We are firmly in Lent, so we look at a flowerless altar, the only colour is on
the altar frontal, which for Lent is purple, and ours resembles a 70’s duvet,
did we have duvets back then? The simpleness concentrates the mind as
the Easter season approaches. We have Palm Sunday on 10th April, and we
hear the importance of the donkey and significance of our palm crosses. On
Easter Sunday we are pleased that Rev Nick Grew can return to lead our
holy communion service. This Easter Sherfield English will have several
more communicants as the previous week 15 people from Sherfield and
Wellow, and Lockerley, East & West Tytherly, and East Dean (known as the
Thorngate Benefice) will be taking the decision to be confirmed into the
Church of England faith at St Leonard’s church with the service taken by
acting Bishop of Winchester, Debbie Sellin, and Rev James Pitkin, our Area
Dean. Some are teenagers and some adults, but we are delighted to been
given the opportunity to host this rite of passage, it is decades since the
last time we held such a service, we think the 70’s. Is that why we had a
new duvet, sorry altar frontal? We even get to enjoy a joint choir from the
two benefices, I am sure Bishop Debbie will be mind blown by what we can
all achieve in a small rural parish church!
There has been much discussion by the “knit and knatterers” about a
display in the church for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations at the
beginning of June. Their woollen scenes are going to be complemented by
royal flower arrangements to totally bling out the church. I am not sure
how you can knit or crochet St Edward’s crown, I have no knitty or sewy
talents, but I have heard it is possible. Those involved always find
enthusiasm and joyfulness in their arty projects and sharing that with
enthralled family and friends is a delight for St Leonard’s to be part of in
this village. We will be hosting a quiz in the church on the Thursday
evening, a coffee morning on the Saturday and a special jubilee and
communion service on the Sunday with Rev James Pitkin leading us.
Hopefully you can drop in to admire the villagers’ talents at St Leonard’s as
well as celebrate at other village jubilee events.
Julia Noble, Churchwarden