Thoughts from The Vicarage with Gift Day, Craftiness and Harvest
Greetings ! Please find attached Pews News containing all you need for the coming week, service times, readings, Collects and prayer requests. Future dates for your diary are at the end of this email.
St Michael’s Gift Day is on FRIDAY September 26th.
We will be at the Lychgate from 8.30 – 11.00am on Gift Day if you would like a chat or to make your donation in person. If you would prefer to give by post, please send to our treasurer, Ian Courtney at 19 Larkdown, Wantage OX12 8HE – or of course pop by the Vicarage. Please read the attached for further information. Ian, our Treasurer writes; ‘As we approach our patronal festival, we would like to ask you to consider donating to help us continue to maintain and improve our ancient and beautiful church. As you will know, we have suffered several thefts and attempted thefts of lead from our roof this year – whilst this was of course distressing, there was a silver lining in how it pulled our community together as so many of you helped or offered to help in the aftermath.
We are of course insured, and a claim is underway, but there will still be a shortfall as we look to limit the consequential damage. As for all of us, general costs are continuing to increase, particularly the cost of heating such a large building through the winter, which is critical to maintaining the interior. St Michael’s has for many centuries been the focal point of the village and we are privileged to be trusted to continue this historic tradition for generations to come. Please give what you can: this helps to ensure that our church continues to be available for all of us, both for regular worship and for key life events such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.’
Creationtide
The season of Creationtide continues this week as we remember we are called ‘To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth’ With Harvest celebrations in East Garston followed by Harvest Festival at 4pm it promises to be a time of fellowship and thanksgiving as we celebrate. Mr Vicarage and I are very much looking forward to lunch in East Garston Village Hall – do join this village event by ringing Sue Tulloch on 07879 421157.
The Cinema in Church event was really enjoyable, good company, food for thought and the hungry, along with a glass of wine, thanks to Ruth and John. A review will be in next month’s Village Views.
Oceans craft for creation
A morning of craft activities for the young and the young at heart with Donni, Sandra & the team. September 27th 9.00 – 12.00 crafty fun, refreshments and creation! All welcome – make it a family morning!
Ride and Stride
Thank you to all up and down the Valley who took part in “Ride + Stride” and to those who sorted out the administration in the churches – final totals will be available in each church.
A prayer
Jesus, our companion,
when we are driven to despair,
help us,
through the friends and strangers we encounter on our path,
to know you as our refuge,
our way,
our truth and our life.
Amen
With every blessing
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
Dates for your diary
- September 21st Harvest Lunch – 12.45 East Garston Village Hall – Harvest Festival 4pm All Saints
- September 27th 9.00 – 12.00 ‘Oceans craft for creation’ St Michael’s – all welcome!
- 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
- November 1st All Souls Service – St Michael & All Angels
- November 2nd All Saints – Patronal Festival
- November 9th – Remembrance Sunday
- November 16th – Safeguarding Sunday