Holy Trinity Church Theale
From the Rectory:
I hope many of you were able to share in the spectacular community celebrations on 3rd and 4th December. It was a privilege to be part of the lighting up festivities and in particular to take part in the amazing Nativity wonderfully and appropriately acted out in the garden of the Falcon Inn starring 15 children from Theale Primary School, 2 donkeys and 5 sheep in front of a huge family audience. It was certainly my first experience of working with animals (the Vicar of Dibley springs to mind!) who I have to say were as easy and flexible as the children. It was a brilliant way to remind us all of some of the stark realities behind Our Lord being born in a stable and sleeping in a food trough.
The Toy and Christingle service the next day was equally memorable. The service began in the school hall and included a beautiful item from the school choir as well as an amusing sketch, an interactive quiz and a nativity tableau. The congregation of 200 adults and children processed with lighted Christingles from the hall into the darkened church and sang with enormous enthusiasm Shine Jesus Shine as we celebrated the coming of the Light of the World. My prayer for us all this Christmas and New Year is that we may experience His transforming light in our everyday lives.
We hope that our Toy and Christingle Service will be the first of many informal Family Services. There will be a group meeting in the New Year to plan these and I would love to hear from anyone willing to help and support in any way.
The Christian life is full of new beginnings but the start of a new calendar year brings its own special opportunities. As a result of our Way Ahead Day in November and numerous conversations we will be organising at least 2 different midweek groups which will meet fortnightly initially for 8 sessions. One of these will be a ‘Christian basics’ group providing a chance to explore the fundamentals of the Christian faith. This will cater for anyone wanting to know more about Christianity or any adult wishing to explore Confirmation or simply anyone wanting a refresher course. There will also be at least one bible study /housegroup which will look together at one of the New Testament letters and explore its relevance for today. I shall be writing to everyone on the electoral roll inviting them to sign up for a group. Please let me know if you do not receive a letter. I hope very much we can offer a suitable time to all those who would like to be involved in a small group which many Christians today find is one of the most effective way of growing spiritually.
May I also draw your attention to some of the other events of the New Year: first our Burns Night Supper on Friday 27th January in the Primary School Hall followed by Back to Church Sunday on 29th January. There will be an important Quiet Away Day on Saturday 18th February from 10am – 2pm which will be a great way to begin Lent.
So may I end by wishing you all a joyful and peaceful New Year.
Ann Templeman
