Thoughts from The Vicarage with ponderings, time to remember and poppies
Greetings! Please open up Pews News giving you the week’s dates, prayers and readings. This week, we are welcoming the Revd Mary Harwood who will be playing the organ in All Saints and St Michael’s. She will be making a return visit on Sunday November 2nd for All Saints Patronal Service when she will be our preacher – sadly, Mary is unable to stay for lunch but I’m sure we’ll give her a warm welcome!
Pondering on the way back from Morning Prayer each day is often fruitful – not necessarily ‘holy’! However, this morning, it struck me that as I preach this Sunday from the Gospel we all need to recall firstly God’s infinite goodness and righteousness. And secondly, that we deeply remember, almost own the fact that God loves us, each and every one of us. Have a look at the reading Luke 18:9-14, a parable and you’ll see what I mean. Neither of my ponderings were to do with us as human beings, but about God.
All Souls at the beginning of November is a chance to remember with thankfulness those whom we’ve loved yet see no more.
A quiet reflective service will be held in St Michael & All Angels at 3pm on November 1st all are welcome to remember their loved ones, to light a candle and find comfort.
If you have lost a loved one, however long ago, you would be very welcome at this service. If you would like your loved one’s name read out during the please write their names on the sheet or let me know so I may add them. Our short gathering of about 30 minutes will be rounded off with refreshments in the Lady Chapel to which all are most welcome.
In St Michael’s church opposite the entrance, beside the prayer table is an Empty Chair. It’s a symbol as we remember those whom we have loved yet see no more. If you like, write the name of your loved one a heart and place it on the ‘tree’ beside the Chair. You may like to sit or kneel and pray. You are welcome to take a holding cross or one of the prayer cards.
Poppy collection 25th October to 8th November – please contact Margaret 07776421523 or 01488 72405 for dates & timings and be part of a team collecting this year in aid of The Royal British Legion.
Confirmation that the Revd Martin Cawte’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Thatcham at 11.30 on Friday November 7th. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Jill and Lizzie at this sad time.
Finally a prayer of Hildegard of Bingen, 1098-1179
May it please you, O Lord,
to enlighten my heart with the fire of your love.
I offer my hands to do your work,
my lips to sing your praise and my life to proclaim your glory.
Look upon my neighbours in their needs
and guide me and bless me as I serve you in them;
for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
God bless
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
Diary Dates
- November 1st 3pm – All Souls service St Michael & All Angels
- November 2nd 10.30 – All Saints Patronal Festival
- November 2nd 1pm – RBL Cake & Produce Auction Wheelwright Pub Lambourn
- November 9th 10.45 – Remembrance Sunday St Michael & All Angels
- November 16th – Safeguarding Sunday
- November 30th – Advent Sunday
- December 16th 6.30 – Jingle & Mingle St Michael & All Angels