Thoughts from The Vicarage with bells, a braying donkey & a calendar of Passiontide & Easter services
Greetings as we approach the 5th Sunday of Lent with the rain lashing the Vicarage windows as the daffodils work hard to remain upright.
Please find attached not only this week’s Pews News but also a handy list of the Passiontide and Easter Day services in the Lambourn Valley. Please do make a note of the services in your diary so that you can walk the journey alongside Jesus as he enters Jerusalem (Passion Sunday April 2nd) to cries of Hosanna through to Holy Week, the last supper and the watching from the foot of the cross as he dies. Of course, we know that the resurrection takes place, but taking part in the services of the Triduum (three days) allows us some idea of what those first disciples went through with Jesus.
On Tuesday we had a foretaste of that journey as pupils at Lambourn school walked the stations of the cross at school – including the waving of palm branches at ‘our’ Lambourn donkey, who was actually called Norman! It was a brilliant morning all round and thankfully the sun shone for us. Norman loved the children and brayed loudly and often!
And as I pen my thoughts – or is that tap out my Thoughts? Please spare a moment to give thanks that the bells of East Garston are safely returned! Venerable Christine will be re-dedicating them during the 9am service on Sunday when I gather that they will be regaled with floral tributes to welcome them back! They are due to be hung during the week – and the clock is returning so do watch out and listen out for the chimes – all in time for Easter Day and of course the coronation in May which will be wonderful. Thanks to Maureen and all the team who have worked with great dedication and to those who have contributed to the cause in any way. The bells will be on display from 11am to 3pm in the church this Saturday and Sunday March 25th & 26th All are welcome.
Come and See is this Saturday at The Vicarage in Lambourn from 3.30 – 4.30.
A few of the lovely book of Daily Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III remain. The idea is that we pray daily from Easter Day through to Coronation Day. The prayers combine themed daily readings and share features of the Coronation Ceremony, exploring the Christian symbolism behind it. The Daily Prayers (a sample of which can be read online here (https://tinyurl.com/44r55fde) are available to order as a booklet from Church House Publishing or from myself at a cost of £1.10 each.
Due to the generosity of so many in Lambourn the work in the chancel of St Michael & All Angels is underway and progressing well. Remember the church is closed except for Morning Prayer 8.20 am, Lambourn Lambs and Sunday services.
Finally, an eco-note this week ‘please don’t pull or spray the Spring dandelions as they are one of the first sources of food for the bees.
And very finally, on this Day of Reflection, 3 years since the first lockdown, let us take the opportunity to remember loved ones who’ve died, support people who are grieving, & connect with each other. You are in my thoughts and prayers this week.
God bless
Julie