Thoughts from The Vicarage with Angels, Apples & Gift Day
Greetings! Please find attached Pews News and a Gift Day letter.
Firstly, I would like to convey humble and hearty thanks to all those who contributed in any way to the Valley’s response to the death of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. So many wrote or spoke to me of the comfort and consolation which they found last week. Special thanks to the bell ringers who rang so wonderfully and with such expertise.
From the Silent Vigil to the service of Remembrance & Commemoration it was evident the place that her late majesty held in so many hearts of the Valley. On the Thursday evening of her death onwards it was a privilege to be regaled with so many vignettes relating to the late Queen – especially those relating to the racing fraternity. Thank you.
One question, I’ve been asked remains unanswered. Did the late Queen or her mother ever attend one of the Valley churches? As a ‘Johnny come lately’ I have no idea . . . I suspect not as I imagine, from what I’ve heard, that the minute she neared the stables she was out of the Land Rover, into her wellies and head scarf ready to meet her horses! If you know better, answers on a postcard please.
So now, looking ahead and out into the garden, I see Michaelmas Daisies are heralding the patronal festival of St Michael & All Angels which will be held on Sunday October 2nd at 10.30. All, and I mean all, are welcome to join us as we celebrate angelic beings in words, music and a time of short reflection as we recall that belief in the angels represents God’s loving care for us.
Our beautiful grade1 listed Church stands at the centre of Lambourn and is there for the entire parish for worship, private prayer, or simply a place to reflect in silence. As we have seen so very recently – it is there at important times in peoples’ lives, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals and is also a focus for village activities.
Saturday October 1st is the traditional St Michael’s Gift Day. Our church wardens, Amanda and Bruce along with myself will be at the Lych Gate in front of the church as is the custom to receive any gift you may feel able to offer this year. Please open the attached letter to find out more but please, if you are able, do support your church. Even if you are not a regular church – goer we urge you to support this important landmark in our village particularly at this time. The Government allows us to get tax back from any donation, provided a Gift Aid declaration is made and that you pay income tax to the value of your gift.
And if anyone is able to offer help 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 to post 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? Thank you so much.
Finally, I recall and commend to you, whatever you are feeling, or thinking, however your heart is beating today, these words of the late Queen Elizabeth II “Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad.”
God bless,
Julie
PS – Mr Vicarage says there are plenty of apples remaining in the Vicarage garden – you are welcome to ring the doorbell, pick your own and, if you wish, leave a contribution to the Gift Day.