It was announced on Sunday 10 January that Judith Ryder will be coming to join us as Assistant Curate from July.Judith comes to us from Kidlington with her husband Simon and four children. They hope to be moving in late May, and Judith will be ordained in Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday 2 July. Please do hold Judith and her family in your prayers as they prepare to
join us.Mike Smith Read more...
An intrepid sextet braved the heavy rain to embark upon the Winter Ramble. Plan B was implemented due to the downpour and the group traversed the new footbridge over the Thames, wandered over Caversham lock, remarked upon the refurbishment of the open-air swimming pool, looked at diving cormorants in the nature reserve and returned to Saint Peter’s on the north side of the river in wintry sunshine. Seasonal refreshments in the church were followed by recitations of winter poetry in front of the Christmas tree including much Betjeman.Left: three ramblers admire early daffodils; right: refreshments afterwardsThe... Read more...
Unwrap your presents and bring them to church this Christmas. That's the invitation from three Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham churches."The kids don't need to leave their presents at home to celebrate Jesus' birthday on Christmas Day," says the Revd Mike Smith, Rector of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham. "Bring your favourite present to church and show it off. Christmas starts with Christ; and Jesus and the rest of us will be just as excited as you."There will be Christmas morning services in all three of the Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Parish churches: 8.00am (traditional language) and... Read more...
On Sunday 22 November 2015, St Peter's was the host church for the Caversham-wide Confirmation service led by the Bishop of Reading, Andrew Proud. Ten candidates were confirmed, and others re-affirmed their baptismal vows or were received into the Church of England.It was a wonderful service, just one of many across the Diocese, welcoming Christians making their personal commitment to Christ.Dozens of friends, family and supporters shared in a tasty tea, many chatting with Bishop Andrew, to help the candidates celebrate this important day in their lives. Read more...
The weather was appropriately chilly for St John's Christmas Fair, held on Saturday 21st November 2015, but fair-goers got a warm welcome from the stall holders, and the Caversham Community Cafe was on hand to provide a cup of tea or coffee. Read more...
Christmas came early at St John’s, when 102 boxes of gifts were brought into church on 1st November for our annual “Shoe Box Sunday”. Members of the congregation had filled the boxes with toys, sweets, knitted hats and gloves and items to help with hygiene and education. The Rev Rachel Ross Smith blessed the boxes, which will go to The Samaritan’s Purse charity to be distributed through “Operation Christmas Child” to children across the world who otherwise may not receive a present. Read more...
The 2015 Parish Barn Dance was held at St John's on Friday 15 October. Local band Inisheer provided the music and caller Howard Ballard took us through the dances. It was a sell-out evening, with lots of fun and laughter and just under £300 raised for the parish. The band have been booked for next year's Barn Dance on Friday 14 October 2016 - put the date in your diary! Read more...
The Autumn Riverside Ramble explored the 5 mile stretch of the Thames path between Caversham Bridge and Mapledurham Lock, and ended with a safe crossing of the river by boat to the Mapledurham estate (by kind permission of the manager), where we partook of refreshments from their tea room. The sun shone, the trees looked beautiful, and we were escorted along our way by a canoe manoeuvred by Charlie and Shirley Scola.There was something of interest for everyone on this walk. Nigel is a Thames Path warden for this stretch of the path so was on the lookout for... Read more...
The September 6th "Sporadic" ramble began at Mapledurham church and headed west to Hardwick House. After a climb we were able to look down on the house through the woods. Leaving the woods we were rewarded by views over Reading and Tilehurst and towards Goring, the air being exceptionally clear.Back at Mapledurham church we enjoyed tea, cake and flapjack. Richard Havelock spoke about the literary connections of Hardwick House and of Mapledurham House, including some extracts from "The Wind in the Willows" on account of Kenneth Grahame's connections with both.St Peter's Occasional Rambles And Dawdles In... Read more...
