Good afternoon dear Friends of The Valley
As I write the sun is shining and I think we are set fair for a fine weekend to round off half term week. And good news here at The Vicarage as we are now certain that the hedgehogs have returned!
Last year they visited whilst we were still up and about but we hadn’t actually seen them. Were our nocturnal visitors of the feline variety partial to Spikes hoggie food . . or even a peckish night owl of some kind?
Surely not, and thanks to my ‘O’ level science, a fair test was put in place. To my knowledge hedgehogs don’t climb so we placed a ‘small’ portion of the aforementioned food on the table above a usual sized portion in the usual place under the table. Sure enough, the portion aloft remained uneaten whilst that on the ground disappeared as usual! And here’s the evidence as our friend is now visiting a little earlier in the evening.
We love to watch them as did the grandchildren yesterday despite me reminding them, again, that hedgehog care is caring for God’s creation – we are simply stewards of His beautiful and bountiful creation.
Churches Count on Nature
All this talk about nature leads me to remind you that the first event of Churches Count on Nature is beginning tomorrow, Saturday June 5th from 10 – 12.30 at St James in Eastbury where you are welcome to spot wild life, plants and lichens in the grave yard. Then, a week later on Saturday June 12th from 10 – 12.30 there will be another exciting event in St Michael and All Angels’ graveyard to which you’re very welcome. Further information may be found on the poster attached to these Thoughts.
Wednesday @ 7
Continuing the creation care theme, Wednesday @ 7 meets, surprisingly at 7pm on Wednesdays and is exploring ecological justice using the USPG material ‘For Such a Time as This’ which has prompted so many questions related to care for our environment and the impact of our actions on our unseen brothers and sisters throughout the world. Some are describing Covid-19 as a great awakening; a planetary ‘kairos moment’ for us to stop, reflect and change direction.
For many of us that is what we were doing, where we found ourselves last year when lockdown was so strict and many began to look at, enjoy and, where possible get out into the natural world looking more closely at nature and simply enjoy it.
One of the ‘Five Marks of Mission’ adopted by the Anglican Consultative Council similarly points us towards safeguarding the integrity of creation, sustaining and renewing the life of the earth. Should this topic interest you there is a fuller explanation which may be found here, in a ten minute YouTube video.
Last Saturday saw Susan Holmes and Sam’s marriage – what a joy to hear the bells peal and to see the sun shine on the newly weds and their parents – Stephen and Wendy! Stephen is our Benefice organist along with Susan who also helps leads the choir.
It was a very happy day indeed and I know how much they appreciated your support both as the bride arrived and as they left church! We wish them every joyful blessing in their married life
Apologies, many photos were shared and I’m not sure who to credit.
Looking ahead …
June services will be:
June 13th
- All Saints 9am Holy Communion
- St Michael & All Angels 10.30 Eucharist
June 20th
- St Michael & All Angels 8am Holy Communion (BCP)
- St James 9.30 Family Communion
- St Michael & All Angels 11 All Together Eucharist
June 27th
- All Saints 9am Holy Communion
- St Michael & All Angels 10.30 Eucharist
And finally …
Looking ahead none of us know for certain what June 21st will bring in terms of the Government road map – and for some, this uncertainty can be a huge challenge. Do continue to hold one another in prayer and remember those whose plans have been disrupted in any way. Let’s continue to support those in need and be kind to those who are feeling a bit ‘at sea’ with it all.
Looking forward to seeing you soon meanwhile, God bless
Julie
PS In response to those asking during the week! Keith was with me on Lundy– and here’s the evidence!