Eastertide Greetings
I am very pleased to inform you that Julie has been recovering well and will be returning to Parish duties as part of a phased return from this Sunday. Please be patient with her as she will only be working half time initially so please bear with her if she takes time to reply to emails etc. She has asked me to thank you very much for your prayers, well wishes, little messages of encouragement and kind thoughts during this period.
Bishop Olivia has invited us to share this email which is a super invitation: “I have permission from the brothers to bring a small group of adults this year 13th – 20th August to ‘taste and see’ what the experience of Taizé is like, with a view to encouraging a larger group of young people for next year. This would also of course, include bringing along any young people you know who might immediately be interested. ‘Young people’ in the Taizé context means under 30s, but not younger than 15.
I have been going to Taizé for many years, and I know from my time spent there on retreat and from many, many conversations with others, that it is a transformative experience. As a place of reconciliation, healing and friendship, founded in WW2, it has something particularly deep to offer in this year of war in Europe.
Please would you let me know if this is potentially of interest or if you would like to find out more – no need to ‘sign up’ at this point.
You might like to watch this short video to get a flavour of what the experience of Taizé feels like: https://www.taize.fr/en_article4768.html
and have a look at their website:
https://www.taize.fr/en
APCMs: St Michael & All Angels will be on Sunday 8th May at 11.30, and All Saints on Monday 16th May at 7.30, at which (amongst many other things) the election of churchwardens will take place. Eastbury has two vacancies and East Garston has one and are both essential for the smooth running of the churches. If you would like to find out more about being a churchwarden there is a most readable and brief introduction to becoming a one here: https://d3hgrlq6yacptf.cloudfront.net/61f2fd86f0ee5/content/pages/documents/20211104-doc-parish-support-being-a-churchwarden-v01.pdf
There is also a summary of the responsibilities of Churchwardens here:
https://d3hgrlq6yacptf.cloudfront.net/61f2fd86f0ee5/content/pages/documents/20211104-doc-parish-support-churchwardens-duties-v01.pdf
or you may also like to listen to Bruce Laurie as he is interviewed upon being a churchwarden in a rural parish here:
https://vimeo.com/583289745
Alternatively, you may like to have a chat with Amanda Marchant or Bruce Laurie at Lambourn, or Paul Tame at East Garston who are all doing magnificent jobs.
Pathways magazines are still available in church.
Don’t forget to register for the Eco conference at Hungerford on Sat 18 June.
As we all become increasingly aware of caring for our environment, I’m sure this will be of interest to many. It promises to be an interesting and thought-provoking event to which all are welcome. Bishop Olivia is hosting the event at which there will be some national quality speakers. To register email Admin@StLawrencesHungerford.org.uk
Finally, why not enjoy the gardens at St James House in Eastbury (with plant and food stalls) on Tuesday 3rd May between 5.30 – 7.30. Tickets £5 (including a glass of wine) to support Eastbury church roof and Ukraine. Please register with Fiona Drake on 70183.
Best wishes
Keith
(aka Mr Vicarage)
Revd Julie Mintern
Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
The Vicarage, 4 Newbury Street, Lambourn RG17 8PD