Thoughts from The Vicarage with ideas and food for thought
Greetings as we approach Advent Sunday heralding the season of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
A reminder of 2 events as we prepare:
- The Christmas Bazaar in East Garston Village Hall on Saturday Nov 26th 2.30-4.30pm;
- St Michael & All Angels Christmas Market on Dec 2nd 5-8pm.
During advent you are welcome to join us as we share thoughts from ‘Image of The Invisible: Daily Bible readings from Advent to Epiphany’ by Amy Scott Robinson. Copies are available from The Vicarage at £7 each. Please let me know asap if you’d like one.
Advent groups this week are;
- Tuesday 29th with Christine at her home 2pm;
- Wednesday 30th with myself at The Vicarage 7 – 8pm.
There will be a sign-up sheet in church for both days and times. Even if you are unable to come along to join in, I do commend Amy Robinson’s book to you as she uses metaphors of God to help us explore the wonder and meaning of Advent and Epiphany.
If you’d prefer to read something a little different to a daily Bible reading based book during Advent, please may I recommend Walking Backwards to Christmas by Stephen Cottrell.
The dedication of his book reads ‘For all those who thought they knew the story well’ Stephen has used a deceptively simple brilliant device to tell the Christmas story backwards through the eyes of Anna, Rachel, Herod, Joseph and of course to Mary, Isaiah and Moses to name but a few.
It really is a fascinating thought provoking read as we examine our own time of preparation for the Nativity.
The book ends with words from Dylan Thomas and John Donne’s prayer which begins ‘Bring us O Lord, at our last awakening into that house and gate of heaven …
December diary dates … If you’d like to join in and help out at any of the following, please let me know.
- St Michael’s Christmas Fayre 2nd December 5.30-8.00;
- Carol singing Thursday 15th and Tuesday 20th from 5.30pm-6.30 pm Meet at the vicarage and return there for drinks and nibbles; carriages at 7.30;
- Dressed up Nativity Thursday 22nd December 4pm for all children and those young at heart – come ready dressed as shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph or donkeys etc;
- Christingles Dec 4th Eastbury, December 24th Lambourn both at 4pm;
- Crib service 4pm Dec 24th Eastbury;
- Carol services Dec 11th East Garston and Dec 18th Lambourn both at 6pm.
Whilst we reflect and look forward during the Advent season it is also a time to remember others. This year I am suggesting we give through the West Berks foodbank with collection boxes in each church.
Personally I’m going to try and be more intentioned this year and use the 12 Days of foodbank Christmas attached to this email and try and put it into the box all in one go! However if you prefer West Berks foodbank also have a Reverse Advent Calendar (also attached) with the suggestion that you give one item each day – which again can be intentional and prayerful as you donate.
Finally, and despite the ‘busy-ness’ of this week’s Thoughts … please do try to find a way to make some space for rest and reflection in the Advent season as we watch and wait together for the renewal of our hope through the wonder and mystery of the Nativity.
Looking forward to greeting you over the weekend, meanwhile,
God bless
Julie