Thoughts from The Vicarage with Ascension, scaffolding and a prayer
Greetings to you and yours on this Ascension Day morning. Usually the flag would be flying high above St Michael & All Angels today – thanks to our flag master Andrew. Those locally will have observed that is not so today. Unfortunately the necessity of the scaffolding has meant that access to the tower has not been possible this year.
On the subject of scaffolding the good news is that St Michael’s is open as usual but please do take care and respect the signs as you go in. The Ascension Day service this evening will be at 7.30 in the chancel – we look forward to welcoming you.
Reflecting on what Ascension Day means, Bishop Steven writes: “It is not only about Christ’s departure, but about hope, calling and the continuing presence of God in the life of the Church and the world. Ascension reminds us that Christ reigns not far away from the world, but over the whole of creation in love. It calls the Church to lift its eyes beyond fear and anxiety and to live with hope, courage and compassion”
Since the very beginning of the church, the nine days between Ascension & Pentecost , the Novena – have been a time of prayer. And not just a prayer for individuals but as a community, like those first members of the Church. Some of us will be using ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ prayers and reflection during this time. The Archbishop writes ‘As we will see in the readings to come, God wants to transform us into people who make the changes we want to see in the world’. It’s not too late to join in via this link Thy Kingdom Come 2026 | Thy Kingdom Come
A timely thought to remind you that we are always available to have a chat or a cuppa. If you’d prefer to reflect on your own do remember to pop into church and look at the selection of cards to help you – pick one up if it helps – all free. In St Michael’s our prayer table is absolutely open to all, simply take a pen, write your prayer & place it on the table, lay a cross on it or take one away. As I unlock each day and say prayers at 8.30 I read the prayers, place an Amen myself and then pray your prayer during Morning Prayer. You might even like to come along and join me, in person or on Zoom.
Dates for your diary
- Thursday May 14th Ascension Day Benefice service 7.30pm – St Michael & All Angels
- Sunday 17th please see attached Pews News
- Sunday May 24th Pentecost 9.00 All Saints and 10.30 – St Michael & All Angels
- Sunday May 24th APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) 12.00 – St Michael & All Angels
And finally a prayer from my friend Revd Colin Heber-Percy
O God, in whom we live and move and have our being,
forgive us our resorting to ‘brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar’
our towers and telescopes,
searching for the truth ‘up there’.
Grant us, we pray,
the humility to grope for Him who is not far from each one of us,
our Way, our Truth, and our Life,
your Son and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Every blessing
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice