church letter

Dear Friends

A May Celebration on the Farm – Rogation with a Difference.

The Sunday before Ascension Day has long been known as Rogation Sunday—a time when we traditionally ask for God's blessing on the land, crops, animals, and all those who work to bring food from the soil to our tables. This year, Rogation falls on Sunday, 25th May, and we’ll be marking it with a celebration a little different from the usual.

Rather than walking across the fields as in the past—something that many of our more seasoned congregation now find a little too ambitious—we’re inviting everyone to gather on a local farm for a short outdoor service, followed by tractor rides around the estate. The farm is on an exciting journey towards reducing its use of chemicals, restoring wildflowers and habitats for bees, and nurturing the natural health of the soil—a hopeful and fitting setting for this celebration of creation.

Instead of “beating the bounds” (which traditionally involved quite a bit of bramble-rolling and pond-dunking for young boys!), we’ll be taking a gentler route—perhaps encouraging children to spot wildlife from the safety of a plough trailer!

We’ll be rounding off the morning with a lamb roast and time to enjoy one another’s company over food, in the fresh air of spring. There’ll be a nature quiz for the children, space to relax, and good conversations for all.

So what are we actually celebrating on Rogation? The name comes from the Latin rogare, meaning “to ask.” Historically, this was a time when people asked God’s blessing not just on the land but on their lives and communities. It was also a chance to reconnect with one another and the place they lived—a chance to remember that land, people, and faith are all deeply entwined.

In a world of fast-moving technology and increasing disconnection from nature, there’s something beautifully grounding in gathering to give thanks for the work of farmers and the miracle of growth in field and garden. Farming today is not without its challenges—from unpredictable weather to economic pressure and changing land use. But there are also hopeful stories: of sustainable practices, community-supported agriculture, and a renewed care for creation. Our Rogation celebration is a chance to say thank you, to pray for blessing, and to celebrate the rhythms of the land in our own community.

So do come along—bring friends, bring family, and bring an appetite*! Whether you're a regular churchgoer or not, there's a place for you around the tractor, under the open sky, at the table, or sitting on a straw bale.

With love and prayers, Rev. Annette. *Lamb roast must be pre-booked with Annette by May 17th and is limited to 100 meals. If full you will be warmly invited to bring a packed lunch.

PRAYERS FOR TODAY
1    Heavenly Father, I know that you have created me, the world around me, as well as the people and the relationships that enrich my life. Help me to be grateful for each moment – every moment – as a gift from you. 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

Lent is for Giving, not just for Giving up
Thank you to all those who have given so generously in donation envelopes, online through the Parish Giving Scheme and at collections during our services. Christopher Sears, our Treasurer, will report on the church finances in the next Bulletin.

Family Services
The Church was packed for our Family Service at Easter and we had a lovely gathering outside on Palm Sunday with Janie Grievson’s donkeys. Our wonderful organist, Howard, said “what an amazing turn-out on Sunday. I was surrounded by parishioners!” Thanks to everyone for coming, it means so much to those who work hard to organise the services, to decorate the Church and especially to our Ministry Team following Annette’s inspiration to make the Church part of the community. We will, of course, be supporting the Village Open Day on 18th May.

Coming soon…
Sunday 25th May - 12.00 at Highwood Farm, West Woodhay, a family event for Rogation, including Lamb Buns and a Bar (see poster)
Sunday 8th June - 11.15 Pentecost on Combe Gibbet. Bring a picnic!

Sponsor the Church Noticeboard
The PCC want to put up a noticeboard outside the Church gate to communicate with the public and promote our events. However, it is hard to justify the cost of about £1000. We would like to know if anyone would like to donate for the Noticeboard and of course have an inscription in acknowledgement. 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

The Annunciation
The Annunciation is when the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will become the mother of Jesus, a moment of trust and acceptance. It highlights the power of saying "Yes" to the unexpected and embracing new beginnings. This year it falls on 25th March. This is beautifully depicted on the south chancel wall in another painting by Ethel King Martin executed in 1910 after the major rebuilding of Inkpen Church which began in 1896 and gave us most of the layout and features that we see in the Church today.

CHURCH FUNDING
We are again appealing to the many people who have given generously in the past and to others who would like to support the upkeep of our church. If you would like to donate to St. Michael's Church Inkpen, please do so using the secure website www.parishgiving.org.uk.

Your donations are vital to the upkeep of our beautiful church which so many rely on for weddings, baptisms, funerals and memorials as well as regular services. Thank you.

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 4th May - Compline at 6pm
Sunday 11th May - Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at 8.30
Sunday 18th May - Holy Communion at 9.45am
Sunday 1st June – Compline at 6pm
Sunday 8th June – Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at 8.30am
Sunday 15th June – Holy Communion at 9.45am
Sunday 28th June – Alison Dean’s Ordination, Reading Minister at 11.30am
Sunday 8th June – Pentecost, Benefice Family - Service on Combe Gibbet at 11.15am

COMBE
Sunday 18th May – Holy Communion at 11.15am

WEST WOODHAY
Sunday 11th May – Morning Prayer at 11.15am
Sunday 25th May – Benefice Rogation at 12 noon

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK – HOLY DUSTERS
Every few years a full spring clean of St Michael and All Angel’s church takes place, although this hasn’t happened since before covid, and the next spring-cleaning session will now happen in May. Many villagers appreciate our beautiful 13th century church even if they don’t visit it very often, and it’s certainly admired by many visitors.

This spring-cleaning session provides an opportunity for villagers to help with the preservation and maintenance of St Michael’s, and if you can spare maybe an hour or so on Saturday 24th May from 10 o’clock, please do join the ‘Holy Duster’ team at the church. Cleaning materials will be provided but bring your own Marigolds! Gilly Burrough

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