2001-02 

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TRINITY CHURCH

Methodist, United Reformed, Church of England

Chalfont Close, Lower Earley, Reading, RG6 2HZ

ANNUAL REPORTS 2001/02

INDEX

CHURCH COUNCIL

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

FINANCE

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

MISSIONS COMMITTEE

TRAIDCRAFT

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

LEADERSHIP TEAM

HEALING FORUM

EDUCATION AND NURTURE GROUP

STAFFING COMMITTEE

TRINITY CHURCH MAGAZINE

JUNIOR CHURCH

HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB

PILOTS

THE BOYS’ BRIGADE – THE 1st EARLEY COMPANY

PARENT  & TODDLER GROUP

SPEAKERS CORNER

RETIRED CLUB

CHURCH CHOIR

TRINITY BAND

LIBRARY

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

PASTORAL REPORT

READING AND SILCHESTER METHODIST CIRCUIT

URC READING AND OXFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL

URC WESSEX PROVINCIAL SYNOD

READING DEANERY SYNOD REPORT

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BERKSHIRE

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN EARLEY and EAST READING

CTEER SCHOOLS WORK PROJECT

LOWER EARLEY FAMILY CONTACT CENTRE

ALPHA

YOUTH ALPHA

YOUTH BIBLE STUDIES

SHOUT

THURSDAY FELLOWSHIP GROUP

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP

TUESDAY HOUSE GROUP

OUTREACH

TRINITY WEBSITE

 

 

CHURCH COUNCIL

 

Aim: To communicate the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the community and to nurture the people of God

within the local congregation and the wider church.

 

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 mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

 

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

 

Ministers:  Simon Howard and Nick Thompson

Stewards:  Tony Bonnett, Charlie Croal, Andrew Curnow, Jill Duncan, John Goddard, John Louth, Joyce Louth,

Richard Munday, David Ramsden and David Wise

Church representatives:  Ian Brickell, Mike Bushnell and Nick Silburn

Treasurer:  Catherine Edwards

Senior Steward/Churchwarden:  John Brimicombe

Church Secretary/Churchwarden:  Elaine Munday

Property Administrator & Deanery Synod Representative:  Steve Edwards

Chair:  Phil Hooper

Minutes Secretary:  Helen Dyson

 

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

Kay Slack (Church Secretary/Churchwarden) and Virginia Thorne (Deanery Synod Representative).

 

Church Council meets on the months when there is no Church Meeting except for August. Each meeting opens with 10 minutes worship which is led by two of our members, and closes in prayer around 10pm .

 

The main subjects discussed over the last year were as follows:

 

Feb 2001

Reports from Youth Groups, vacancies, Safe from Harm, welcoming newcomers, induction of new stewards, approval of annual reports.

 

Apr 2001

Posters for worship board, report from Outreach Group, Simon’s sabbatical, Church Council Away Day, Sharing Life initiative, mission statement, approval of posters for worship board, banner workshops.

 

May 2001

Trinity’s Aim’s, Reading Deanery Synod, report from Staffing Committee and Contact Centre, report from URC meeting, finance update, Elizabeth Brazell training weekend, Data Protection Act.

 

Jul 2001

Ecumenical report, social groups, welcoming update, Trinity’s Aims, the Earley Crescent Project, Braille Bibles, Nick and Simons’ sabbatical plans, new signatories to bank mandate.

 

Oct 2001

Performance licence, report from Missions Committee, Safeguarding Children, Approval of Church Accounts, Earley Crescent Project, Christian Unity Week, Diocesan Event 2002, approval of Schedule A, cost of cooker, Queens ’ Golden Jubilee, stewards rotas and junior church communion.

 

 

 

Nov 2001

Report from Worship Committee, Trinity’s Aims, Earley Crescent Project, welcoming, denominational giving, domestic violence, Deanery Pastoral Plan, Saturday surgery, beating the bounds, vandalism, approval of Schedule B.

 

Jan 2002

Report from Pastoral Committee, Deanery Pastoral Plan, Youth Work Update, building update, electoral roll, hymnbooks, and Trinitys’ 15th anniversary.

 

In addition, there was a Church Council away day. This took place on Saturday 19th May 2001 at Burghfield Common Methodist Church . We concentrated on two major subjects. Firstly, the Sharing Life Initiative which presented us with an ideal opportunity to review Trinity’s Aims and our Mission Statement, a process that is still continuing. After a short break for lunch, Steve Edwards led us in a discussion on changes to our church building.

 

I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Church Council for their hard work. In addition, I would like to say a very big thank you to Kay Slack for her contribution to Trinity over the past six years, and for the guidance and support that she has provided to me personally. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                 Elaine Munday

                Church Secretary / Churchwarden

 

 

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

 

Trinity currently has 253 members on its roll.  The URC annual return form now requires us to indicate the number of male and female members and it is interesting to note that some 66% of members are female. In addition there are 289 people, including children, listed as adherents (non members).

 

During the year to 1 February 2002 , we lost 12 members.  Of those, John Bartlett and Audrey Neville sadly died, whilst the others moved for personal reasons. 

 

In the same period we gained 16 new members. They are Joanne Allum, Steven Blagg, Janette Bushnell, Mark Fletcher, Sally Garforth, Chris Garforth, Rachel Garforth, Sandy Godfrey, Paul Holloway, Jenny Howard, Frances Jackson, Claire Knight, Sally Reid, Nick Silburn, Clare Tran, and Emily Travers.

 

The   Church of England requires the Church Electoral Roll to be fully revised every 6 years, and this process has just been completed.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                       Sue Brickell

                                                                                                                                                                   Membership Secretary

 

 

FINANCE

 

Aim: For Trinity Church to generate and develop its resources (the time, talents and committed giving of its members, and the facilities which it owns) to meet its responsibilities to the wider church and to support Trinity’s other activities in the most effective way.

 

At the present time there are 7 members of the finance committee:

 

Catherine Edwards               Treasurer

Richard Munday                  Assistant Treasurer

Alison Travers                     Assistant treasurer

John Medcraft                      Gift Aid Secretary

David Dongray                     Envelope Secretary

Nigel Holloway                     Church representative

Tony Bonnett                       Church representative

 

In addition we welcome Nick Thompson to the committee meetings.  During the year I replaced Richard Munday as Treasurer and I would like to thank Richard for all his hard work over the past 4 years.  Richard replaced myself as Assistant Treasurer.  My thanks to all the Finance Committee for their help and support during my first few months as Treasurer.

 

We meet on a quarterly basis and have considered topics such as legacies, payroll giving, gift aid and regularly review the financial situation of the Church.  We have also considered the guidance received from the Methodist Church in the report “Managing Trustees & Methodist Money”, and have looked at ways in which the Church can manage its finances more efficiently.  This report has also clarified certain rules concerning our accounts and a new examiner’s report has been included.  Next year, for the first time, information will be included from all the groups who meet within Trinity who collect money, whether by charging a subscription or by donation.

 

The accounts for the year to 31 August 2001 show an overall deficit of £243.  After adjusting for the sound system and anticipated insurance claims, there is an underlying surplus of £4,300.  The main increase in our expenditure is in the amounts we pay to the Anglican, Methodist and URC Churches in support of our ministers and their ministry.  All our denominations are facing increasing financial pressures, particularly in the areas of pensions and salaries.  These pressures will inevitably end up increasing our assessments and we must not become complacent as to the costs facing Trinity.  Also the increasing vandalism being experienced by Trinity has a financial cost and discussions are taking place to try to prevent this.

 

Trinity aims to give 10% of its income to Mission .  This year we gave 9.8% (compared to 10.2% last year), because there was no contribution to the Methodist Overseas Division.  This will be made during the current year.

 

The underlying surplus is a very encouraging situation.  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

 

 

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

 

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 Coordinator

Trevor Orton                         Reprographics supervisor

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

 

Church Building

Again this year we have had a number of incidences of vandalism, resulting in broken panes of glass on the Library courtyard side.  A dialogue has been initiated with the library, Police Crime Reduction Officer and Wokingham District Council to look at initiatives to reduce vandalism in the courtyard.

During the year a new directional sign to the church has been installed at the top of Chalfont Way .  The church has also taken over the maintenance of two of the flowerbeds at the entrance to the church, in conjunction with the Centrepoint Youth Club.

 

Equipment

Two new folding tables were bought, and a new photocopier has been purchased.  A new cooker has been provided in the kitchen.

 

Manse

Following last year’s extension to the manse, the patio has been extended with a low level retaining wall to the lawn.  The Quinquennial inspection of the manse was carried out in June, and a few minor items of work suggested.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Stephen Edwards

                                                                                                                                                                    Property Administrator

 

 

 

 

 

MISSIONS COMMITTEE

 

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 Missions Committee has 9 members and meets approx 6 times a year. The committee tries to support various charities/causes, bringing to the notice of the church some of the many pressing needs at home and overseas.

 

Every month there is a Traidcraft stall, which enables church members to support fair trade with poorer countries around the world.  The church continues to support the work of the Kagando Rural Development Centre in Uganda and closer to home the Reading Drop In Centre for the homeless. We support the annual Christian Aid House to House appeal.

 

In February retiring collections raised £319.00 for the Indian Earthquake appeal and at Easter we supported the Farmers affected by the Foot & Mouth crisis. The July appeal again supported the work of NCH Action for Children. At Harvest, as a change from previous years, we held a Harvest Supper in place of the evening service. This was a great success where we held an auction after the supper to dispose of much of the produce donated. All funds raised from this and the Autumn Fayre, held 2 weeks later, were passed over to St Francis Hospital Zambia. A considerable amount of produce was still donated to the Reading Drop in Centre.  During Advent we again collected money for the United Nations Jar of Grace appeal, to support children affected by war. The Christingle service again supported the work of the Children’s Society and at Christmas we donated the Christmas service collections to the continuing work of Dr & Mrs Patterson in Argentina .

 

A big “thank you” to everyone who has supported us. If anyone would like to join us or has any ideas, please contact me or a member of the committee.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                     Oliver Dyson

                                                                                                                                                      Missions Committee Convener

 

 

TRAIDCRAFT

 

It has been a very good year for Traidcraft, at Trinity as well as nationally. Our monthly stall, plus sales at the Autumn Fayre and a few individual orders, totalled about £1,700, 20% up on last year. This is largely thanks to the several new ‘value added’ lines that have recently been introduced, e.g. sweets, pasta and cookies. Relative to these, people now buy very little of the old staples of dried fruit, nuts, rice etc., some of which we will not be re-ordering when stocks run out.

 

Pam Thompson’s craft stall sold about £1,000 of goods at Trinity over the year. And Pam’s stalls at many other events during the year sold another £6,250 worth of fairly traded goods!

 

The meaning and importance of fair trade is gradually reaching the wider public, and the new Trade Justice campaign we are supporting at Trinity hopes to make fair trade the norm, one day. It, as with its predecessor Jubilee 2000, will be a long haul so please give the campaign, like the Traidcraft stalls, whatever support you can this year.

 

Finally, on behalf of the communities producing for Traidcraft, a big ‘thank you’ to all our customers.

 

                                                                                                                                                          Margaret and Richard Cocks

 

 

WORSHIP COMMITTEE

 

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.

 

‘The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’ John 4 23-24 NRSV.

 

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.

 

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. Our Worship Secretary, Christine Adamson has stepped down and we thank her for all her work in this important role. Meetings are held about 4 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. This year  we provided refreshments after the Christingle service and were joined by many whom only come into contact with Christ as a result of attending such services with young people. We are also pleased to see real 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 who 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 twice a month.

The summer saw the introduction 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!

 

Discussions about a new ‘resource book’ have continued. It is recognised that Trinity still uses hymns and other material that does not exist in a single book. We will endeavour to provide a ‘resource book’ covering hymns and songs, as well as worship material during the coming year.

 

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 healing and outreach as well as encouraging personal time with God on a daily basis.

 

                                                                                                                                                                        John R. Brimicombe

                                                                                                                                                    Senior Steward / Churchwarden

 

 

LEADERSHIP TEAM

 

‘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 regular basis to discuss key issues that affect Trinity and the team also offers support and guidance to each other and their families. There have been two significant changes to the team during 2001 with Elaine Munday succeeding Kay Slack as Church Secretary and Catherine Edwards succeeding Richard Munday as Treasurer. Our thanks go to both Kay and Richard for their contribution to the team and their continued commitment to Trinity Church .

 

A standard meeting, which is always 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 allowing each member to share their concerns and issues that affects them and the life of Trinity Church follows. We then seek to help each other in sorting out these and where necessary determine what actions should be followed.

 

The year has been busy for the Church in a number of key areas including Pastoral Care; continued changes in the membership with an emphasis on how we might better welcome newcomers; changes meaning we re-establish links with Three Mile Cross; and the increased demands on our resources especially time! The growth of Prayer Ministry and its affect on the church has also been a topic discussed and we are encouraged by the way in which people have responded to this. We have also seen Pastoral Care through the banner making – the banners have certainly brightened up the Church; social activities and other events. Trinity’s aims have been updated and it is certain that these coupled with the thoughts concerning our building have provoked much worthwhile discussion. Alpha has continued to provide valuable teaching to those already saved and shown others the way to a personal relationship with Jesus.

 

It has been a great year for me personally – we now have our full compliment of stewards. This has allowed us to extend our support to the Church by taking on the Saturday morning worship and ‘Ministers’ surgery twice every month. This will extend the knowledge of our stewards as well as giving our ministers an opportunity to spend more time with their families. I thank all the stewards for their continued support and look forward to hearing new ways in which we might serve better.

 

One of the most exciting initiatives has been the decision taken to help in the realisation of a dream to extend community facilities in Lower Earley . Trinity Church has decided that we should help with the Crescent project. We have committed to contribute £3000 per year for three years to help fund a ‘community’ worker. Trinity will have a full voting member as part of the Crescent committee and will raise the money through a series of special events.

 

Trinity is heading for a significant time of change – partly as a result of certain changes that we are aware of in our parent denominations. We pray for guidance when seeking new talent to help in the many jobs that Trinity has to offer as well as helping us find the right solutions to seemingly impossible situations, which we will surely face, in the next few months. We also recognise that as Nick is away on his 3-month sabbatical starting in March 2002, there will be an increased need to support Simon and the team will meet on a more frequent basis during this time.

 

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. 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

 

 

HEALING FORUM

 

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 with for ourselves or particular people known to us.

 

The group of people involved in this ministry has grown, as had the commitment and enthusiasm to take things forward. We have met approximately once a quarter over the last year and our discussion has been focused around:

 

·         How healing prayer should be carried out

·         Where in the service, e.g. after or during

·         How many people should be involved at any one time

·         Frequency

·         Whether follow up prayer should be pursued

·         When and whether children should be included

·         How to pursue healing prayer as an integrated and important part of Trinity’s worship and ministry

 

We have tried several ways of conducting healing prayer, e.g. at the back of the church, the front with a screened window, at the communion rail, and with people in their seats. We have all come to the conclusion that what we REALLY need is a ‘quiet corner’ in Trinity, something like a Lady Chapel, but clearly we can’t let the absence of such a space stop us from offering prayers for healing and wholeness.

 

What seems to have worked best so far is having chairs placed in front on the left by the vestry exit. A screened window gives some sense of privacy from outside passers by. We have deliberately worked in pairs, and whenever possible with a male and female payer partnership. The time when people have used this prayer time most has been after rail communion, when there is a lot of movement in the congregation and people feel perhaps, less inhibited or conspicuous about coming to receive prayer.

 

However, some feedback would be really helpful along with any other suggestions.

 

What we have also tried to do is to have a prayer partner available after every 10am service. This has been used by some, but perhaps could do with more publicity so that everyone is aware that a prayer time is available each week. Again, one of the difficulties is finding a quiet space! We have used the same corner each time in the hope that people will become familiar with, and respect the need for a time and space for prayer.

 

                                                                                                                 Joan Guile

 

 

EDUCATION AND NURTURE GROUP

 

AIM: For everyone in Trinity Church to be nurtured in Christian life and faith according to their needs.

 

Team: Nick Thompson, Nina Mead, Jill Duncan, Margaret Evans, Joyce Louth, John Louth and

Bridget Howard.

 

Groups:

 

Alpha

Alpha was very strong in 2001, thanks to the leadership of Margaret Evans and Stephanie Stow. It was good to have guests from other churches. (see separate Alpha report).  

 

Youth Alpha

Also well attended, and was held in conjunction with St Peters Church .  

           

Study Groups

There have been various groups this year, Tuesday and Thursday study groups, also a Wednesday group run by Bridget Howard.

 

Lent course

Led by Nick and Simon, using Christian Aid Material entitled “Love or Money”. This was well attended by between 20 to 30 people. The 2002 course is by York Study and entitles “In The Wilderness”.

                                     

Spring Harvest

Organised by Bridget, and was a great success, so much so, that twice as many folk are going this year.

 

Weekend Retreats

Led by the Reverend Richard Barribal and held at St Katherine’s Parmoor, nr Henley on Thames . 8 people attended including me, and we thank Karen Bartlett for organising it.

 

Summer Fellowship

Community -Building relationships within God’s family. This course was held on a Thursday at Trinity and was attended by between 12 to 15 people.

 

Confirmation Course

On July 8th,  11 candidates from Trinity and 1 from St Barnabas Church were confirmed at Trinity Church with the Bishop of Reading, Rt.Rev. Dominic Walker, Revd. Michael Jackson of Park U.R.C and Revd. Nick Thompson.

 

Healing Forum

Rev Jim Booth came in March to give some teaching on healing.

Also the WORD OF LIFE TRUST used our church for training in Prayer ministry and Christian counselling, which was attended by four of our members.

 

Quiet Days

Only one last year, which was held at Trinity Church .

 

What Next

Lent Course and Spring Harvest

Next education and nurture meeting 27 May 2002

 

                                                                                                                                                                         John Louth

 

 

 

 

STAFFING COMMITTEE

 

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

 

During the past year, the members of the Trinity Staffing Committee have been:

 

Trinity ministers:

                 Rev Simon Howard & Rev Nick Thompson

Trinity Church Secretary: 

 Kay Slack (to April 2001) then Elaine Munday (Chair)

Trinity Senior Steward:    

 John Brimicombe

Trinity Church Members:

  Jill Ramsden & Virginia Thorne

Ecumenical Officers:

                 Prof Roger Mead    (representing URC Ecumenical Officer & CTB Ecumenical Officer)

                 Rev Vivien Brooks (Anglican Ecumenical Officer)

Methodist Circuit Steward:

 Ray Chalk

 

As I have not yet attended a committee meeting, I am unable to bring you a lot of news. There are however, a few developments.

 

Firstly, I am please to report that the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Dominic Walker agreed to extend Simons’ licence for a further 5 years from May 2001.

 

In January 2002, Margaret Evans replaced Jo Shaw as Secretary to the ministers.

 

Finally, Nick sabbatical is from March 4th 2002 until Monday 17th June 2002 . This is an integral part of Nicks’ continuing ministerial development and will allow him time for thought, prayer, reflection and growth. It also means of course that there will be added responsibilities for Simon, and I would ask that all members of Trinity Church to support Simon in whatever way they feel able. Please also remember Pam, Laura and Matthew in your prayers.

 

  Elaine Munday

           Chair, Staffing Committee

 

 

TRINITY CHURCH MAGAZINE

 

The magazine continues to go from strength to strength, and there is a never a shortage of material to include. A few subtle changes have been included, but the basic format remains the same.  If anyone has any requests for new items, we will do our best to include them, subject to the usual page limit of 32 pages, to keep costs down. Special issues, such as December/January can have 44 pages, and this year the front cover had a Christmas tree instead of the usual image of Trinity.

 

The service lists, which are in the front of the magazine, are also used for display on the outside notice board, and also various notice boards around the church.

 

Thanks to Emma Thorne for producing the summer issues.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Virginia Thorne                                                                                    Magazine Editor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUNIOR CHURCH

 

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

 

Crèche and Junior Church meet during the second half of the 10am service. Typical numbers in the classes are: Crèche 6, Nursery 9, Infants 15, Juniors 8, Seniors 6, youth 13. That’s nearly 60 altogether!

 

The 38 teachers and helpers, as ever, must be applauded for their great efforts. They are finding the new (“Salt”) teaching material generally very helpful. A couple more teachers are needed – for the nursery and youth classes.

 

We have had three meetings of teachers and helpers during the last year at which we have discussed various issues and any problems with the classes. Average attendance is about twelve. We are still trying to get our Child Protection paperwork up-to-date!

 

Many thanks to Wendy Keeley who stepped down this year after many years as Registrar.

 

The January parties have just been held. Thanks to Peter Whiteman for the usual excellent disco.

 

 Margaret Cocks

                                                                                                                                                      Sunday School Superintendent

 

 

HOLIDAY BIBLE CLUB

 

This ran on the Tuesday to Friday afternoons of the last week of the summer holidays.  It was called Story Keepers and showed how the early church kept the stories of Jesus alive. There were 12 adults and 9 young people running the afternoons; it was fun working as a team and the young people played an essential part in it all. The event was advertised within the church and library, and with numerous ‘phone calls! It was fully booked, with 42 children taking part.

 

The children had many different activities.  There was a video cartoon each day, of exciting adventures in 1st century Rome . games, music, special snacks, and crafts. They ranged from clay modelling, mosaic tiles and mask making to bread making with secret messages in the rolls!

 

Parents were charged £10 for the first child and £8 subsequent children, for the week. The income was £399, and expenditure £270.

 

It was a huge amount of work and many people were very generous with their time. There were three main planning meetings but extra meetings from craft preparation. Kay again wrote and helped direct the drama, which was very popular with the children.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                Margaret Cocks

 

 

PILOTS

 

Since our last annual report, Pilots have continued to meet once a week on Mondays between 6.00pm and 7.30pm during term time. At the moment we have 19 Pilots aged between 5 and 14. Unfortunately Jo Allum was unable to continue as a helper after the summer, and Elaine Munday left us at Christmas to concentrate her time on the post of Church Secretary. The leadership at present is myself, Ian Davidson and Emma Brannelly. This will change in February when Emma leaves us to embark on her travels around the world. We will miss her and wish her all the best. However, Joyce Louth is at present joining us on a Monday evening to see what Pilots is all about. I am actively seeking a successor as I feel I have been leading Pilots for some years now and hope to finish within the next 12 months.

 

The programme has continued with the mixture of drama, games, cooking, craft and other activities with a Christian theme. We enjoyed holding our Pilot service in the autumn term – the children worked very hard learning new songs and preparing prayers.

 

The highlight of the year was the National Pilot Rally which was held at Cadbury World where over 2000 pilots from all over the country came together for a day of fun ending in worship. For some of us it was a chance to meet old friends, and for others, it gave them an insight into the Pilot organisation. I would like to thank Elaine for organising the transport and booking the tickets. We also appreciated the support we had at our cake sale which raised £50 towards the cost of the coach. Our last meeting of the summer was the usual barbeque and games evening. Our young leaders (AO’s) are Philip, Anna  Sarah,  and Laura and Gemma join us when employment and school work permits. All their help is gratefully appreciated. I would like to thank Lynda Brannelly for her help with our board in the hall, which is always a challenge to us.

 

We are always pleased to see new members at Pilots, and if anyone would like to come and help us, please come along on a Monday and see what we do.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                Wendy Keeley

                                                                                                                                                                                      Pilot Captain

 

 

THE BOYS’ BRIGADE – THE 1st EARLEY COMPANY

 

We have had another happy and successful year. Sgt. Simon Branford, Cpl Christopher Smith and Cpl John Davies were awarded the President’s Badge and are now working for the Queen’s Badge.

 

Our Junior section entered for the 2001 International Games and also won the Reading Churches 6 a-side football competition.

 

Every parade opens with prayer and a bible reading, followed by inspection. The Anchor Boys and Junior section are inspected for clean nails and the standard is very high.

 

Our BB camp was held at the Isle of Wight with 50 members and an enjoyable time was had by all. This year we will camp at Swanage, and also this year, we propose to hold a weekend camp for the Junior section.

 

Our age range is as follows:

 

Anchor Boys                        5 –  8

Junior Section Boys            8 – 11

Company Section            11 – 14

Senior Section                  15 – 19

 

We have excellent training arrangements for anyone who would like to join us. Why not give us a try.

 

                                                                                                                                                                   Leslie Bainton

                                                                                                                                                                     Captain Boys’ Brigade

 

 

PARENT  & TODDLER GROUP

 

Parent and Toddler Group runs on Mondays and Thursdays at 9.45am . It is able to offer a variety of activities and refreshments with opportunities to form new friendships. The atmosphere is relaxed and accepting with an understanding of the intrinsic value in play activities for children.

 

There are spaces available for this term and Perry and Emma – two smashing young mums – are looking forward to welcoming new parents to join in the groups. Meetings are in term time and finish in time for parents to pick up nursery-aged children from their schools.

 

Hazel Bailey, the cradle role secretary is due to take over as Chair from 25th February and will be an asset to the groups through the gifts she brings of gentleness and kindness.

 

       Joyce Louth

   Acting Chair parent and Toddler

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPEAKERS CORNER

 

Speakers Corner was formed when Cornerstone (Trinity) and SPEAK (St. Peter’s) joined together. We meet every other Sunday evening (during term time) at St. Peter’s Church hall. We have just changed the meeting time from 6.00 – 8.30pm   to 6.30 – 8.30pm .

 

Although most of our 20ish young people (13 – 18 year olds) come from either Trinity or St. Peter’s, we also have families from St Luke’s and Our Lady of Peace.

 

The format of the evening is usually an hour or so social activities, and an hour or so exploring various issues sometimes with guest speakers including Sam Mulligan from Just Around The Corner. Other activities have included attending rock mass, a quiz evening and the Christmas party.

 

As well as Sunday evening activities, many of the youn