Thoughts from The Vicarage with Spring cleaning, 106th ABC and Pews News
Greetings on this beautiful azure blue sky day as we celebrate St Joseph. Other than the infancy narratives, very little is written about Joseph. He doesn’t speak at all in the gospels. But he does listen. He listens to the angel’s command and takes Mary as his wife. He listens to God and takes his family to safety in Egypt and he also hears the call to return. For myself, he reminds me of fathers who take care of and nurture children who are not biologically related.
Tomorrow, Friday, 20 March, from 10am, the funeral cortege for Ross Couch RIP will pass through Lambourn village from 13 Woodbury via Newbury Street to the Universal Stores on its way to Thatcham Crematorium. The family invite you to wave him off. The cremation service is family only. A memorial service will be organised later in the spring to celebrate his life.
The St Michael’s church and yard spring clean ready for Easter is tomorrow from 10.00 onwards. We’re looking forward to seeing you! Probably a good idea to come with tools, gloves and anything else you think might come in useful. Refreshments will be available. Come and join in the fun!
The enthronement of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on the Feast of the Annunciation, Wednesday, 25 March 2026. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a ticket (!) you can watch it from 2.30 on BBC 1. Rooted in centuries of tradition, the service will look forward with the hope of Jesus Christ and celebrate the diversity of the Church of England, the nation and the Anglican Communion today.
Sunday week is Palm Sunday when we receive Palm crosses and hear the story of how Jesus came into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey a few days before his arrest. The crowds waved palms and cheered him as a king. We will act this out as we walk from St Michael’s Lych Gate into church with palms and songs of welcome to Jesus – come and join in, meeting at the Lych Gate just before 10.30 on Sunday. Being the fifth Sunday of the month this is when all three churches join together for worship – looking forward to seeing you all !
Looking ahead to Holy Week: all dates are below. Please do think about reading on Easter Saturday – Wendy and I would love to hear from you!
On Maundy Thursday at 11am in Christ Church Cathedral Oxford there will be service of Eucharist with the Blessing of Oils and Renewal of Ministerial Commitment. It is a very special service and it would be lovely to see you. Everyone – lay, licensed, and ordained – is welcome, as we come together to renew and celebrate our shared ministry as the people of God in the diocese of Oxford. More information can be found here or ask myself or Christine if you’d like to know more.
Finally, a prayer on this Feast of St Joseph:
Lord Jesus, be with all who accept and bear responsibility in loco parentis for children not their own.
May your love fill them, inspiring a deep love to flourish in their lives, and to bear fruit in the lives of all for whom they care.
Every blessing,
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
Diary Dates
- Monday March 23rd 2.00 – Lent group @ Christine’s home
- Wednesday 25th 1.30 – Lambourn CE Primary school Easter celebration @ St Michael’s
- Wednesday March 25th 7pm – Come & See Lent gathering @ The Vicarage
- Friday March 27th – Lambourn school breaks up
- Sunday March 29th – Palm Sunday Benefice service Blessing of Palms St Michael & All Angels
- Monday of Holy Week March 30th 7pm – Holy Communion & Homily St Michael & All Angels
- Tuesday Holy week March 31st 7pm – Holy Communion & Homily St James
- Wednesday of Holy Week April 1st 7pm – Holy Communion & Homily All Saints
- Maundy Thursday April 2nd – Holy Communion & stripping of altars St Michael & All Angels
- Good Friday April 3rd 10.00 – Walk of Witness meet at Sacred Heart
- Good Friday April 3rd 11.00 – Veneration of The Cross Sacred Heart Church
- Good Friday April 3rd 12.00 – Good Friday Liturgy St James
- Good Friday April 3rd – Good Friday concert St Michael & All Angels
- Holy Saturday April 4th 7pm – Easter Vigil St Michael & All Angels
- Sunday April 5th Easter Day 9.00 – Easter Day Holy Communion All Saints
- Sunday April 5th Easter Day 10.30 – Easter Day Holy Communion St James
- Sunday April 5th Easter Day 10.30 – Easter Day Festal Sung Eucharist St Michael & All Angels
- Sunday April 5th Easter Day 6.30 pm – Festal Evensong St Michael & All Angels