Good afternoon friends of the Valley
Psalm 122:1 I was glad …
When they said unto me we will go into the house of the Lord.
Following a great deal of thought and consideration the Valley churches are each hoping to be open for private prayer over the next two weeks – I will let you know specific dates next week. All around the Valley there’s lots of cleaning going on with all the correct products and a lot of elbow grease – so thank you so much to everyone who has leant a hand already – it is greatly appreciated.
As you would expect the safety of all who visit is of paramount importance. As I’m sure you appreciate, we must check that we have the right plans and risk assessment in place so that we are able to open the Churches for prayer in as much safety as possible.
Please observe the signage, the hand sanitising and maintain social distancing as is now usual. Each church will have clear indications regarding where to sit and rather like the Co-op in Lambourn, if all the seats are taken please wait!
I am also very conscious of the fact that for some, the opening for private prayer will be a great consolation whilst for others it will cause concern because of self-isolation. I know you will be wise in deciding whether to visit for prayer.
If, for any reason, you would prefer not to visit but would like your prayer taken into church, please either send it to me or ring me and I’ll take it for you.
Please be assured, everyone’s welcome. The only proviso it that government guidance may change as may local conditions. We will keep you informed.
Bells, boilers and lights …
It’s likely that St Michael and All Angels will be a little behind St James the Greater and All Saints in opening due to the bells being taken away ready for repair later this week, not to mention the eagerly awaited high level lighting with LEDs that’s being installed – all this week. In addition the boiler being serviced!
After all that risk assessed action, the whole church will be in need of cleaning. Amanda is organising a socially distanced cleaning team on Saturday 20th. If you would like to help please contact her directly on 01488 670083 for further details and if you’d like to find out more about what will be involved.
On another note…
Belinda churchmouse is ever so excited and wants to let you know about The Big Music Sunday Service on Sunday at 6pm:
The Order of service is Evensong and there’ll be fabulous hymns for worship including
- Angel Voices ever Singing,
- How Shall I Sing that Majesty
- The Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended.
Simply click here to see the order of service:
https://www.rscmshop.com/media/1527/big-music-sunday-order-of-service.pdf
I’m certain that the Vicarage voices will be joining in worship with Belinda at 6pm on Sunday.
Sunday morning services
As usual there will be our Oxford Diocese ‘Church at Home’ streamed link:
https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19-2/livestream/
We will, as usual, be meeting for Zoom coffee after this service at 11.10
I was asked this week if I could suggest additional places of worship – a wide ranging question as I’m sure you’ll agree.
You are also welcome to join in with St Paul’s Wokingham here at 9.30 when Fthr Richard will welcome you:
As you may know this was the Parish from which Keith and I moved to the Lambourn Valley Benefice. This will have a similar style of worship to that in the Benefice.
The Vicar and Belinda churchmouse ‘on tour’ …
We are back to our ‘normal’ afternoon times. Please do spread the word and of course all are welcome to share news, pray or simply chat. Only if the weather is extremely inclement will the Vicar remain in The Vicarage!
- East Garston Monday June 15th 2.30 – 3.30
- Eastbury Tuesday June 16th 2.30 – 3.30
- Lambourn Wednesday June 17h 2.30 – 3.30
Cycling on Tour
Last week I was asked ‘Had I thought about cycling on tour?’ Er, rather a challenge with chairs, cushions etc!
Now, of course our daily exercise at this time has been a feature for many of us so this was a good question. However, rather sadly, our bikes are stuck in France at the moment!
All is not lost as a friend from The British Legion has this one – and if you would like it, do please contact me. It is free to a good home and is apparently top of the range!
The Vicarage Gardener reports …
The greenhouse building project is complete, the Icosapus is still unidentified but watch out for more exciting news in July’s edition of Village Views. Vegetables are mostly planted out but the Vicar still has aubergines growing her airing cupboard. Never a dull moment!
On the naturalist front apart from wrens, sparrows, chaffinches, blue tits, great tits, green finches, goldfinches, blackbirds and dunnocks we also have a hedgehog who is becoming a regular visitor past the French windows. I suspect she is clearing up after the birds and enjoying the left overs!
And finally
Please rejoice with us at the safe arrival of our grandchild Claire Elizabeth to Nigel and Laura in Sydney, Australia. She is a very special, much longed for child and we give humble and hearty thanks for her safe delivery.
God bless,
Julie