#483 No cats at the Rectory!
Your intrepid reporter has been out and about this week and after a visit to the Rectory can now bring you this exclusive interview with our new Rector, Fr Sam.
- What is you favourite cheese?
- I am a massive cheese fan! I particularly like Cheshire and Comté, along with soft English cheeses like Rollright. I also adore cheese with truffle in it — it’s a dangerous thing for me to have in the house.
- Do you prefer dogs or cats?
- I hope I will warm your heart, Bertie, when I say that cats and I don’t get on — I’m allergic to them and have to carry anti-histamines with me at all times in case of an unexpected encounter! But I love dogs, and you can expect to see my parents’ goldendoodle Ruby staying at the Rectory from time to time.
- Have you finished unpacking yet?
- I am currently sitting next to a pile of boxes that is taller than me — so not yet! But the Rectory is taking shape and feeling like home. All the problems have been sent to the garage to be dealt with later on!
- What attracted you to St Paul’s Parish?
- There were many things that appealed to me about this parish. I already knew Wokingham a little, and the parish by reputation, and I was attracted by the energy, the variety of worship, the schools, and the optimism that I encountered both in the profile and in my visits. On my first visit, I came away thinking, ‘this parish is really right for me’, and the more time I spend in and around it, the more I feel it.
- How did your wedding go?
- Actually weddings in the plural! We had two ceremonies: one in church and one in the Hindu temple. They were both amazing days, with moving and beautiful ceremonies at their hearts and lovely celebrations afterwards. It’s a lot of work organising two weddings in a weekend — but we absolutely loved it.
- How many coffee shops have you visited in Wokingham?
- Just two so far — but I’m working on it!
Thank you Fr Sam for this very intersting revelation, and for the generous chunk of Cheshire Cheese!
Could I just make it clear to my readers that I do not hate cats! I have a very healthy wariness for our feline friends, although I have a reasonable working with relationship with the cats that occasionally visit the churchyard. I just feel a little uncomfortable in their presence. Bertie.
Service next Thursday
The main event is almost upon us. Thursday 28th August at 7:30pm. The Institution, Induction and Installation of Fr Sam as Rector, and the Licensing of Cara as Associate Minister. This will be an exciting service presided over by Bishop Mary, Bishop of Reading. The event will be live-stream for those unable to be there in person. It will also be signed using BSL for anyone hard of hearing.
This will be followed up with a joint service for all three churches on Sunday 31st August at 9:30am in St Pauls. The service will be presided over by both Fr Sam and Cara.
This Sunday
This Sunday is the 10th Sunday after Trinity. At St Paul’s the 9:30 service will be conducted by Rev’d Graham Theobold. The music before and after the service and during communion will be:
- Prelude: Elegy – George Thalben-Ball
- Communion: ‘ii. Largo’ from Trio Sonata No.2 in C Minor – J.S. Bach
- Voluntary: Sun Dance – Bob Chilcott
All played by Dominic Wong.
At Woosehill the 10:00 Methodist Holy Commion service will be taken by Rev’d Jackie Case.
The 11:00 Community Eucharist at St Nicks will be celebrated by Judi Hattaway.
Thank you from Mthr Jane
I received this message this week from Mthr Jane:
Dear Bertie
Please will you thank everyone for the lovely flowers and for all the kind things that were said to me after the service on Sunday. It has been a great joy and privilege to be a part of the St Paul’s, St Nick’s and Woosehill community and to share worship with you. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you begin this new phase of your church life
May God richly bless you all.
With my love
Mother Jane
