The Easter Day celebrations in the parish began in Caversham Court at 6am - though because the clocks went forward overnight, it felt like 5am. Some 50 hardy souls gathered around the Easter dawn bonfire, lit the Paschal candle, and processed into St Peter’s for a Eucharistic service proclaiming the Resurrection. Read more...
The events of Holy Week and Easter are 3 Days that changed the world. Churches in Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham are, this year, sharing the message of Easter with everyone travelling the River Thames or simply walking the Rivermead towpath, as well as their own communities.A poster and banner campaign in Caversham, Mapledurham and across the water highlights the realities of the Easter story: the violence of Jesus' beatings and crucifixion; the blood that stained the wooden cross; the shining transformation of the Resurrection."Easter is the most central focus of our Church year and we want everyone in... Read more...
The parish annual meetings took place on Sunday 10 April 2016 at St John's church. There was a short meeting to elect wardens, followed by the main Annual Parochial Church Meeting. Read more...
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...
