A new crossing over the River Thames lived up to its name as the Bishop of Reading, Andrew Proud, led a transfer of worshippers across Christchurch Bridge from Reading to Caversham. The group of 15, from Greyfriars in the town centre, have joined the evolving community at St John the Baptist, Lower Caversham.
“They have publicly declared their desire to follow the call of Christ and, with their brothers and sisters at St John’s, to learn and live the way of Christ,” said the Revd Penny Cuthbert, transition minister at St John’s. “Friends from Greyfriars have pledged their continued support, and the new, united St John’s congregation have promised, with the help of God, to accompany one another on the journey of faith, supporting each other in friendship, love and prayer.”
The Thames is the boundary between Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Parish and Greyfriars Parish. On Sunday, February 4, Bishop Andrew preached at Greyfriars about being an ‘outdoors’ rather than ‘indoors’ church before leading the transfer group and friends, together with clergy and churchwardens of the two churches, out of the church and through Reading to the river. Members of St John’s met them on Christchurch Bridge where, led by Bishop Andrew, all publicly declared their faith as an act of unity.
Arrival at St John’s was greeted with music, cheers and helium balloons, before Bishop Andrew commissioned the newly-united St John’s congregation and celebrated Holy Communion.
“The party to complete this great day was wonderful, with so much sharing of food, friends and chat,” said Penny Cuthbert. “With so much joy around, it promised further growth to come out of this ‘transfer growth’.”
In April, St John’s will begin a monthly café church and monthly contemporary worship service as add-ons to the current pattern of worship.
Christchurch Bridge lives up to its name
Bishop Andrew commissions the 15 at St John’s