Thoughts from The Vicarage with Come and See, and Village Development Plan.
Greetings and please find attached Pews News with services, prayers and readings.
The Epiphany season continues the theme of Christmas, that God is here among us. Jesus is being shown to the world, a gift given to us and for us. These weeks are a time of ongoing joy and celebration as reflected in our services this week.
If you’d prefer a quieter, more meditative forty minutes you’d be very welcome at the Book of Common Prayer service in St Michael & All Angels Lambourn at 8 o’clock on Sunday which leaves plenty of time for the rest of Sunday! The other services will be at St James Eastbury 9.30 and later at 11 o’clock back at Lambourn with an altogether Eucharist to which we especially welcome families.
The Gospel reading is taken from John this week and in it two disciples of Jesus ask him where he is staying. Jesus replies come and see inviting them to find out more. Those words Come and See have been used by Bishop Steven to provide a framework for those who would like to explore and learn more about the Christian faith. During lockdown a group of us joined together and used the Come and See materials and enjoyed some thought provoking and lively discussion.
This year Come and See will focus on the Beatitudes. These verses, found in Matthew 5:3-12 and Luke 6:20-23, are an introduction to the famous Sermon on the Mount, which was given by Jesus to his followers as a guide for living a Christian life. The materials are suitable both for established Christians, and those who are enquiring about faith for the first time. There are also children, family and school resources available.
If you’d like to join in this year please go to https://oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see
Speaking about opportunities we’ve had news of a fabulous trip in August to Taizé in France with young adults from across the Diocese of Oxford. Led by Bishop Olivia it’s a trip that would see you joining thousands of others from around the world in community, worship and prayer.
Taizé in France is an extraordinary place – quite different from anywhere else. It combines a religious monastery with the feel of a huge youth camp! Young adults from many different backgrounds and denominations travel to Taizé for a unique Christian experience of openness, solidarity and encounter. You’ll experience a wonderful sense of freedom, prayer and community. There’s nothing compulsory about Taizé, but it’s not a holiday resort!!! It is open to anyone from Year 11 to the age of 30. Download the leaflet to find out more.
More locally!! Please find attached information about the Neighbourhood Development Plan with dates for local consultation. This is your chance to have your voice heard if you wish to express a view.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, meanwhile a final thought . . . if you feel that we’re trudging through a somewhat dull winter, a winter that feels most ‘wintry’, maybe with a touch of January blues, these words may help ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. . . ‘ Taken from Lamentations they nurture and encourage me as a reminder of the hope that springs anew each day with an opportunity to begin again and give thanks for the gift of life itself.
God bless
Julie