Thoughts from The Vicarage with a Quiet morning, Bishop Mary and an iris.
Greetings as we look ahead to the first Sunday of Lent – details in the attached Pews News.
Just had a fabulous morning with the F2 class from school in church – as ever great fun, lots of learning and thinking and all finished gently with a blessing for the 4 year olds and their teachers. It was then off to the Warm Lunch held every week in the Walwyn Hall – do go along if you fancy a hot meal with good company! Ring to book your lunch – 07770 394123.
Hundreds of Berkshire well-wishers joined Bishop Mary as she delivered her first sermon as Bishop of Reading last Sunday at the Minster in Reading. She spoke with encouragement and inspiration using her three H words of Humility, Hope and Home. I found her words on hope especially helpful; “There is an audacity of hope… we, the church, must reclaim the language of hope… our calling is to be ambassadors of this hope, to declare to people who I believe are desperate to hear it that love is making all things new.” We look forward to welcoming Bishop Mary!
A Quiet Morning at St Laurence’s in Hungerford on Saturday March 15th will provide a Lenten opportunity to still our busy minds as Revd Liz Jackson leads reflections on Care for Creation. All very welcome, share a lift if you like. 9.30-12.45. I’m very much looking forward to going along. Please ask if you’d like to know more.
Quick reminders Lent, Prayer and Electoral Roll and the Lent Groups March 10th Mellor Cottage Lambourn @ 2pm & March 11th The Vicarage @ 7pm.
World Day of Prayer this year comes from the Cook Islands on Friday 7th March 2025 3.00 at Sacred Heart church Baydon Road. Everyone is welcome to attend this service – men, women, young people and children. Please come and share the powerful and inspiring feeling of joining in a Worldwide Wave of Prayer.
New electoral roll – the electoral roll officers, Karen: All Saints, Jenny: St James and Keith: St Michael’s thank you for your completed electoral roll forms. Please send in your form.
Stop press prayer – like many of you we have children and friends in Queensland, Australia – please do add them to your prayers … Cyclone Alfred is looking very unpleasant along from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and may stretch to Sydney.
Finally – Mary Oliver on Praying
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
Every blessing,
Julie