Welcome to Wokingham Methodist Church

We are now part of the Blackwater Valley Methodist Circuit, formed by the merger of our previous circuit, the Berkshire Surrey Borders Circuit, with the circuit to the south of us, the Hants-Surrey Border Circuit, effective from 1 September 2025.

Our previous minister, Revd Catherine Bowstead, has retired.  We welcome her replacement Rev Wes Hampton, from 1 September 2025.

Starting on Sunday 21^st September, evening service (with Holy Communion) will resume on the third Sunday of each month at the new time of 6.15 pm (new time chosen so you can park in the Rose Street car park without having to pay both an afternoon fee and an evening fee).

We now aim to open Little Fishes every Thursday throughout the year when Café Mosaic is open - including school holidays, but not Christmas/New Year.

Future worship and recorded services are on this page.

10.30am Morning Worship - Local Arrangement

 6.15pm Holy Communion - Rev Wes Hampton

Church Annual General Meeting, following a shortened morning service

from Rev Wes Hampton

Dear Friends,

Our Sunday lectionary readings this month contain stories from John’s Gospel that say something about who Jesus is, and involve characters who are challenged to believe in him.  Nicodemus, a woman in Samaria, a man born blind, and Martha, the sister of Lazarus, are all challenged to see the significance of who Jesus is, if they will put their trust in him.  These episodes all provide background to the Easter proclamation, when the witnesses to the Resurrection will articulate who Jesus is and what it means to believe in him.

The season of Lent began as a time of preparation for the celebration of Easter, in particular for those who would be baptized then.  As such, its focus was on confession and instruction.  Today, we tend to focus at Easter on the joy of new life, and on how God makes that possible.  Our readings from John’s Gospel help us to prepare, by reminding us of the new life that Jesus could offer to these four individuals and, by extension, to us and others.

So, let us use this season of Lent to get ready for Easter.  As we hear stories of new life again, let us look forward to sharing the good news that God offers new life to us all.

Wes

from Chris Rooke-Matthews

I have been surprised by, and grateful for the unusually mild winter this year.

For the past six months, following health issues, I have needed to become used to getting around without driving. My tolerant husband, and friends have come to the rescue when walking or bus journeys are not possible or practical.    

I give thanks for the small things which enrich our lives and experiences, and have a new appreciation of the area we live in.

Flowers blooming earlier in the year, a hedge full of berries where the birds have ignored them, in favour of other food, and birds and bees making an early appearance in the garden. Our surroundings are a constant reminder of God’s provision and kindness.

It has reminded me of this hymn, first learnt as a new teacher in a primary school. It can be found in Singing the Faith 92 where there are 8 verses covering a wide variety of wonderful opportunities to be grateful!   

Think of a world without any flowers,
think of a wood without any trees,
think of a sky without any sunshine,
think of the air without any breeze;
we thank you, Lord, for flowers and trees and sunshine;
we thank you, Lord, and praise your holy name.

Doreen E. Newport (1927-2004)
© 1969 Stainer & Bell Ltd,
Used by permission, CCLI Streaming Licence 583214

Some previous Pastoral Letters are available here.