The Rev’d. Patrick Mukholi writes – and looks to the Future 
I am privileged to have taken up the post as Associate Priest (Transition Minister) in the Parish of St Paul, Wokingham with a specific focus on Woosehill Church and its mission in January 2017.
I am an Agricultural Engineer called to church based vocation of a minister since ordination in 1999. Both the Africa International University and the University of Aberdeen served me well in preparation and I have served the Church as a Youth Worker, Youth minister, Pioneer Minister and a Bible School tutor and Principal.
I have always enjoyed preaching and teaching young and mature alike and helping people find and recognise opportunities to live out their faith. I am blessed to have a Parish clergy team, a church council and staff and stewards teams at Woosehill who are so supportive of ministry. You have carried us especially at the onset of Helen’s illness. Never have we lacked.
With the main challenge of driving forward the Partnership for Missional Church agenda we have managed to get through the clusters and are hard at work on our missional documents that will take us into the future. A big hurrah for the PMC and MIT teams. As we celebrate what God has done in our midst in the 25 years in our very welcoming and modern building, it is exciting times as the PMC process helps us into what He is calling us to in the next 25 years. 30th anniversary is here soon.
At the moment having been here just shy of two years with one more to go, I have enjoyed the Churches’ fellowship and the enthusiasm for ministry. Yes volunteers may appear to dwindle but those who do volunteer give it their all as they have understood the Christian call to make a difference for the Kingdom wherever we are, whatever we are doing. Leading a group, making coffee, visiting or welcoming, Paul’s encouragement in Colossians 3:17 & 23 is apt;
‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’.
I am happy with how people pick up from what they learn during services and Bible Study and seek to live it out as disciples of Christ. I missed the first Holiday Bible club due to Helen’s illness, but it still went ahead even though the minister wasn’t around. I have enjoyed the second one crackling with energy, joy and creativity. I could tell those stories over and over again. Next year I hope to make it a Parish Holiday Club and see how the cross pollination works.
Did I mention 25th anniversary celebration. Why celebrate this milestone? Celebration is a biblical theme. Whenever we celebrate God’s goodness and grace, we feel most fully alive. Together we remember God’s blessings (Ps 77.11) from small maybe obscure beginnings. We know we are part of what God is doing in the world and our passion for Him is renewed. What a privilege and opportunity. I hope you feel this way.
On 30th of September we have a Harvest Service like never before led by Bishop Andrew Proud. Yes there will be edibles, even a cake! On 28th October we welcome one of our past ministers Elaine Steere to celebrate with us what God has done and what He is yet to do in our midst. And finally on 2nd December a busy day with the Methodist District Chair celebrating with us in the Lord’s Table and then the Woosehill table with a cuisine only Woosehill can do. And finally a recipe of the best of Advent carols led by the illustrious Woosehill Church music group. See what the Lord is doing. 
P.S. I am also organising a Woosehill Exhibition on November 17th. Watch this space. I very much look forward to the celebrations and the next year, which I expect to be very exciting year with new eyes for the future. And I am grateful to you all for your enthusiasm and support.
Happy 25th Anniversary!!!!