Good afternoon friends of The Lambourn Valley on a rather blustery morning,
As time moves on and this period of transition out of lockdown continues I’m pleased to report that worship has been resumed in all three of the Valley churches. It has been such a joy to share worship in the Valley. It’s worth saying that many, many Parishes, for all sorts of reasons, least of which has been clergy shielding, have yet to resume worship. Our rural location and overall context have meant that with the support of volunteers on the practical front we have been able so to do – thanks be to God. Belinda church mouse is loving seeing everyone again but bemoans the lack of biscuit crumbs …
I hope that people who wish to, and are able to, will come to worship, enjoy it, relish being together and remember all those who are shielding, or unwell, and carry them with in their hearts and prayers.
Worship on Sunday …
All are welcome at either service on Sunday:
- East Garston All Saints 9.00
- Lambourn St Michael’s Eucharist 10.30
The resumption of worship has so far been a most wonderful experience as we once again gather as the Body of Christ. Thank you indeed to all those wardens and volunteers who are supporting worship in very practical ways.
For those who would prefer to remain at home or are shielding the Church at Home from Oxford Diocese will be continuing as usual. This week will be very special as it is being held in Cuddesdon’s Edward King Chapel.
It is a beautiful sacred space. One day, when it is safe, it would be my joy to take a group to explore what was my Chapel whilst I was in training.
The Rt Revd Humphrey Southern, Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon presides and the address is given by our Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham.
This week the Diocese is supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee’s COVID-19 Appeal. The pandemic has badly hit a number of countries, including Yemen, Syria and South Sudan. The effects of this have been especially felt in refugee camps and amongst displaced people who have little access to medical care, basic food, shelter and water.
By supporting the DEC appeal there is a chance of protecting millions of vulnerable people and saving many lives. At the end of the service there will be an opportunity to donate to the appeal online. Alternatively you may donate here Donate to the DEC appeal via Christian Aid .
Morning Prayer and Compline
Continue daily, except Sunday morning and thanks to Paul for sending out the links along with the Zoom codes for Morning Prayer daily at 8.30 am, Compline daily at 8.30pm and coffee on Sunday. Do remember you can dial into these events and join in via a telephone if you are not a Zoomer. At present we have one person, Betty who does so and she thoroughly enjoys joining in prayer. If you’d like help please ring Keith aka the Vicarage Gardener 01488 208467 who would be only too happy to help.
Change of times of mid-week Eucharist
Change of times for the short services of mid-week Eucharist as part of the Vicar on Tour pattern. If you’d prefer to come along to an outdoors Eucharist you will be very welcome. (weather permitting) apologies for wrong dates last week and thank you to my editorial sharp eyed friends! I can only blame Belinda church mouse …
- Monday July 27th East Garston 11.30 – 12.30
- Tuesday July 28th Eastbury 10 – 11
- Wednesday July 29th Lambourn 3.30 – 4.30
Back garden communion
This 15 minute service will be followed by the usual ‘social’, physically distanced time. The Sacrament will also be available should those shielding wish to avail themselves at home – back garden communion. In this way all those who wish to, will have the opportunity to participate in prayer, Eucharist and fellowship. Please ask if you’d like to receive the sacrament in your garden (weather permitting!)
Pathway
Pathways is a magazine published quarterly – it is wide ranging with a main focus for each edition. Articles aim to equip Christians and those curious or interested on their walk with God while informing inquirers as they learn more about faith.
From deepening your spiritual life to practical tips on living out your faith, Pathways provides something for everyone. The latest edition is out now. Issue 5 focuses on the climate emergency and as it’s a digital-only edition I have attached it to these Thoughts.
Finally
walking back from East Garston last Monday I passed this ‘a seat with a view’ certainly but also ‘a seat with a history’. I am wondering if any of our readers were there or involved when the seat was installed. It was a pleasure to find it and very comfortable! Do let me know if you were present or connected to this venture in any way.
A reminder – please pass any prayer requests to me for next week as we revise the prayer list at the beginning of each new month. Also, if you would like someone to remain on the list please let me know. And yes August is fast approaching! Wishing you all a relaxing weekend, stay safe and do send any of your own news thoughts and reflections to myself and Belinda church mouse – we love hearing from you!
God bless
Julie