It’s a very British characteristic to talk about the weather. But right now (end of June) it is most definitely the hot topic of conversation (no pun intended.) That’s because the temperatures are through the roof. Meltingly hot. Too much. Something else. Something else which is ‘something else’ is the commitment shown by many to the various voluntary roles they undertake.Friendly, close-knit communities do not happen by accident. They’re built on the kindness and dedication of people who care about people. There are roles without a name which happen under the radar but are invaluable. Like the reliable neighbour who is always there to lend a hand, offer a lift, bring in the bins when we’re away. There are the temporary roles which enlist our help at one-off community events such as concerts or fundraisers. There are those which are more permanent, like running youth organisations, serving as church or parish councillors, editing the parish magazine or putting on a hat which says ‘treasurer’ or ‘secretary’ of a committee. And there are many more besides and we are grateful for each and every one. There is one particular voluntary role within our churches which I’d like to mention now, and it’s that of Churchwarden.What, you may wonder, does the being a Churchwarden involve? (You may wonder the same about the vicar but that’s for another article all together!) It just so happens that the annual ‘Visitation and Admission of Churchwardens’ took place at Dorchester Abbey recently. This is often referred to as the ‘swearing in’ of Churchwardens and is attended both by them and their supporters from across the area. In this year’s welcome, the Archdeacon said: “This is first and foremost an act of worship, in which we give thanks to God for his faithfulness to us and to our churches. It is also an important opportunity for us to give thanks to and for our Churchwardens, and to thank them for their commitment, dedication and sheer hard work in serving our parishes in a thousand and one practical ways.”Among the Churchwardens’ responsibilities named during the service are: “Sharing the administration of the parish and care of church buildings with the clergy. Promoting the mission of the Church, which is pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, and caring for the property and ornaments of the church.” The Churchwardens solemnly swear to fulfil these duties ‘with the help of God’. This is followed with prayer and a directive to the congregation to welcome their Churchwardens with joy and treat them with love and respect. Plenty of applause follows and rightly so.As someone who is still fairly new in post, I’m aware of just how much responsibility and extra work was required of Churchwardens during the vacancy, and which has continued during my settling in period. To them, the members of our PCCs and all who work so incredibly hard within our churches and across the community, a huge thank you on behalf of us all.With every blessing, Rev’d Jane
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I am an idiot! Having lived in Henley and attended St Margaret’s for 9 years now, I have enjoyed the services BUT have not always been able to hear everything. Whether it is the Celebrant taking the communion service, a reader, a prayer leader, or even the sermon. I could not always hear everything. If you wear hearing aids, and like me do not always hear everything, you may like to know the following. I found out a few days ago that St Margaret’s has a LOOP system in the church. I did not know what a loop system was or how it worked until I asked my hearing aid gentleman from Hart Street. He took my hearing aids, and through his computer, added a LOOP programme to the hearing aids. It took minutes, but it could depend on your hearing aids so you would have to ask. Yesterday’s service was fantastic. I could hear everything direct into my ears. As people say, I am still on cloud nine. If like me you have been missing out, this message may be useful. James F
Beautiful 'Greatest Gift' wall (or standing) picture available for 'pre-order'. (Please see the attached image by clicking on "Download" on the right). Shelagh and David have produced this most beautiful ''Greatest Gift' picture, which was given to all the Sunday School children on Easter Day.This is a perfect gift for all young people, of any age, to receive. Please feel free to order as many as you'd like to make a perfect Christening, Confirmation, Birthday, Christmas, or - ''just because I love you/ you're special'' Present.To place your order for this wonderful gift, please contact David at benefice.sdh@gmail.com and either give £10 cash or BACs transfer.Funds raised will go towards Sunday School equipment and future events for children's outreach programs.
We have a new address for our benefice website: www.achurchnearyou.com/Shiplake-Dunsden-HarpsdenAlthough anyone who types that in will actually be automatically redirected to (these) our current pages https://www.achurchnearyou.com/benefice/27-442AP/ (so that address can still be used too) but the new address is much clearer and easier to share and remember. If there is anything you want to see on the website, or anything you spot that is out of date, please do let me know by email on webeditor.sdh@gmail.comWe have now changed the administrator on the Facebook page and are updating it occasionally, but this website and the weekly Benefice Newsletter are the most up to date places for news. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shiplakedunsdenharpsdenInvestigation has revealed that the old website https://www.shiplakedunsdenharpsden.org.uk/index_php.html had previously been closed down but it seems the name has been re-registered and some of the old content cloned. It is causing confusion so please tell people the correct website address and if you want the full story or have any ideas on how to get it closed down, please get in touch. Many thanks and best wishesVic Email: webeditor.sdh@gmail.com
Church Lane repairThe repair is now scheduled for July! Access to the church and college will not be permitted unless it is for an emergency or by foot but any work is overnight . Access for residents only will be provided but whilst they are working they will ask them to avoid the use of the lane if at all possible. They will also place a road closure on the A4155 Reading road for the purpose of storing delivery vehicles, machinery and are possibly looking at completing some additional work on this road at the same time. Whilst they appreciate that this will be inconvenient for residents, a full signed diversion will be in place for the two or three overnight shifts. They will also be putting out advanced signage two weeks before the works and will also be writing to everyone concerned to provide more information about the works, timing etc.