Greetings on this All Hallows Eve otherwise known as Halloween with All Souls (Saturday St Michael & All Angels 3pm) and All Saints (Sunday) being celebrated this weekend! As ever Pews News is attached.
Sunday is the Patronal Festival of All Saints, East Garston. At 10:30am, the Revd Canon Pater Moger, Sub-Dean of Christchurch will be preaching. Do come along and share in this very special celebration as we welcome Peter and his wife Heather to East Garston. (Please park in the farm yard, carry straight on, instead of turning left or down the road).
Lambourn has, once again, gone spook-tastic! Pumpkins appearing along with the Youth Group party, the trail and all sorts of decorations and lights! Halloween is a fun (and somewhat slightly scary time) for children. You might be wondering how did Halloween got its name? Why do some people dress up in spooky costumes? Why do people carve pumpkins and place candles inside them? The Church has always observed Halloween as an opportunity to scare away the things that frighten us, and mock the forces that scare us. We live in God’s light, and do not need to be afraid. We enjoy music, songs and light as we get to know new friends and neighbours as we celebrate. Do take care if you are out and about this evening.
All Souls service ‘A Time to Remember – A Time to Give Thanks’ is this Saturday November 2nd at 3.00 pm.
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. The Empty Chair is 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.
Upcoming dates
- Nov 2nd 3pm All Souls’ service ‘A Time to Remember – A Time to Give Thanks’ in 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 followed by service St Michael’s followed by refreshments thanks to The British Legion.
- Nov 17th A special Safeguarding Sunday service 11am St Michael & All Angels Lambourn.
A preview of extra Christmas events to celebrate the birth of Christ !
- Dec 8th 4pm Christingle @ Eastbury.
- Dec 15th 6pm Carol Service @ East Garston followed by refreshments.
- Dec 17th 6.30pm Jingle & Mingle @ Lambourn followed by refreshments.
- Dec 18th 6.30pm Carol singing for all followed by refreshments.
- Dec 20th 3pm Dress up Nativity @ Lambourn followed by refreshments.
- Dec 22nd 6pm Carol Service @ Lambourn.
- Dec 23rd 6.30pm Carol singing for all followed by refreshments.
- Dec 24th 4pm Crib service @ Eastbury.
- Dec 24th 4pm Christingle @ Lambourn.
- Dec 24th 11pm Midnight Mass @ Lambourn.
- Dec 25th 9am Christmas Day Communion @ East Garston.
- Dec 25th 10.30 Christmas Day Communion @ Eastbury.
- Dec 25th 10.30 Christmas Day Communion @ Lambourn.
And finally a prayer often sung at Compline…
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world,
we pray that you, with steadfast love,
would keep your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
from fears and terrors of the night;
tread underfoot our deadly foe
that we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
and Holy Spirit, by whose breath our souls are raised to life from death.
God bless,
Julie