Good afternoon dear Friends of The Valley
Let’s Celebrate
What a full week it has been, with a great deal of excitement in terms of tennis and dare I mention, football. Most importantly, we’ve also had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate as last Sunday Lucy, Carol and Amelia were confirmed by Bishop Olivia at St George’s in Newbury. It was a joyful occasion as each was confirmed by the Bishop who spoke of the God of ‘hide and seek’ in her sermon.
Confirmation is simple yet very profound as the Bishop went on to explain. We listened to beautiful words from Isaiah chapter 43 ‘do not fear, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you … I am the Lord your God, you are precious in my sight, honoured and I love you. Do not fear for I am with you.’
From experience and from reading the Bible it’s always God looking for us, calling us by name . . . in a quiet moment do read Isaiah 43 again. Too often, we hide and don’t listen to the voice that calls us! If you would like to share the joy, see the confirmation or hear Bishop Olivia’s hide and seek sermon the link is shown at the bottom of this post.
If you’d like to find out more about Confirmation and Baptism – or if you’d like to ask the questions you thought you really ought to know please do simply ask either myself, Christine or any of those who are being confirmed. There is no such thing as a silly question!
Celebrations Continued
The celebrations continued when Lambourn celebrated the marriage of Jay and Ollie Rickwood as the bells rang out across Lambourn and Ann-Marie and Keith Little on Saturday. The sun shone on our beautiful brides and once again Lambourn’s bride watchers were out in force. And it was such a joy to welcome Rachel our Lambourn CE Primary school Principal as she joined others to see school children as flower girls and a page boy! Pictured here are Jay and Ollie at the West door with Ann-Marie and Keith raising a glass to relatives and friends at their British Legion reception.
Church Clock
On another note and to ensure that our brides are on time (!) the ancient clock on St Michael & All Angels tower is being repaired. This has entailed a bosun’s chair trip and abseiling from the top for some intrepid workmen. Here is Danny who detached and carried down the hands from the clock face as he abseiled back to earth! The basic clock mechanism is un-touched since these hands were probably a relatively recent addition and it’s they are needing some repair and minor strengthening. There will be more photos (taken by Mr Vicarage) and more detailed information in the next edition of Village Views. There are photographs on the following link: church-clock-2021
A request
A family from one of our churches is looking for a house to rent and I am wondering if any of us or our contacts could help. At least a three bedroomed house and garden is needed. If you think you may be able to help please contact Christine on 01488 674108 as I will be on leave from this Wednesday July 7th.
Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer will be taking a zoom break from Monday July 12th restarting on Monday July 26th.
And finally …
As I will be on leave from Wednesday July 4th please do make contact with Christine if necessary as she will be available. Thank you – this is much appreciated not only by Keith and myself but by us all.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable weekend
God bless
Julie