Thoughts from The Vicarage with Taizé, school and electoral rolls
Greetings on this beautiful blue sky sunny afternoon. Just the best weather for the F2 class (4 year olds) to walk down to church this morning. They explored the theme of Candlemas in story, singing, craft, cake, I Spy, candles and more singing! We even had trotting, trotting to The Temple the light of the world is shining! It was such a delight – photos attached!
Taizé at Eastbury:
There will be a Taizé Service at St James Eastbury on Sunday 9th February at 6pm. This is a gentle and reflective service at which all are welcome. If you have never been to a Taizé style service before you’d be very welcome.
Advance Notice:
2025 is the year in which we must prepare a new electoral roll. This means that all parishioners who wish to be on the church’s electoral roll must re-apply for membership and there is no automatic renewal. Each Parish Electoral Roll officer will soon be in contact with all members on our current roll with instructions if you wish to be included in the new electoral roll.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day May 8th will be remembered in the Valley. There will be a service in St Michael’s on May 8th time to be confirmed. Hopefully 6pm and no later than 7pm so families may come along. The service is ready and plans are under way. If you have any ideas or thoughts regarding this anniversary commemoration please do be in touch with me.
Dates for your diary:
- Wednesday 26 February, 10 – 4pm – Environmental Theology study day. The booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-theology-interest-day-tickets-981660120847
- Sunday 2nd March at 3pm – Bishop-Designate Mary Gregory’s Service of Welcome – Reading Minster
- May 8th – A service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day – St Michael & All Angels
- March 30th – Mothering Sunday services in each church
Looking ahead to Lent with a head’s up that we will be reflecting upon the Psalms related to the themes of Lent. There is a book that you may like to buy (but not essential) by Charlie Bell ‘Searched Me Out and Known Me’. There will be a list in each church to sign if you would like me to order a copy for you. There is a psalm to focus on each week with Holy Week having a daily dose! Look out for days and times in church.
Lambourn Valley’s first ever Dance-a-thon! If you fancy a boogie in aid of 4LEGS Radio and East Garston Village Hall, pop along to the Village Hall on Saturday. Entry £5 (U11s free) to dance as long or as little as you like between 11am and 11pm. Kicking off the event will be Dancing Fun and Games for children of all ages from 11am to 12pm. Refreshments, licensed bar, hot food, raffle and even seated massage. No one is expected to dance for the whole 12 hours. For the full schedule see here – https://4legsradio.org.uk/2024/10/23/a-fantastic-dance-a-thon-fundraiser-for-east-garston-village-hall-and-4legs-radio/
And very finally a prayer … with the General Synod gathering February 10th – 14th in mind.
Dear God,
Help us to be a church that:
Loves, welcomes, protects. Listens, learns, serves. Repents, restores, transforms.
Values, cares, believes.
God of justice and compassion, hear our prayer.
Help us, heal us, guide us, we pray.
In Jesus name. Amen.
Every blessing,
Julie