HRH Prince Philip
The churches of the Loddon Reach Benefice wish to send our condolences to the Queen and members of the royal family at the sad news of the death of HRH Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving consort to a monarch in British history. Prince Philip, whom the Queen described as her "strength and stay" during her record-breaking reign, passed away at Windsor Castle today. The palace said in a statement: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle." We will continue to hold the Queen and the whole royal family in our prayers, and to give thanks to God for the life of dedication and service of Prince Philip.
If you would like to send a message of condolence or if you would like to light a virtual candle please follow this link https://www.churchofengland.org/
A Prayer from the Church of England on the death of HRH Duke of Edinburgh
God of our Lives,
We give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,
For his love of our country,
And for his devotion to duty.
We entrust him now to your love and mercy,
Through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen
Church Services from 4th April 2021
All Saints, Swallowfield
Booking will not normally be required
• 1st Sunday, 10.30am, “First Sunday” service, informal worship, often lay-led.
• 2nd and 4th Sunday, 8am, Book of Common Prayer, traditional communion
• 3rd Sunday, 10.30am, Common Worship, Holy Communion
St Mary’s Shinfield
Booking required via the Benefice office email: or phone: 0118 988 5923, Mon-Thu, 9am-1pm
• 1st & 3rd Sunday, 8:00am Book of Common Prayer Communion
• Weekly 10.00am Family worship & craft via Zoom
• 2nd and 4th Sunday, 11am Holy Communion, with the option to attend via Zoom
St Michael & All Angels, Spencers Wood
• 10.30am Weekly Morning Praise with the option to attend via Zoom
Benefice Newsletter
The 56th Newsletter for Sunday 11th April 2021 follow this here
Zoom Coffee Lounge - will be open each Friday between 11.00am – 12.00noon for anyone who would like company, fellowship or someone to talk to
please click here
Resources
10.00am Sunday worship from the Oxford Diocese
9.00am Sunday worship from the Church of England
There's Diocesan Worship on Sundays and Holy Days on 01865 920930. You need to dial 0 for the short service or 1 for the full Church at Home
Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line. The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.
For anyone caring for someone in a care home or elsewhere, please click here for Visual Prayers at the bedside.
If anyone wishes to follow a liturgy for a funeral service they are unable to attend please click here
Reflections from Bishop Steven
Please click here
Bishop Steven podcast – A word for the weary
Bishop Steven podcast – Lamb of God
Bishop Steven podcast - You shall go out with joy
Prayer Resources
Daily prayer online
Daily prayer app Apple or Android
Lectio365 daily devotional prayer app Apple or Android
Bible app on your phone, click here or the Bible in one year are some examples
Wellbeing
Family life during lockdown This helpful guide has been put together by a range of agencies including the local NHS, local authorities and the Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership
Church of England supporting good Mental Health
Soul time Christian meditation & Mindfulness app for Apple or Android
3 minute retreat app Apple or Android or online
Sacred space online or Apple or Android
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time as we come together to work out how to do things differently but still staying connected.
Exploring Christianity
There are many ways to explore Christianity, but perhaps the best way is to simply come along to church. Here you will find a group of people who haven’t got all the answers, but are seeking after God and discovering together the joys and challenges of the journey of life and faith.
Study groups can also be helpful and we hold these regularly in the Benefice. We will advertise the next course in ‘Activities & Events’ page and also on the Benefice Calendar, so please do feel welcome to join us.
The following links to other websites provide information about the Christian faith:
At Loddon Reach Benefice we are exploring Christianity with the help of the Pilgrim Course:
What is Pilgrim?
Pilgrim is a major new teaching and discipleship resource from the Church of England. It aims to help every local church create a place where people can explore the Christian faith together and see how it can be lived out each day.
Pilgrim takes a different approach to other Christian programmes. It approaches the great issues of faith not through persuasion, but participation in a pattern of contemplation and discussion with a group of fellow travellers.
Pilgrim is comprised of two stages: the Follow stage for those very new to faith, and the Grow stage for those who want to go further. Each stage contains four short six-session courses which focus on a major theme of Christian life.
The dates of the next course will be advertised on our ‘Activities & Events’ page and also on the Benefice Calendar.
Beech Hill Bible study group
On Thursday mornings there is a Bible study group in the village – please contact Penelope Carter, tel 0118 988 3714 for more information.
St Michael's Library
A Christian library is available upstairs in the gallery for your use.
