150th: Reflect, Renew, Revive
We are celebrating 150 years of worship and service.
On 4 December 1872 the foundation stones were laid for the new Wesley Church in Reading. The opening services were on 15 October 1873.
For the next few months we have a programme of worship and events.
Sunday 26 February: visit of Anthony Boateng, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. He preached on A Call for Revival.
You are welcome to join us at any of the events during the year.
The Lord is God and he has made his light shine upon us. (Psalm 118.27)
Highlights:
Sunday 4 December 2022 - Anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone
Sunday 26 February 2023 - Visit of Anthony Boateng (Methodist Vice-President)
Saturday 6 May - Coronation Big Tea
Sunday 9 July - Circuit Farewell to Rev. David Shaw
July - October - Photographic and Art exhibitions
Saturday & Sunday 9-10 September - Heritage weekend
Saturday & Sunday 14-15 October - Anniversary of 1873 opening
Anniversary year week by week
DATE |
ACTIVITY |
4 Dec |
Anniversary of laying of foundation stone. Launch of anniversary year. Advent 2 theme: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.’ Preacher: Rev. David Shaw |
11 Dec |
Preacher: Rev. Andrew de Ville. Advent 3 theme: Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man. |
16 Dec |
Candlelight Supper. |
18 Dec |
10.30am Junior
Church Nativity: Advent 4 theme: ‘Unto us a Boy is Born’. |
24 Dec |
5.30pm Candlelit carol service + communion. |
25 Dec |
Christmas: start series on the Fruit of the Spirit – 1. Love. Preacher: Rev. David Shaw |
1 Jan |
Fruit
of the Spirit 2. Joy. Preacher: Chris Marsh |
8 Jan |
Fruit of the Spirit 3. Peace. Covenant service. Preacher: Rev. David Shaw |
15 Jan |
Fruit
of the Spirit 4. Patience. Preacher: Rev. Martin Beukes |
22 Jan |
Terry Rowell preacher. Fruit of the Spirit 5. Kindness |
29 Jan |
Fruit of the Spirit 6. Goodness. Led by worship team |
5 Feb |
Rev. Tracey Darling preacher. Fruit of the Spirit 7. Faithfulness |
12 Feb |
Rev. Patrick Stonehewer preacher. Fruit of the Spirit 8. Gentleness |
19 Feb |
Fruit of the Spirit 9. Self-control. Preacher: Rev. David Shaw |
22 Feb 12.00 |
Ash
Wednesday. Communion service followed by lunch. |
26 Feb |
Visit
of Vice-president Anthony Boateng. Theme: A call for Revival |
2 April |
Palm Sunday Rev. Robert Barthram preacher |
6 April |
Maundy Thursday. Ecumenical service. |
7 April |
Good Friday. Family activities am; Service 5.00pm |
9 April |
Easter Sunday. Rev. David Shaw preaching |
30
April– |
Series on the gifts of the Holy Spirit in morning worship: 4 Sundays: 30/4, 7/5, 14/5, 21/5 |
7 May |
Coronation. Big Lunch after morning service |
28 May |
Pentecost Sunday |
11 June |
Rev. David Ellis to preach. |
25 June |
Songs of Praise worship |
2 July | Rev. James Garnett to preach. |
9 July |
3.00pm David Shaw farewell service. Rev. Andrew de Ville Chairman of District. Followed by refreshments. International event, in particular with Indian music, dance etc, and a tea with Indian snacks. |
|
|
9
July– |
Photographic and art exhibitions. |
15 July | Take Note Choir concert |
16
July– |
Bible Month |
3 Sept |
Rev. Martin Beukes – first service as Wesley's minister. |
9-10 Sept |
Heritage
weekend + Ride &
Stride Church decorations |
24
Sept |
Harvest plus bring and share lunch. |
1 Oct 6-8 October |
Rev.
John Schofield preacher. 3Generate |
14/15 Oct |
Anniversary
of church opening with Rev. Rob Cotton |