The church entrance
porch was awash with colour, the low ledges filled with posies
- and the notice board crammed with the hand made greeting cards
so beautifully crafted by the youngsters earlier in the week. |
Mothering
Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it's often called
Mothers' Day it has no connection with the American festival
of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly
daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given
a day off to visit their mother and family. Today it is a day
when children give presents, flowers, and home-made cards to
their mothers. |
|
Just a small selection of the wonderful
floral contributions that adorned the church window ledges for
the service. Also, a timely reminder that five of the seven
featured above were created by the children and young people
of East Garston. |
|
As mid-day approaches
the church begins to fill quickly. Shannon and Jessica take
up their now routine task of ensuring all within are fully equipped
with hymn sheets, order of service sheets and collection envelopes.
|
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 |
 |
 |
Libby
- always calm |
Alex takes
it all in |
Lauren reads
quietly |
James checks
his running order |
| At
precisely 12 noon, Reverend Cumberlidge started the service.
The first spot went to Shannon - who delivered a personally
written poem dedicated to her Mum. - Meanwhile, Tabitha
patiently awaits her turn in the pulpit. |
 |
|
Praising
and Thanking God |
Read by
Tabitha
Joe
and Mollie
|
|
Prayers |
Read by
Vig
Jessica
and James
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 |
| It
occured to me, standing confidently in his Pulpit - James
(above right) has all the poise, presence and
authority of an experienced member of the Clergy. Do you not
agree? |
| |
|
The Reading
The Gospel according to St John
-
Chapter 19 Verses 25-27
was read by Thomas Highnett
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The Vicar’s
Address took the form of a conversation with the children about
what they valued and loved about their mothers, what they did
that upset their mothers and how could they be helpful to them.
He then developed the theme of dependency in connection with
the church and how Mothering Sunday has its origins in remembering
and returning to the parish’s Mother Church. |
| Just
pause for a moment and take a good look at the degree of attention
these youngsters are giving to what is being said. Remember
it is a Vicar they are listening to so intently - not some over-hyped
Rock Star or worse - some transparent E-grade soap opera star.
When I bear witness to occasions such as this, I find it totally
inconceivable that there are in fact negative elements with-in
the village, who maintain this is not part of the way the church
should be. (KT) |
This beautiful
and stunningly colourful window ledge display came courtesy
of Diana Pilling. Thank you Diana - it's a photographers
dream. |
| A
most exciting development has been the formation of a children’s
choir, which sang for the first time at the service. Eleven
children have been trained by Organist, Choir Mistress and Conductor,
sixteen year old Susan Holmes, daughter of Stephen Holmes, Organist
and Choirmaster at Lambourn Church. The choir sang two hymns,
the second of which, Seek Ye First The Children of God, they
sang as a canon, conducted by Susan.
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I
know from comments made at the time that there are a now an
even higher number of very proud parents and Grandparents in
the parish, and proud they should be. This year's Mothering
Sunday service was par excellence. Thanks to all who took part
or contributed
(KT) |
|
The closing
words from Reverend Cumberlidge.
|
| "It
has been a most encouraging sign that so many children now regard
the church in East Garston as a place where they belong and
play a prominent part. They take it as a matter of course, that
they will be involved in whatever is taking place. We have tremendous
support from parents, by their example in helping, encouraging
and coming to the church, especially on family occasions."
|
Every
Blessing
Reverend Tony Cumberlidge |
Linked Pages
Cards for Mum :
Making Posies
Photos and Research:
Ken Tarbox
Text : Sally Wright : Tony Cumberlidge : Ken Tarbox
All images appear with the full parental permission where neccessary
All
Saints' Menu : Main Site
Menu : Mothering Sunday Menu
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