Thoughts from The Vicarage with Retreats, Sounds & Diary dates
Greetings as we welcome some much needed rainfall! Please find attached Pews News containing all you need for the coming week, service times, readings, Collects and prayer requests.
Looking ahead towards September
Firstly, do make a note of the Lambourn Harvest Bring and Share supper in St Michael & All Angels on Sunday September 14th at 7pm. …. and to celebrate the season of Creationtide there will be a showing of Oceans the David Attenborough film. David opens this inspiring film saying ‘after living for nearly 100 years on this planet I now understand the most important place on earth is not on land but the sea …. only now are we understanding what it means for the future of our world … what we have found could change everything… the ocean is our planet’s life support system … the most remarkable discovery of all … put simply we’ve been given a life line … if we save the sea we save our world’. All are welcome to this screening in St Michael’s church with a bring and share supper on Saturday September 14th at 7pm. Please share widely!
St Mary the Virgin in Wantage
Secondly, I wonder how many readers know of the hidden gem of the community of St Mary the Virgin in Wantage. Both myself and Christine preside there from time to time. It’s been a kind of bolt hole for me over roughly 25 years. Their Autumn season of Retreats sounds wonderful with what I may call something for everyone – including a Beginners’ Retreat on 15th – 16th November with Sister Lizzie Ruth CSMV. It is for anyone who is new to being in retreat. It is also for anyone new to staying at St Mary’s Convent or anyone who would value guidance on how to use their time in retreat https://tinyurl.com/yjtwuxnr
BBC sounds
Readers may remember the request from BBC sounds who were in touch with me about the story of William Bush for their Secret Berkshire series. It was great fun recording with Phil Mercer who met me outside St Michael’s last Monday. We listened to Piers Mucklejohn share the story and this was followed by Phil chatting to me. He finally asked me what I would say if William Bush suggested such a thing to me today .. No prizes for guessing what I said! When I get the link I’ll share it.
Danny Kruger MP
Thank you to those who responded to the link https://tinyurl.com/ynawtun7 to Danny Kruger MP and his speech calling for Christian Restoration in House of Commons. We like feedback!
A prayer
A prayer for this week inspired from this Sunday’s reading Colossians 3:1-11 You could make it either for yourself or for our wounded world .. or both.
Christ in all,
you strip away what divides and clothe us in mercy.
Clothe our minds with peace,
our hearts with justice,
our voices with courage,
and our lives with compassion.
Let us walk as those transformed — ever becoming, ever beloved.
Amen.
With every blessing
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern, Vicar, Lambourn Valley Benefice
Dates for your diary
- August 2nd Wedding of Madeleine & William – 2pm St Michael’s & All Angel
- August 8th Wedding of Hope and Tom – 3.30 St James
- August 9th Wedding of Rebecca & Karl – 12.30 St Michael’s & All Angels
- September 5th Baptism of Bear McCready – 4pm St James
- September 7th First Sunday of Creationtide
- September 7th Baptism of Ivy Comyn – All Saints
- September 13th Gift Day – St James and Ride + Stride
- September 14th Harvest Festival Sung Eucharist – 10.30 St Michel’s & All Angels
- September 14th Baptism of Billie Rose Smyly – 12.30 All Saints
- September 14th Harvest Bring & Share Supper – 7pm St Michel’s & All Angels
- September 21st Harvest Festival – 4pm All Saints
- September 28th St Michael & all Angels – 10.30 Patronal Festival
- September 28th Festal Choral Evensong – 6pm St Michel’s
- October 5th Feast Day of St Francis
- October 12th Harvest Festival – 4pm St James