Cells

We are a ‘Cell’ church. This means that members are involved in a small group called a Cell and will number between 8 and 16 members. These Cells are overseen by District Leaders. These groups have a pastoral responsibility for each other and meet weekly. These groups are ...

For more information contact Debbie Heppolette on debbie.heppolette@ntlworld.com or phone (0118) 967-0464.

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Alpha is a ten week course where people are given the chance to discuss the big questions of life in an open and unthreatening way. The course is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, or religious beliefs or background.

The evenings start at 19:30 and include a meal, talk (via DVD) and discussion groups and finishes at 21:45. The course is held up to three times a year. The next course will start in early January.

For more information ring Terese on (0118) 966-4474 or email alpha@brooksidechurch.org.uk.

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Youth

Brookside Church has a rich history and heritage in working with young people. Our heart and desire as a youth team continues to be firmly committed to promoting radical and relevant Christianity to both churched and unchurched young people. We recognise that the life-changing message of Jesus is timelessly relevant and the only chance many young people have to find real hope, love and acceptance.

We run a number of activities and groups including;

Back to Mine – is our fortnightly Cell Group evening. We meet at Brookside from around 17:00 to enjoy spending time together, watching films, eating dinner and, if absolutely necessary, finishing homework. Then, from about 19:30 we begin to chat about the things God is saying to us and how we can get to grips with how he wants us to live in a way that benefits His world. Back to Mine is where we really get the opportunity to grow in community together, and in our understanding of God, His word, and His purpose for our lives.

The Next Big Thing – is our weekly time together on Sunday mornings meeting from around 11:00. The sessions are led by different members of the youth team and usually follow a version of the teaching series being followed by the wider church. We intersperse these sessions with prayer mornings and the odd game of rounders in the park if the weather’s nice.

JAC (Just Around the Corner) – is a local charity that works with young people and families in East Reading helping them through difficulties and encouraging them to make positive choices. We have teams of youth workers who go out on Wednesday afternoons and Friday evenings, spending time with groups of young people at various locations around Lower Earley, building relationships with young people and children around the area. Through this work, we are able to get alongside young people, helping them chat through difficulties they face and ultimately showing Jesus in a relevant way.

We are also involved in inputting into local secondary schools through detached work, mentoring programmes, Christian Unions and assemblies. In addition to partnering other churches and organisations around Reading in planning and delivering cross-town youth initiatives.

For more information ring Chris on (0118) 966-4474 or email cdoughty@brooksidechurch.org.uk.

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Children

We wish to see Christian families worshipping and praying together

We recognise that whilst the primary responsibility for bringing children up lies with parents, the wider church family also needs to help and support children and this is how we view the purpose of the children’s ministry at Brookside Church.

Through the Brookside Children’s ministry we want to see children:

• introduced to Jesus as their own personal Saviour
• gain a knowledge and understanding of the bible
• encouraged to pray and worship
• helped to effectively witness to their friends
• prepared for teenage years secure in their relationship with God
• become active members of Brookside Church

At the heart of the children’s ministry are our Sunday morning groups:

Crèche - 0 – 3 year olds
Saplings - 3 – 5 year olds
10:55 Lower - 5 – 7 year olds
10:55 Upper - 7 – 11 year olds

Every Sunday we cater for around 40 – 50 under 12’s and each group is led by a dedicated group of leaders and helpers who help children learn what it means to know God and follow him.

For more information contact Debbie Heppolette on debbie.heppolette@ntlworld.com or phone (0118) 967-0464.

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Worship

For more information contact Dave & Helen Banthorpe on dave_banthorpe@msn.com or helen_banthorpe@msn.com, or phone (0118) 967-1160.

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Busy Bees

Busy Bees is a friendly parent and toddler group that meets on Monday mornings 10.00 am - 11.20 am.   We have a freeplay session until about 11.00 when we break for a drink and biscuit for the children and tea or coffee for the adults, finishing with a time of singing. Everyone welcome.

For more details please contact Jo Gordon on 01189 662098.

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Open Door

Open Door is a time for people to gather, have coffee, chat and make new friends. It meets from 14:00 to 16:00 on Wednesday afternoons at Brookside. It is open to anyone.

For more information contact Hilary Stoneman on hilarystoneman@fish.co.uk or phone (0118) 926-1341

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Needles & Pins

Our aims are to make friendships and share skills in all kinds of needlecraft.  We meet the first Thursday of each month at 19:00 and on the third Wednesday of each month at 13:00 when we join with Open Door.  The meetings are usually at Brookside.  See the 'Calendar' tab for details of our next meeting.  Come as and when you can - you are most welcome!

For more information contact Ann Marcham on annmarcham@talk21.com or phone (0118) 931-3552

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