The Parish of Kidmore End & Sonning Common the Lamb and Flag St

APRIL 2021

The Parish of Kidmore End & Sonning Common

The Lamb and Flag

The parish magazine of

St John the Baptist Church, Kidmore End and Christ the King Church, Sonning Common

50p

CONTACTING THE CLERGY AND CHURCH OFFICERS

Rector

Revd James Stickings Telephone 07522 042735 Email [email protected] As the Rector is working shorter hours for the time being any calls to his number may go to voicemail. Please therefore contact Sheila on the number below for any urgent matters. Associate Priest

Revd Sheila Walker Telephone 0118 972 4861 Email [email protected] Churchwardens

Nick Room Telephone 0118 972 2258 Email [email protected]

Richard Walker Telephone 0118 327 6107 Email [email protected]

Musical Director St John’s

Frances Brewitt - Telephone 0118 948 2743 Taylor Email [email protected]

PCC Treasurer

Nick Room Telephone 0118 972 2258 Email [email protected]

PCC Secretary

Jenny MacGregor Telephone 0118 947 2855 Email [email protected]

The parish website can be found on https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/166

FROM THE CLERGY Dear everyone

Bishop Steven’s recent letter to clergy (an extract from which is on pages 14&15) reflects the ambiguity many of us feel as we look towards a full re- opening of all our churches. We are trusting, though, not just for the much- invoked ‘return to normality’, but for a time of renewal, re-imagining and rejoicing. Meanwhile, we pray God’s rich blessings – of patience, hope and grace - for us all in this Resurrection season.

Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! James and Sheila HOLY WEEK AND EASTER Regretably, there will be no live services, but it will be possible to gather on Zoom as has been the case on Sundays during the current lockdown. Please refer to the weekly bulletin for Zoom access arrangements.

Date St John’s Christ the King

28 March – Palm Sunday 10.30 on Zoom, palm 10.30 on Zoom – crosses to be collected palm crosses to be from the Rectory delivered porch 1 April – Maundy Thursday 19.15 on Zoom 19.15 on Zoom

2 April – Good Friday 14.30 on Zoom 14.30 on Zoom

4 April – Easter Day 10.30 on Zoom 10.30 on Zoom

Open for private prayer 14.30 – 16.00 09.00 – 10.00

SEASONAL COOKING – FELICITY COOPER ‘Hot cross buns, hot cross buns! One ha’penny, two ha’penny, hot cross buns! If you have no daughters, give them to your sons, One ha’penny, two ha’penny, hot cross buns!

The tradition of marking buns with a cross dates to pagan times. Buns were baked to celebrate the coming of Spring in honour of the goddess Eostre. The cross symbolised the four quarters of the moon, the four seasons and the wheel of life. Christians later adopted this pagan tradition with the cross symbolising the crucifixion and the spices symbolising the herbs and spices used in embalming.

In Tudor times the London Clerk of Markets issued a decree forbidding the sale of spiced buns except at burials, Christmas, and Good Friday.

There are many superstitions about hot cross buns. Hot cross buns were finely grated, mixed with water, and fed to the sick in the belief that it would cure them. Sailors would take hot cross buns on their voyages to guard against shipwreck.

Another tradition is that a bun baked and served on Good Friday will remain fresh for a year. Perhaps there is some truth in this, supermarket hot cross buns often have very long use by dates, but this may relate to the quantity of preservatives used.

The recipe below is best eaten within two days.

Hot cross bun loaf

Ingredients 500g/18oz strong white flour 70g/2½ oz unsalted butter (softened) 70g/2½ oz granulated sugar 240ml/8½ fl oz warm milk 1 egg (beaten) 14g/5tsp fast acting yeast 2

1½ tsp salt 2tsp mixed spice 125g/4½oz sultanas 25g/1oz dried cherries 25g/1oz dried cranberries 1tsp sugar and 1tsp cinnamon dissolved in20ml of boiling water.

Instructions Sift the flour, salt and mixed spice into a large bowl and add the sugar, butter and beaten egg. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and add to the dry ingredients. Mix well by hand or with a dough hook and knead for ten minutes. Add the dried fruit and knead until evenly distributed. Put the dough into an oiled bowl and leave in a warm place to double in size. Knock down the dough and transfer to a 20cm cake tin. Allow the dough to rise again until it is just above the rim of the tin. Bake at 200°C/390°F/Gas 6 for 50-55 minutes. If the top is browning too much drop the temperature to 180°C/350°F /Gas 4. When the dough is cooked a thermometer inserted into the centre should read 88°C/190°F Paint the top of the bun while still hot with the sugar and cinnamon water. A cross may be piped on with icing when the loaf is cool.

KIDMORE END CE PRIMARY SCHOOL The past year has seen great change in circumstances for all of us as we learn to live in the midst of a global pandemic. I am sure our wonderful Health Service has truly been at the eye of the storm throughout, and continue to do amazing work every day, it has definitely felt on occasions that schools were very much caught up in the ‘changing weather’. At no time did this feel more true than in January when we were told to prepare for a full return after the Christmas holidays, only to be told a few hours later that schools would be closed to most pupils and learning would again move to remote platforms.

As always, the team here at Kidmore End sprang into action. As we had been fortunate enough to remain fully open over the Autumn Term, we had not had opportunity for a dry run at our Remote Learning Strategy, although a great deal of thought and preparation had gone into our provision, building on the experience and feedback of the first lockdown. Within 24 hours, our Google Classrooms were open, and learning continued with the usual Spring Term topics, with teachers meeting pupils, delivering lessons, setting work and giving feedback throughout the day. Meanwhile, children of critical workers were welcomed into school and our fabulous team of teaching assistants managed mixed age groups both accessing the remote learning and undertaking other activities such as sport and art. I am very grateful to Miss Dove and all the team, as I was not able to be in school due to family circumstances, for all their hard work and commitment to making sure our children continued to learn throughout the lockdown.

We were all delighted when it was announced that all children would return to school from 8 March, and it has been lovely to see the school brought fully to life again. Whilst we of course reviewed and tweaked our risk assessments, the measures in place prior to Christmas were largely unchanged and we are grateful for the support of parents and carers where we have made adjustments. This includes asking adults to wear face coverings, unless exempt, at drop off and pick up, which we know some local residents will be pleased to see. The children have proved themselves as adaptable as ever, and most of all simply delighted to see their friends again. Our value this term is courage, and we have been reflecting through the picture books and Bible stories we have shared on how there are many ways to be brave – which makes me think of those children (and some adults) who maybe felt a little

4 nervous on the first day, but who came into school with a smile and found that it was really very familiar after all.

So now we are looking ahead – with Easter coming up and our first Easter Egg Decorating competition taking place, along with special assemblies reflecting on the story of Holy Week and Easter. We continue to be limited in the range of activities possible, but we managed many of the Christmas events in a slightly altered form, and will be taking this spirit into our Summer Term preparations. We will be starting the Summer Term with a whole school artist focus, which will ensure our corridor displays are vibrant and colourful for the children to enjoy. We hope we will be able to share some of the children’s artwork on our school website as well, for you all to enjoy. And we have already begun thinking about the key summer events, such as Sports Day. Our aim will be to make the Summer Term as normal as is possible, with plenty of learning and laughter to brighten this rather strange world in which we find ourselves.

Wishing everyone in our community all the very best, Linda Hull - March 2021

KIDMORE END COOKS FOR CARERS In early January, the Kidmore End Ladies WhatsApp group received a message from Lauren Davies, a villager and an anaesthetist who works in RBH. She asked if anyone could cook a few meals for the staff in ICU who were exhausted, and unable to get to a canteen without taking off all their PPE, and for those on night shifts, when the canteen and shops were closed. They had nothing more than a toaster, a microwave oven and a fridge freezer and were expected to bring in their own food.

Within 10 days, from a team of 30 cooks, 8 delivery drivers and a “back office” team of 6 co-ordinators, we delivered their first batch of 25 home- made soups and casseroles to ICU.

Two months on from our first delivery we sent our 1000th meal down to RBH in mid-March, due to the unflagging enthusiasm of all our volunteers.

Three more teams joined us in February, who cook for the weekend staff, as there was a gap in our “service”. These new teams are run mainly by members of the local churches, through people in Sonning Common. They too cook the same recipes, and get their supplies in the same way, but organise their own rotas and delivery drivers. Krissie Stitt organises two teams from the Catholic congregation and Ursula Walker does the same with the CTK team – so each team cooks once every 3 weeks like the Kidmore End teams.

So how did we do it? From outset, it was our intention not just to support RBH, but to provide a sense of purpose and achievement to so many in the village whose spirits were flagging in early January 2021, faced with yet another lockdown. Morale was low and we needed something to keep us all going during the long winter months. The proof of this was the enormous response to the request for help from RBH.

The small team coordinating the initiative set up 6 teams of 5 cooks, with 2 teams cooking once every three weeks, and producing 50 meals a week initially. This grew to 9 teams, through the parishioners of the Anglican and Catholic churches, and allows us to deliver 120 meals a week, with cakes, fresh fruit and fresh bread rolls added to the deliveries. We have a team of 8 people delivering to RBH, and a source of provisions through Local Veg, and Carl Woods Butchers.

Delighted staff at RBH

Meals clearly labelled by Krissie Stitt

Jane Mather preparing for collections from the Parish Room and Krissie Stitt collecting her ingredients, with all the other cooks’ bags beside her

Funding We have been given many donations: as well as several generous donations from villagers, both the Anglican and Catholic congregations have made large contributions, which fund the weekend teams. Both Local Veg and Carl Woods have made donations as well as provisioning us. Our biggest supporters have been some of the Livery Companies in London. Jane Mather, who runs LocalVeg, is a Draper and through her, we have received both financial and moral support from the Drapers. The Coopers made a large donation in memory of Graham Foulis Brown who was, of course, a Cooper

7 and a Chaplain to the Company, and finally the Weavers also made a large donation. We are so grateful to them all.

Caroline McAslan and her team of knitters, Moira, Ali and Sue, have delighted the village with their supply of Easter chicks and bunnies – and have raised over £240 from this.

Recipe Book We are about to publish a recipe book which will include most of the recipes we have used during this time; but is also much more than that – it is a record of a community’s spirit during these difficult times. We will be selling it for a small sum, (around £5 probably) to cover the cost mainly, so if you would like a copy, please let Joss Lynch know. [email protected]

Looking to the future We now have sufficient funds to meet the costs until the end of April, by which time we recognise that people will want to start making plans as we all come out of lockdown. We feel this is therefore a natural time to finish – and we understand that the wards are beginning to quieten down. That said, the wards are now full of younger people who, thank heavens, survive, but they do stay for longer - around 4-5 weeks now.

We are also looking at how we might pass on any remaining funds to other local charities and hope to tell you more about this in due course.

So as we head into the final stretch, I would like to thank “Team HQ”, Krissie, Ana, Jane, Sarah and Sue for their support, their hard work and their friendship. I think we can all, the Team at HQ, the cooks and the delivery 8 drivers, and indeed the community of Kidmore End, feel proud of what we have achieved, in this lovely part of South Oxfordshire. Joss Lynch

WHY EASTER WILL NEVER GO AWAY How do you make sense of the Resurrection? Dead men don’t rise, so why believe that this particular dead man didrise?

At the end of St Luke’s gospel we read that: “they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement” (Luke 24.4). This is highly significant. The Gospels do not show us a group of disciples who were in a receptive frame of mind. After the crucifixion, they were in hiding, frightened and scattered. Then suddenly, they came out of hiding and were totally different; excited, joyful. By Pentecost they were confident, with one firm message: ‘You crucified Jesus, but God raised Him up!’

How did they know this? Because of direct personal experience. Some of them had visited the tomb of Jesus: it was empty. Others claimed to have seen and touched the risen Lord. Were they hallucinating? People can hallucinate in groups – when taking drugs, for example. But of course, each one will see a different hallucination. But the disciples all saw the same thing. Or rather, the same person. Jesus.

Were they lying? Jesus had died a humiliating death as a criminal. Perhaps they wanted to rescue His good name. So, did they pretend they had seen Him? This theory has a big problem. Their preaching led them into trouble with the authorities. They were beaten and imprisoned and some of them killed. People will die for ideas and causes which they believe in passionately. But not for things they have made up. We might suffer for our convictions, but we will not suffer for our inventions.

What about the ‘swoon’ theory? That Jesus didn’t die on the cross, despite terrible wounds? That He recovered in the tomb, and then escaped? That the disciples nursed Him back to health? But Roman soldiers knew when a man was dead; and there was the guard on the tomb. Also, the events which followed simply don’t fit. If the disciples had been hiding Jesus all along, they would have kept very low-key, and out of the way, so that the authorities did not come after Him again. 9

Besides, to preach that God had raised Jesus from the dead – which is exactly what they did preach – would have been a lie. Beatings and threat of death would soon have loosened their tongues. Inventions crumble under pressure; convictions hold fast.

Another reason for believing in the Resurrection is this: Jesus’ continuing impact. Thousands and soon millions of people in every generation since have shared an inescapable sense of being ‘accompanied’ through life. Though unseen, they identify this presence as the Risen Lord.

Sometimes this experience of meeting Jesus is gentle and fitful. Sometimes it is dramatic and life changing. This reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is not just an interesting historical puzzle. It is a vital, present day reality. It brings wonderful comfort, assuring us of the central Christian truths: death is dead; Jesus is alive; God is love.

This central notion was captured, most movingly, by the great Albert Schweitzer: ‘He came to those men who knew Him not. He speaks to us the same word: “Follow thou me,” and sets us to the tasks which He has to fulfil for our time. He commands. And to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toils, the conflicts, the suffering which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and, as ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience who He is.’

Have a joyful – and a challenging – Easter.

A COLLECT FOR EASTER DAY God of glory, by the raising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell; fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen

THY KINGDOM COME – GLOBAL PRAYER MOVEMENT’S PLANS FOR 2021 Thy Kingdom Come, the ecumenical prayer movement for evangelisation, uniting Christians in nearly 90% of countries worldwide from the Ascension to Pentecost, will be run differently this year, from the 13 - 23 May.

Thy Kingdom Come – which is led by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and has attracted the support of His Holiness Pope Francis in recent years – will offer a selection of new resources and ways in which worshipping communities can participate – despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

New resources for 2021 will include an 11-part family-friendly animation series; video reflections from influential Christian voices such as Bear Grylls, Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Archbishop Angaelos, and this year’s Prayer Journal, penned by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. A special video message from Archbishop Justin Welby, who will be on study leave during this year’s 11-day prayer period, will also be shown.While p rayer for evangelisation remains at the heart of Thy Kingdom Come, this year the resources are designed to encourage worshipping communities, families and individuals who may have struggled with the idea of Church at Home.

For families, there is an 11-part children’s video series called Cheeky Pandas – packed with Bible stories, prayers, animation, worship songs and interviews with special guests including Adventurer, Bear Grylls, CBeebies Presenter Gemma Hunt, Revd Nicky Gumbel (HTB and Alpha) and Pastor Agu and Shola (Jesus House) to name a few. The video series (which will be available from early April onwards) can be used as part of church at home, gathered church (online and offline) and in school assemblies. Similar to last year, the series will be the main content in the Family Prayer Adventure Map and App.

For Youth, Thy Kingdom Come are working with the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust to produce a selection of youth resources including a series of video reflections from young influential Christians such as the current Methodist Youth President – Phoebe Parkin, rapper and author – Guvna B,

Worship Leader- Elle Limebear, Spoken Word Artist – Joshua Luke Smith and many more.

Other new resources include the Prayer Journal, written by the Archbishop of York, – aimed at inspiring readers to re-encounter the love and joy found in Jesus Christ and this year’s Novena.

The award-winning Thy Kingdom Come app, available in nine languages, will for the first time, include audio content from 24-7 Prayer’s Lectio 365 with audio reflections from Pete Greig, Archbishop Justin and 24-7 Prayer GB UK Director, Carla Harding. This year Thy Kingdom Come is also giving away 100,000 copies of the Prayer Journal and Family Prayer Adventure Map to UK churches, as long as P&P is covered.

Emma Buchan, Thy Kingdom Come Project Director, said: “We really want TKC to inspire people in their relationships with Christ, and to resource children and young people in fun, spiritually nourishing ways. “We hope and pray Pentecost is a time of great joy after what has been such a challenging season.”

Now in its sixth year, Thy Kingdom Come has grown from an initial call to prayer from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Anglican Communion, to a worldwide ecumenical prayer movement.

CHRISTOPHER IDLE’S HYMN – IF CHRIST HAD NOT BEEN RAISED FROM DEATH The contemporary hymnwriter Christopher Idle has given us many thought provoking hymns.

This Easter Resurrection hymn is based on 1 Corinthians 15. 12 – 20 and it gives us an opportunity to recognise how those first Easter events have changed the world.

The hymn is sung to Ralph Vaughan Williams’ tune Kingsfold which you may find yourself humming if you recall that it is also the setting for the hymn I heard the voice of Jesus say.

Sing the hymn and see what you think.

Here are the lyrics of Christopher Idle’s Easter hymn:-

If Christ had not been raised from death our faith would be in vain, our preaching but a waste of breath, our sin and guilt remain. But now the Lord is risen indeed; he rules in earth and heaven: his Gospel meets a world of need in Christ we are forgiven.

If Christ still lay within the tomb then death would be the end, and we should face our final doom with neither guide nor friend. But now the Saviour is raised up, so when a Christian dies we mourn, yet look to God in hope in Christ the saints arise!

If Christ had not been truly raised his church would live a lie; his name should never more be praised, his words deserve to die. But now our great Redeemer lives; through him we are restored; his word endures, his church revives in Christ, our risen Lord.

OXFORD DIOCESE – BISHOPS LETTER 9 MARCH This is an extract from the Bishops’ letter referring to preparations to reopen churches and how we might approach parochial life and ministry in the months ahead. As you will know, the Prime Minister announced on 22 February the road map for ending the COVID restrictions. The vaccine rollout is going remarkably well. COVID deaths and case numbers have fallen significantly in recent weeks. Children returned to school yesterday. There are signs of hope in the midst of continued anxiety and fear.

We are still waiting for more detailed guidance from the Church of England for churches. The national Church is waiting for further detail from the government and is pressing for this. Every local church will now be thinking through plans for worship over the coming weeks.

As you move forward, we want to affirm again the importance of local, collaborative decision making. Every situation is different. Listen carefully to national and local health guidance on when it will be wise to begin and extend in-person worship. The government is working to the helpful principle of moving forward steadily but carefully at this stage of the pandemic. We believe this is helpful guidance for churches as well as for wider society.

Circumstances may change, but we would hope that every benefice will now be planning to begin public worship in something like the normal patterns by Step 3 of the road map. At present, this will begin not earlier than 17 May: just before the Feast of Pentecost. Social distancing and other COVID precautions will continue to be necessary. But we hope that, together, there can be a sense of every church building being open again after the lockdown as we remember, celebrate and pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our life and mission.

Navigating through Lent, Holy Week and Easter will be more complex. We anticipate and will actively support a varied approach in different places. There will be a great deal of pain for congregations who are, again, unable to meet together normally to celebrate Easter. We will need to continue to be patient and gentle with one another through this time.

As we look ahead to the next six months, from March to September, how might we approach this next season in our common life? Psalm 23 has been a key text for many of us during the pandemic. We believe it remains so in this next part of the journey.

First, as the Lord is our shepherd, we will need to pay attention to watching over ourselves after a year in which many lay and ordained have given out so much. There have been so many pressures and so few opportunities for sabbath and re-creation. Each of us will need green pastures and still waters; each of us will need space to grieve for what has been lost and support in that grieving.

Please take the opportunity now to reset your days off if these patterns have slipped; to arrange quiet days and retreats; to book holidays; to plan the family visits which are needed. There is a real danger of overwork and burnout as we come to the anniversary of the lockdown with so much still to be done. Second, in the ministry of every church we will need to give due priority in the coming months to pastoral ministry: to being shepherds one to another. Especially that will mean steadily regathering Christ’s flock in physical worship and around word and sacrament, Sunday by Sunday. This will be the work of months rather than weeks.

To be a shepherd in the pattern of Christ is to notice those who have drifted away, those who are on the edge, to draw alongside and, through encouragement and patience, to see them return. Many churches have discovered new ministries of shared and delegated pastoral care and will want to carry those ministries forward in new ways. Online will continue to have an important and permanent place in our worship and fellowship and common life.

Vital community ministries will need to continue or gradually restart as this becomes possible. But in some ways the challenge of the next few months is very simple to understand: to regather the church, the body of Christ, around the Lord’s table on the Lord’s day; to reset the ministry of word and sacrament; to receive grace from God.

CENTRE SPOT FOR CHILDREN

WHERE DID THE HYMN, THE HEAD THAT ONCE WAS CROWNED WITH THORNS COME FROM? This Ascension-tide hymn was written by Thomas Kelly (1769 – 1855). It was first published in Kelly’s Hymns on Various Passages of Scripture 1820. Thomas Kelly was educated at Trinity College, Dublin the son of a judge of the Irish Court. He seemed set for a legal career having been called to the Bar in Lonon. However, he underwent a marked spiritual change and took holy orders in 1792. His evangelical preaching style did not endear him to the Archbishop Fowler and he was forbidden from preaching in Dublin city.

Over a period of 51 years Thomas Kelly wrote 765 hymns most of which are hymns of praise. This hymn has striking contrasts with thorns leading to glory and suffering below leading to reigning above. Arguably this is another example of powerful lyrics being carried so well by a splendid tune, St Magnus. The tune was composed by Jeremiah Clarke (c. 1673 – 1707), organist of St Paul’s Cathedral and Music Master to Queen Anne.

The hymn and tune, harmonised by William Henry Monk, featured in the 1868 Appendix to Hymns Ancient and Modern 1861. And now in the twenty first century the hymn continues to be sung with great gusto celebrating as it does the Lord’s final triumph.

FEAST DAYS AND OTHER COMMEMORATIONS IN MAY Next month brings Ascension Day on 13 May, Pentecost on 23 May, and Trinity Sunday on 30 May. Other ‘red’ feast days are Philip and James, Apostles on 1 May and St Mathias on 14 May, if not celebrated on 24 February, The Visit to the Blessed Virgin Mary may be celebrated on 31 May or 2 July. Among other commemorations are Julian of Norwich, spiritual writer, c 1417 on 8 May, Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury and restorer of monastic life, 988, on 19 May, John and Charles Wesley, evangelists and hymn-writers 1791, and 1788, on 24 May, the Venerable Bede, monk at Jarrow, scholar, and historian, 735 on 25 May, and Augustine, first Archbishop of Canterbury, 605 on 26 May.

The Book of Common Prayer marks the 9 May as Rogation Sunday – a day on which some parishes still observe the ancient custom of ‘beating the bounds.’

BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER SERVICES DRAW SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS TUNING IN ONLINE AMID PANDEMIC LOCKDOWNS Churches offering services from the Book of Common Prayer are seeing unprecedented engagement with hundreds choosing to ‘tune in’ to more traditional offerings. One church, which usually sees such services attended by as few as five people, has reported online attendance in the hundreds for their services based on the text dating back to 1662.

Badminton Benefice, which is a group of 10 rural churches in the Diocese of Gloucester, began offering online services in the first lockdown. It has since had more than 8,500 views for its services which attempt to draw together liturgical and musical traditions as well as the beauty of art and buildings.

Chris Andrew, a Reader in the Diocese and an Archbishops’ Evangelist, explained: “There is uncertainty, doubt, and insecurity and what we offer is stability, consistency, and changelessness. It is the calm on the stormy seas of lockdown.”

The traditions of the Prayer Book have helped attracted people tuning in throughout a Sunday – including from the US and across Europe. Ben Humphries, director of the church’s music, is responsible for the videography.“I am keen on capturing a moment of history in our Church’s history – not just the big churches and the Cathedrals,” he said. “Our videos will become the permanent record of how parishes coped during this pandemic.”

Temple Church in London now streams Evening Prayer service in addition to mattins and holy communion. The response has been so positive that they have invested in better quality equipment.

Bradley Smith, Chairman of the Prayer Book Society, said: “Churches are seeing the long-term value in this ministry with Prayer Book services attracting new, online congregations in many parishes.The Prayer Book speaks with fresh clarity and authority in these uncertain times, and many people - some new or returning to faith - are finding real peace and comfort in its time-honoured rhythms.”

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE

The most destructive habit Worry The greatest joy Giving The greatest loss Self-respect The most satisfying work Helping others The ugliest personality trait Selfishness The greatest ‘shot in the arm’ Encouragement The greatest problem to overcome Fear The most effective ‘sleeping pill’ Peace of mind The most crippling failure ‘disease’ Excuses The most powerful force in life Love The most dangerous act Gossip The world’s most incredible computer The brain The worst thing to be without Hope The deadliest weapon The tongue The two most power-filled words ‘I can’ The greatest asset Faith The most worthless emotion Self pity The most beautiful attire Smile! The most prized possession Integrity The most powerful communication channel Prayer The most contagious spirit Enthusisam LIFE ends, when you stop DREAMING, HOPE ends, when you stop BELIEVING, LOVE ends, when you stop CARING. SO please share this BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE. FRIENDSHIP ends when you stop SHARING. MULTIPLY! Noah opened up the ark and let all the animals out, telling them to “Go forth and multiply”! He began to close the great doors of the ark when he noticed that there were two snakes still sitting in a dark corner. Concerned, he said to them: “Didn’t you hear me? You can go now. Go forth and multiply”. “We can’t”, said the snakes sadly. “We’re adders”. 20

THE GRAND ORGAN AT YORK MINSTER On Sunday 7 March the grand organ was played for the first time since 2018 when a £2 million refurbishment project was commenced. The work was undertaken by Harrison and Harrison at their Durham location. The organ is one of the largest cathedral organs in the country weighing 20,000 kgs and possessing over 5000 pipes. One of the outcomes is returning to use for the first time since 1903 of 102 decorative pipes. These are some of the oldest surviving pipes and date back to 1832.

Robert Sharpe, Director of Music, said, “We are delighted to bring the grand organ back into regular use at the heart of worship in the cathedral. It will be a gentle return during March due to the solmenity of the Lent season but building to a celebration on Easter Day when the organ will be dedicated by the Archbishop of York. Organ music has played a central role in worship at York Minster for nearly 1,000 years and we hope this project will help ensure that tradition continues throughout the 21st century and beyond.”

Between November 2020 and February 2021 experts worked to ‘voice’ the organ, a process which involves making sure all 5,000 pipes play the correct note, pitch and volume. York Minster re-opened for private prayer and public worship on 14 March.

WE ARE READING MORE BOOKS More than 200 million print books were sold in the UK last year, according to an estimate from the official book sales monitor Nielsen BookScan.

It was the first time since 2012 that the volume of physical books sold has exceeded 200million, and it was the biggest volume rise in the books market since 2007, says The Bookseller magazine.

BOOK REVIEW Dear England – Finding Hope, Taking Heart and Changing the World – Stephen Cottrell, Hodder and Stoughton - £12.99. This is Archbishop Stephen’s latest book and it’s a letter to the country on why he thinks the Christian narrative still makes sense. It was inspired by a conversation which Stephen Cottrell had with a barista who asked him why he became a priest. So in putting pen to paper the Archbishop seeks to give

21 an extended answer to the barista’s question. And the book provides him with the opportunity to compose a letter addressed to a divided country which no longer sees the relevance or value of the Christian narative.

There is much in this book to encourage serious thought especially by ‘glass half empty – half full’ believers, as well as a narrative that committed Christians might find useful in explaining their faith to others.

THANK GOODNESS FOR DENTISTS And now for something gruesome: last year the sale of DIY dentistry first aid kits nearly doubled. People actually attempted to give themselves lost fillings, caps and crowns. Most popular were products that offered ‘long- lasting’ temporary repair for caps and fillings, and a first aid kit.

The British Dental Association understands why; because of lockdown, there were 20 million fewer dental treatments available last year than in 2019. That left some people desperate.

But experts warn against the damage that could be done. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “DIY home dentistry is a terrible idea and should be avoided at all costs. Home treatments in untrained hands … can lead to permanent damage to your health.”

The good news is that dental surgeries are now back to relative normality. So – book an appointment if you need one, but prepare yourself for a different patient journey to what happened before the pandemic.

CHOCOLATE The botanical name for the cocoa bean is Theobroma – which means ‘food of the gods.’ Millions of us obviously agree – half a million tons of it are consumed in Britain each year alone.Chocolate makes us feel better. The chemicals it contains trigger the release of endorphins similar to those we naturally produce when we fall in love.

But nutritionists warn against using chocolate as a pick-me-up, especially in the evening. Chocolate eaten before bedtime can cause blood glucose levels to plummet during the night, which will disrupt your sleep. Chocolate eaten

22 in quantity every day can lead to mood and energy swings, weight gain and poor immunity. If you have mad cravings for it, you could have a problem with blood sugar, or a deficiency in magnesium, copper, zinc or iron.

But occasional consumption of cocoa can provide medical benefits. Chocolate containing 60 per cent or more cocoa solids is rich in essential trace elements and nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium, and many vitamins. Cocoa is also the highest natural source of magnesium.

Good as all this may be – most of us enjoy chocolate simply because of its high sugar and caffeine content. Chocolate simply gives you an instant sugar hit, providing a sudden burst in energy, unfortunately followed by a slump and the desire for another sugar-fix.

THINGS YOUR GRANDMOTHER (PROBABLY) KNEW – BRAZIL NUTS ARE VERY GOOD FOR YOU. Everyone should aim to eat one brazil nut each day, but no more. And the reason is that they have a high mineral selinum content. But also, compared to other nuts, they also have relatively high proportions of other minerals such as magnesium, copper and zinc and ellagic acid which is good for the brain. The nuts may improve health by regulating the thyroid gland, reducing inflamation, boost the immune system, and improve mental function. But don’t get carried away – it is very important to stick to one per day.

SENILE PRAYER Grant me the senility to forget the people that I have never liked; The good fortune to run into the ones that I do, and The eyesight to tell the difference.

AND REMEMBER You don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing.

AND FINALLY – CONFESSIONS I used to consider myself indecisive, but now I am not so sure.

If I agreed with you we would both be wrong.

ADVERTISING SECTION

PILATES ABC HENLEY

Sonning Common Wednesdays, 10 am + 11 am Shiplake Wednesday 6.30 pm + 8 pm

Pilates is an excellent way to unwind, improve your flexibility, muscle tone + posture. We work hard + have fun. Come + join us!

Booking essential. For more details contact Alyth Yealland [email protected] 07521699265 www.pilatesabc.co.uk

CHURCH FABRIC FUNDS ------CHRIST THE KING ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Are you making a will? Have you had a windfall? Wish to show gratitude for a special event? Want to see the church building preserved? Or just feeling generous? ------Then make a contribution to one or other of these Funds. Your money will be used ONLY for the preservation of the buildings. Contact the churchwardens

Nick Room – 0118 972 2258 or Richard Walker – 0118 327 6107

Advertising in this Contact for anyone interested in Neil Scott – 0118 972 magazine advertising in this magazine 3890 Church Fabric Funds Help preserve our churches for Nick Room – 0118 972 future generations 2258 Richard Walker – 0118 327 6107 Hiring Christ the King Lettings by arrangement – may Rosemary House – 0118 Hall be hired for moderate charges 972 2632

Hiring the Parish Room For hire at reasonable rates – Guy Johnson – 07920 children’s parties, small 100065 meetings/functions, baptism parties etc. Magazine articles Please send to Jenny MacGregor [email protected] – the deadline is 22nd monthly. Magazine delivery To arrange delivery of this Please contact one of the magazine to your home churchwardens. .

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Where services are held in the benefice churches there are restrictions on numbers able to attend. Please be guided by the stewards on arrival at St John’s and Christ the King.

A text version of the service will be distributed with the bulletin which includes details of the readings and Collect.

LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS For those able to access online services the Diocese of Oxford has a dedicated page on their website giving details of services at various times on a Sunday. https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19/livestream/

Principal Diocesan services are usually streamed at 10am and the service order is posted on a Friday.

For those without internet access the Diocesan service can be heard by telephoning 01865 920 930. Select 0 for the whole service or 1 for a shorter version. Standard call rates apply.

However, there are other services throughout the Diocese by parishes at other times of the day. Do take a look at what’s available.

PARISH DIRECTORY As this magazine is being delivered principally through on-line channels the directory has been removed to comply with data protection regulations. The benefice office is closed until further notice.

PRINCIPAL SERVICE LECTIONARY

Date St John’s Lessons Christ the King

1 April – Exodus 12. 1 – 14 Maundy 1 Corinthians 11. 23 – 26 Thursday John 13. 1 – 17 & 31b - 35 4 April – Easter Isaiah 25. 6 – 9 Day Acts 10. 34 – 43 John 20. 1 – 18 or Mark 16. 1 - 8 11 April – Exodus 14. 10 – end Second Sunday Acts 4. 32 – 35 of Easter John 20. 19 – end 18 April – Zephaniah 3. 14 – end Third Sunday Acts 3. 12 – 19 of Easter Luke 24. 36b – 48

25 April – Genesis 7. 1 – 5, 11 – 18 and Fourth Sunday 8. 6 – 18, and 9. 8 – 13 of Easter Acts 4. 5 – 12 John 10. 11 - 18 26 April – St Proverbs 15. 28 – end Mark the Ephesians 4. 7 - 16 Evangelist Mark 13. 5 – 13

Please check the weekly bulletins for updates on church services.