Thoughts from The Vicarage with clocks, an empty chair and Pews News
Greetings! A day later than usual with Pews News attached with important dates for All Souls and All Saints. Don’t be early for church this week – remember to put your clocks back and have a lie-in!
From tomorrow, Saturday, the Empty Chair will be in St Michael & All Angels church. When someone we love dies they leave a gap in our lives. We miss them. Is there someone that you miss? If you’d like, write the name of the person on one of the labels and attach it to the chair. Say a quiet thank you for the good memories that you have of them and rest in the quiet. If you are a relative away from the Valley, please let me know and I will add your loved one’s name.
Maybe light a candle at home to remember them. If you want, share your sad feelings with God – tell Him how you feel; take your time. We will collect the names and pray at Morning Prayer each day that you will find strength and comfort. We will pray that your loved one may rest in peace. It may be helpful to talk to someone. If you need someone please do contact Julie or Christine.
There will be an All Souls service ‘A Time to Remember-A Time to Give Thanks’ next Saturday November 2nd at 3.00 pm when we will remember by name and by lighting of candles all those we have loved yet see no more. It will be a quiet and peaceful service followed by refreshments. There will be lists in church by the Empty Chair for names you would like included – please simply add them. All, and we mean all, are welcome.
All Saints Patronal Festival is the following day, Nov 3rd at 10.30 when we will be welcoming Revd Canon Peter Moger, Subdean of Christchurch as our preacher. Thanks to Paul, a post service meal at The Queens has been organised. If you are interested in attending please contact him 07748 104840 for more information and to reserve a place. Places will, out of necessity, have to be limited but all are welcome!
Upcoming dates
- Nov 2nd 3pm All Souls’ service ‘A Time to Remember-A Time to Give Thanks’ St Michael’s
- Nov 3rd 10.30 All Saints Patronal Festival Preacher Revd Canon Peter Moger Sub Dean of Christchurch, Oxford.
- Nov 9th 10.40 am East Garston Remembrance Service @ War Memorial
- Nov 10th 10.45 Act of Remembrance & Service St Michael’s
Finally, a prayer …
In the silence of the stars,
in the quiet of the hills
and in the heaving of the sea,
you speak O Lord.
In the words of the prophets
and the message of the apostles,
you speak O Lord.
Now we pray,
speak in our homes,
in the calming of our minds
and the longing of our hearts,
by the words of our lips
and the meditations of our hearts.
God bless,
Julie