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’.
2.30pm Walking nativity around local streets. 

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.
In 84 Queen's Road

26 Feb

Visit of Vice-president Anthony Boateng. Theme: A call for Revival
10.30 Sunday worship, including ‘Oye! Oye!’ and other African songs, dance, etc; and lay witness / testimonies / other encouragements from the congregation
12.30 International bring & share lunch
Afternoon: youth seminar with Anthony Boateng; seminars; activities
4.00pm approx: Finish with tea and short act of worship

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–
21 May

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–
31 Oct

Photographic and art exhibitions.

 15 July

 Take Note Choir concert

16 July–
6 Aug

Bible Month

3 Sept

Rev. Martin Beukes – first service as Wesley's minister.

9-10 Sept

Heritage weekend + Ride & Stride

Church decorations
 ‘History of Wesley’ book.
Saturday: Treasure hunt. Tours/talks about the church; organ workshop and evening recital by Christopher Cipkin
Sunday: Rev. Jim Booth preacher.

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
Saturday: Ceilidh [barn dance] with music, dancing, food. 
Sunday: Morning worship with Rev. Rob Cotton, followed by bring & share lunch.