News 2009

Weekend away

Over 50 members spent the weekend together at Hebron Hall in South Wales on 11-13 September. It was a chance to spend some time together and get to know each other better. We met together for readings and singing, as well as a devotional and breaking of bread. There were also quizzes and games, and a trip to Cosmeston Country Park in beautiful sunny weather.

Thomas and Emily's baptisms

Emily and Thomas Bonewell were baptised on 20 August and we are delighted to welcome them as members. Emily and Tom are the children of Tim and Julia Bonewell and have been members of the Sunday School and Youth Circle.

Sunday School Prize Giving

The Sunday School Prize Giving on 12 July marked the end of a year of study. The children performed a play about Noah and it was fascinating to see the ark taking shape with some clever use of chairs, planks, ironing board and sheet. Mark Leinster gave a talk about Gifts and gave a practical demonstration of how good it feels when you give your mum a flower and say thank you.

Visit to Mapledurham

The members and children visited Mapledurham on 6 June, travelling up from Caversham. The weather was wet, but it was still relaxing to cruise up the river on the Caversham Princess. At Mapledurham, we visited the 15th century watermill, which is still used today, and the historic house with its view across the Thames. The evening was dry and we enjoyed a barbecue at Warfield Park.

Preaching in Georgia

Philip Ashforth visited Georgia in the first week of June, accompanied by our brother Sargis from Armenia. They shared the breaking of bread with our sisters there and visited contacts who are taking the CBM Bible correspondence course.

Evening of Praise

The Thames Valley Singing Group gave an Evening of Praise on 9 May with the theme Acquiring Confidence. They sang a number of pieces which they have been rehearsing over recent months, from “Cast thy burden upon the Lord” (from Mendelssohn’s Elijah) to “In Christ Alone” (a modern hymn by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty), interspersed with thoughts from Graham Jackman.

Preaching in the Czech Republic

David Dunstan and Adrian Triggs visited our members in the Czech Republic in March. As well as joining in the activities of the members in Prague, we made the journey to see our 86-year-old sister Jarmila, who lives in the mountains – she hadn’t seen anyone all winter and was very pleased to see us. We also managed to see several Bohemian castles on the way.

Candlelight Dinner

The Candlelight Dinner has now become a well-established event. This year it was held on 28 February. As uaual, the hall was transformed by the table decoration and the light of the candles, not to mention the live piano music. The food – a selection of starters, a carvery, and choice of desserts – was also excellent, as we enjoyed each other’s company in an informal setting.

Sunday School party

The annual Sunday School Party on 10 January started at 4 o'clock with games. As usual there was a good tea, followed by Tom and Jerry. The teachers performed their version of the story "The Smartest Giant in Town", with Nathan as the kindly giant who gave away his new clothes to those who had more need of them.