Greetings on the eve of what promises to be a busy and sunny Bank Holiday weekend!
It’s carnival weekend in Lambourn. I’m sure you’ve seen the road signs but do remember that if you’re planning on driving through or into Lambourn on Sunday at 5.00pm the roads along the carnival route will close until the parade has passed by.
For those in the village and for the first time ever … you will hear the bells of St Michael & All Angels ring out to announce when the parade leaves the assembly field for what is the 50th post war carnival in the village! For those new to the village and wonder about the route of the carnival here is a link to a map https://tinyurl.com/2tkamz2j
The famous St Michael’s cream teas will be served on Monday in church from 3-5pm with an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones over a delicious tea. From the look of the Vicarage allotment there are bound to be a Vicarage marrow or two or three on sale as well! We look forward to seeing you there
Last week we gave thanks for the blessing of much-needed rain which refreshed the air and gave some respite for the thirsty plants and animals. And of course, a blessing for those watching levels of water in our reservoirs. The Bible is full of images of rain, streams, and rivers as blessings from God, and uses the idea of ‘thirst’ as a symbol of being cut off from God: psalm 42, for example, begins “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” Following the last couple of months such longing takes on greater meaning doesn’t it?
With even that small amount of rain we’ll hopefully be able to see butterflies at the last of the four Butterfly Counts at St. James Eastbury this coming Sunday 12.30 till 13.00 p.m. Do go to https://butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/recording-and-monitoring/irecord-butterflies to find out more. Thank you to Deborah and her team for leading on this important survey work.
Looking ahead – our organist Dr Stephen Holmes is playing a lunchtime organ recital at St Nicolas Newbury at 1. 10pm on Thursday September 8th. The exciting programme will include Vaughan Williams, Buxtehude & Stainer. Why not make up a party and enjoy a light lunch as well as supporting Stephen!
As we enjoy our freedoms here in this land with such a bounty of activities going on throughout the Bank Holiday it seems especially appropriate to return the people of Ukraine to our Pews News (attached) prayer list. Last week marked both the Independence Day of Ukraine and most sadly, six months of conflict. I invite you to pray;
God of compassion,
Have mercy this day on the people of Ukraine.
Restore to them the gift of peace.
Grant wisdom to the governments of the world.
Bring good in the midst of evil and suffering,
For the sake of Jesus Christ your Son,
Who gave his life to bring peace to your world
Amen.
It’s not long to the new school year now so do join us on September 11th at either 9.00 at All Saints East Garston or 10.30 in St Michael & All Angels and have your school bag/laptop or pencil case blessed? Blessing is about asking God to be with us where we are – that includes school and work! It would be wonderful to see you. These services, like all of our worship are places and times where children and adults are welcome together and where we can grow in faith.
Services for this week are on the attached Pews News and it would be lovely to welcome you at either Lambourn or East Garston.
Every blessing for the coming week
Julie