A Message from the Vicarage August - September 2026.
God is our place of safety. He gives us strength.
God is always there to help us in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Dear readers,
And so, we are into the Harvest season and creation tide when we remember not just the harvest but all God’s gifts to us and wonder but also lament at their misuse.
As we get ready to celebrate harvest, we remember all farmers looking at their parched fields or seeing them destroyed by wildfires and ravaged by war.
But still, we give thanks with our Harvest celebrations on 25th/26th September. At Stapleford Abbotts we have our open day from 10-2.00pm on the Saturday. There will be refreshment and fellowship and a chance for young people of all ages to rebuild the bug hotel and check out bird boxes. t St7The Harvest Festival service will be at 9.45am on the Sunday.
For Lambourne the service is at 11.15am on the Sunday followed by a bring and share lunch. Again, there will be the opportunity for young people to work in the churchyard helping nature.
At both churches there will be food collections for the Food Bank.
Please see the displays elsewhere for the Tabletop Sale, Barn Dance and Church in the Woods. Also advertised is the Ride and Stride. If you would like to take part, please ask me.
Our Zoom opportunities continue with our Prism magazine at 7.30pm on Wednesday 2nd and our international service on Friday 25th at 7.30pm. Please ask for the link.
The invaluable working parties continue from 10-12noon on Saturdays 5th and 19th at Stapleford Abbotts, and 26th at Lambourne.
The fire at Lambourne. On Saturday afternoon 1st August there was a serious fire at the top of the churchyard which necessitated four fire engines. Thanks to those who notified the fire service and the prompt action of the crews the fire was contained.
Whether this was the result of spontaneous combustion or misdemeanour we are not sure, but we do have to be aware of the dangers. To this end we have decided to lock the car park gate when not needed for services and events. We are sorry to have to take this action. If anyone has a need to access the car park, please give me a ring and we will see what can be done.
Stuff for the foodbank can be left in church and Derek H. or I will deliver it to Collier Row each Friday, Derek has told us how desperately short of everything the food bank is as the demand continues to increase.
May we remind you that the bookstall at the back of church has books to borrow. Please help yourself.
A reminder for those wanting to give through the Parish Giving Scheme the direct line is 0333 002 1271 and our reference is 080608040. Please remember the church as you navigate your way through your financial situation. We now also have a contactless machine.
The church shop is table open with jams and chutneys and anything else we can sell to keep our Eco Church credentials flying. We have added chocolate and tea with all the right credentials.
Finally, if you do know of anyone who is in need of a phone call, shopping or any other form of help, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with us.
If anyone who struggles to get out would like a service and communion at home do let me know.
Roger Gayler - 01992 523849 - email rogergayler@btinternet.com or use this contact link.
God has called us to be his church in our community.
With our prayers.
All the church at Stapleford Abbotts.
Blessings to all, Roger Gayler.
