Good morning friends of The Lambourn Valley on this beautiful first day of August.
Looking back over the last few months I am struck by the number of people who’ve said to me how blessed they feel and how wonderful it is to be living in the Lambourn Valley. And of course, my husband, Keith and I agree completely – even if we are ‘Johnny and Jane come lately’ … !
It hardly seems possible that it was a year yesterday July 31st that I was installed as Vicar of The Lambourn Valley Benefice… and what a year it has been! Thank you to all those who have shared such a warm welcome and have helped us to feel at home amongst you. It is our joy to serve here in this place, at this time.
We enjoyed the Carnival, Church display and cream teas last year in Lambourn and will miss them but despite not being able to have all the usual fun and celebrations in the Valley I am sure that a Summer spirit will prevail throughout the Valley and the good news is that it’s all systems go for …
Ride+Stride 2020 in Berkshire on September 12th.
Ride and Stride is a nationwide church-crawl where you can visit as many (or as few) churches on the day between 10am and 6pm as you can. You can walk, run, cycle, ride or drive, following your own route and enjoy visiting some of our fabulous churches.
We already have some enthusiasts getting ready to stride – and we’re hoping that we will soon have some cyclists joining in! Walk in family groups bring your buggies and have a super family day striding along the Valley footpaths. Lambourn’s very own Ann Crone and Rosemary Basden have begun planning and would welcome others. Do contact them via myself to join in their day out! And yes, Belinda church mouse you may go along!
You may prefer to ride a horse or drive a car to visit as many churches as you like – raising money to help the amazing Berkshire churches, especially ours here in the Valley, stay wind and waterproof and open for their communities. You can use the sponsorship form available here ) and attached to this email. And half of anything you raise will go straight to the church of your choice. And each of our churches is really in need of financial support at present. Please give what you can.
Each church in the Benefice will be open and looks forward to welcoming you. If you’ve never walked the Lambourn Valley Way do try it – it is clearly marked and not a difficult route!
Worship tomorrow Sunday August 2nd …
All are welcome at either service on Sunday.
- Eastbury St James 9.00 Family Communion as we remember St James
- Lambourn St Michael’s Eucharist 10.30
The Vicar on Tour and Mid-week Eucharist
Continues with social time and a short service of mid-week Eucharist. If you’d prefer to come along to an outdoors Eucharist you will be very welcome.
- Monday August 3rd East Garston 2.30 – 3.30
- Tuesday August 4th Eastbury 2.45 – 3.45
- Wednesday August 5th Lambourn 2.30 – 3.30
This 15 minute service will be followed by the usual ‘social’, physically distanced time.
Back garden communion
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!)
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. If you’d like help please ring Keith aka the Vicarage Gardener 01488 208467 who would be only too happy to help.
A Reminder
as we revise the prayer list at the beginning of each new month, please let me know if you would like a name added.
Finally – as we give thanks for living in this place …
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always on your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rain fall soft upon your fields.
From now until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Amen
Wishing everyone a healthy and safe week.
Meanwhile, best wishes
Julie