Thoughts from The Vicarage with a cool welcome and Krish Kandia
Greetings to you and yours on this azure blue sky day. I hope that you are able to find a cool space should you be in need. If you need respite care from the heat, do please make use of the church as a cool space. Refreshments are on the table in St Katherine’s chapel – simply make yourself at home – no sofas I’m afraid ….. but who knows!!! Opening hours are on the new FB page St Michael & All Angels – do like and share as far as possible please!
That invitation to find a place of sanctuary and welcome is reflected in this Sunday’s Gospel. It speaks of ‘whoever welcomes you welcomes me (Jesus). Think of every human made in the image of God, we can see the glory of God in people – God’s very own reminder that we have the chance to find something of His beauty in every single person.
In my life as Headteacher I quite often reminded myself of that! God in Jesus longs for each one of us to flourish and become the whole person God would have us be. He longs for us to welcome all as He delights in the flourishing of each soul.
And of course on the world stage, with global challenges at this present time we may well ask ourselves; what does it mean to welcome, and how? The heart of the gospel reminds us that it isn’t that God solves every problem but that God is with us. The deepest gift God gives is not a plan but a presence. Not an explanation but a companionship and a welcome He longs for us to share.
That reminds me of another Bishop Mary podcast – Searching for Sanctuary with Krish Kandiah. Together they discuss hospitality as a defining Christian practice, the stories that shape public attitudes towards refugees and migration, and the Church’s calling to be both deeply rooted in local communities (like ours) and globally engaged. The conversation offers a thoughtful challenge to reimagine welcome, compassion and faithful discipleship in today’s world. Do listen to it – it’s truly inspiring.
St Michael & All Angels’ Flower Festival is on the horizon! It’s going to be a Community Celebration with everyone welcome to offer a display from a group or simply from themselves. I’m entering my own …. not sure about Mr Vicarage. Mine is top secret. All in aid of St Michael’s ‘Restore our Roof Appeal’ with a raffle to round everything off! Please contact Jo Higgs for more info on 07842 954904 or on joannehiggs1@outlook.com
Finally a date for your diary if you are Thinking about a christening for your child or for yourself. Looking forward to seeing you on July 4th 10-11am at The Vicarage – all welcome!
Please pray for the people of Caracas following the earthquakes – Pews News had already gone to print. And a prayer for this week from Revd Sue
Christ who is everywhere and in all things,
give us soft eyes to see you in the places we least expect.
Help us to look twice.
Speak through our imaginations
so we discover afresh the truth of your revelation
through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
Every blessing and please take care of one another and yourself.
Julie
Dates for your diary:
- July 4th Saturday 10-11am – Come & See about Christening or Baptism @ The Vicarage
- 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 Fair
- December 19th – Family film event with screening of the ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
Rest day Friday The Vicarage 4 Newbury Street Lambourn RG17 8PD
https://lambourn-valley-benefice.website/