Thoughts from The Vicarage with a Summer lunch, a new festival and The Last Night of The Proms
Greetings on this blessed day! Please find attached Pews News containing all you need for the coming week, service times, readings, Collects and prayer requests.
The St Michael & All Angels Treasurer thanks all those who have donated to support our Restore our Roof appeal. He is pleased to report the appeal has made a good start and a modest grant has been received from The Berks Historic Churches Trust. However, we have some way to reach the £30,000 required. Every contribution, however small or large continues to be welcomed and I am attaching the information to support your donations.
Following the great success of the Community Flower Festival the team is pleased to be continuing with Summer events. The first being on August 9th 12.30 a Summer Lunch in the garden of Ruth & John Honey’s home; Meridian, The Greenways Lambourn. Tickets via Ruth on 07720 439733, Doug 07946 364232 or myself with a minimum donation of £10 per person please. If your pocket is empty of cash please use the honesty (!) tap tap machine in church. All are most welcome!
In September Doug Kirby and the team are proud to present Last Night of The Proms screened live in St Michael’s with drinks canapes, flags, and no doubt, lots of enthusiastic singing. All are welcome with doors open at 5.30, drinks & canapes from 6pm with a chance to mingle amongst friends or go and look closely at the Willis organ of St Michael’s, the little sister to the Albert Hall organ! Organist Stephen will be on hand to share the inside secrets of the organ. A ticket will secure you a seat via the St Michael & All Angels FB page https://tinyurl.com/wu9j3ukx or speak to either Doug, Ruth or Julie.
We have a new Festival adopted by the General Synod of the Church of England in July to be celebrated on Sunday September 6th. “The Festival of Creation in Christ” emphasises that creation is understood through the person and work of Jesus : created through him, sustained in him and destined for renewal in him. Through worship and prayer the Festival will further move us toward playing our part in the Church’s mission to “safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”.
From the sublime to the …. Lambourn car parking charges. West Berks has imposed car parking charges in the car park on Lambourn High Street that has led to much debate and the advent of a flurry (?) of parking wardens arriving in Lambourn – one being present last Sunday. I am pleased to let you know that St Michael’s PCC secretary has penned an excellent letter to the Council regarding the Sunday charge and we await the reply.
- August 9th – Summer lunch at Meridian the home of Ruth & John Honey
- September 12th – Live screening of The Last Night of The Proms SMAA
- September 26th – Concert with soprano Tamsin Slatter with talented local singers SMAA
- October 17th – Eco Themed Film Night St Michael & All Angels
- December 4th – Christmas Fair St Michael & All Angels
- December 16th – Jingle & Mingle St Michael & All Angels
- December 19th – Family film event with screening of the ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ SMAA
Finally, a prayer, used daily at Morning Prayer invites us to be thankful for the gift of life itself. It seems most apt at this time.
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever.
Amen
Every blessing,
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice