First Pilgrim course to be run at All Saints successfully completed

The first Pilgrim course to be run at All Saints Church has been successfully completed this Lent. About 8 people with two course leaders followed a 6 week course entitled "Turning to Christ". For at least one member of the course it was part of a journey towards Confirmation which will take place at All Saints Church on Ascension Day 14th May.

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy coming to All Saints

Dame Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, is coming to All Saints Church to give a show in December it has been announced. More details will be announced later...

Young choir members awarded medals

Seven young choir members in All Saints Church Choir have been awarded medals by the Royal School of Church Music; four candidates at silver level and three at bronze level. All passed with flying colours receiving either commendation or high commendation. At a special ceremony in the Parish Communion service on 26th April the seven will be presented with their medals and ribbons. Another three children will be presented with blue ribbons for having made excellent progress as junior choristers and the newest junior chorister will be presented with her surplice and admitted into full choir membership.

Director of Music Richard Smith said: "It's a remarkable result, and a credit to them, to their parents, and to all who support our work at All Saints in giving the best possible experience to our young people."

All Saints gets Government money towards repair of roof sections

Photo: M. Woodham

All Saints Church's application to the Government's recently -introduced church roof repairs grant scheme has been successful. The church was awarded the £19,800 asked for as a contribution to the repair of sections of the roof over the South aisle and the valley between inner (clergy) vestry and the Chancel. 

Churchwarden Anne King said: "I am delighted to report that we have been awarded the grant.Combined with the enthusiasm of the Church Commissioners to get their part of the building sorted, the East end of the church should be properly watertight quite soon."

The Church Commissioners of England, in the case of our church among some others,  are responsible for the cost of 90% of any necessary repairs to the Chancel section of the Church. This is an historic arrangement which continues to apply today.

Scenes and news from Good Friday with All Saints Church

Canon David Hodgson carries the Cross the final yards through the market place

The church may have been stripped of all colour and ornament for the solemn day but it certainly was not empty of people this Good Friday. Services and events throughout the morning were well-attended. The day began with the traditional Solemn Liturgy including the proclamation of the Cross and evocative music led by All Saints Church Choir. 


A more lively atmosphere ensued in The Cornerstone with hot cross buns and coffee as the congregation of the Solemn Liturgy mingled with those arriving for Messy Church. After coffee, families with children and young people moved into church to place in the "Easter garden" representations of the Cross and other figures from the Easter story;  and then returned to the Cornerstone for a Messy Church session of Good Friday-themed crafts and activities. 

John Boylan, Authorised Preacher at All Saints, playing the
 role of  Pontius Pilate

Later in the morning the church filled again as members of all the churches, and the Town Mayor and Mayoress Cllr and Mrs Martin Bishop,  gathered to prepare to walk in witness; processing the  Churches Together in Wokingham Cross - held this year by All Saints - along Rose Street and into the Market Square to signal the start of the Wokingham Community Passion Play.




All Saints Rector Canon David Hodgson led the procession of the Cross into the Market Square; where other members of All Saints Church were also involved in the Passion Play.

Forgiveness exhibition - new book just published

If you appreciated The F Word exhibition about forgiveness in All Saints Church last month The Forgiveness Project has now published a book about forgiveness - you can get a copy at a good price delivered free to our local bookshop from Hive.co.uk Buy The Forgiveness Project: Stories For A Vengeful Age - Book - online at Hive.co.uk http://ow.ly/L40FK

Graham Kendrick coming to All Saints this summer

Renowned songwriter and worship leader Graham Kendrick will lead an evening event at All Saints as part of the Wokingham Summer Music. Graham is the creator of such well-established worship songs and hymns as Servant King , Meekness and Majesty and many  many others. The events takes place on Friday 19th June Tickets are available now from  https://www.wegottickets.com/event/315067  Under 19s go free with an adult.