Thoughts from the Vicarage with Harvest, worship and Ride & Stride
Greetings on this beautiful August afternoon as we look ahead to the first Sunday of September which is the 14th Sunday after Trinity. The Church of England calls these weeks coming up the Season of Creation which I personally find really helpful as we come to the harvest time with prayers very much for the farming community within the Valley. A reminder that the Harvest dates for each church are in the date list below.
Ride & Stride participants will be coming amongst us looking for sponsorship and encouragement. If you haven’t done it before why not join up with friends and walk, ride, jog or even run between a couple or more Valley churches on September 14th . Each will be open with drinks available. St James will be holding their Gift Day on that day– so do please come along. There will be local produce, baked goods and much more on sale!
This coming Wednesday sees the first in a series of gatherings on lay leadership in worship and all are welcome at The Vicarage in Lambourn at 7.30-9.00 – do come along to find out more. There will be a variety of activities during the sessions with something for everyone! This week’s focus is on practical aspects of worship. Simply be in touch if you’d like to know more.
The West Berks Foodbank has launched an appeal for food and St Michael & All Angels will be supporting this in addition to Christian Aid this year. The idea being that cash will be welcome for the work of Christian Aid while those who prefer to donate an item may contribute to the W Berks foodbank.
Upcoming dates Please support the activities of the Lambourn Valley Benefice. Any query, simply ask.
- Wednesday September 4th 7.30-9.00 Lay Leadership in Worship @ The Vicarage
- Saturday September 14th Ride & Stride event, Gift Day at St James
- Sunday September 15th 11.00 Harvest Festival St Michael’s
- Saturday September 21st 9.30 – 1.30 Benefice away morning & lunch at The Village Hall East Garston
- Sunday September 22nd 4pm Harvest Festival All Saints
- Saturday September 28th 6pm Music Festival in St Michael’s
- Sunday September 29th 10.30 St Michael & All Angels Patronal Festival
- Sunday October 13th 12.00 Harvest St James
- Sunday November 3rd 10.30 All Saints Patronal Festival with the Sub Dean of Christchurch, the Revd Canon Peter Moger preaching.
And finally, a prayer as Summer looks towards Autumn:
Eternal God,
You crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season:
grant that we may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being:
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever,
Amen.
God bless,
Julie