General Chat

And to you Cynthia :-)

Nice to have you pop in Sylvia and Emma too. All are welcome here.

Yes Cynthia, quite an achievement to reach 100 pages and not a cross word, yet often differing thoughts and opinions. Sadly it appears that we are minus John who began this thread and has shared so many interesting thoughts with us all.
As brothers and sisters in Christ we can only send our good wishes along with very many blessing to John today.

Passing the peace in church is very often an embarrassment to non regular attenders. I can see their point of view when some folk have a kiss and cuddle amongst one another and often a little chat as well. At one time this act of shaking hands and offering the "Peace of the Lord" was simple and profound, shared with the people in the pew in front and behind you. Now folk choose to move out of their seats and into the aisle shaking hands, hugging and so it goes on.
A bit like, "I've started, and so I must finish" and that means including absolutely everybody for fear of missing somebody out. Not as peaceful an exercise as it was in the past. The quiet moment of such a special time is lost, at least in my church.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In peaceful harmony.

Appropriate words to share and reflect upon today I think.

Lovely words today. I hope John is looking in to see them.

When did passing the peace generally become part of the normal service in church? I was a regular attender at a "middle of the road" Anglican church until my mid thirties and it was never included then. Since then I have only occasionally gone to church and find it is now almost always included. Different churches have different forms - some just shake hands or kiss the cheek of immediate neighbours, some seem to hug everyone in sight and one I went to many years ago now had a very regimented system of handshakes. Is it down to the individual priest to include passing the peace and to decide what form it should take?

'At Mass on St Patrick's Day in our local church, the priest spoke about our Christian heritage. He surprised me by saying the present generation of Irish people was the first in history which has failed to pass on the Catholic faith to our children.

He said that we may have to look to our grandchildren now. I think, unfortunately, that he may be right'. (From today's Irish Independent.)

Where have we gone wrong?

Good morning... :-)


I really don't know whether or not John will be joining us again on here. Maybe, after a respite, he will feel able to add his valuable contributions once more.


The Peace has been a major part of worship again for over 30 years now I think Vera. It was always there, but not used in a congregational sense.

I understand some people's reservations about how the Peace is shared in some places, and recall the story of a Churchwarden's wife who was grasped in a bear-hug by a gentleman whom she didn't know and who was, shall we say, somewhat shorter than herself! She was NOT impressed! :-)


However, extending the Peace of the Lord to one's neighbours and friends is part of the service. Those of you who remember the Book of Common Prayer will recall these words.....

Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling.


In a way, this is where Dermot's question fits in nicely. The older generation - of both Protestant and Roman Catholic persuasion were, perhaps, brought up in churches which were strong in the faith and where respect and piety were expected.

These days, however, with the advances of science, the influence of the media and the effect of political correctness, we seem to have lost much of that. Sadly, and this is a personal comment, I feel that the faith is being 'watered down' in an effort to appeal to people. It doesn't work like that though.....everyone needs guidelines and boundaries and yes, rules so that we learn to know right from wrong, good from bad................as once taught in the 10 Commandments.



I will leave you with part of what is known as 'the comfortable words' from the old service.....

So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. St. John iii.16


Now I had better get some work done.... Cx :-)

I agree Cynthia that the Peace has always been a part of worship for as long as I can remember. Only it is done differently and change is not always for the better (imho).

As Vera suggested, I feel the Priest conducting the service dictates how the Peace of the Lord will be shared. In earlier years it was said by the Priest who would be facing the congregation and proclaiming "The Peace of the Lord, be always with you" and our reply directed at the Priest would be "And also with you" which I felt was meaningful and the service continued without breaking the reverence.

We have a new Rector who is happy enough to come amongst us shaking hands with everyone present. This can be quite disruptive when folk walk about and huddle together in the aisles, and it is very clear from the faces of newcomers that this act is a source of great embarrassment..... certainly not peaceful at all.

Not too surprising statement from the Irish Independent Dermot, but alarming nonetheless. In my village the Sunday Mass is very well attended and I pass several families of 3 generations who take part and support this Catholic church despite having no permanent Priest for almost two years now.
A Catholic primary school is in the same grounds as the church and perhaps this gives added interest and commitment and support from the Headmaster and parents for the relief Priest who appears to take the daily Masses and Sunday Mass. Usually a full church and thriving social activities for my Catholic friends
.A real blessing indeed in these troubled times.

come back John - if only on here - you are missed <3

Good afternoon all, it is a long time since I popped on here. I was thinking about John and hoping he is just having a break when I spotted this thread. I am sure that John will be looking in as he does love this thread. So hope you are OK John, come back soon.

You may remember that I was brought up a Baptist, my parents were life long Baptists. until the early sixites all was well in my Mum's world, she loved and lived for her church. then (I had moved away by now), there was a new minister and 'horror of horrors' he brought in 'all this hugging and shaking hand stuff''. she hated it, as did most of her friends. :-)

Thank you Cynthia and Kandji for your explanations. I was brought up with "The peace of The Lord be with you" from the priest and the response "And also with you" from the congregation and I think that is quite calming and reassuring.

The first time I came across the general passing of the Peace was many, many years ago in a church I had never before visited. A man sitting in front of me suddenly appeared at my side, flung his arms round me, gave me a hearty kiss on the cheek and sat down again. I just stood there like a ninny till someone hissed at me "pass it on" and I cottoned on to what was happening. It was not a comfortable experience. I've learnt now to just "go with the flow" on the rare occasions I attend church.

On Dermot's post, although I am uncertain of my own faith, I do think we should be trying harder with our youngsters. If nothing else, being taught the religious orientation of your own family and having the opportunity to practice your faith, will give young people information on which to base their later decisions. If they then turn away from religion, so be it, but they will at least know what it is they are rejecting.

My 11year old granddaughter was visiting recently. She has a good voice and had been asked to sing at a wedding, the reception not the service. She had to choose her own song and wanted suggestions. There were a dozen of us here, all coming up with titles and someone suggested "Ave Maria". Her reply was "I don't want to sing anything holy". I found that incredibly sad from an 11 year old.

Hello Cynthia and friends, although I don't post on this thread but I read it every day, it's such a lovely thread. Like Ann said, I hope that John is just having a break and that he will be back with us very soon.

John, if you are looking in, please don't stay away too long, as you are missed by a lot of members. Hope all is well with you and your family.

Sallie.xx

Music for the soul

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dfpOvM5OcuY

Good morning and I know John would be delighted to see that this thread has done so well after the initial hiccups. It's great to see different friends popping in as and when they wish, and everyone is most welcome...........you don't have to contribute.....just enjoy the company . :-)

The music chosen by Susan is very soothing indeed - the sort you could lay back and relax to if you have had a stressful time. Thanks Susan.


Just a short prayer for today - I have been asked to proof read that dreaded scourge of church councils......the Parish Magazine. Our late lamented Vicar had been the editor and, now that the job is vacant, the search is on for someone who would be happy to do it. I can't say that the queue stretches around the block...
:-S


For today:

Lord God, as we wake,
we remember that this day is yours.
You bring to us the hope of each new day
and fresh opportunities to heal a broken world.
May we hear in many places your whisper,
inspiring us to pray and act
with the compassion of Jesus,
the light of the world,
in whose name we pray. Amen.

Lord God, as we go to sleep,
we remember that this night belongs to you.
We bring to you the joys of the day,
along with our tiredness,
our anxieties,
our concerns
and the regret of things left undone.
May we hear your whisper granting us peace
and a good night's rest;
through Christ, our risen light, we pray. Amen.

Paul Hill - Inspired by Psalm 74:16



Enjoy your day my friends......Cx :-)

As always, thank you Cynthia and "hello" to everyone.

A very late simple prayer by Brother Roger of Taize

God of every human being
You never force our hearts
But you place your peaceful light
Within each one of us.
With that light
Shining upon us,
Our failures
And our joys
Can find meaning in you.

Good morning..... :-)


Thank you for those words kandj. We occasionally have some music from Taize during worship - it's especially fitting for meditations and quiet times isn't it?


Two baptisms after the main service today. Our new priest-in-charge was hoping to limit the monthly baptisms a little - he has now realised that it isn't always feasible. We have a large number of applications for August and, last week, one of the applications was from the parents of a child as yet unborn.... :-S


The Collect for today:


Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.


Love to you all....Cx :-)

We used to have the Taize service many years ago when the church was lit only by lots of tea-light candles and Cynthia you are correct this is a special quiet time of reflection and meditation. Just so wonderful to be able to unwind and focus on the Holy Spirit.

The Taize Christian Community is an ecumenical monastic order based in Burgundy in France. A former Rector used to join in pilgrimage every year and on his return he would share his experiences. He introduced me to the silent prayerful worship which doesn't suit some people. The service includes quiet stillness and is so very calming
I loved it and really miss the special total relaxation of body, mind and spirit this gives.

hello all

Nearly there John. ......There was a time I thought this thread wouldn't last, but it seems that it was meant to be.

Being a Christian is harder for some than others. Some fall by the wayside to pick up the trail further on down the path......But whenever the soul is touched by the gentleness of those who's love for others brings peace to their troubled minds.....This is Christianity in It's true form.....something we lesser beings hope some day to achieve but keep tripping up, making a mess and hoping that we can be once again forgiven......

Thank you for this thread John ......I hope you will come back and give us some more of your words along with those who talk to us daily even though they sometimes think they are not being heard. :-)

Good morning everyone and thank you for those words Susan. I agree with you about the start of this thread - we went through a few difficult weeks but, hopefully, that is all behind us now.

Like the Christian life, it's a matter of making mistakes, picking ourselves up and moving onwards - Pilgrim's Progress springs to mind - we are all pilgrims on a journey. :-)


I was mistaken yesterday.....no baptisms! I think I must have been dreaming...but our normal service had several babies and young children in and I did manage to calm a screaming little one. The mother was most impressed with my skills....I just shrugged it off with a grin and put it down to experience. At least I could hand the child back .. :-)

Our prayer for today :

A prayer for Pilgrims

Teach us, O God ,
to view our life here on earth
as a pilgrim’s path to heaven,
and give us grace to tread it courageously
in the company of your faithful people.
Help us to set our affections
on things above,
not on the passing vanities of this world,
and grant that as we journey on
in the way of holiness
we may bear a good witness to our Lord,
and serve all who need our help
along the way,
for the glory of your name.
Amen.


A beautiful morning - I am off to Walton Neuro Centre this afternoon with my OH for his checkup re his Parkinson's. We are so grateful for the care and skills of the doctors and it is wonderful that he is still in a 'stable' condition.

Cx :-)

Is there no end to your talents Cynthia :-D (should that be 'are there'?)

Hello Susan, lovely words. I am guessing that John is reading this thread set up by himself as we continue on this the 100th page giving thanks to each and everyone who has ever contributed and those also, who are happy to quietly read our words.

Still lots of baptisms taking place in my church Cynthia. It's good to encourage the nervous parents and I also like to have a cuddle of the little ones.
Well done you for calming the screaming little one...... experience does count and perhaps a bit like riding a bike. Once taught, you never forget ha ha.

Praying that the hospital appointment for your hubby will be a good experience for you both. We do have a lot to thank the NHS for even with all the cuts and disorganization. This then, may be appropriate for today:

A Prayer For Doctors and Nurses.

Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study
and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention
of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving
Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the
community may be promoted and your creation glorified:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Good morning everyone and thank you for that prayer kandj.

I'm pleased to say that everything went well at the hospital - just a tiny tweak to the medications. We are so grateful for the skill of the doctors.


More dreadful news with the aircraft disaster and the landslide in Washington. So many people grieving and so many trying to help. So much work to be done. We think of all those who suffer in any way.



Holy One, you are our comfort and strength
in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos.
Surround us now with your grace and peace
through storm or earthquake, fire or flood.
By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen,
sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild,
and fill us with the hope of your new creation;
through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer.

Amen.



Cx :-)