General Chat

Hello all

I'm not a happy person as I have managed to break a crowned tooth........ it's the dentist for me next week!!

"I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me."
(Erica Jong).

Wishing a very happy Bank Holiday weekend to one and all. xx

Good morning :-)


Oh dear, poor kandj has been 'de-crowned' :-D Hope you regain your crown soon dear friend.. <3 I don't mind going to the dentist - its an opportunity to sit down :-D

There's a beautiful sunrise here this morning but it looks a bit blowy. I have visitors this afternoon, so need to get straight before leaving for church. OH has been a bit 'off' this last week and it makes life a bit harder. Hopefully, his spirits will be given a lift by the church service.

The Collect (special prayer) for today :


Almighty Father,
who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples
with the sight of the risen Lord:
give us such knowledge of his presence with us,
that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life
and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The gospel for today tells the story of the two men walking on the road to Emmaus.

Love to all Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Last year, we had a week of looking at famous hymns and their history. I was asked if we could do the same again sometime…….well, here’s one for today…….


"All My Hope on God is Founded" is a well-known hymn, originally German, which was translated into English in 1899 and which established itself in the latter part of the twentieth century.

The original words "Meine Hoffnung stehet feste" were written by Joachim Neander (Neumann) (1650 – 31 May 1680). He was a German Reformed (Calvinist) Church teacher, theologian and hymn writer.

In 1899 these were translated into English by Robert Bridges, who would later become British Poet Laureate.

This hymn calls us to trust God rather than “mortal pride” or “earthly glory.” It reminds us that “sword and crown betray our trust.” It calls us to praise the one whose “great goodness e’er endureth.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3LCGh02Vew


Hope you all have a restful bank holiday. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Sunday was ‘Godparents Day’ – something which, apparently, came into being last year.

There is a page on FB dedicated purely of Baptisms in the Church of England – and also a website - worth a view if you know anyone considering having their child Christened.

At my church, we remain a very popular venue for these special occasions and are, in fact, booked up until the end of the year. We are looking into arranging extra services to cope with the volume of requests.

There is usually a criteria which comes into play in most parishes.

You need to either live within the parish or be regular worshippers at services.
Also, Godparents must be baptized and it is helpful if they are confirmed.

God of light and love, thank you for the joy of being a Godparent,
And the opportunities it gives us to journey with our Godchildren as they grow in faith.
Keep us faithful to the promises we have made to pray for them,
and to encourage them to deepen their relationship with you.
Help us to be a prayerful, supportive and loving presence in the lives of our Godchildren,
And to model to them a life rooted in you, the way, the truth and the life.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your prayer for today Cynthia.

I am a Godmother twice over and take my vows very very seriously.

A Godmother strengthens you HOPE, encourages you with PRAYER and
BLESSES you with LOVE. I try to do my best with these three promises.

Good morning :-)

Thank you kandj. I have three Goddaughters - none of whom live nearby - I find FB very handy for keeping in touch :-D


On Sunday at my church, we sang a Medieval Latin hymn written by Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274).

This hymn was written especially for the Eucharist and , of course, the words are still meaningful today.

Maybe not the most joyous of tunes, but a hymn which, hopefully, makes us think about what we are doing as we approach the altar Sunday by Sunday.


Almighty God, you have enriched your Church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined think-ing and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxYs-eqke5U


It looks as though it is going to be a beautiful day..... Cx :-)

Hello all

The Medieval Communion hymn is a new one for me Cynthia, although the tune did seem familiar I don't remember the words at all. Easy to follow and meaningful too.

We have the same beautiful God-given day...... more weeding for me I think!

Sending Happy Wednesday blessings and a joyous day for all reading this xxx

Good morning :-)


Another glorious morning <3


Yesterday, we heard a medieval hymn, but today, we have a hymn which is much more up to date.

It was written by Graham Kendrick (born 2 August 1950), who is a prolific English Christian singer, songwriter and worship leader. He is the son of Baptist pastor, M. D. Kendrick. He now lives in Tunbridge Wells and is a member of Holy Trinity with Christ Church, Tunbridge Wells. This hymn has a gentle feel to it and makes for a prayerful atmosphere.

Jesus, stand among us
At the meeting of our lives
Be our sweet agreement
At the meeting of our eyes

O Jesus, we love You, so we gather here
Join our hearts in unity and take away our fear

So to You we're gathering
Out of each and every land
Christ the love between us
At the joining of our hands

O Jesus, we love You, so we gather here
Join our hearts in unity and take away our fear

Jesus, stand among us
At the breaking of the bread
Join us as one body
As we worship You, our Head

O Jesus, we love You, so we gather here
Join our hearts in unity and take away our fear.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4xg-KBei-8


Voting day today for us..........such fun! :-S



Cx :-)

Good morning everyone :-)


Today, a hymn written by Nicholas Brady, 1659-1726 and Nahum Tate, 1652-1715. An old hymn, but one which lifts and encourages us - even in 2017.

Through all the changing scenes of life,
in trouble and in joy,
the praises of my God shall still
my heart and tongue employ.

O magnify the Lord with me,
with me exalt his name;
when in distress to him I called,
he to my rescue came.

The hosts of God encamp around
the dwellings of the just;
deliverance he affords to all
who on his succour trust.

O make but trial of his love,
experience will decide
how blest are they, and only they,
who in his truth confide!

Fear him, ye saints, and you will then
have nothing else to fear;
make you his service your delight,
your wants shall be his care.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
the God whom we adore,
be glory, as it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox1r0OzIwoo


Another glorious morning - I could get used to this :-D


Love to all. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Tis a bit grey here this morning but never mind, we have had some lovely mornings this week and there is the promise of more to come :-)


I am so proud of our son, his wife and a friend who, yesterday, completed the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge in 11hrs and 12 minutes. They have raised almost £2000 for Parkinson's UK.

Heavenly Father, this morning as I start this weekend, I humbly come before you and ask:

May I savour the beauty of your creation all around me. May the sunshine, green trees and the breeze of the evening fill my heart with wonder at all you have made.

May I enjoy the fellowship of the friends around me. May I enjoy the fruit of deep human connections and receive emotional blessing from those around me.

May I rest my body, mind and spirit from a long week of work. May I honour your command for the Sabbath, to honour the limits of my body, and simply rest. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Another beautiful morning :-D


The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him,
from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above,
where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

The gospel for today tells us of Jesus the Good Shepherd


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Spring has well and truly sprung. The daffodils and crocus have faded whilst other plants are gaining strength and its all beginning to look rather beautiful.

For flowers that bloom about our feet,
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet,
For song of bird, and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!


Love to all. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A reminder to those who are Christians........

Remind us often, Lord
that we are chosen
to share the good news,
and point the way to you.

Remind us often, Lord
that in our labours
we can show your love
in everything we do

Remind us often, Lord
that through your power
we can do all things,
your Spirit sets us free.

Remind us often, Lord
that we are chosen
to live by your Word
and reveal your glory!


Waving to anyone who is looking in......Cx :-)

~~~~~~~~~ waving back Cynthia. I haven't been around for a few days so I am just catching up on the threads. Belated congratulations to your son and his wife and their friend in what they have achieved in raising funds for Parkinson's. Our family, like so many others, has been affected by this horrid disease and the more funds that are raised for research the better. Well done to them.

We have spent part of the weekend with OH's sister and her husband. He has MS and is now suffering quite badly and sil is showing the strain of caring for him, though she is very patient and loving, So tonight my prayers are particularly for those suffering from any disability and for their carers.

Good morning :-)


Lovely to have someone waving back at me Vera - thank you. <3 My mum had MS for over 50 years - she lived with us for 15 years after my dad died so I can well imagine the strain your sil is under bless her.



For those who go to work..........

Prayer Before Work

Today I will remember to put you before all things.
Lord before tiredness - you are energy
Lord before stress - you are peace
Lord before need - you are the gift
Lord before decisions - you are truth
Lord before toil - you are rest.
Today I will remember to put your energy, your peace, your gift, your truth and your rest before my working day.
That I may go not in my own strength but be led by your Spirit.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

A warm and sunny day today. A good tonic for us all I think.

So many debilitating conditions that change the way we and our loved ones live.

Heavenly Father, we bring before you today all who suffer long term sickness and
disabilities and family and friends affected by this. Be near as they feel pain and
loneliness in day and in the night. Give each one the strength to carry on. Amen.

Good morning :-)


Sun is, indeed, a tonic - enjoy it while it lasts :-D


May I laugh with those around me, finding joy in the big and small things of life. May laughter be a tonic to my soul.

Thank you Lord for the gift of laughter.

:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lord, may I open my eyes to the needs and hurts around me. Help me take my focus off of me long enough to see a world in need. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your morning prayer for today Cynthia.

I have been finding some "me time" (not always easy here) and I have just finished reading The Hiding Place written by the amazing and inspirational Corrie ten Boom.

This is one of her thought provoking quotes:
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength"

Sending happy weekend blessings to everyone reading this. xx

Good morning :-)

Lovely to see you kandj......I seem to be here there and everywhere these days.


Lord, may I be bold to share the hope that I have in You. May I not be ashamed of my love for you, a love that I want to share with the world. Amen.



Love to all Cx :-)