Thoughts from The Vicarage with The Empty Chair, ‘fall back’ and keeping warm
Greetings on this Autumnal afternoon as we look ahead to the weekend when we will all ‘fall back’ as clocks go back an hour and BST ends. Sunday services this week will be held in All Saints and St Michael & All Angels when we will hear, amongst other things, of how the Apostle Paul expresses his deep affection and commitment to the Thessalonian believers, offering both the gospel and his own life because they had become “very dear” to him. Their relationships grew, their lives mattered. Maybe something similar has happened through those who have nurtured you in your faith …
Saturday date for Knitters & Crocheting friends! All welcome to come along and join Fran of Warm Lambourn and WI friends for the first craft session of the season at 10am on Saturday 24 October in St Michael and All Angels Church. We’ll be putting together lots of warm things for our community – come and join us, no matter how experienced a crafter you are. Last year we gave out dozens of blankets, scarves, hats, gloves and so much more to anyone who needed a little extra warmth. So dust off your knitting needles or crochet hooks and come along for a couple of hours of cosy craft and chat. Hot drinks will be provided! There’ll be a stash of yarn for you to help yourselves.
Our All Souls’ service is on Saturday October 31st at 3pm. All welcome to this quiet, peaceful service to remember a loved one & light a candle. If you’d like their name read out, write your loved one’s name on the list or let me know. The empty chair is for a quiet moment to reflect, give thanks and remember your loved one in the quiet, safe space of St Michael’s. All, and we mean all, are welcome.
All Saints’ Patronal Festival is the very next day Sunday November 1st 10.30 at All Saints East Garston when we will be welcoming the Revd Canon Peter Moger, the Sub Dean of Christchurch Cathedral. Please make every effort to attend this service as it is super that Peter is able to be with us all. Yes, I know there is a deviation but please make an effort – Peter is coming from Oxford!!!
Looking even further ahead. Advent – many apologies I made a mistake & gave you the wrong Paula Gooder book. The Advent book this year will be Paula Gooder’s ‘Women of the Gospels: A journey in nine stories, illustrated by Ally Barrett. Please contact Christine or Julie if you would like a copy.
St Michael’s Christmas Fair is on December 4th with doors open at 6pm. We still have space for stall holders – if that is you, please email secretarylb@lambournvalley.org .
Finally, a prayer from my friend Bill.
Holy Trinity, God of love,
relationship and community are
at the heart of your being and
at the heart of your call to us as your disciples.
Fill us with a love for one another
which echoes the love you are,
and brings your grace to bear on our life together in you.
Amen
With every blessing,
Julie
Dates for your diary
- October 24th 12-2pm – Warm Lambourn & WI crafting in St Michael’s – all welcome
- October 31st 3.00 – All Souls’ service St Michael & All Angels
- November 1st 10.30 – All Saints’ Day Patronal Festival All Saints
- November 6th & 7th – St Michael’s yard and church tidy up – all welcome!
- 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
- 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