The Parish Magazine December 2023

the parish noticeboard — 1
The Parish Magazine - December 2023 7
Preparing for Christmas: The Friends of St Andrew's Church (FoStAC) had a record number of volunteers turn
up to start preparing the Church for the thousands of visitors and regular church members we welcome for the annual
Christmas celebrations that include several school carol services as well as the traditional Advent and Christmas
celebrations such as an Advent Carol service, Nine Lessons and Carols, a Children's Crib service, a Family toy and
gift service, Midnight Mass, and of course, our Christmas Day Family Eucharist. The Trustees of FoStAC offer their
heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave up their Saturday morning to help with the annual Church clean. Their thanks
also go to those who provided the well-earned refreshments. The volunteers from every age group enabled all the nooks
and crannies of the church to be dusted, polished and vacuumed.
SUNDAY AT SIX
& THE BULL INN SONNING
BRING YOU...
BEERS
& CAROLS
6pm, sunday 10th december
family friendly,
everyone welcome
Farewell to Rev Kate
We gave Kate and her family a good send off on Sunday 29 October with a
congregational gift of £1,927 and other gifts from the PCC. There was a lovely
atmosphere at The Ark reception afterwards and special thanks to the Social
Committee. Her Induction as Vicar of St Peter’s Church, Earley, will be at 7pm
on Wednesday 3 January.
Future appointment?
A number of you have asked
when 'Kate’s replacement' will
be coming. Kate’s employment
was as a part-time maths
teacher and Chaplain of
Reading Blue Coat School.
It was providential at the
time of her appointment
there that we could offer an
informal arrangement whereby
she was licensed as a ‘Self
Supporting Minister’ in our
parish, and that we could offer
accommodation in return for 3
days service a week. The School
is making other arrangements
for her replacement, perhaps for
Keith Hawkins
Rev Kate thanks Sue Peters for making her leaving cake
that was enjoyed by everyone
Peter Rennie
a full time chaplain, as they had in the past. The simple answer to whether we
shall be able to welcome another ‘Self Supporting Minister’, with the capacity
to offer 3 days for housing in the future is 'I have no idea'! Please pray about
this. Jamie
Parish Christmas Lunch
Come and join us in The Ark on Tuesday 12 December at 12 noon for a
traditional festive lunch with carols and a visit from St. Nicholas. Wine, which
has been donated to Rendezvous, is included in the £10 price. Please contact
the parish office if you would like to book a place: 0118 969 3298