Thoughts from The Vicarage with a date change for carol singing, a thought and a prayer
Greetings as we approach the 3rd Sunday of Advent – known as Gaudete Sunday when we will light the pink candle. The pink is symbolic and reminds us to Gaudete semper – Rejoice in the Lord always!
Last week saw a magnificent full church for traditional lessons and carols at All Saints – thank you to all who prepared the church so wonderfully and to all who supported the service. Thank you to Karen and John who kindly opened up their home and provided delicious refreshments at the Manor House. Thank you for the contributions to the Tower Fund that evening.
This Sunday sees the Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols in St Michael & All Angels – a warm welcome awaits you in Lambourn. If you would prefer a quieter start to the day there is BCP communion in Lambourn at 8am to which all are welcome. Talking of quiet and reflective reminds me of something gentle to accompany you in this season try this Light: Advent Calendar 2023 | VCS (thevcs.org) It is a daily art exploration of advent – it is fabulous!
Talking of dates and events – yesterday evening saw the first Carol Singing outing which once again was really popular with the children, in fact we had nearly 30 people join us yesterday evening! Due to unavoidable diary clashes our next Carol Singing is now going to take place on Wednesday 20th once again – meet at The Vicarage, sing and return for refreshments all in aid of the Children’s Society.
Here are upcoming events to which everyone is welcome – looking forward to greeting you!
- Thursday 14th Carol Singing 6.45 St James
- Sunday 17th 6pm Traditional service of Nine lessons and carols St Michael & All Angels
- Wednesday 20th 6.30 Carol singing meet @Vicarage, all welcome. Refreshments back at Vicarage. THIS DATE IS A CHANGE
- Thursday 21st 3pm Dress up Nativity St Michael & All Angels
- Thursday 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, let us remember as we watch and wait for the birth of Jesus amid the razz ma tazz of singing, lights, presents, Christmas dinners that for many, this season is one of sadness, of a variety of emotions and of challenge. For some, sorrows and loss are somehow exacerbated so let’s be aware and attentive to those in need at this time. And if you understand or are experiencing that maelstrom of emotions please know you are held in this prayer.
Be near us, Lord, in those times
when the joys of love are overtaken
by the pains of loss,
when the blessings of relationship
are broken by the wound of grief.
Reassure us in the storms,
that you are with us,
that you hold us in your love,
stronger even than death. Amen
God bless, keep, and inspire you this Advent
Julie