Thoughts from The Vicarage with a memorial garden and remembering
Greetings! Pews News is attached giving you the week’s dates, prayers and readings.
As we move towards the season of remembrance let’s give thanks for the restoration of St Michael and All Angels Memorial Garden – in memory of all those whom we’ve loved yet see no more. May they rest in peace . A huge thank you to all those who helped in any way – from the digging, clearing and weeding to adding the manure, the fencing, the planning, buying, donating and digging in of plants. The original bulbs of commemoration have been left in situ and it is hoped that there will be colour in the garden all year round.
St Michaels coffee and chat celebrate!! A member writes ‘Meeting every Monday and occasionally going on outings, we’ve celebrated a couple of of 90th birthdays just recently. So as we gathered for a regular Monday afternoon meeting, we were surprised to see a truly wonderful happy birthday chocolate cake regaling the dining room table at the Vicarage. No candles – very strange? But then we noticed five beautiful chocolate stars. Well, it was quite certain that none of us were five years old but soon Keith revealed to us the fact that St Michael’s coffee and chat was celebrating its fifth birthday almost to the day. Needless to say, there was much reminiscing and true to form, Keith delivered a slice of delicious cake to those who, for various reasons, weren’t able to come. We had a wonderful afternoon, all the more special as we lit a candle and remembered our friend Maureen whose funeral had been that afternoon. Now we’re looking forward to a second visit to school this term! A slightly belated harvest festival next Monday followed, later in November by a atrip out for lunch, with pottery painting and a chance to do a little Christmas shopping. It’s been lovely to welcome new friends over the autumn – do come along and join us on Monday afternoons at the Vicarage’.
All Souls at the beginning of November is a chance to remember with thankfulness those whom we’ve loved yet see no more. It is a time when we sense God’s heart of compassion for those who grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones and allows us to accompany one another on that journey. From now and into November, a chair will be in St Michael’s church opposite the entrance, beside the prayer table. It is an Empty Chair, a symbol as we remember those whom we have loved yet see no more. On the chair you will find hearts. Simply write the name of your loved one and place your heart 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.
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 and consolation. Our short gathering of about 30 minutes will be rounded off with refreshments in the Lady Chapel to which all are most welcome.
Sad news. Many of you may have heard of the death of the Revd Martin Cawte last week. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Jill and Lizzie at this sad time. Martin’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Thatcham at 11.30 on Friday November 7th.
Finally a prayer attributed to St Francis
Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily.
To lean upon your great strength, trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of your will, patiently, serenely.
To meet others, peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.
Amen
God bless
Julie