Regular events during term time
Mondays
Pondering the Word in church from 11.00am to 12noon; all are welcome to this quiet reflective way of looking at the following week's Gospel (but not on 11th March).
The Monday Club runs from 1.30–4.30pm. Join it for friendship, laughter, crafts, exercise (table tennis, curling etc.) and board games. All welcome.
Tuesdays
Firm Believers is our Inter-Church fun-fitness class, from 7.00-7.45 pm. Suitable for all levels of fitness - go at your own pace. Wear any comfortable clothing and shoes. This is your chance to get fitter and slimmer. Relaxed atmosphere - come and give it a try for £5 a session (note change of fee). Stay on if you wish for tea, etc. and chat. Class resumes on Tuesday 8th January with professional trainer Jo Gallier. More details here. Fridays
The Parent Toddler group meets from 1.30-3.00pm in the Community Centre (but not on 15th March).
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Friday 1st March
The World Day of Prayer
Formerly called the Women’s World Day of Prayer, the 2019 service will be held at 2.00pm in the Petts Wood Methodist Church, Queensway (the church almost opposite Morrisons’ supermarket). The service this year has been written by the women of Slovenia (one of the smallest countries in Europe). The Slovenian women have chosen the theme “Come everything is ready!”. At the heart of the service is an open invitation for all to come to God’s table and we will hear the voices of some of those coming to the table, wives, mothers, and grandmothers. Women from our local churches will be taking part in this World Day of Prayer service and we look forward to seeing you at the Petts Wood Methodist Church, Queensway, Petts Wood.
Saturday 2nd March
First Holy Communion 2019
The Fifth preparation session will be held from 4.30-5.45pm in the Community Centre.
Monday 4th March
Eucharistic Ministers’ Meeting
At 8.00pm, in the church, there will be a meeting for all existing Eucharistic Ministers and anyone interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister.
Lenten Programme
Sunday 10th March
Week of Accompanied Prayer launch at URC Church on Willetts Way at 2.30pm followed by Stations of the Cross at 6.00pm here at St James’.
Stations of the Cross
Every Sunday in Lent at 4pm.
Tuesday 19th March
Film – "Pope Francis: A man of his word" at 8.00pm in the Community Centre.
Thursday 7th March
Easter Choir
After the success of the music at Christmas, we are asking for parishioners to come and join the choir to sing at the Easter services this year. Any parishioners are welcome to join us for these special services, but we do ask for commitment to the rehearsals as the music that we are singing is to enhance the liturgy over these special services. We will be rehearsing every Thursday until Easter, starting 28th February from 7:30-9.00pm in the church, and then every Thursday until the Triduum. We are really looking forward to seeing you there.
Lent Carbon Fast
As Christians, we are called to care – to care about and to care for Creation. We are invited to live more simply, reduce our ecological footprint and live in deeper harmony with all life on God’s earth. Our Justice and Peace Group has been working with 3rd Petts Wood Cubs to help our Parish to carry out some simple actions which could change the way we live and help us to think about our environment. On 10-11th March the Cubs will be selling their Carbon Fast Lent calendar for £1. Any profits will be shared between our Parish Project in the Philippines and purchasing trees for the Woodland Trust. Please support this Lent initiative if you can.
Saturday 9th March
Film Club Night
7.30pm in the Community Centre
Subsequent Film Nights so far arranged will be on Saturdays 13 April, 11 May, 15 June, 13 July, 14 September, 19 October and 16 November. Please note that because of licensing conditions, we are no longer permitted to advertise the title of films being shown. Look for notices in church or the printed copy of Briefly.
Sunday-Saturday 10-16th March
Week of Accompanied Prayer 2019
We are preparing for another Week of Accompanied Prayer. At its heart it is simple for participants. During the week they spend 30 minutes a day in private prayer anywhere, and then another 30 minutes a day, at a time of their choosing, with a Prayer Companion at St James'. A number of parishioners have already found it very helpful.
Monday 11th March
Confirmation 2019
The seventh preparation session is from 7.00-8.30pm.
Friday 15th March
This is CAFOD Lent Family Fast Day, a day when we can give up a meal, or make it a simple one, so what we save can be offered at the second collection this weekend. Please use one of the special envelopes if possible.
Saturday 16th March
Youth Group
The next session will be held in the Community Centre from 12-2.30pm.
First Holy Communion 2019
The seventh preparation session is from 4.30-5.45pm.
Sunday 17th March
YoungDementia UK
Zosia Bajorek will run the Reading Half Marathon to raise funds for YoungDementia UK, a charity which helps those suffering dementia but aged 30-65. If you would like to help please click here to sponsor Zosia.
Wednesday 27th March
Justice and Peace Group
The Group will meet on at 7.45pm in the Community Centre. All parishioners are assured of a warm welcome.