Thoughts from The Vicarage with film news, confirmation and Keats.
Greetings on this autumnal afternoon as the leaves turn to colours that remind us that we are truly into the ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, close bosom-friend of the maturing sun’ written so eloquently by John Keats in 1820 while he visited Winchester.
There’s a sense of thanksgiving for the beauty and maturity of the year, a gentleness and peace if, with a little yearning as we look back.
This Sunday’s Pews News is attached. The focus for my thoughts this week will be upon the Philippians passage as Paul writes to the community about “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Looking forward to sharing more in East Garston All Saints and Lambourn St Michael’s.
St James Church has an afternoon Harvest celebration when we will be reflecting upon how we celebrate singing ‘We plough the fields and scatter’ when the “soft, refreshing rain” didn’t fall; when the warmth shrivelled the grain … and remember that the harvest God seeks is not simply grapes from a vineyard, it is the flourishing of the common life.
Exciting News. As I unveil the long promised Eco film! Finding Harmony: A Kings Vision to reunite humanity with Nature. Doug writes;
“After a successful Eco film and shared supper last year plus a well received Last Night of the Proms screening last month, we are again screening an environmental issue film in Church, warm with cushioned pews or chairs and a large screen. We invite you to join us for a fun social evening bring a sharing plate and a bottle! 17th October St Michael & All Angels at 9pm, (Approx finish time 9:15 pm)“. Thank you Doug!
Confirmation. I am thrilled and thankful to let you know that there will be a confirmation service in the spring time when Bishop Mary will visit St Michael & All Angels – precise date to be confirmed. It has been such a joy hearing from those who are interested. If you or anyone you know would like to have a chat or ask me about what it means please simply drop me a line or phone me.
Looking ahead. There will be another opportunity in the New Year to join in with our highly acclaimed ‘Living Well in The End Times’ series. In order to plan, please let me know if you would be interested. Six sessions, timing to be confirmed, with cake weekly at The Vicarage – you’ld be most welcome!
Finally, a prayer:
Help us, Lord Jesus,
To inhabit both your kingdom and the world in which we live.
Amidst all that distracts and occupies us and those around us,
Give us by your grace eyes to see and wisdom,
To explain those things which draw us close to you and towards your gospel.
Amen.
With every blessing,
Julie
Revd Julie Mintern Vicar Lambourn Valley Benefice
Dates for your diary
- October 11th 4pm – Harvest Festival St James
- October 17th – Eco Themed Film Night St Michael & All Angels
- October 31st 3.00 – All Souls’ service St Michael & All Angels
- November 1st 10.30 – All Saints’ Day Patronal Festival All Saints
- November 7th 10.40 – Remembrance East Garston War Memorial
- November 8th 10.45 – Remembrance St Michael & All Angels War Memorial & church
- November 8th 10.45 – Remembrance St James War Memorial & church
- December 4th Christmas Fair St Michael & All Angels
- December 10th 6pm – Oaksey House Christmas service St Michael’s & Oaksey House
- December 16th 6.30 – Jingle & Mingle St Michael & All Angels
- December 17th 3pm – Dress up Nativity St Michael & All Angels
- December 19th – Family film event with screening of the ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ SMAA
- December 20th 6pm – Nine Lessons and Carols St Michael & All Angels
- December 24th 4pm – Crib service St James
- December 24th 4pm – Christingle family service St Michael & All Angels
- December 24th 11.00 – Midnight Mass St Michael & All Angels