We are a joint pastorate of United Reformed Churches in Reading with a shared ministry team of Robert Barthram and Richard Becher and we invite you to come and visit at one of our churches situated across Reading. The United Reformed Church doctrine is from the Reformed tradition and was formed by the amalgamation of the Prestbyterian and Congregational Churches of England and then later with the Churches of Christ. You will be made very welcome.

Tuesday 7th May saw a very special service of celebration at St Andrew's URC, Reading to welcome Revd. Richard Becher and Revd.Steve Sankey to the Hospital Chaplaincy team led by senior Chaplain Revd Bob Simmonds.
The service saw Richard and Steve being 'Sent' out by Revd Clare Downing, Moderator, URC Wessex Synod and Revd David Shaw, Superintendent, Reading and Silchester Methodist Circuit and representatives from the hospital ‘Receiving’ them into the hospital community.

RBH Medical Director Alistair Flowerdew spoke of the importance of Spiritual care for the RBH staff and patients and how it must sit alongside Quality Medical Care.

Most times the symbols of our Christian faith speak for themselves, the Cross, the dove, a fish, a chalice, but at times, our Christian symbolism is not quite appropriate to the meaning that they bear.
Take the Easter lily for example, sign of the resurrection. White and fragile, its silent graceful trumpet greets the light of March or April only under the fierce glare and warmth of florists' lamps in sheltered glass houses.
Search as you will, you will never see them blooming in gardens before July or August.
But the dandelion, now there is a fitting flower for Easter!
Seeded by the gay abandoned winds, as every angry gardener knows only too well, no matter how deep they dig, the root of a dandelion deeper grows. And when, at last they quit, exhausted, thinking they have won, the rain falls, and a host of fresh and bright new leaves and flowers stand resurrected and the garden glows with new life once more.

S. Esiotrot

Join us at St Andrew's URC to celebrate
AFRICA DAY

Music - Dance -‘Taste of Africa’ Buffet
on Saturday 15 June 2013 from 4.30pm

Tickets are priced £ 5.00 or £ 15.00 for a family ticket which includes a 'Taste of Africa' Buffet and a wide range of entertainment.
See link to St Andrew's URC for further details