Thoughts from The Vicarage with Palms, donkey and school
Greetings and welcome to our new readers as we move inexorably towards Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday. The Pews News illustration this week is of Norman the donkey’s cross who visited school earlier this week thanks to Sadie for bringing him!
Palm Sunday is when we receive Palm crosses and hear the story of how Jesus came into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey a few days before his death. The crowds waved palms, threw down their cloaks before him and sang Hosannnas cheering 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. Whichever church you regard as ‘yours’, please do seriously consider attending this important service at the beginning of Holy Week. Looking forward to seeing you all !
Yesterday I was at Lambourn CE school along with Norman the donkey as we all remembered how Jesus was indeed a King, a servant King. It was a joy to see the stations of the cross laid out in the hall. Beginning with Hopes & Dreams on Palm Sunday, we moved on to Maundy Thursday, the Servant King and Feet washing, Remember Me with the Last Supper followed by the Garden of Gethsemane and of course, the crucifixion. The final station was that of Resurrection offering us all the joys of Easter Day.
Sadly we couldn’t all be in school but please do come along, as you are able, to the services during Holy Week as we remember the Passion of Christ, travelling alongside our Lord and saviour through to the crucifixion, culminating in His joyful resurrection on Easter Day!
All Holy Week services & dates are below. 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. Glad to say we have a small group going along from St Michael’s.
Huge thanks to all those came along to St Michael’s big Spring clean last Friday and Saturday. It was great success and your Vicar even managed to serve refreshments!! Doug masterminded the work both inside the church and in the yard. Do look at both the memorial garden and the small garden opposite as you walk up from the Lychgate on Sunday! The plan is to hold another grand clean before Remembrance Sunday. If you have ideas and suggestions or would like to know more please do make contact with Doug who has plans to spruce up The Lady Chapel & St Catherine’s on Sunday or 07946 364232.
Finally from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God,
who, of thy tender love towards mankind,
hast sent thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ,
to take upon him our flesh,
and to suffer death upon the cross,
that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility;
Mercifully grant,
that we may both follow the example of his patience,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Every blessing
Julie
Diary Dates
- 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 6pm – Holy Communion & Homily All Saints
- Maundy Thursday April 2nd 7pm – Holy Communion & stripping of altars St Michael’s
- Good Friday April 3rd 10.00 – Walk of Witness
- 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 Sung Eucharist St Michael & All Angels
- Sunday April 5th Easter Day 6.30 pm – Festal Evensong St Michael & All Angels