Greetings on this beautiful sunny morning at the end of Churches Count on Nature week. Thankfully the weather was very kind last Saturday for visitors and similarly during the week when the children visited the church yard in Lambourn. Whilst the weather meant the human beings were out and about, that was not the case for the butterflies of Eastbury when only one was sited. Deborah is making contact with a regional butterfly ‘guru’ to discuss the absence of butterflies.
Although I’ve fallen foul of Covid again – testing positive last Saturday afternoon, Mr Vicarage has been keeping an eye on the hedgehogs who, I am pleased to report, are still visiting regularly. They are eating their way through the food as quickly as the Vicarage garden birds!
Although it is is ended, I can thoroughly recommend Springwatch on BBCiPlayer as balm for the soul but I was saddened to hear of the continued demise of hedgehogs. We used the link to the Big Hedgehog Map https://bighedgehogmap.org/ to get the Valley hogs on the map. It was simple and quick. Why not have a go yourself if you have hedgehogs visiting your patch?
All in all, lots of eco news are very encouraging as we seek to care for God’s creation here in the Lambourn Valley. It is all going to be rounded off tomorrow at the eco conference at St Lawrence’s Hungerford, hosted by Bishop Olivia. The aim is to understand better the issues and how we can each play our part in responding to the major environmental challenges of our times. It will address the moral and spiritual issues from a Christian perspective, as well as providing the latest science and practical solutions. Sadly as I am still testing positive I am unable to go along so if you would like my place simply let Alison know admin@stlawrenceshungerford.org.uk or ring her on 01488 208341.
As the letter from our Bishops reminds us, a second big issue very much in the news is that of refugees and the suggestion is that we pray especially this coming week for their safety and well-being. June 20th is World Refugee Day which is celebrating the strength and courage of those who’ve had to flee their home due to conflict or persecution. I was astounded to hear that the UN Refugee Agency reports that there are 24 million refugees across the world – with half of them being under 18. Please hold them in your prayers.
In a similar international vein, please pray for the Lambeth conference as it provides a vital space for Anglican leaders to respond to world affairs and discern God’s vision of what it means to be the Anglican Communion for the decade ahead.
Sunday services are in Eastbury and Lambourn this week. Communion will continue to be offered in two kinds. The chalice will be offered to those who wish to partake. There will be no compulsion nor any kind of judgement. If you prefer to simply receive the bread that is still absolutely fine. Christine and I will explain clearly at each church every week prior to communion. If you do have any query, however small please don’t hesitate to ask.
Last, but not least, please pray for Lambourn Church of England primary school as they welcome SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican & Methodist Schools) inspectors on Monday. It involves a focus on the impact of the Church school’s Christian vision on pupils and adults. This involves looking at the school’s Christian vision and how it is lived out in practice. There is quite a list of what they look at … Vision and leadership, wisdom, knowledge, and skills, character development, community, church school links, dignity and respect, the impact of Collective Worship and the effectiveness of Religious Education. We are quietly confident in our church school and wish every success to the children, Principal, all staff and the governors!
God bless
Julie