Thoughts from The Vicarage with Carol singing, school and Taize
Greetings to you as we look forward to the Second Sunday of Advent in the Lambourn Valley.
We continue the theme of waiting in expectation for the Christ child to be born amongst us, as one of us. The Advent wreath with it’s four candles is standing proud in each church marking the Sundays before Christmas. Lambourn CE school have been gifted theirs this year and it has been a joy to light with the children as we move through Advent. You can just see the angel Gabriel perched as we shared how Mary said Yes to God! All are welcome at the school Christmas service this coming Monday at 1.30 in St Michael’s as the children celebrate the coming of Jesus.At the risk of repetition and just in case you missed it last week here is the link, thanks to Mr Vicarage of last week’s Baptism of Anne and the confirmation of 14 souls in a truly uplifting and joyful service. Here is a link to some photos of the event : https://photos.app.goo.gl/4twcnxtWNhfvKmEB9
In conversation with Bishop Olivia yesterday evening she was keen that I shared NEXT year’s trip to Taize with everyone – especially the recently confirmed. So do watch this space as the date is due to be decided this week!
Talking of dates and events – this week sees the first Carol Singing outing which was really popular with the children last year. It is on Wednesday 13th – meet at The Vicarage, sing and return for refreshments all in aid of the Children’s Society.
Here are this week’s upcoming events to which everyone is welcome!
10th 6pm Traditional service of Nine lessons and Carols All Saints East Garston
11th 10am Lambourn Lambs Christmas Party St Michael & All Angels Lambourn
11th 1.30pm Lambourn CE Primary school Christmas service St Michael & All Angels
13th 6h30pm Carol singing from the Vicarage, children & families welcome with refreshments back at Vicarage
14th Carol Singing Eastbury
And the rest of December dates for you to note – in Lambourn there are posters on the railings sharing the St Michael’s events.
17th 6pm Traditional service of Nine lessons and carols St Michael & All Angels
19th 6.30 Carol singing from the Vicarage, children & families welcome. Refreshments back at Vicarage
20th 10.30 Dementia Café Memorial Hall Lambourn
21st 3pm Dress up Nativity St Michael & All Angels
21st 6.30pm Jingle & Mingle in aid of the Air Ambulance & St Michael’s – St Michael & All Angels
24th 4pm Crib service St James
24th 4pm Christingle St Michael & All Angels
24th 11pm Midnight Mass St Michael & All Angels
25th 9am Christmas Day communion All Saints
25th 10.30 am Christmas Day communion St James
25th 10.30 am Christmas Day communion St Michael & All Angels
Finally, if you are looking for something gentle to accompany you in this season try this Light: Advent Calendar 2023 | VCS (https://thevcs.org) It is a daily art exploration of advent – it is fabulous!
And very finally, let’s take heart from the Old Testament reading from Isaiah, quoted by the gospel of Mark for this second Sunday of Advent. It was in the harsh desert wilderness that God called John the Baptizer, who in turn called us, to “prepare a way for the Lord,” to make a highway in the most unlikely of places, to “speak tenderly” to the oppressed, and to bring “comfort, comfort to my people.” How our world needs tender care and comfort at this time. Comfort awaits us in the desert and God promises to come to us in the wilderness. May we believe this. May we wander and be found. Like the prophets who came before us, I wonder how we may become brave voices in hard places….as we wait in hope this Advent season?
God bless, keep, and inspire you this Advent
Julie