Greetings at this time of national mourning.
A number of people asked for a copy of the sermons preached last Sunday morning. Please find attached the BCP homily, thanks to Christine and the sermon at the services of Commemoration in Lambourn and East Garston along with Pews News for this week.
Events, Services and Notices on the death of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II
All the Valley churches are open as advertised for anyone to come in, pray, breathe and reflect. If you wish to lay flowers in Lambourn, please do so along the path to the open door. Please remove the cellophane because, like the Royal Parks we will be composting within a week or two of the state funeral. Also, as requested by the Royal Parks, probably best not to leave marmalade sandwiches . . .
St Michael & All Angels and All Saints will be open on Saturday evening for a silent Vigil from 7.45-8.15 with the lighting of candles and the formal minute’s silence at 8pm. All are welcome.
There are Books of Condolence in both All Saints (as you go in the Sanctuary door) and in St Michael & All Angels (by the door as you come in).
The Paschal Candle will be lit when one of the clergy is in St Michael & All Angels as a way of remembering Her Majesty and the Resurrection hope, the Easter hope, upon which she built her life.
Saturday 17th September
4pm Marriage of Nicola McGuiness and Chris Coleman
For those in Lambourn, the muffled bells will be rung for the wedding of Nicola McGuiness and Chris Coleman on Saturday, around 4.45.
Sunday 18th September
8.00 BCP Holy Communion during the period of mourning St Michael & All Angels
9.30 Family Communion during the period of mourning St James
11.00 Sung Eucharist during the period of mourning St Michael & All Angels
Each service on Sunday will have a focus on the Queen in thanksgiving for her life and our shared membership of the body of Christ.
7.45 – 8.15pm Vigil to include the formal minute’s silence at 8pm
Monday 19th September
8.30 am Morning Prayer prior to the state funeral of her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This will be in person and via Zoom – details on page 2 of Pews News.
No Lambourn Lambs or St Michael’s coffee and chat.
October 1st Gift Day Letters for Lambourn.
A request for support from the Church wardens.
There are St Michael’s gift day letters ready to be distributed in church. It would be very much appreciated if you could help out by taking some and putting them through letter boxes. They are in street ‘piles’ so you may take your choice! If everyone takes some, the job will get done all the more quickly. Why not share a street with a friend as you go for a walk?
And finally, thank you very much to all who have contributed in any way during this last week as we have marked the death of the late Queen. Your support has been invaluable and much appreciated.
God bless,
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern
Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
The Vicarage 4 Newbury Street Lambourn RG17 8PD