The The Bishop of Reading is going on a pilgrimage with a difference – one that will take place entirely on water.
The Rt Revd Andrew Proud, who is responsible for the “old Berkshire” part of the Diocese of Oxford, is to spend a week aboard a narrowboat on the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Thames as a way of getting to know his patch and encouraging the clergy in Berkshire to take time out from their busy lives. Each evening he will hold a service in nearby churches to which everyone is welcome.
His journey starts in Newbury in the west on 30 May April and ends in Windsor in the east a week later. He will be accompanied by his wife Dr Janice Proud and his chaplain for the week, the Revd Graeme Fancourt. Along the way he hopes to raise money for WaterAid in Ethiopia – where he served as a bishop before moving to Reading a year ago.
“The Area I serve is vast, and its shape makes it very difficult for us to feel connected to each other,” says Bishop Andrew.
“A year into my time here, I decided I wanted to do something to bring as many of us together as possible, to help me understand the Area better. I’m hoping this will be a chance for us to draw breath and reflect on the fast pace of our life in Berkshire.
“With that in mind, I’ve invited some of the clergy to join me, each day, free from the business of running the Church, to see how and where we can make more room for God in our lives and our communities.”
Bishop Andrew hopes as many people as possible will join him for the evening services in their locality. "Please help me to make the best of this pilgrimage," he says. "Please prayer for us, that we shall all be touched by the renewing love of the God."
The route is as follows, although please note that timings are approximate. Photo opportunities and interviews will be available by arrangement at the beginning and end of the day.
Monday 30 April
5:00pm, arrive at the boat at Newbury Lock
7:00pm, leave boat at Newbury Lock for 8pm Service at St Nicolas, Newbury
Overnight at Newbury Lock
Tuesday 1 May: Day 1 Clergy Retreat: Newbury to Aldermaston
Newbury commuters’ breakfast at St. Nicholas’ church from 6:00am
9am, set sail from Newbury Lock
5-6pm, arrive Aldermaston Wharf
7pm, leave for 8pm Service at St Mary's Aldermaston
Overnight at Aldermaston Wharf
Wednesday 2 May: Day 2 Clergy Retreat: Aldermaston to Reading
9am, set sail from Aldermaston Wharf
5-6pm, arrive The Bel and Dragon, Gas Works Lane, Reading
7pm, leave boat for 8pm Service at Reading Minster
Overnight at Bel and Dragon, Reading
Thursday 3 May Day 3 Clergy Retreat: Reading to Sonning
6am, Commuters' Breakfast, St Laurence's Church, Reading
10am set sail (tbc) from Reading
3pm, arrive Sonning Bridge
7pm, leave boat for 8pm Service at St Andrew's Sonning
Overnight at Sonning Bridge
Friday 4 May, Day 4 Clergy Retreat: Sonning to Wargrave
9.30-10.30, meeting on board with Bishop Stephen of Mityana, Uganda
11am, set sail from Sonning Bridge
3pm, arrive Wargrave
6.30pm, leave boat for 7.30 Youth Service at St Mary's Wargrave
Overnight at Wargrave
Saturday 5 May, Day 5 Clergy Retreat: Wargrave to Cookham
9am, set sail
5-6, arrive Cookham Bridge
7pm, leave boat for 8pm Service at Holy Trinity Cookham
Overnight at Cookham Bridge
Sunday 6 May: Day 6 – Cookham to Windsor
9am, set sail from Cookham Bridge
4-5pm, arrive the Brocas, Windsor
6pm Service at St John the Baptist, Windsor
For more information or to interview Bishop Andrew please contact the Revd Graeme Fancourt on 078244 52534 or Sarah Meyrick, Director of Communications on 07824 906839.
Article from The diocese of Oxford