Thoughts from The Vicarage with Remembrance Sunday, dates for your diary … Advent and Christmas.
Greetings on this breezy November afternoon. Please find attached Pews News for the coming week.
Acts of Remembrance and services will be held throughout the Valley as we remember those who have died in service to their country and commit ourselves to the cause of peace. As Chaplain to the British Legion I highly commend them to you. If you haven’t been to an act of remembrance in the Valley please do come along. Following the Lambourn service in church all are welcome to the Royal British Legion for refreshments.
The large service in Lambourn entails road closures through the Market Square so please do be aware of that! It really is a road closure on this occasion. As a friend said to me . . .it feels like we’ve lived in a road closure for quite a while but this one is reality!! The signs occasionally remain in place after their sell by date.
Speaking about street furniture reminds me of the no parking barriers Amanda kindly puts out in front of St Michael’s for weddings and funerals. On our way to Morning Prayer and opening church 8.15 each day I am often asked “What’s up today Vicar?” And if I visit, say the Co-Op the same question arises from others! People are genuinely interested. Upon mentioning a name people have said…”Oh I wish I’d known earlier”. In response we’re carefully placing notices of weddings and funerals, also laminated against the elements on the railings (with permission from those involved).
Looking into December …
I am very conscious of diaries becoming quite busy during December so I am adding a few dates here so you may make a note.
Thursday 15th and Tuesday 20th from 5.30pm – 6.30 pm Carol singing. Meet at the vicarage and return there for drinks and nibbles; carriages at 7.30.
Thursday 22nd December 3pm Dressed up Nativity for all children and those young at heart – come dressed as shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph or donkeys etc
Christingles at 4pm will be December 4th Eastbury, December 24th Lambourn.
Crib service will be 4pm December 24th Eastbury.
Carol services at 6pm will be December 11th East Garston and December 18th Lambourn
And a November date for your diary – A reminder that on Friday 18th November St James Eastbury are holding a Jingle and Mingle in church with musical items adding to the pre-Christmas preparations. Tickets in advance £10 from Fiona 71083 or Jenny 72741, to include a glass of mulled wine and canapes.
But first … Advent. In previous years we have held Advent groups. Wednesdays@7 was really popular during lockdown times so do let us know if you’d like to join in for Advent.
Please, never hesitate to ask, phone or email if you have a query – however small!
Finally, a reminder that the office of Morning Prayer is on Zoom and in St Michael’s daily at 8.30am. Compline on zoom will take place on Mon, Wed and Friday at 8.30pm.
Looking forward to greeting you over the weekend, meanwhile,
God bless
Julie