Welcome to the website of St Paul's, St Luke's and St Peter's

Our buildings are closed but church is not!

Church is more than just a building.  An update on what we are doing and can do during this pandemic.

What is the church doing?

As you know our buildings are closed and we are not able to run home groups, parent and toddlers, coffee morning, Messy Church, Who let the dads out or even hold a prayer meeting. At the moment our church hall at St Paul's is still being used by the pre-school to provide care for the children of key workers. Thank God, there are lots of fantastic free resources (see here) available to help us give and receive help, and to help us grow in faith.  

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The role of the church (that is all of us) in this current time is provide the encouragement that people need to love and support each other. king up on people; others will be a place of calm amidst the storm. We all have a role, and we are all playing a vital part, even if that part involves staying at home and apparently doing very little. It is hard for us all, and we need to draw on the grace of God, however we best connect with God.

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For information on resources for Easter and planned services please see our news page here.

What are the clergy doing?

Richard, as your parish priest, is working in very different ways. He is coordinating our church ministry team as we attempt to ensure that everyone has someone to phone them or shop for them. He is trying to do the same in his street, and for the clergy around the Deanery. We are trying to create a phone line for any NHS staff who need someone to talk to.

Cathy Pynn is co-ordinating a group that will deliver people's prescriptions. I am in regular contact with Rob and Gill in the other parishes in the benefice. We are all working on morale building and practical help projects.

What can I do to help?

During these difficult times we are trying to make sure that nobody is in want or danger. We are trying to match the many of you who wish to help neighbours and friends with the many who need help.

We are following in the footsteps of Jesus, who taught us to care for the lonely and the vulnerable (see Matt 25.31-46). And we are doing this alongside people of all faiths and none, again as Jesus taught us (Mark 9.40).

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If you have spare capacity to help with shopping, collecting prescriptions, phoning lonely people, or helping at a physical depot for emergency food supplies, please register as a volunteer with Tadley Helpers, via this link: Tadley Helpers https://sites.google.com/view/tadleyhelpers/home  (some of these roles can be done, even if you are self isolating) the site will allow you to specify when you are available and what you can offer to do. When you register, please have your DBS certificate available, if you have one (don't worry, if you don't).

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If you or anyone you know needs anything practical: emergency food, shopping, prescriptions, dog walking, then phone: 0118 9814538

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If you need prayer, a listening ear or just a friendly voice, then phone your church minister or me (01189814860) or The Samaritans (116 123)

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In the next few days, we expect to open a Tadley Hub for the distribution of emergency food and supplies, based at The Point (youth hub behind The Link, Tadley Community Centre). As churches we want to be fully committed to this government supported project to make sure no-one is left without the basics that they need. Please pray for Mandy Atkinson, who is leading this Hub, for Sarah and Ben Nash, who are running Tadley Helpers, and for Alex Medd, who is managing the prescription collection service.

Where are we going as a parish?

Nobody knows how long this epidemic will last and what impact it will have on the world. We pray that it will lead to a kinder, greener, safer world, but that will only be achieved by God's grace and our prayer and action towards that objective. We do know that world economies are being hit hard and many people are losing jobs or income. It will be a challenge not to fall back into austerity and despair. We will face this together. We are committed to support and care for all our church members, we have a fellowship fund to help any who are hitting hard times. We also want to be a force for good in our community as it rebuilds after the epidemic.

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All this requires us to be resilient and faithful. We need to rethink how we use our time, energy, buildings and resources. We also need to ensure that we have enough income to meet our necessary expenses. As a church we have seen our regular income halve. Even after we have made the cutbacks that we can, and the savings from not heating our buildings, we are paying out about £3000 more per month than we have coming in.  I wonder if you can help us at all? Of course, you must look after your family first, but if you have any capacity, would you consider increasing your giving by standing order or Parish Giving Scheme (PGS*) for the next few months? You can change the amount you give via PGS by phoning 01452 835595 or emailing them at info@parishgivingscheme.org.uk If you need help with how to do this, please use our contact page here.

If you give cash or through the envelope scheme, could you give by cheque for the next few months? If you wish to do so, please make cheques to Tadley with Pamber Heath PCC and post them to: Myles Ridley, 14 Maple Grove, Tadley, RG26 4ND.

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Once this epidemic passes due to the amazing work of our government, NHS and all our citizens, we will have to rebuild our lives and communities. We'll be ready to respond as a community to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In the meantime, we can begin to dream about the kind of community that we want to create.

Three Buildings ... One Church

Our buildings may be currently closed but here is some information on them.

St Paul's and St Luke's buildings are fully accessible. We regret that, due to its age and location, St Peter's is not wheelchair accessible, and is not equipped with a hearing loop.

FAQ

The Answers You Need