Services

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From 2nd December we are in Tier 2 but WE CAN MEET FOR WORSHIP

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From 2nd December we are in Tier 2 but WE CAN MEET FOR WORSHIP

From Wednesday 2nd December communal worship can resume. West Berkshire is in 'High Alert' tier level 2; this mean PLACES OF WORSHIP are Open, but you “cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble” when you’re in the building.

Church buildings continue to be OPEN for Private Prayer (details below); the Community Post Office in St Stephen’s church centre will continue to open on Monday and Friday mornings.

For details of church services please see our events page or look at the page for each church.

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Benefice Holy Communion celebrated for first time by Revd Katy Weston

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Benefice Holy Communion celebrated for first time by Revd Katy Weston

St Stephen's was as full as is allowed by social distancing for Katy's first service as 'priest' - celebrating the Eucharist for the first time.

Katy’s supervisor Revd Derek Spears preached about the significance of Holy Communion, how Jesus instituted it with symbols of love and openness and that it reminds us Jesus is with us today. He taught us that the Latin for priests in Ancient Rome was 'pontifex' which is literally 'bridge-maker'. Using as his text "you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood"(1 Peter 2:9), he reminded us in his sermon that we are all priests together with Katy. We are all called to be bridge makers and connect people with God. As Jesus our great high priest connects us with God, he is the great bridge builder and we share in that ministry.

You can watch the service on our YouTube channel.

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Revd Katy Weston priested at Reading Minster 19 September 2020

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Revd Katy Weston priested at Reading Minster 19 September 2020

This Michaelmas the ordination of Priests and Deacons took place at a number of churches.

Katy was 'priested' at Reading Minster by Bishop Olivia, along with two others at a socially distanced service to which only a few could be invited. Go to main article for link to livestream

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Church Services have started - BACK in the BUILDING

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Church Services have started - BACK in the BUILDING

From Sunday August 16th in St. Stephen's church; we started with Morning Worship and will have Benefice Communion here on Sunday 30th August.

It's been deep cleaned and well aired, and anti-coronavirus precautions are in place. The photos below show you what to expect in the way of socially distanced seating and hand cleansing dispensers. Sidespeople will be there to help. There will be a through draft in the church as we will keep the street facing doors open. A one way system will be in operation using both church doors and a toilet will be open. No books will be available but the words and prayers will be on the screen. We hope to see you there and have a socially distanced chat outside the church after the service.