Thoughts from The Vicarage with a request, tributes and Lent
Greetings on a day when it has already been suggested to me on the way back from Morning Prayer that an Ark ‘à la Noah’ would be useful – should I be able to acquire one!
And here we are coming up to the 2nd Sunday of Lent with Pews News attached as usual. Time seems to be speeding by this month – but it’s not too late to look around and think about taking up new things or letting go!
There are many ways to support life in the parish, whether that be providing refreshments, ensuring the building is clean and safe, reading or praying in services or supporting things the Vicar gets up to! All are vitally important in the day to day running of our churches.
Could you be a church warden or Treasurer? There’s loads of experience and support to help you – I’ve popped some information into each church and do please have a chat if you’d like to know more – no query ever too small!
Lenten discussion groups are now under way
- 2pm from Tuesday Feb. 20th at Christine’s home 07801 096345
- 7.30pm from Wednesday Feb 21st at Ruth’s home Meridian stables 07720 439733 9am from Saturday Feb 24th in St James Eastbury with morning prayer at 8.30 followed by breakfast. (for breakfast please phone Jan & Paul Reynolds on 01488 71001)
It’s never too late to join in – all are welcome in relaxed and friendly settings. The Church of England’s small Lent Book for 2024 is called Watch + Pray and it is excellent.
Sign up to free daily Lent reflection emails (except Sundays) straight to your inbox. You can also purchase print booklets of the reflections or find out more about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book 2024 which inspired this year’s reflections.
Looking further ahead
- March 1st World Day of Prayer from the women of Palestine St Michael’s
- March 29th Good Friday walk of witness and Faure Requiem St Michael’s & All Angels
- March 31st Easter Day
- August 17–25 trip to Taize in France this summer led by Bishop Olivia (financial help available)
Life-changing opportunity for those aged 16–30 in your church: Pilgrimage to Taizé 17–25 August. Travel to Taizé, France and join thousands of others from around the world to experience a wonderful sense of freedom, prayer and community. No one who has been to Taizé comes back unchanged. Download the leaflet and book on Eventbrite. Or pop into St Michael’s in Lambourn and pick up a ready printed leaflet! Please do be in touch with Bishop Olivia if you have any questions – you can email her at bishopreading@oxford.anglican.org or explore here – 2024 Pilgrimage to Taizé – Diocese of Oxford (anglican.org)
Bishop Alan of Buckingham RIP Remembering Bishop Alan
Many heartfelt tributes have been paid to Bishop Alan following his sudden death on Saturday. Many of those who knew and loved him throughout the diocese commented on our Facebook post. Read tributes from Bishop Steven, the Archbishop of Canterbury and others as they reflect on his service to the Church over many years.
And finally
Lord Jesus Christ in the desert you faced the force of evil
yet prevailed when you were tested.
Be with us in our struggles with temptation
that in your strength we may repent
and believe the Gospel so that our hearts may be fixed
where true joys are to be found.
Amen.
God bless
Julie