Good afternoon Friends of The Valley
I do hope that this finds you and yours well – here at the Vicarage all is well. This week has been mightily enhanced by the arrival of some wonderful gifts both here and in St Michael’s church. It is amazing what we find outside The Vicarage front door – there’s often a surprise delivery!
A wonderful surprise
In response to my suggestion a couple of weeks ago with regards to knitting, crocheting and other crafts ready for the Easter celebration of new life I received two delightful little boxes containing these beauties ready for Easter Day! Thank you so much Anne and I’m sure we all appreciated the little note …’made with love’. That really made my day to find them sitting there. Keep knitting & crocheting!
A second wonderful surprise
The second wonderful surprise came my way as I unlocked church one morning and find these beauties waiting for me! It is a little known fact that St Michael & All Angels has a litter picker. It came about like this. I was talking to a gentleman and we were both agreeing upon the beauty of all our Valley churchyards and what a pity it is to see litter lying around. He was keen to help for which I thanked him and hurried off to Wendy’s store. Having purchased a litter picker I returned with it and since then my friend has been making sure the churchyard and curtilage are clear of litter. In a later conversation my friend commented that others might be interested in helping out. Taken by the enthusiasm and kindness of said gentleman I shared the news at Compline and the rest as they say is history – thank you Caroline!
That reminds me that schools are open for all pupils from Monday. Loud cheers from many parents on Friday could be heard as, God willing …
Home schooling came to an end
Many, many congratulations to all who have played any part in the adventure that has been, home schooling!
Getting Outside in Lent
To return to litter pickers … my thinking is that Lambourn CE Primary may like to join the team in helping to keep the churchyard free of litter by designing some signs that can go on the railings and together we can support the intrepid litter pickers.
With the onset of blue sky and longer hours of daylight Mr Vicarage aka the Vicarage Gardener has been Getting Outside in Lent. That reminds me that the third in the series is attached and speaks of soil and seeds taking inspiration from the book of Genesis ‘ Lord God made all kinds of trees grow from the soil, every tree that was pleasing to look at and good for food’. All very apposite as the Vicarage gardener has been stirring in the tool shed amongst his pots, dibbers and seeds. We have onion seeds in our spare room and I have yet to discover the whereabouts of the broad beans! I wonder how everyone else is getting on.
World Day of Prayer
The was a great success locally and such joy to be collaborating with St Mary’s Richmond as people tuned in to pray, to enjoy fellowship with Christians throughout the world and to learn more about Vanuatu – the South Pacific country providing the service this year. And how wonderful it was to see the sea and sun in our screens! For those who disappointed to miss it due to it happening in the afternoon – there are plans to hold an early evening, slightly belated service. Thank you to all who helped and contributed – over 70 people were extremely appreciative!
Wednesday @ 7…
This is an opportunity to come and see and explore more about the creed. The zoom link is the usual one. The Diocese is sending out a daily email with a reflection on the Apostles’ Creed – it’s not too late to sign up for it. Email communications@oxford.anglican.org This week saw an invitation to share a favourite text. This was one with a cartoon Matthew 6:34 which leads into the wonderful
Lent Through Art project
If you haven’t seen this fabulous site do take a look. I really recommend that was yesterday’s art commentary with such interesting verbal and written commentary on the works of art.
https://thevcs.org/index.php/Lent2021
https://thevcs.org/stricken-smitten-bruised-and-afflicted/song-suffering-servant
And finally
A prayer written by a colleague whom I’m proud to call a friend.
A prayer for our health care workers
Loving God, we thank you for all who are working hard to care for those who are sick.
We thank you for their compassion, strength and diligence, for all the labour that is visible and for all that goes unseen.
May you surround all those who work in hospitals with your love and compassion, encourage and strengthen them in the days ahead,
Calm any fears and anxieties, and may they find rest and comfort in your loving presence.
Amen.
Cara Smart
May God, bless, guide and protect you,
Julie