Thoughts from The Vicarage 315
Thoughts from The Vicarage with mountain tops, pancakes and ashing
Greetings !
Please find Pews News attached with service information for the week, prayer requests and the readings for Sunday. The Gospel this Sunday features the Transfiguration – a pivotal, luminous, brilliant moment revealing Jesus’ divine nature and his fulfilment of Scripture. It is a “Mountain-Top” Revelation connecting it to Sinai (Moses), Horeb (Elijah), the Ascension, and the promised return of Christ. Both the Gospel and the Old Testament reading from Exodus tell of transforming encounters with God, out of this world, yet of defining and permanent significance – not only for those who shared these experiences.
Pancakes on Tuesday and Ashing on Wednesday .. I wonder .. how are you going to be observing Lent and preparing for Easter throughout the 40 days of Lent? There is Come & See and a chance to reflect upon the Gospel of John in Lenten groups on Mondays & Wednesdays. For dates etc please see below.
If your preference is for quiet, personal reflection Come and See: offers free daily Lent emails with short reflections, plus a weekly video from Bishop Steven. Take part in whatever way works for you – everyone is welcome. For a taster here is a link to the first video Come and See 2026 Week 1: The Servant It’s about15 minutes in length and is brilliant!
I’d love to hear from you after you’ve watched it! Let me know what intrigued you. And I wonder what challenged you or left you with a question?
Draw Near is the Church of England’s Lent reflections all about teaching us how we can cultivate the habits and practices that will draw us nearer to God. And we will find that, in doing so, God will draw nearer to us, too. Each week a different contributor explores a different aspect of Christian discipleship – worshipping together, praying, exploring the Bible, sharing communion, offering service and sharing the good news with others.
And if you prefer something visual this year’s VCS Lenten series of artworks and associated commentaries is centred on the theme of community, something as urgently needed as ever in a fractured world Sign Up to VCS Emails | VCS
Finally – Mary Oliver on Praying as we move towards Lent
It doesn’t have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones;
just pay attention,
then patch a few words together and don’t try to make them elaborate,
this isn’t a contest but the doorway into thanks,
and a silence in which another voice may speak.
Every blessing,
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
Diary Dates
- Saturday February 14th 9.30 – A Quiet Morning with Bishop Mary St Laurence Hungerford
- Wednesday February 18th – Ash Wednesday and imposition of ashes St Michael & All Angels
- Monday February 23rd 2.00 – Lent group @ Christine’s home
- Wednesday February 25th – Come and See Lent gathering 2.30 @ The Vicarage
- Wednesday February 25th – Come and See Lent gathering 7.00 @ Meridian (Ruth’s home)