Latest News:
Aston Tirrold United Reformed Church:
Aston Tirrold United Reformed Church have joined CTWA this was aprovved at the reacent CTWA AGM; this means that CTWA now has a total of 12 member churches. - For a full list see the 'Churches' page.
CTWA Website update:
I have just spent the afternoon updating the website and there is now a search page - link on the top right. I am also puting information about non-CTWA events - to add yours email contact@ctwa.org.uk.
Report on the
"Churches Together" Good Friday Procession of Witness and Service in
the Market Place 2008:
"Heavy wintry showers with a strong cold Northerly
wind". This was the weather forecast for the 2008 Good Friday morning
in Wallingford. As it turned out there was, in
contrast, lovely bright sunlight to accompany the strong but
VERY cold Northerly wind! It was encouraging to
see the largest number of people (ever?) attending the
procession and service in the Market Place. The St Mary's Church choir
led the procession and also led us in the singing
of three Good Friday hymns: "There is a green hill", "
The Servant
King" and "When I survey the wondrous
cross.." There was a danced meditation in front of
the cross - a reflection on Jesus'sacrifice, two
readings and prayers. The talk spoke of the three people who were tried
alongside Jesus. Firstly there was Barabbas, who was released
for no reason at all instead of Jesus. Then there
was the man, also on the cross, who shouted out and "railed" against
Jesus. Finally there was the thief who, though guilty, asked
Jesus for forgiveness. With whom do we identify ourselves in this story?
CTWA News Letter:
Christ is Risen! Maybe it is little early for this
greeting if, as hoped, you read this around the time of Palm Sunday.
Nevertheless, even as we remember the sad and awe-inspiring events of
Holy week and then Good Friday, we know that the joy of Easter is
coming.
Where is the church pictured here? The answer is at the end of this news letter. Clue - this lovely church is not in CTWA but it is not far away either!
St Mary Magdalene Church,
Crowmarsh: It has been good to have the CTWA
Lent courses running in Crowmarsh after a break of several
years.
We are looking forward to the “Sunrise Service “ at 5.30am on Easter day. Then on the second Sunday of each month we are to have “Worship for All the Family” at our 11am service.
The church is very involved in the campaign to save our village Post Office from closure - see the wonderful poster that Brian Foster has organised showing the street from the churchyard.
We are looking forward to the “Sunrise Service “ at 5.30am on Easter day. Then on the second Sunday of each month we are to have “Worship for All the Family” at our 11am service.
The church is very involved in the campaign to save our village Post Office from closure - see the wonderful poster that Brian Foster has organised showing the street from the churchyard.
Wallingford Methodist Church:
Our main news is the continued uptake of bookings for Wallingford
Methodist Church Centre by a range of clubs and organisations including
MIND and the group for “Sustainable Wallingford”. The
familiar regular groups and clubs, such as the Friendship Group
(Tuesday afternoons), Boys' Brigade Juniors and Brigade company
(Wednesday evenings), and Thursday coffee mornings and “Tots’ Time”
(Thursday afternoons) are enjoying the new, improved facilities too.
A number of our congregation have become trained 'Listeners' through the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation. Listeners are trained to understand without judging or condemning. They do not provide counselling nor offer advice. However by their listening skills they can help those who want to talk about their problems to express and clarify their thoughts. Then quite often solutions are revealed. Listeners are available at the Thursday morning coffee mornings from 10.30 to 12.00 midday. A new venture is Tuesday Lunches - served from 12.30 - 13.30 each Tuesday. Main course £3:00, dessert £2:00; Jacket potatoes, with a variety of fillings, and sandwiches also available. Everybody is very welcome and there is no need to book!
Fund raising continues to repay loans etc for our new and refurbished facilities - £120,000 is still outstanding and several fund raising events are planned. One of our “Tots’ Time” Mums/helpers, Nina Hansell, ran in the Goring 10K race on 24th February and raised over £600 in sponsorship money for our Redevelopment fund.
St Mary’s Church Wallingford:
Here is a summary of the church’s main events since late last year:A number of our congregation have become trained 'Listeners' through the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation. Listeners are trained to understand without judging or condemning. They do not provide counselling nor offer advice. However by their listening skills they can help those who want to talk about their problems to express and clarify their thoughts. Then quite often solutions are revealed. Listeners are available at the Thursday morning coffee mornings from 10.30 to 12.00 midday. A new venture is Tuesday Lunches - served from 12.30 - 13.30 each Tuesday. Main course £3:00, dessert £2:00; Jacket potatoes, with a variety of fillings, and sandwiches also available. Everybody is very welcome and there is no need to book!
Fund raising continues to repay loans etc for our new and refurbished facilities - £120,000 is still outstanding and several fund raising events are planned. One of our “Tots’ Time” Mums/helpers, Nina Hansell, ran in the Goring 10K race on 24th February and raised over £600 in sponsorship money for our Redevelopment fund.
1. The month of Thanks Giving and Renewal was
very encouraging and successful and we have now reached ¾ of our
financial target.
2. St Mary’s choir held a heart warming concert to celebrate Advent and Christmas. It was standing room only! More concerts and musical events are planned.
3. Like many churches, we were happy to return to a Christian celebration at the annual town carol service in the Market Place. Thanks to the Baptist Church for their hospitality at The Christmas Inn after the service.
4. Cards for Good Causes, held in St Mary’s, was again extremely successful, staffed entirely with volunteers from many Wallingford churches and organizations in the town.
5. The new Bishop of Oxford made his first tour of St Mary’s in January and plans to return soon to preach.
6. St Mary’s Church will again be open for private prayer/quiet time, as a CTWA initiative, on Wednesday and Friday lunch times from 12 noon to 1:30pm. If anyone would like to join the rota to steward the church on Fridays, please contact Mavis Bolton 01491-838939.
7. Exciting news for our choir – the members will be singing Evensong in Westminster Abbey on August 12th!
John Radice’s story: I can look back upon a remarkable year, in which I feel truly reborn as a
Christian.
Perhaps it started when Susan and I were lent a book of testimonies
from the Toronto Airport church. These made me hungry for the
Lord in a way I had not known for years. We found out that
the Arnotts (the Toronto church leaders) were coming from Toronto to
lead a conference at the end of April. Whilst there I really
saw the Holy Spirit at work. I saw how He physically affects
people. I was more deeply moved in worship than I can ever
remember. Above all, my Father revealed His boundless love
and liking for me so intimately. I used to imagine that He
would love me more if I served Him better and if I worked
harder. But there is nothing we can do to make Him love us
more – or less. Since then, as Jesus said, living water is flowing in
me, and it grows deeper. I am learning how this happens by
faith - the Holy Spirit touches mine in a way that leaves it to me to
say “Yes, I believe You”, and then to follow His prompting.
Usually, I have to overcome something to obey Him. When I do,
I am brought so close to my Father and that feels wonderful.
What was new to us about the Toronto ministry is the great value placed
upon “resting in God’s presence, seeking His face and loving Him
without asking for anything“. A phrase which is used is
“soaking in His presence”. I know now that we
cannot stint ourselves with God. We must be extravagant in
our adoration and worship. We must break that alabaster jar
(see Mark‘s gospel Ch14 v3). I am discovering that I can hear
God’s voice. Did you know that you are perfectly designed to
hear Him speak to you and you can learn how to let your thoughts flow
with His thoughts, and the eyes of your heart see into
heaven? For me, because writing comes naturally to me, it
comes easiest if I write down what I am hearing. It’s
absolutely amazing.
2. St Mary’s choir held a heart warming concert to celebrate Advent and Christmas. It was standing room only! More concerts and musical events are planned.
3. Like many churches, we were happy to return to a Christian celebration at the annual town carol service in the Market Place. Thanks to the Baptist Church for their hospitality at The Christmas Inn after the service.
4. Cards for Good Causes, held in St Mary’s, was again extremely successful, staffed entirely with volunteers from many Wallingford churches and organizations in the town.
5. The new Bishop of Oxford made his first tour of St Mary’s in January and plans to return soon to preach.
6. St Mary’s Church will again be open for private prayer/quiet time, as a CTWA initiative, on Wednesday and Friday lunch times from 12 noon to 1:30pm. If anyone would like to join the rota to steward the church on Fridays, please contact Mavis Bolton 01491-838939.
7. Exciting news for our choir – the members will be singing Evensong in Westminster Abbey on August 12th!
The Quaker Meeting:
We have started an ongoing discussion about developing our life as a
Meeting. We are going to focus on this theme over a series of weeks.
On 17th February we held an open meeting entitled “Social Justice in the Indian Clothing Trade”. One of our members talked to us about his field research in India, and led us in a discussion about the practical and ethical issues connected with the welfare of workers, farmers and small producers. This was an extremely informative and absorbing occasion and we were delighted to be joined by members of other churches.
Members have been involved in the setting up of a new Art and Craft group at the Centre for Reflection at Aston Tirrold. This new group, which has a spiritual purpose, is open to all and no artistic ability is needed, since very simple activities are used purely as a focus for being in the moment. The activity is followed by worship sharing, i.e. each person shares what has been evoked by the activity, with pauses between each person so that we can reflect on what has been said.
By the time you read this we hope that on 1st March some of our members will have joined others from St Mary's Wallingford for an event connected with Fairtrade Fortnight. Currently we are hoping to have stalls in St Mary's Church and in the town centre. This is so that we can give out tasters of Fairtrade products, collect signatures on the Fairtrade petition, and generally increase public awareness of these issues.
On 17th February we held an open meeting entitled “Social Justice in the Indian Clothing Trade”. One of our members talked to us about his field research in India, and led us in a discussion about the practical and ethical issues connected with the welfare of workers, farmers and small producers. This was an extremely informative and absorbing occasion and we were delighted to be joined by members of other churches.
Members have been involved in the setting up of a new Art and Craft group at the Centre for Reflection at Aston Tirrold. This new group, which has a spiritual purpose, is open to all and no artistic ability is needed, since very simple activities are used purely as a focus for being in the moment. The activity is followed by worship sharing, i.e. each person shares what has been evoked by the activity, with pauses between each person so that we can reflect on what has been said.
By the time you read this we hope that on 1st March some of our members will have joined others from St Mary's Wallingford for an event connected with Fairtrade Fortnight. Currently we are hoping to have stalls in St Mary's Church and in the town centre. This is so that we can give out tasters of Fairtrade products, collect signatures on the Fairtrade petition, and generally increase public awareness of these issues.
“The Fountain” shop:
It is good to have a Christian bookshop in the town! Kath writes:
We have several special promotions running at the moment:
a Lion Books promotion including “Approaching Easter”, “Hear Our Prayer” and some children's prayer books. a “buy one get one free” fiction promotion
a free sampler book “Spread the Word” to coincide with World Book Day, with chapters of various books available on special offer. We have also got lots of Easter cards. Please call in and have a look!
We have several special promotions running at the moment:
a Lion Books promotion including “Approaching Easter”, “Hear Our Prayer” and some children's prayer books. a “buy one get one free” fiction promotion
a free sampler book “Spread the Word” to coincide with World Book Day, with chapters of various books available on special offer. We have also got lots of Easter cards. Please call in and have a look!
St Agatha’s Church, Brightwell:
DATES FROM OUR DIARY:
16th March - Palm Sunday: St Agatha’s’ choir with others is putting on a performance of Stainer’s Crucifixion at 6.30 pm.. Please come and join in singing the hymns that intersperse the Passion Story.
20th March: Maundy Thursday meal with communion to celebrate the institution of the Lord’s supper
21st Good Friday: St Agatha’s 2.00pm - Mediation at the Cross.
17th May: Spring Fair - 2.00pm in the grounds of Brightwell Manor, lots for all the family
In June: A teddy bear parachute drop from the top of St Agatha’s tower - date to be finalised
Also plans are being drawn up to build a small extension at St Agatha’s to include a priest’s vestry and toilet so that the church can be used more by the wider community in the village.
16th March - Palm Sunday: St Agatha’s’ choir with others is putting on a performance of Stainer’s Crucifixion at 6.30 pm.. Please come and join in singing the hymns that intersperse the Passion Story.
20th March: Maundy Thursday meal with communion to celebrate the institution of the Lord’s supper
21st Good Friday: St Agatha’s 2.00pm - Mediation at the Cross.
17th May: Spring Fair - 2.00pm in the grounds of Brightwell Manor, lots for all the family
In June: A teddy bear parachute drop from the top of St Agatha’s tower - date to be finalised
Also plans are being drawn up to build a small extension at St Agatha’s to include a priest’s vestry and toilet so that the church can be used more by the wider community in the village.
What DO we believe?
Neville Burt reports: Well, after two years of preparation and
discussion it finally got started. The first in the series of
talks and discussions aimed at finding out what each other really
believe, our fundamental beliefs, not just the sort of hymns we like to
sing or whether we like to light candles.
The “Fraternal” discussed these things with each one of your church leaders contributing a paper on a selected topic. I was asked by CTWA to compile the result into a series of studies. Unfortunately it has become known as “Neville’s course”. I suppose it makes it easy to identify it but I really only had the privilege of putting together the material produced by others and, I suppose, being a sort of “champion” for seeing it used. It was originally intended to run as a Lent series but CTWA felt in the end that it would be better as a series where all could come and hear the discussion with the leaders themselves involved.
Brightwell Free Church was full for the first one on 5th February. Andrew Petit (St Mary’s Cholsey) and Douglas Harbour (Wallingford Baptist) introduced their respective positions on how we join the church. Are we born into it because of our parent’s beliefs or the country that we live in? Do we have to be baptised as a child or as an adult or indeed at all? A handout containing the talks was given to those present (copies can be made available if you were not able to come). After the initial talks the other church leaders who were present added any comments of their own then it was open season. The discussion was lively, enquiring, sincere, non aggressive and could easily have gone on for some considerable time. It seems unlikely that we will come to a clear joint statement regarding the detail of what we believe, or suddenly decide to form ourselves into a single organisation but hopefully we will at least have a better understanding of each other. This is not papering over the cracks in the wall but looking at the foundations to see why the wall is cracked. At the end I asked if those present would like to see the full series run. There was enthusiastic support and no dissent so the second one is scheduled for Tuesday, 1st April at Cholsey Free Church at 8pm. The subject is “how we do church”, in other words “Church Government”. The main speakers will be David Rice (St Mary’s Wallingford) and Ted Ripley (Ridgeway Community Church).
The “Fraternal” discussed these things with each one of your church leaders contributing a paper on a selected topic. I was asked by CTWA to compile the result into a series of studies. Unfortunately it has become known as “Neville’s course”. I suppose it makes it easy to identify it but I really only had the privilege of putting together the material produced by others and, I suppose, being a sort of “champion” for seeing it used. It was originally intended to run as a Lent series but CTWA felt in the end that it would be better as a series where all could come and hear the discussion with the leaders themselves involved.
Brightwell Free Church was full for the first one on 5th February. Andrew Petit (St Mary’s Cholsey) and Douglas Harbour (Wallingford Baptist) introduced their respective positions on how we join the church. Are we born into it because of our parent’s beliefs or the country that we live in? Do we have to be baptised as a child or as an adult or indeed at all? A handout containing the talks was given to those present (copies can be made available if you were not able to come). After the initial talks the other church leaders who were present added any comments of their own then it was open season. The discussion was lively, enquiring, sincere, non aggressive and could easily have gone on for some considerable time. It seems unlikely that we will come to a clear joint statement regarding the detail of what we believe, or suddenly decide to form ourselves into a single organisation but hopefully we will at least have a better understanding of each other. This is not papering over the cracks in the wall but looking at the foundations to see why the wall is cracked. At the end I asked if those present would like to see the full series run. There was enthusiastic support and no dissent so the second one is scheduled for Tuesday, 1st April at Cholsey Free Church at 8pm. The subject is “how we do church”, in other words “Church Government”. The main speakers will be David Rice (St Mary’s Wallingford) and Ted Ripley (Ridgeway Community Church).
Wallingford Baptist Church:
We thank everyone who visited our “Christmas Inn” event and for
the encouragement it gave us. Bethlehem will never seem the
same after seeing the photos of “Bethlehem 2007”. From Palm Sunday we
are planning a simpler “open church” event based on a labyrinth under
the title: “Easter Inn - Journey to the Cross”. Come and take time to
consider the events of Holy week as you walk the journey to the cross
at different stations through the church. This is suitable for both
adults and children, although children should be accompanied by an
adult. There will also be food served in the Inn. Come for as long as
you like between 5.30pm and 8.30pm on Palm Sunday. The Inn will also be
open on the morning of Good Friday from 8am for those who would like a
quiet start to the day. This will lead into our worship service at
10am..
Many of you know that we were planning to appoint a youth worker. So the latest exciting news is taken from our church newsletter: “Following on from the Church meeting in late February, George Elerick has been offered and accepted the job as youth worker. George is an enthusiastic young man with an obvious passion for God and for young people, having served as a youth pastor at various places in the USA. He is recently married and took up residency in this country at the start of the year. Many thanks for those who supported the panel in prayer throughout the process.” We hope George will be able to start work “soon”.
Many of you know that we were planning to appoint a youth worker. So the latest exciting news is taken from our church newsletter: “Following on from the Church meeting in late February, George Elerick has been offered and accepted the job as youth worker. George is an enthusiastic young man with an obvious passion for God and for young people, having served as a youth pastor at various places in the USA. He is recently married and took up residency in this country at the start of the year. Many thanks for those who supported the panel in prayer throughout the process.” We hope George will be able to start work “soon”.
John Radice’s story: I can look back upon a remarkable year, in which I feel truly reborn as a
Christian.
Perhaps it started when Susan and I were lent a book of testimonies
from the Toronto Airport church. These made me hungry for the
Lord in a way I had not known for years. We found out that
the Arnotts (the Toronto church leaders) were coming from Toronto to
lead a conference at the end of April. Whilst there I really
saw the Holy Spirit at work. I saw how He physically affects
people. I was more deeply moved in worship than I can ever
remember. Above all, my Father revealed His boundless love
and liking for me so intimately. I used to imagine that He
would love me more if I served Him better and if I worked
harder. But there is nothing we can do to make Him love us
more – or less. Since then, as Jesus said, living water is flowing in
me, and it grows deeper. I am learning how this happens by
faith - the Holy Spirit touches mine in a way that leaves it to me to
say “Yes, I believe You”, and then to follow His prompting.
Usually, I have to overcome something to obey Him. When I do,
I am brought so close to my Father and that feels wonderful.
What was new to us about the Toronto ministry is the great value placed
upon “resting in God’s presence, seeking His face and loving Him
without asking for anything“. A phrase which is used is
“soaking in His presence”. I know now that we
cannot stint ourselves with God. We must be extravagant in
our adoration and worship. We must break that alabaster jar
(see Mark‘s gospel Ch14 v3). I am discovering that I can hear
God’s voice. Did you know that you are perfectly designed to
hear Him speak to you and you can learn how to let your thoughts flow
with His thoughts, and the eyes of your heart see into
heaven? For me, because writing comes naturally to me, it
comes easiest if I write down what I am hearing. It’s
absolutely amazing.From the group for “Sustainable
Wallingford” What is 'sustainability'? As the world's
population grows, and people worldwide aspire to a lifestyle such as we
in the UK enjoy, our impact on the environment is increasing faster
than the environment's ability to absorb it. Species and natural
habitats are being lost; climate scientists overwhelmingly agree that
climate change caused by human activity is a serious problem; and
resources like fossil fuels, fresh water and arable land are finite. We
need to make changes to avoid storing up trouble for the future.
Why should Christians be concerned? God is concerned with the whole of his creation, not just humanity, and we should be wise stewards, protecting the natural world rather than considering only our short-term material needs; and our duty to love our neighbours means that we should think of people around the world and of future generations, not just ourselves.
What is Sustainable Wallingford? It is a group of local residents aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the Wallingford area by saving resources and energy. Activities include: waste reduction and recycling; encouraging the use of locally produced food; educating people through work with schools; and encouraging forms of transport with less impact on the local and global environment. The Sustainable Wallingford website is at http://www.sustainablewallingford.org/.
What are we asking you to do? We would like to encourage other groups and individuals to get involved. CTWA itself may have a role, but there is also plenty of scope for individual churches to take action as congregations or to encourage individual members to assess and reduce their own environmental impact. The “Sustainable Wallingford” group can help with encouragement, ideas and information. Another good source of information is the website of our local Christian environmental group: http://www.sageoxford.org.uk.
Why should Christians be concerned? God is concerned with the whole of his creation, not just humanity, and we should be wise stewards, protecting the natural world rather than considering only our short-term material needs; and our duty to love our neighbours means that we should think of people around the world and of future generations, not just ourselves.
What is Sustainable Wallingford? It is a group of local residents aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the Wallingford area by saving resources and energy. Activities include: waste reduction and recycling; encouraging the use of locally produced food; educating people through work with schools; and encouraging forms of transport with less impact on the local and global environment. The Sustainable Wallingford website is at http://www.sustainablewallingford.org/.
What are we asking you to do? We would like to encourage other groups and individuals to get involved. CTWA itself may have a role, but there is also plenty of scope for individual churches to take action as congregations or to encourage individual members to assess and reduce their own environmental impact. The “Sustainable Wallingford” group can help with encouragement, ideas and information. Another good source of information is the website of our local Christian environmental group: http://www.sageoxford.org.uk.
The
Church photograph at the begining is of “St. Mary the
Virgin at Turville - “in the shadow of” the Turville windmill. It
was photographed during a beautiful and cloudless day - March
3rd 2007.
….and finally. What
were you doing at age 13? Have a think about yourself and what you were
doing….. As for me, I was at school in the country. I had caring
parents and good teachers. My biggest worry was the next rugby football
game. Other boys were so much bigger, quicker and tougher than I was!
So what about you?…. Think about it…
Rachel is 13 and she lives in Uganda. Rachel is not playing rugby football nor is she playing at “Mums and Dads“. She is only 13 and everyday Rachel cooks, cleans, digs the land, and worries about the six younger children, all under 9, orphaned by AIDS. This is too much. She is much too young for all this. And yet there are more than 12 million children shouldering burdens beyond their years in sub-Saharan Africa.
If you want to know more about Rachel and those like her, start by seeing the Tearfund video: “Bring childhood back to life”. Available from …Ian Wainwright
So what about you?…. Think about it…
Rachel is 13 and she lives in Uganda. Rachel is not playing rugby football nor is she playing at “Mums and Dads“. She is only 13 and everyday Rachel cooks, cleans, digs the land, and worries about the six younger children, all under 9, orphaned by AIDS. This is too much. She is much too young for all this. And yet there are more than 12 million children shouldering burdens beyond their years in sub-Saharan Africa.
If you want to know more about Rachel and those like her, start by seeing the Tearfund video: “Bring childhood back to life”. Available from …Ian Wainwright
Contact:
You can contact us at our new email adress contact@ctwa.org.uk.
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