Thoughts from The Vicarage with Pews News, confirmation & looking ahead
Greetings on a rather damp and grey day brightened up by the emerging snowdrops around the churchyard and sunny daffodils on my table!! Please find Pews News attached with all the service details. I look forward to greeting you on Sunday!
Thank you very much to Doug of St Michael’s for taking the helm on church heating throughout December as Mr Vicarage was in Australia. Doug has passed the helm back!
Confirmation
A couple of families have approached me about confirmation. This will likely be in the summer or early Autumn. Please let me know if you are interested or would like to find out more about it. I will be holding sessions related to confirmation and of course, all would be welcome – especially if you would either like some faith refreshment or would like to go deeper or simply to find out more. There is no upper age limit and I am happy to chat about individual younger cases – just come and ask!!
It could be that the Come and See gatherings that I will be holding during Lent maybe of interest – a big warm invitation is extended to all …. Please do be in touch if you would be interested, no query too small! For more details Come and See – Diocese of Oxford
Ash Wednesday this year is February 18th. After the success of the Benefice Advent gatherings you are invited to two alternative sessions for Lent. Come & See will be at the Vicarage 2.30 pm on Wednesdays Feb 11th & 25th March 4th, 11th,18th & 25th.
‘Meeting God in John’ by David Ford will be the focus for Lent on Mondays at 2pm from Feb 23rd at Christine’s home. If you would like to attend, please let her know as soon as possible, as she can bulk buy the course books more cheaply than single copies. (07801096345 venchrisallsopp@gmail.com)
Remember to have your voice heard form regarding the next Bishop of Oxford following Bishop Stephen’s retirement.
And finally a prayer from my good friend Colin Heber-Percy. This seemed especially apt as the psalmist lamented and cried out earlier this week at Morning Prayer ‘Why are the nations in tumult and why do the peoples devise a vain plot…..’ Thankfully we have the assurance that the Lord is the strength of his people, a safe refuge in times of strife.
Almighty God, at the beginning of a new year, convict us, and all mankind to act always and everywhere in accordance with your will, justly, lovingly, mercifully and humbly. Let it be so now. Amen
God bless
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
Diary Dates
Tuesday January 20th 6pm – PCC St James
Sunday January 25 – The Conversion of Paul
Monday January 26th All Saints PCC
Sunday February 1st Candlemas
Thursday February 5th F2 Lambourn CE school visit St Michael & All Angels church
Sunday February 8th 6pm Taize service St James
Monday February 9th 7pm St Michael & All Angels PCC
Wednesday February 11th 2.30 Come & See Lent gathering The Vicarage
Friday February 13th Lambourn CE school breaks up
Wednesday February 18th Ash Wednesday and imposition of ashes St Michael & All Angels
Monday February 23rd 2pm Lent group @ Christine’s home
Wednesday February 25th Come & See Lent gathering The Vicarage
Wednesday March 4th 2.30 Come & See Lent gathering The Vicarage
Wednesday March 11th 2.30 Come & See Lent gathering The Vicarage
Wednesday March 18th 2.30 Come & See Lent gathering The Vicarage
Wednesday March 25th 2.30 Come & See Lent gathering The Vicarage
Friday March 27th Lambourn school breaks up
Sunday March 29th Palm Sunday
Monday March 30th Holy week begins
Thursday April 2nd Maundy Thursday
Sunday April 5th Easter Day