worship and hence allow the young people to develop their considerable gifts and talents.

Our group has now expanded to include not just the young people of Trinity and St Peter’s but those from St Nicolas’s and Lower Earley Baptist Church. This is a very exciting development, as our original vision was not just a church based youth group but also one which allowed the young people of Earley to meet together to explore their faith.

An additional benefit of working with Lower Earley Baptist Church has been that we are now able to have a social meeting once a fortnight at Centrepoint. The young people are able to use the facilities at the sports centre, as well as arranging trips out for things like ice-skating. This is a great opportunity as it allows the young people to invite their friends along without any pressure of being "preached at"!

The leaders also continue to meet alternate weeks for their own study time. This has led to huge growth in the spiritual lives of the leaders as well. It is also probably the reason for one of our saddest moments when we sent Anna Hedley "on loan" to Bosnia to run a youth group in Mostar for a year. It did give us a good excuse for a party and we had great fun wrapping Anna, Lucy Robinson (who was leaving us too to go to University) and Anna’s parents in toilet paper as a final farewell.

The Meeting Place – our alternative style of evening service – has been a huge hit with the young people who have been very heavily involved in the planning and leading of that service.

Our Christmas party – with grateful thanks to Michael Whiteman’s band "Common or Garden" who played during that event – was attended by about 50 young people who seemed to have enjoyed it based on the fact that they didn’t want to go home!

So this has been another exciting year at Youth Net. Our aim from the beginning was to be a place where we could work with our young people to help them grow in their faith. God has continued to surprise us and take things beyond our expectations. Sitting in church during the Covenant Service, as I watched them come forward to the communion rail, I was struck by how many young people we had who really had a faith of their own and just how hugely blessed we have been as a church by God in the work with our young people.

Please pray for us as we try to discern how we move forward in the coming months.

Cath Bethell

Earley Youth Net Leader

Aim: To oversee ministerial appointments, training appointments and other staffing issues relating to Trinity Church.

The staffing committee is made up of a number of Trinity members (including both ministers) and representatives from our sponsoring body Churches Together in Berkshire as well as from our parent denominations. Under normal circumstances, the staffing committee holds a single meeting in the year (on a Saturday morning) but as in the previous year, 2003/2004 saw many more meetings and other activities due mainly to the changes in levels of stipendiary ministry, and I am very grateful for all the member’ hard work during the past year on behalf of Trinity.

Current members are as follows:

Trinity Ministers:

Rev Simon Howard & Rev Nick Thompson (also Methodist Circuit Ecumenical Officer)

Trinity Church Secretary:

Elaine Munday

Trinity Senior Steward and Chair:

John Brimicombe

Trinity Church Members:

Janet Whiteman, Virginia Thorne and Kay Slack (minute secretary)

Ecumenical Officers:

Prof Roger Mead (URC District Ecumenical Officer)

Honor Alleyne (CTB Ecumenical Officer)

Rev Moira Astin (Anglican Ecumenical Officer for Berkshire)

Methodist Circuit Steward:

Derek Guy

The staffing committee spent much of the year looking at how Trinity would be staffed from 2004 once Simon leaves, and we are left with a reduction in stipendiary ministry from 1.5 to 1 minister. During the year we were blessed with an offer of help from the United Reformed Church, with Nina Mead answering a calling to become the minister for Three Mile Cross from 2004, as well as leading occasional services at Trinity, allowing Nick to concentrate on Trinity. We also have a pastoral worker (Paddy Jose) from the Methodist Circuit, who is working with the ministers and members of our own pastoral team.

Discussions have concentrated on future Church of England ministry, as we wish to maintain the ecumenical nature of Trinity, as well as remembering the fact that Trinity is a parish and therefore needs an appropriate level of Church of England support. We also wished to remind the Church of England that they would be responsible for stipendiary ministry in 2007, which is not that far off.

It is believed that Trinity is unique in Berkshire, in being both an ecumenical partnership and Church of England parish, so we are testing conventional wisdom and rules, as well as learning more about Canon law. As part of the discussion, reference was made to the Trinity Constitution and as a result this is being reviewed to provide a better statement concerning the provision of stipendiary and non-stipendiary ministry from 2004, as well as other minor amendments.

Trinity continued to participate in the CTB visitors’ scheme. One visitor is appointed by CTB and the other approached by Trinity. These visitors provide advice and guidance from the CTB perspective and maintain links with the sponsoring body. The visitors attended a Church Council meeting during 2003 to introduce themselves and discuss the scheme and how they might work with Trinity in the future.

Staffing committee also looked at the work done by the ministers’ secretary and thought about how this role might change/develop in 2004. We also discussed the appointment of a replacement church cleaner to succeed

Zena Rains who retired at the end of 2003.

John Brimicombe

Chair, Staffing Committee

Aim: To encourage spiritual growth, and to develop a closer relationship with God as individuals and as a church.

Members: Nick Thompson, Nina Mead, Jill Duncan, Bridget Howard and John Louth

Tuesday House Group

Wednesday Bible Study

Thursday House Group

Junior Church

Youth Net

Pilots

Wednesday morning study group

This year the lent course was "The Shadow of the Cross". There was an opportunity to follow the course on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings as well as Wednesday mornings.

Bridget Howard led a ladies only weekend away at St Katherine's Parmoor, in the beautiful Chilterns.

In May, Jill Duncan shared the practicalities of prayer, encouraging us to try it for ourselves.

"Shepherd's Bush to King's Cross" - bible study and meeting with other Christians sharing in worship. A small bug laid waste to many at this event. Those who survived found the study helpful. Thanks go to Bridget Howard for organising this for us, in accommodation to be envied being near to food..........

5 people took part in the confirmation course and service, to mark this important stepping-stone in their walk as Christians. We keep them in our prayers.

'Seaside Rock' held in August and led by Kay Slack for 5 – 11 year olds.

Beginning Christianity for babies

The Earley Youth Net lent a hand in the discussions opening up our hidden attitudes to young people's spirituality. With grateful thanks to Cath Bethell for leading.

What next?  More to be revealed in the future activity of this vibrant church.

The Education and Nurture Group are committed to fulfilling Trinity's aims by

Growing Together in faith as we study God's word.

Caring For each other as we interact and share in the community of Christ.

Unity As we come together from all traditions of the church.

Community Of spirit where we witness together.

  John Louth

Aim: To help all those who come to Trinity to become aware that the Healing Ministry is an important part of worship each week, and that we all have a need for prayers for healing and wholeness, as well as specific prayers for ourselves or particular people known to us.

Simon Howard and Nick Thompson (our ministers)

John Brimicombe

Graham Pettipher

Jill Duncan

Cath Bethell

Joan Guile

We have not met as a whole group over the last year and plan to do so in February, when we will discuss the way forward and arrange future meetings.

As stated in last year’s annual report, the purpose of our work continues to be to pray for healing and wholeness for anyone who asks for this, either during or after services, and also to encourage and promote the healing ministry as central to our normal worship.

An open meeting was held in September at the Salvation Army, led by Margaret Brown from Chalfont Surgery. The purpose of this meeting was for an open discussion about the healing ministry.

The prayer chain, headed up by Lyn Tait, is an important and well-used part of prayer ministry within Trinity, as well as the prayer board located within the sanctuary. Requests are made not just for those attached to Trinity, but also those known to us in need of prayer.

We feel heartened that proposed alterations to Trinity have included a Chapel, which it is hoped will encourage those seeking to pray with members of the prayer ministry team, and for private individual prayer time.

Our work is publicised through church notices and the magazine, or by word of mouth.

Joan Guile

Aim: For Trinity to bring young people to Christ by communicating the Christian message to the local community.

We have continued to have the challenge and fun of working with the children and young people, using the "Salt" material from Scripture Union. When I counted the classes on 11/1/04 there was 1 child in Crèche (though there are usually 3-8), 9 in Nursery class, 10 in Infants, 11 in Juniors, 11 in Seniors and 10 young people in the Youth class. Normally there are about 50 children and young people each week.

There are 17 teachers and 25 helpers on the staff. We are trying to get up to date with the new child protection paperwork for them all! We had two general meetings for staff in 2003, with an average attendance of about 8 people.

We did not have any Sunday school parties during 2003, but due to popular demand there will be one for the younger children this year and the older ones will go bowling.

Thanks again to Lisa Waite, who organised activities for the younger children during the summer holidays when there was no Junior Church.

Margaret Cocks

Sunday School Superintendent

Trinity Church went to the seaside this year for our Holiday Bible Club, or rather, the seaside came to Trinity Church! We used Scripture Union material again and our theme was "Seaside Rock". The sanctuary was transformed into a beach, complete with the sounds of the sea. The children were divided into groups called Pebbles, Stones and Boulders. There were crafts, games and refreshments all linked to the theme. The video taught us about Peter the Rock who met Jesus at the seaside. On the last day, the children all went home with a postcard and a stick of rock with Jesus’ name printed all the way through.

Everyone had a lot of fun. I was once again impressed with the wonderful crafts which the children made. Paul wrote and directed another amusing daily drama slot for us, as well as enabling the children to do some drama of their own. The singing was particularly good this year and the theme song was catchy and popular, despite some complicated actions. The daily weather forecast from Trevor the Weather (Sam) was another favourite. We also enjoyed the jokes which the children made up themselves and posted in our own post box. Memorable examples include:

A total of 42 children aged from 5 to 11 years attended the Trinity Holiday Bible Club over four afternoons at the end of August. There was an enthusiastic staff team of 15 adults and 15 young people. We made £55 for the RNLI through our bake sale. We had an official still photographer (Jenni) and a video photographer (Declan) this year. So, we have a wonderful record of the club.

I believe we fulfilled Trinity’s aims in the following ways:

Caring: We cared for the children who came, by looking after them, entertaining them and (hopefully!) educating them.

Growing: The children and the team members had a learning and growing experience. Some of the younger helpers, in particular, took on more responsibilities this year, especially the new refreshments team, who did a wonderful job in the kitchen.

Unity and Community: Holiday Bible Club is open to all children of primary school age, so we welcome children from other churches and "the unchurched" from the wider community.

A big thank you to all the members of my team for their hard work and enthusiasm:

Margaret Cocks, Pam Thompson, Alison Travers, Bridget Howard, Simon Howard, Cathy MacLennon, Sarah Moore, Paul Holloway, Lisa Waite, Sally Brimicombe, Liz McElroy, Elaine Munday, Keith Waite, Philip Slack, Jenni Slack, Jenny Howard, Sam Cocks, Emily Travers, Laura Thompson, Claire Knight, Lizzie Glennon, Ben Glennon, Fran Jackson, Alastair Jackson, Elisabeth Morris, Sarah Johns, Lucy Robinson and Declan McElroy.

Many thanks also to the kind people who helped with the setting up and the clearing away or provided us with craft materials, such as offcuts of wood, and in any other way. Finally, I must say a special thank you to Simon and Bridget, who have been so committed to Holiday Bible Club over the years. We are going to miss them next year!

Kay Slack

Since our last annual report, Pilots have continued to meet once a week on Mondays between 6.00 pm and 7.30 pm during term time. Sarah Keeley has taken over as Pilot Captain and the leaders now comprise Emma Brannelly, Nina Mead, Louise Audoire and Rosemary Reece, with the invaluable help of the young leaders Anna Cocks, Sarah Johns and Philip Slack.

This year we have returned to a more formal programme, as Pilot Headquarters have issued new logbooks in which the Pilots can keep a record of their different activity areas: Praying, Interest, Learning, Overseas, Talent and Service. The year started with the Praying and Service Crests. The children wrote prayers for church services and to be used in Pilots. The Service Crest involved collecting school equipment to go to Uganda and a Talent Show in Rowan Court among other things. Our Overseas Voyage was to South America, to find out where Emma had been travelling. We learned about Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The Talent Crest was football and fitness and lots of sunny evenings were spent in the field opposite Asda. Last term we also studied for our Interest Crests, which were modelling, and archaeology. We went to Reading Museum to see the exhibits from the Silchester Dig and to see the Reading Football displays, ending the day by a trip to the cinema to see ‘Finding Nemo’. Other highlights of the year included pancakes, sweet making, glass decoration, window decorations in the church at Christmas and, as always, we enjoyed anything involving food! This year we will continue to raise funds for the Pilots Day at Legoland in May, Honorary Pilots are welcome – please see Sarah.

We have seen the number of Pilots grow over the course of the year, and we are now moving into the church for some of activities in order to accommodate everyone. Ideally we would like to run a Deckhands group (5-7 year olds) earlier on a Monday evening, so if anyone would like to volunteer for this, please let us know.

Sarah Keeley

We have had quite a successful year. The Company and Senior section have covered the Ten Commandments, six parables and one of St Paul’s journeys. We have won the cup for Junior and Senior sections at table tennis. We also continue to encourage chess, draughts and maze drill. Badge work as usual takes up quite a time.

We are delighted that after two years all embracing work Sgt Christopher Smith was awarded the Queen’s Badge, which is the highest award a boy can achieve in the Boys’ Brigade. Christopher joined up when he was 8 years old and is still with us.

Now that members have moved up, the Company Section has the largest number. However, we need to recruit boys from the age group 5 – 8 to redress the balance.

We are entering the Junior section international competition and are working hard towards that. We held our Christmas party on Friday 30 January.

Last year the Company section camped at the Isle of Wight. We were very pleased to have Rev Nick Thompson for Chaplain and the boys came to look forward to his talks. Thank you very much, Nick, for your valued help. The Junior section camped in the New Forest and again had glorious weather. We change our camp venue this year, as we go to Devon.

Leslie Bainton

Boys’ Brigade Captain

Parent and toddler groups are running smoothly on Monday and Thursdays with the help of a group of mums. At the moment they have about 25 families on their books, and between 12 and 15 attend on each day.

A Christmas party was arranged for each group, and each child received a present from Father Christmas (Nick). Fun and games were enjoyed by all.

They always welcome new families, regardless of religion or race.

Hazel Bailey

Chair, Parent and Toddler Group

Trinity still has 48 under 3s on the Cradle roll, 16 of which were baptised in 2003.

We have recently put up 3 more framed cradle rolls, making a total of 12 since the church was opened. One column is already full.

I still send out invitations for the Mothers’ Day service and Christmas Nursery service. The Christmas invitation brought in 15 – 18 extra families.

Hazel Bailey

Cradle Roll Secretary

The Chalfont Club continues to attract new members from the church and local community. It is almost three years since we started with a small group of church members.

The topics covered by the weekly speakers are varied and we have some outings which are advertised in the programme.

We meet on Thursday afternoons between 2.00 – 3.30pm during term time in the church hall, and welcome any visitors.

.Pam Medcraft

Programme Secretary

At Trinity, we are blessed with musical talent. There are so many prepared to give their talents and time to music in worship in Trinity (and elsewhere). Long may it continue.

I receive many positive comments (and indeed, occasional constructive criticism which is always welcome) from the congregation and ministers, and I gauge that the band is appreciated and remains a positive asset of the church.

Our numbers do fluctuate with new members joining while others move on, although we are of course always delighted to welcome our associates if they have the chance to play.

I class our musicians in two categories (a) full band members and (b) associates. This latter category comprises those who contribute occasionally, perhaps in times of need when we are looking a little thin on the ground, or when university holidays permit.

I hope you’ll forgive my continuing to maintain pigeonholes for the purpose of this report but by this classification we now have twenty-three full band members and nine associates.

Many of our members play second and third instruments, but here is the distribution of full band members against the instruments with which they are most usually associated:

6 flutes

3 clarinets

1 cornet

1 euphonium

4 violins

1 saxophone

1 bassoon

3 guitars

1 bass guitar

1 percussion

1 keyboard

The Ecumenical nature of Trinity is echoed in the wide range of backgrounds, disciplines, ages, etc within the band and we are particularly blessed with the number of younger people who contribute such vitality.

During 2003 the band played twenty-eight times:

Twenty-six morning and evening services at Trinity

One service at Wesley on 8 June

One memorial service at Duchess of Kent House on 13 April

May I say another big thank you to all members, associates, supporters and friends (and especially parents who ferry musicians and instruments to and from Trinity and other venues) past and present who have contributed.

Peter Whiteman

Band Leader

During the 2002/2003 financial year, the library budget was underspent to account for the overspend the previous year.

In 2003 there have been 23 books bought for the adult library, and 15 bought for the junior library. The junior books were mostly bought to support the autumn study days on sharing our faith with children. Whenever you have study sessions or go to events, it is possible to use some of the library money, if you feel resources will be useful in the library, just let me know.

We also had 41 books donated during the year. I am sure you are aware how short of space we are for the library, so could I make a plea that you only donate books that you feel will be useful to the church and that are as good as new.

I do try to keep the library up to date, nearly always having to withdraw books to make space for new ones, so the oldest usually get withdrawn.

After the August stock take, 5 adult and 4 junior books were withdrawn. There were also 15 books missing from the Library.

77 books have been borrowed during the year.

The Library now has copies of the Good News Bible and the Oxford Book of Prayers in large print.

Jill Duncan

Librarian

The social group have been busy in 2003 organising walking holidays and walks on Saturdays for the church.

The Chalfont Club continues to host an array of speakers on Thursday afternoons. This has become an extremely popular meeting place, and we would like to thank Pam Medcraft for her inspiration in the formation of this club activity.

We enjoyed an outing to Bournemouth, and had beautiful weather. Thanks to Kath Bedborough, David Newell and Pam Medcraft for sandcastles in the sun.

A Women's weekend was held at St Katherine's Parmoor in June and was led by Bridget Howard. They enjoyed fellowship and walks in the Chilterns.

Thanks go to Ruth and Leslie for enabling Scrabble Club to run on Friday mornings, which help us to use our minds with words in quiet!! Thanks also for their coffee mornings on Wednesday and Fridays and their continuing support for the church.

The Quiz Night on cathedrals and churches this year was well attended, and funds were raised for NCH. Thanks go to Andrew Curnow for his inspiration and putting us through our paces.

The Christmas meal was organised by Jill Ramsden, was very enjoyable and was an opportunity to share a meal together in fellowship.

We would like to thank Sue and Mike for offering their home for use in bible study.

There are lots of activities planned for 2004 - check your magazine and notice board for events.

John Louth

During 2003 the Pastoral Committee has met twice, on 4 February and the 6 October. It comprises the ministers plus John Brimicombe as Senior Steward, and Kath Bedborough and Michael Newport as Pastoral Visitors.

In addition, the Pastoral Team has met three times, on 3 March, 10 June and 29 September. This comprises all Pastoral workers plus the ministers.

The Team meets to discuss pastoral concerns within the Trinity congregation and in the wider church family and to see how we might best offer support where appropriate or to affirm the suitability of the care already being exercised.

We have welcomed the work of Paddy Jose who was offered to us by the Methodist Circuit as an extra resource while Simon Howard was on sabbatical this year. With the agreement of Church Council, Paddy has continued to offer a day per week to Trinity on an informal basis to assist the ministers in ongoing pastoral visiting. This will be reviewed once the church is aware of the exact level of ministerial presence to be provided by the Church of England when Simon Howard leaves in 2004.

The Pastoral Committee meets to review the work of the Pastoral Team and to consider matters of wider policy. The Committee believes that the Pastoral Team is working well and has a good overview and a developed shared knowledge of the church family. It works sensitively and keeps an essential level of confidentiality. However it does have a concern that there should be better cover for the younger members of the church. This might be best developed by recruiting more pastoral workers from the younger end of the church.

We have continued to pursue ideas to build up a better culture of care and welcome in the church from the whole church family and there have been some encouraging signs in this area recently.

We have begun to develop ideas to seek a lay pastoral worker later this year if, as seems likely, there is little cover available from any future non stipendiary Anglican Priest. The most likely avenue for this is via the Methodist Circuit who have Pastoral lay workers elsewhere.

Finally, we have discussed ideas seeking to integrate, where appropriate, needs flowing from the Trinity

Prayer Ministry Team. Following prayer ministry it is sometimes appropriate to suggest options of Pastoral

Care or Counselling from within the church family or from other agencies.

I would like to thank all those who offer their time and skills in offering Pastoral Care in Trinity. We are seeking to meet the aims of the church in providing a good level of care and support where it is needed in the name of Christ and the compassion he has for all people.

Nick Thompson

The Reading and Oxford District (Banbury to Marlow to Windsor to Hungerford to Banbury) includes about 45 local churches and is one of five districts within the Wessex Synod (Banbury to Poole to Southampton to Portsmouth to Guildford to Banbury), which includes about 170 local churches.

District Council includes all serving ministers (about 25, including ministers from denominations other than URC), retired and non-serving ministers, one lay representative from each local church and several co-opted members. I am the lay representative for Trinity on Synod, but not on District Council where I am a member as the URC Ecumenical Officer in Berkshire; Simon and Nick are members as serving ministers in a URC local church, and Nina is a member of District Council specifically in her role as Convener of the District Pastoral Committee. We need a Trinity representative for District Council.

District Council meets five times a year and Synod twice. During 2003, I have been to both Synod meetings and to all five Council meetings plus other Council meetings for the ordination and induction of new ministers.

Much of the business of both meetings comes in the form of reports from various committees. District Council is particularly concerned with ministerial appointments and local church developments. During 2003:

Retired Ministers:

Derek Nuttall (Windsor), John Fuller (Anglican, Wheatley), David Sharpe (Methodist, Thame) and

John Wilkinson (Marston, although continuing part time at Collinwood Road).

(ii) New Appointments:

Neil Eldridge (Banbury St Mary’s), Robert Weston (Park URC, Reading), Leslie Milton (Aston Tirrold – non stipendiary) and Diana Townsend (Marston – non stipendiary).

(iii) We are still searching for ministers for Thame (LEP), Wheatley (LEP) and Windsor.

The District have approved the strategy developed by the Pastoral committee, to provide

stipendiary ministry to our various churches, when the number of full-time URC stipendiary ministers in the District is required to be reduced to 13.5 by 2006.

There have been several matters of importance considered at both District and Synod, which are relevant to local churches:

Worship - A new book of "Worship from the United Reformed Church" has been produced. This includes worship for a wide range of services, including four orders of Holy Communion, and should be a useful resource of worship material in a reformed style. It should be particularly useful at Trinity.

Vision - A group including the General Secretary has produced a "Vision statement" looking towards the future of the URC. All local churches of the URC are asked to discuss this statement and the connected commentary and questions at a Church meeting in January, with a reporter from each church taking their conclusions to one of five meetings in the Synod. It is very important that we discuss and report.

Fair trade - The October Synod agreed a motion that we should aim to be a Fairtrade Synod. This means that churches in the Synod should use Fairtrade tea and coffee at all meetings, are moving towards using other Fairtrade goods, and sell Fairtrade goods regularly. We should be able to confirm that we do this.

Commitment for Life - This is the particular URC overseas mission activity which works in four selected countries. It is based on a 1% commitment of church members’ income. About half of the churches in our District support Commitment for Life explicitly, and I believe that Trinity ought to make a formal commitment to become a member of Commitment for Life.

Roger Mead

URC Synod and District Representative

The Circuit met four times during 2003. These meetings were held at Mortimer, Tilehurst, Tadley Main Road and Caversham (Gosbrook Road) churches.

Trinity is represented by our Methodist minister, the Rev Nick Thompson, the senior steward, the church treasurer and three elected representatives.

The meeting is responsible for decision making in respect of the policy and management of the circuit, and forms a link in the chain of communication between the individual churches and the Methodist conference.

Farewells

At the June meeting, thanks and best wishes were expressed to Jim and Carole Booth, and Ric and Anne Fellows as they took up their new appointments in September. Jim Booth was of course Superintendent Minister. A Circuit farewell service was held at Tilehurst Church on 23 July.

Stationing

At the September meeting a warm welcome was extended to the new Superintendent Minister, the Rev David Ellis, and the Rev Anne Barton who will serve at Tilehurst and Kentwood churches. The invitation to the Rev Valerie Fisher was extended for a further four years until August 2008. The invitation to the Rev John Ogden was extended by a further five years until August 2009, and the invitation to the Rev Dr John Sumitra was extended by a further four years until August 2008.

At the February meeting the following circuit stewards were appointed to the serve for one year from September 2003:

Derey Guy, Peter Bell, Jill Martin, Henry Stroud and Alan Harland, also to act as circuit treasurer.

At this meeting, approval was given to the Anglican / Methodist Covenant, consisting of a preamble and

mutual affirmations and commitments as set out in the Common Statement.

Tony Bonnett

Representative to the Circuit Meeting

The Deanery Synod is the local government of the Church of England, and met five times during the year. During the year the Deanery Synod has received reports from members who serve on the Diocesan and General Synods.

The abiding memory of 2003 was the approval by the Deanery Synod of the Anglican / Methodist Covenant in February. The voting in favour was 77% of the House of Clergy and 93% of the House of Laity.

The row over the appointment of Canon Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading arose and subsided between Synod meetings, and was therefore not discussed at Synod, although the standing committee was considering how best to deal with the resultant issues within the Deanery. The Bishop of Reading is a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Oxford, but the title had focussed the media attention solely on Reading, The media intrusion had caused problems for worshippers in the town centre and Reading clergy who were constantly being called upon for their views.

Other meetings dealt with the diversity of lay ministry, domestic abuse and the Diocesan Strategy "Shaping The Future Together".

I am pleased that Virginia Thorne has rejoined Synod, thus providing Trinity with two lay representatives.

Steve Edwards

Deanery Synod Representative

The Council of CTB meets only twice a year but between times also publishes an interesting newsletter, "Together" (edited by our own Nina Mead). In March, Monsignor Jeremy Garratt took over as chairman. The Chief Ecumenical Officer (CEO – a salaried 16-hr-a-week job) is Honor Alleyne and Roger Mead is CTB’s Treasurer. The following is a selection of some of the more memorable contributions.

John Alleyne (the CEO’s husband) spoke at both our meetings about the plight of refugees and asylum seekers, something which some churches in Reading are also very concerned about.

Nick Parish, chair of Churches Together in Bracknell, gave an inspiring talk about the many ways in which the churches are working with Bracknell Forest authority, ensuring that the Christian voice is heard and that Christians are themselves aware of, and can support, the needs of the community.

The Anglican-Methodist covenant was of course warmly welcomed and insights were provided into how other denominations view it: there were "participant observers" to the discussions, from Roman Catholic, URC and Baptist churches. Catholics see it is a considerable step forward and the URC was disappointed not to be included. Because of their individualist nature most Baptist congregations were unaware of the discussions.

Richard Cocks

CTB Council Representative

Trinity is one of about 15 churches (plus a number of ‘affiliates’) that make up CTEER. The representatives and ministers of the churches meet every quarter, along with people from Churches Together in Berkshire (CTB) and Churches Together in Reading (CTR), and other organisations when appropriate. A number of churches joined CTEER in the year when Churches Together in Central Reading disbanded

Our own Rev Nick Thompson was Chairman of CTEER until June 2003 when Carole Cull took over. At the same time Sue Sheppy of Abbey took over from Gaye Rees as Secretary and Richard Munday replaced Roger Clark as Treasurer.

The last meeting of 2002 focused on Communicare and all the churches held collections for this organisation following the meeting.

In Spring 2003 Harriet Townsend gave a talk about asylum seekers who have arrived in Reading and need support. This was followed up by David Skinner making us all aware, at the November meeting, of the plight of two of the refugees who have been poorly advised and are now being threatened with deportation.

The June 2003 meeting centered on the CTEER Schools Project. David Skinner summarised the history of the project, starting with Simon Howard’s appointment in 1996 as Schools Work Co-ordinator. The project has been very successful and a Trust is in the process of being formed. David asked for support, both financially and administratively, from the churches to ensure that the project continues to provide a service to the schools. We receive regular updates from Simon at the quarterly meetings.

Also at the June meeting we heard about the Jubilee Debt Campaign from Richard Cocks and then Richard and Hamish Preston gave an interesting presentation on ‘Global Justice: is there any good news yet?’ in November.

A number of other matters/events have been covered in the meetings during the year, including…

The Spirituality Road Show with Steve Chalke, held at Greyfriars in June

Christian Aid - CTEER continues to co-ordinate the annual collections in the area The distribution of the Easter and Christmas leaflets to all the houses within CTEER

John Bell’s visit to Greyfriars in September 2004

CTB and CTR, and how they interact with CTEER

The Reading (as opposed to the CTEER) Schools Work Project

Richard Munday

CTEER Treasurer

In the past year our work in primary school RE has continued to develop. We have gone from 2 to 5 active teams with almost 50 volunteers. In addition to Alfred Sutton and St Peter’s schools, we now have teams serving New Town & St John’s schools, Loddon Infant, Loddon Juniors and Hawkedon, and a team here at Trinity working with Whiteknights, Hillside and Radstock schools. Each team delivers parts of the RE syllabus in sessions in the churches and is led by a team co-ordinator. To sustain and support this work the schools project now pays for 1 day a week of Pete Stone’s time. Pete is the children’s worker at Reading Gateway church, based at the Hilltop Centre.

We have continued our work in assemblies and with the RE department at Maiden Erlegh school. In partnership with the school we have also developed a job description and a full time spiritual development worker to be based on the Maiden Erlegh campus. We are currently seeking funding for that post.

Since 1 September, I have been working half time for the Schools Project, and so only half time for Trinity Church. It is an exciting time of development for the project as we seek to establish a charitable company to manage the work. At the same time as putting the legal structures in place, we are in the process of raising an income of £80,000 a year. This will enable the project to employ five part time team leaders for the primary RE teams, a full time secondary school spiritual development worker based at Maiden Erlegh, and a full time project director. The Diocese of Oxford Board of Education, other denominational bodies, local authorities, and charitable trusts have all expressed interest in the innovative work of the CTEER Schools Project. Few of them, however, are able to offer substantial funding. Most of the income to support the project will come from individual members of churches in Earley and East Reading. To that end we are launching a ‘Partners’ scheme. For more information contact Margaret Evans in the church office.

Other activities this year have included:

The growth of the ‘Starship’ after school club at St Peter’s school.

The schools work extravaganza training event for the RE volunteers.

A 6^th form conference run by the Damaris Trust.

Developing links with the churches and schools of Woodley.

Speakers addressing Earley and East Reading Churches on Sunday mornings.

Rev Simon Howard

Schools Work Co-ordinator for Churches Together in Earley and East Reading

The Contact Centre was set up by the local churches in 1996 and although not a Trinity organisation has been substantially staffed by Trinity members since then. We hold a three-hour session on two Saturdays of each month at the Salvation Army. Typically, two or three mothers will bring their children to meet and play with their fathers – in a safe and friendly environment. Sometimes it is also used as a hand-over point, with the contact taking place outside the Centre.

Sally Brimicombe took over from Simon Howard as our Chair in March, having been our Co-ordinator for several years (responsible for liaising with solicitors over contact arrangements). Sally herself later resigned and Phil Hooper has recently taken over and is rapidly learning about us. We currently have 16 volunteers of whom 10 are Trinity members. Our Co-ordinator is Jean Tinker, a member of Christ Church.

Attendance has been low recently. This may be good news – we are generally a last resort after other ways of helping children to sustain relationships with both parents have failed – but I fear it is just a seasonal dip!

Richard Cocks

Contact Centre Secretary

Over the past year, the group has studied a wide range of topics. In January and February we looked at three chapters of Matthew’s gospel (5 – 7), which have been described as the nearest Jesus came to setting out a manifesto for his followers. In Lent we became one of the three Trinity Lent Groups and followed the course In the Shadow of the Cross. The numbers attending the Lent Group were a little down on the previous year.

In the Summer we started a course of 12 studies entitled Meeting God, seeking to broaden our vision of God through studying selected passages of scripture. After the summer we never really got going again, due to late holidays, work and other commitments, although we had several chats over coffee.

We have not yet decided what will happen to the house group in 2004, although I will need to relinquish the co-ordinating role due to other impending responsibilities.

Steve Edwards

In seeking the Lord's guidance the group came to a time of reflection and prayer to discover the way forward.

In November 2003 a five-week course was begun to explore how the bible speaks to us when connecting with modern culture expressed through the medium of film.

The first meeting covered 'Billy Elliot' and related themes of spirituality and relationships in families. It uses a resource book and DVD as well as bible reading and prayer. The showing of the film took place in Trinity as an open place to come to. The subsequent meetings were held in one of the group's home where hospitality and fellowship were shared.

The New Year will see us explore 'Chocolat'  on DVD in the Trinity Crèche. Notices are out and the date for the first meeting is 15 January at 7.30 p.m. The opening prayer does help the group to engage with God before viewing the film and subsequent bible study. Not everyone can make the films which can be lengthy. However all are welcome to come at any point. Obviously there is more community if we can begin together. The film is the first session followed by 4 bible studies over 4 weeks. It could be useful for leaders to take time out for their own spiritual walk. The film has a lent feel about it and finishes just before lent begins.

Joyce Louth

"On your feet now - applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter; sing yourselves into His presence.......Enter with the password "Thank You!" Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank Him. Worship Him........."Psalm 100. The Message

"Prayer and Praise" continues to run on a Monday evening, usually twice a month, at the church at 8 pm. It is an opportunity for anyone to come together and worship God in the spirit of praise.  We use the time to share concerns and pray together, and to sing praises to God, using and exploring the wonderful wealth of inspirational songs in "Mission Praise".

This time and space has allowed those who come to express their love of God openly in an informal and spirit-led style of worship.

It is hoped, as last year, that we will continue to help lead worship in Sunday Services not only at Trinity but also in other churches in the Circuit.

Attendance varies, but we average about 10 or 12 people, and would like to emphasize that all are welcome. There has been some discussion around the need for meeting socially on the alternate Mondays, where possible, for further Christian fellowship.

Keith and Lisa Waite

Aim: To communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ and, in partnership with other agencies, to meet the needs of those people we, both as individuals and as a church, come into contact with. Trinity needs to set an example in Lower Earley and be both welcoming and caring.

In 2003 many activities took place in Trinity that come under the umbrella of outreach, coffee mornings, social events, holiday bible club, and autumn fair, and so many more.

Chalfont Club meets every Thursday

Holiday Bible Club meets for one week during the summer holidays

Phoenix Choir concert

Reading Make Voice Choir concert

Trinity Concert Band

Autumn Fayre

Carol singing at various venues – The Green, Shinfield Rise

JACS (Just Around the Corner) supporting youth in our community

Youth Net

The aims of the outreach group over the coming year are:

Growing In faith, with our outreach with others

Caring Welcoming all in our fellowship

Unity United in our purpose

Community Inviting in, and reaching out

                                                           John Louth

It is now a year ago since the Centre became a reality and the new building was opened.

In the time since then, a dedicated team has turned the building into the super facility it is as we approach our first anniversary. A bright and cheerful building, staffed by the most helpful of people. Crescent is now home to a diverse mix of user groups, offering a wide range of activities and opportunities to residents of Earley and the surrounding area.

It is good to see people using the building and enjoying it. The response from user groups is positive and all of them feel part of Crescent.

The visitor statistics reveal just how popular Crescent is becoming. There has been a steady increase since January with 226 members of user groups to 2003 by the end of the year. These stastics were emphasised strongly by Lisa Hubble – a member of the management team when she spoke of the progress of the Centre during the morning service on 23 November 2003.

In 2003, Trinity Church donated £4,500 as part of our committed total giving of £9,000 over 3 years. A warm appreciation to all the members of Trinity who have financially supported this worthy project.

Every good wish to Crescent in all its future endeavours.

Tony Bonnett

Trustee

The Magazine goes from strength to strength, with great support from all those involved. Jenny Iosson and Stan Wombwell take turns in doing the photocopying, and then an army of helpers collates the magazine the day before issue. Alex Robinson puts it on the web, Susi Treloar uses it to produce the weekly service sheets, and Clare Tran produces the diary that is so useful in the Magazine. And so many people send in articles for the Magazine that it has never been a problem filling the space. So a big thank you to all of these, and also a big thank you to the advertisers, who help to keep down the costs. And a thank you to Margaret Evans and her predecessors for giving me information and typing up the Ministers’ Letter.

When I took over the Magazine from Peter Bailey, there were twelve issues a year, but it was always difficult getting helpers just after Christmas, and during the summer holidays, so we now produce 10 issues a year. I hope that this fits everyone’s needs, but any suggestions for improvement are always welcomed.

By the time you read this we should hopefully have a new Editor for the Magazine. I have done the job for 6 enjoyable years, but I think the time has come for fresh input and new ideas. It has been great fun, and I hope the new Editor will enjoy doing it as much as I have.

Virginia Thorne

Magazine Editor

I reported last year that we had over 5500 visits to the site. During the last year that has risen to over 6220.

After last year’s Church Council review, some further changes have been made, including new pages for Youth Net, Weddings and Schools work. The magazine continues to be posted on the website every month, and is a good resource for checking what’s going on in Trinity.

The website now contains 50 pages of information about our church. It acts as an online brochure covering all the activities of the church, as well as being an information source for our own members and a source of pastoral care for visitors. It has a front page with the church pencil drawing on it and welcoming messages, as well as general information about how to contact the ministers. From the front page, one can navigate to the other pages, including:

An overview of Trinity, its location, aims, history, ministers and members

Activities of the church

Alpha

Information to encourage potential new members

Caring

Groups

Humour

Links to other Christian sites (eg our Denominational sites)

Magazines (all the magazines for the past year)

Music

Latest news

Pictures

Prayers

Reports (the report you are now reading will be on the site)

Structure

Worship

Youth organisations

All this information is available to anyone in the world who wants to see it.

I update the website regularly (approx monthly) to keep it alive and up-to-date, and to add the latest magazine. I am constantly looking for more things to improve our website, so if you have any ideas, articles, links or photographs which would be suitable, send them to me and I will gladly add them.

Alex Robinson