Thoughts from The Vicarage with Pews News, schools & Harvest
Greetings as we look ahead to the weekend and the 15th Sunday after Trinity which is also known as Education Sunday one upon which we, along with churches of all denominations pray for all those who work in education and for all those who learn. It has been celebrated for over 100 years and is a time to think about how the Church can support education and a time to give thanks for the gift of education.
The church was engaged in education long before governments! Put simply, those with a strong Christian Faith alongside a lot of money enabled the Parishes of the time to provide education ‘for the poor of the Parish’. Trust Deeds were drawn up stating that the Foundations of such schools were Christian. Of course, a great deal has happened since those days, mostly in the 1800s but the essence, the Foundation of church schools remains. Nowadays, all are welcome to church schools and that inclusivity is often a hallmark of church schools. The Chair of Governors and the Heads/Principals are stewards of the Christian Foundation and are required to uphold it.
Gift Days for St James & St Michael’s are quickly approaching. Please find attached a letter from St Michael’s Treasurer, Ian Courtney. Please do feel free to ensure that All Saints isn’t left out and any contributions to the Tower Fund would be greatly appreciated.
The first lay leadership in worship gathering was well attended with much reflection, discussion worship, prayer and laughter! It’s not too late if your interest is piqued simply join us at The Vicarage Lambourn next Wednesday at 7pm!
The West Berks Foodbank has launched a Harvest appeal for food. St Michael & All Angels & All Saints will be supporting this in addition to Christian Aid this year. The idea being that a monetary gift will be welcome for the work of Christian Aid, while those who prefer to donate an item may contribute to the W Berks foodbank which is in great need.
A reminder that Ride & Stride is not long now & it’s not too late join in with friends and walk, ride, jog or even run between a couple or more Valley churches on Sept 14th.
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday September 11th 7.00 Lay Leadership in Worship at 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 The Benefice away morning at The Village Hall East Garston has been postponed.
- Sunday September 22nd 4pm Harvest Festival All Saints
- Saturday 28th St Michael’s Gift Day with refreshments from 9-11am in church
- Saturday 28th6pm Music Festival in St Michael’s
- Sunday 29th September 10.30 St Michael & All Angels Patronal Festival
- Sunday 13th October Harvest St James
- Sunday 3rd November 10.30 All Saints Patronal Festival with the Sub Dean of Christchurch, the Revd Canon Peter Moger preaching.
Finally a request for help to offer Gift Day refreshments on September 28th for St Michael’s Gift Day. Please let me know if you’d like to help out.
And very finally, a prayer from Bishop Brian Marajh of Kimberley & Kuruman one of our Diocesan links.
Almighty and everlasting God,
You are the creator of all that is, seen and unseen:
pour out your Holy Spirit upon your creation, that we may be faithful caretakers of this Earth, our shared home.
Bless the young people among us, guide and empower them to be agents of hope and change.
Amen
God bless,
Julie