All Saints Church – article in June 2016 Village Views
On Sunday 10th April, just two weeks after his mother Jessica-May was baptised and confirmed by the Bishop of Reading on Easter Eve at Reading Minster, baby Jacob Quelch was baptised.
On a cold but bright Sunday, parents Craig and Jessica-May brought Jacob with about forty family and friends, including seven very attentive children, to All Saints Church, where Revd Martin Cawte led the ceremony of welcoming Jacob into the church.
Jacob’s Godmother, Mollie – sister of Jessica-May and aunt of Jacob – was also baptised and confirmed by Bishop Andrew on Easter Eve. This meant that Mollie for the first time was able to exercise the Christian responsibility of being a Godmother. Craig Williams, a friend of Craig Quelch – father of baby Jacob, was Godfather.
During the service, the Revd Martin Cawte presented Jacob with a children’s bible and a baptism candle. The children at the service who had previously been baptised are encouraged by their vicar to take their candles when they are invited to a Christening. Godmother Mollie, using Jacob’s candle, lit those brought along by the little girls. Martin also presented baptism certificates to Jacob’s parents and Godparents. The church welcomed a very generous donation from Jacob’s parents. They warmly thanked Martin for the very enjoyable service.
The Annual Meeting of East Garston Parishioners was held on 18th April to elect Churchwardens for the coming year. I was elected to serve for another year. I am very pleased that Dawn Tonge has agreed to serve as the second Churchwarden and naturally she was endorsed in that role by all present.
At the following Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Vikki Brooks, Rachel Brown, Annette Furneaux and Karen Sperry were re-elected to the PCC. Two new members, Rowland Cobbold and Thomas Coleman, were elected and welcomed to the PCC. The Vicar paid tribute to Rachel Brown for her years of service as Treasurer on this occasion as she was not wishing to stand for re-election. Subsequently, at the first PCC meeting, Karen was re-elected as Secretary and Thomas was elected as Treasurer.
All Saints Church will be at the Garstonbury Festival on 11th June. We would be very grateful to anyone who would donate cupcakes, tray bakes, Victoria sponges, flapjacks, meringues or biscuits that we can sell. Please call me (648646) to arrange collection or delivery.
Please add 2nd July to your diaries for a Safari Supper in East Garston.
Bob Briant
Churchwarden