Thoughts from The Vicarage with Exciting News of light, hope and Advent 3
Greetings! Please find Pews News attached for venues & times for the coming week & dates at the base of this letter.
There’s a lot happening across the Valley this week! Carol services, Jingle & Mingle and carol singing this Wednesday – meet 6pm at The Vicarage in aid of The Childrens’ Society. (drop me a note if you’re coming for hot chocolate, nibbles etc – all welcome) Any query – please ask/ring/email!
This 3rd Sunday of Advent brings the beautiful hopeful words of the Prophet Isaiah, more about that in my sermon! Yet, there may be some for whom, that hope, that light, in the darkness may seem faint.
For many the season is one of celebration with family & friends. Yet, it can also be a sad time as we remember loved ones who have died or think of others who cannot be with us for many different reasons. For some life over the last year or so has been hard facing things like illness, unemployment, homelessness, relationship breakdown & financial insecurity. For some the future seems bleak and dark. If this touches a spot in your heart please, please remember that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time …
Our Bishop, Mary, has recorded a beautiful piece and invites us to look to the Christmas lights around us as reminders of a hope for December and beyond. She prays that every time you see these beautiful Christmas lights, you would be filled not only with wonder, but also with hope. Because in the darkness, you are accompanied. And one day, the darkness will be overcome with brilliant light. I pray for a good Advent for you, a time of watching and waiting. And then when it comes, the happiest of Christmas, because the light has come into the world. https://tinyurl.tools/fd32be82
Exciting news from Ruth Honey Chair of Governors at Lambourn CE school
Following on from our excellent Ofsted report Lambourn school is now celebrating another outstanding review this time from the Church of England inspectors. As Lambourn is a church school it is the task of the inspectors to check that the school is living up to its Christian foundation and is enabling both pupils and adults to flourish.
The inspector found a school where ‘pupils and adults are challenged and supported to look far and look high’, yet which is ‘rooted in a deep understanding of its local community’. He identified the following notable strengths:
- The Christian vision is embraced by the school community and deeply embedded in their daily lives.
- The curriculum develops the whole child. Particular care is given to nurturing pupils’ personal qualities.
- Collective worship is a joyful and engaging time of the day.
- Leaders inspire a culture of love and care. This develops a strong sense of belonging.
- Pupils actively address issues of injustice that matter to them, particularly in relation to the local environment and community. This develops a strong sense of moral purpose and responsibility.
The inspector highlighted ways in which both the curriculum and extensive extra-curricula activities enable ‘character and moral development’ along with ‘high levels of confidence and self motivation’. Children develop a ‘strong understanding of spirituality, and worship inspires them to ‘reflect on their own uniqueness’. They ‘explore responsibility’ and ‘act with determination on issues that impact on themselves and the wider community’.
The ‘deep-rooted sense of community’ where all ‘people are included and known’ makes for ‘a thriving, vibrant and distinctive Church school’.
What a review of our school and a great reflection on our principal Ms Cupit, her senior leadership team and the whole staff team and above all our wonderful children!
Looking ahead February 7th 2026 at St Mary’s Convent Wantage A creative quiet day combining embroidery instruction from Suellen with two talks from Christine. All participants will receive materials, instructions and tuition to begin a unique design featuring Mary cradling the infant Jesus, to be completed at home. Embroidery Workshop – A Quiet Day at St Mary’s Convent, Wantage, 7 February 2026 Book by January 12th.
Finally a prayer taken from O Come Emmanuel Reflections on the Advent Antiphons.
Lord Jesus, stir in me a deep longing for your coming. May my heart be ready, my hands be open, and my life reflect your Kingdom as I wait in joyful hope. Amen
God bless
Julie
Diary Dates
- December 14th 5pm – Carols & Christingles St James
- December 14th 6pm – Carol Service All Saints
- December 16th 6.30 – Jingle & Mingle St Michael & All Angels
- December 17th – Carol singing from The Vicarage
- December 19th 3pm – Dress up Nativity service St Michael & All Angels
- December 21st 6pm – Carol Service St Michael & All Angels
- December 24th 4pm – Crib service St James
- December 24th 4pm – Christingle St Michael & All Angels
- December 24th 11pm – Midnight Mass St Michael & All Angels
- December 25th 9am – Christmas Day Communion All Saints
- December 25th 10.30 am – Christmas Day Communion St James
- December 25th 10.30am – Christmas Day Communion St Michael & All Angels
- December 28th 10.30 – Holy Innocents Day Holy Communion (said) St Michael & All Angels
- February 7th – A Celebration of Mary