Thoughts from the Vicarage wth good news, prayer and refugees
Greetings to you and yours! We have good news of the work at St Michael’s. The roofers are already making good progress and have new lead on at least a third of the south aisle.
Inside the church the preparation work has continued and they are planning on starting the decorating as soon as they can now that the west end is more or less waterproof. They are confident that they are on track to complete internal and south side work by the end of the month with scaffolding coming down (other than possibly the north side) by early July. So very good news especially for the upcoming wedding and flower festival.
Please share the good news along with our Restore our Roof Appeal as we raise funds for these essential works. Thank you very much to those who have contributed and do please remember that all donations are gratefully received especially with the Gift Aid filled in if it is applicable to you!
The Community Flower Festival is coming up – get your creative juices going! We have a school display, a WI display (it might include a hula hoop!) and are hoping for others linking a display to a community activity! Please let Jo Higgs whose poster is attached 07842954904 know if you are hoping to bring along a display on July 16th ready for the Wine & Cheese reception that evening to which all contributors are welcome! Poster attached do show and tell others!!
Refugee week ends on World Refugee Day, Saturday. Earlier this week I had the joy of joining in with a special ‘live school assembly’ to mark the week. The theme this year is Courage, highlighting the daily bravery of refugees in facing unknown journeys, learning new languages, navigating unfamiliar systems, and building new lives in often challenging circumstances as they’ve fled from their own homes.
St Paul’s Cathedral hosted a conversation on the theme as Paula Gooder held a gentle conversation with Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford about her life, her faith, and her own experience as a refugee. Guli was born in Iran and fled to the UK when she was a teenager, aged following the murder of her brother during the Islamic Revolution. In their conversation, Bishop Guli reflected on her experiences, on the history of Christianity in Iran and the theme of migration in Scripture. She traces the importance of faith in her life uncovers what it means to have courage and hope in God. Highly recommended!
Faith, hope and courage: a conversation with Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani – Jun 26
Thinking about a Christening? For your child or for yourself? Come and See all about Christening, what it means, what happens and what next. There will be coffee and cake along with candles, oil and water! All ages welcome on July 4th 10-11am at The Vicarage. We already have one grown up and two babies so you won’t be on your own!
Finally, a prayer:
Guide us, Lord Jesus,
by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit,
that we may be generous in our giving of our time, talents and treasures
to support one another,
to further the way of your kingdom,
to reveal your love, mercy, hope and peace to all people,
to give you glory.
Amen
Every blessing
Julie
Dates for your diary
- July 4th Saturday 10-11 am – Come & See about Christening or Baptism @ The Vicarage
- July 11th 12.00 – Wedding of Mel and Will St Michel & All Angels
- July 17th – 19th – Flower Festival St Michel & All Angels
- July 20th 1.30 – School leavers’ service St Michael & All Angels
- August 8th – Summer lunch at Meridian the home of Ruth & John Honey. All welcome!
- September 12th 7.15 – Last Night of The Proms screened in St Michael’s doors open 6pm
- November tbc – Film Night with David Attenborough
- December 4th – St Michael & All Angels Christmas FairDecember 19th Family film event with screening of the ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice