church letter

Dear friends,

I’ve been thinking recently about how much place matters in our faith. Certain places hold memories, meaning, and a real sense of God’s presence—especially when we gather there to worship. And it’s not just about church buildings (though we love them!); it’s about where we meet God in the world around us.

The Bible is full of stories of God turning everyday locations into holy ground—mountaintops, fields, and even roadsides. As Psalm 24 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” That means all of it—greens, farms, hills, even windy ridges—can become places of prayer.

This year we’ve seen that in action. Palm Sunday on the green outside church was full of life—people of all generations, and of course, our wonderfully calm donkeys (huge thanks to the Grievesons for sharing them with us!). Rogation took us out onto the farming estate, where we blessed crops, animals, and the hands that tend them—thank you to everyone, but particularly Harry Henderson, who welcomed us, and his farm manager, Stuart, who took worshipers on tractor rides around the fields explaining their eco-farming methods. And then Pentecost at Combe Gibbet—spectacular views, wind in our hair, and the joy of the Spirit uniting us across parishes and hilltops.

These moments remind us that the Church is not just a building—it’s a people. And when we step outside, we not only honour our connection to creation, but we also rediscover that we are one Christian family, worshipping the same God, even if our usual pew looks a little different that day.

Of course, it’s not always easy. We know it can feel strange to worship in a church that isn’t “ours”—and sometimes there's a real pull to stay put. But part of the theology of place is recognising that while buildings are special, God is not confined to one address. Jesus constantly met people on the move—in homes, on roads, by lakes, and in fields. So when we come together in different places, even occasionally, we’re following in his footsteps.

As Rowan Williams put it, “The Christian life is not about escaping the world, but learning to inhabit it rightly.” And that includes each other's places, with grace and openness.

So thank you to everyone who’s stepped out, helped out, or simply shown up to be part of something shared and Spirit-filled. Whether it’s been helping with chairs, donkeys, music, or flasks of tea, we couldn’t do it without you. And if you’ve enjoyed that mix of faith and fresh air—don’t miss our outdoor Harvest Activity Morning at St Mary’s, Kintbury! There’ll be crafts, something for all ages (including grown-ups!), and a real celebration of the gifts of creation. Everyone’s welcome, whether you’ve got small people in tow, a dog on a lead, or just fancy a joyful morning among friends.

With every blessing, Rev. Annette Vicar of Walbury Beacon

PRAYERS FOR TODAY
1    Help me to be mindful of your presence throughout the day, to make choices that align with your will, and to treat others with kindness and compassion. May I find joy in the simple moments and strength to overcome challenges. Amen.

2    Grant to those who seek you, O Lord, the gift of your kingdom, the comfort of your grace and the vision of your glory. Amen.
Book of Common Order (1562)

Church Contacts

Benefice Administrator: Tamara Laing, part-time at the Benefice Office Email: wbboffice@gmail.com 07359 327072.

Churchwardens:
Inkpen: Charlotte Bampfylde (tel. 669285).
Combe: Tina Fiertz (tel. 668529), Katherine Astor (katherine@kirby-house.co.uk).

Inkpen graveyards on-line

For anyone wishing to view the details of Inkpen's graveyards, including burial details, grave stone inscriptions and the location of the graves, please click here.  Inkpen Burial, Marriage, Baptism and Birth records covering the period 1607 to 1837 can be found on the Inkpen history website, here.

NEWS FROM ST. MICHAEL'S

The Benefice Ministry Team and a large congregation of adults, children and dogs again took their Sunday Service outdoors by celebrating Pentecost up on Combe Gibbet overlooking the beautiful countryside in glorious sunshine.

Pentecost marks the Holy Spirit's descent upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus in Jerusalem and is celebrated 50 days after Easter. The event involved a sound like a rushing wind, visible tongues of fire, and the apostles speaking in different languages. Our event involved singing hymns, waving coloured streamers, blowing bubbles, the banging of cymbals and flying kites. All of this was observed by some very surprised occupants of camper vans.

Thanks again to Annette and Alison for their creativity in bringing this service out of Church and into the community.

Lent Giving
Thank you again to all those who have given so generously during Lent in donation envelopes and online through the Parish Giving Scheme which amounted to £2,000 on top of recurring donations of £2,500. This is a significant contribution to our annual fundraising to pay for the upkeep of our beautiful Church and for our Ministry Team. We also received a donation of £500 from the Foxglove Farm Care Project. Thank you to Kathe Davies and Simon Bastable for their generosity.

Sponsor the Church Noticeboard
We are still hoping for someone to come forward with a donation for a noticeboard outside the Church lych gate which will cost of about £1000. Please contact the Church Wardens, inkpenchurch@outlook.com

Holy Communion at Home
We are now offering parishioners Holy Communion at Home. This might appeal to those who are unable to come to Church.
Contact Annette 07708 823285 revannettes@aol.co.uk

DONATIONS URGENTLY REQUIRED TO COVER BULLETIN COSTS
Each year it costs c. £1,200 to print the Bulletin and even with Elon Musk’s chainsaw methods, it’s hard to cut them further. The Parish Council contributes £400, the Church £250 thus, c. £550 per annum is required. I won’t labour the fact it would make our job (and the distributors) infinitely more efficient if residents could consume the bulletin via email, this website or Facebook as it would cost, give or take, a tarriff busting £0. We will continue to print assuming funds roll in from this appeal.

Please either send monies to
1. St Michael’s Church, Inkpen – Sort code - 60-11-28 Account number – 73133078. Please put ‘Bulletin’ as reference.
2. Or write a cheque made out to St Michael’s Church, Inkpen and drop into the Crown and Garter or the Bakery. .

church services FOR INKPEN, COMBE and West Woodhay

Other Services in the Benefice are on the Website which is www.walburybeaconbenefice.org.uk

INKPEN
Sunday 6th July – Compline at 6pm
Sunday 13th July – Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at 8.30am
Sunday 20th July – Holy Communion at 9.45am

Sunday 3rd August - Compline at 6pm
Sunday 10th August - Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at 8.30
Sunday 17th August - Holy Communion at 9.45

COMBE
Sunday 20th July – Holy Communion at 11.15am
Sunday 17th August – Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at 11.15am

WEST WOODHAY
Sunday 13th July – Morning Celebration at 11.15am
Sunday 27th July – Holy Communion at 11.15am

Sunday 10th August – Morning Celebration at 11.15am
Sunday 24th August – Holy Communion at 11.15am

catholic services

Our Lady of Lourdes, Priory Road, Hungerford RG17 0AF Parish Priest - Fr Zbigniew Budyn 01635 40332

Sunday Mass - every Sunday at 9.00am
Weekday Mass - every Wednesday at 10.00am

OBITUARIES

A victorian view - now and then

The images of St. Michael's past and present are shown here