General Chat

Thanksgiving Day tomorrow officially, many people have their dinner today, and church services offer thanksgiving during the services.

A very different time this year ............... we're expected to have small family groups, less than 6 is what is being said. I'm wondering how many people will obey?

There will only be the 2 of us, as has been the case for several years ................ we used to have at least 10 people, sometimes as many as 14 or 15 when we had to turn the living room into the dining room to fit everyone in. :-D

But that was in the days when our daughter was at home, we had several single friends and couples who had no children, plus we scooped up any students or others who had nowhere to go. We did the same at Christmas. It's hard to think that out of the group of 8 friends there are only 3 of us left, and the other one lives on Vancouver Island and is staying safe at home, like all of use.


There seem to be quite a few cars at the church across the street, although the door is closed. It is the Filipeno group again, so I hope they are keeping their distances.

Numbers are rising over here as well.

Stay safe, keep calm, and keep well

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty and everlasting God,
increase in us your gift of faith
that, forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to that which is before,
we may run the way of your commandments
and win the crown of everlasting joy;
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. Amen

The Gospel for today :


Matthew 22.1–14

Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, “Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.” But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, maltreated them, and killed them.
The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, “The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?” And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’


Cx :-)

Hello all

Bright and dry but chilly this morning.

Interesting tales of St Francis. Thank you.

Thinking about David and hope he's improving.

Infection rates rising. Keep well and stay safe all.

Good morning :-)


Concluding the story of St. Francis....


In 1224 it is said that Francis had a vision and received stigmata. Stigmata are bodily marks or scars that match the same ones Jesus Christ suffered during the crucifixion. Francis tried to hide the stigmata for the rest of his life.

Francis became ill and spent the last few years of his life mostly blind. He died in 1226 while singing Psalm 141. He was declared a saint of the Catholic Church only two years after his death.

Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints, is perhaps best known for his appreciation of nature and animals. He should, however, be recognized even more for his love of Jesus in the Eucharist, as that was one of the most important aspects of his spirituality and a major theme of his writings.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Vera <3 Still no news of David as yet. :-(


Continuing the story of St. Francis...

Francis was known for his love of nature and animals. There are many stories about Saint Francis and his preaching to animals. It is said that one day he was talking to some birds when they began to sing together. Then they flew into the sky and formed the sign of a cross.

It was also said that Francis could tame wild animals. One story tells of a vicious wolf in the town of Gubbio that was killing people and sheep. The people of the town were frightened and didn't know what to do. Francis went to the town to confront the wolf. At first the wolf growled at Francis and prepared to attack him. However, Francis made the sign of the cross and told the wolf not to hurt anyone else. The wolf then became tame and the town was safe.


Cx :-)

I am enjoying the story of St Francis. Thank you Cynthia.

I hope David is recovering well from his operation.

Wishing you all a peaceful day. Take care and stay safe.

Good morning :-)

Dermot .... :-D


Continuing with St. Francis....


The Franciscan Order grew as men joined and made vows of poverty. In 1212, when a woman named Clare of Assisi wanted to take similar vows, Francis helped her start the Order of the Poor Ladies (Order of Saint Clare).

In 1221, Francis formed another order – the Third Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance who, without withdrawing from the world or taking religious vows, would carry out the principles of Franciscan life in their daily lives. As numbers grew, the order extended outside of Italy.

Cx :-)

“A good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern,” declared Pope Francis in 2013.

Good morning :-)


Continuing with St. Francis....

As Francis lived his life of poverty and preached to people about the life of Jesus Christ, people began to follow him. By 1209, he had around 11 followers. He had one basic rule which was "To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps".

Francis was a devoted follower of the Catholic Church. He and his followers travelled to Rome to get the approval for their religious Order from the Pope. At first the Pope was reluctant. These men were dirty, poor, and smelled dreadful. However, after discussion, eventually he understood their vow of poverty and blessed the Order on April 1209, the official founding of the Franciscan order. The order is also known as the Friars Minor, or Lesser Brothers.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Continuing with St. Francis


Over the next few years, Francis began to see visions from God that changed his life. The first vision was when he was sick with a high fever and at first, he thought that God had called him to fight in the Crusades.

He had a vision of Christ whilst praying in a grotto near Assisi and an experience in Rome where he mingled with the beggars in St. Peter’s Basilica and begged alms. He gave alms to a leper and kissed his hand, something he would never have done in the past.

Finally, when praying in a church, Francis heard God tell him to "repair my church, which is falling in ruins." After hearing this, he returned home and gave all his money to the church. His father was furious with him which resulted in Francis leaving his father's home and taking a vow of poverty.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I certainly understand what you are saying Sylvia - I wonder if anyone on here is in touch with David personally?

Harvest is certainly different to what it once was.....the lovely smell of fresh fruit and veg as you entered church - the not so lovely smell on the Monday when you went to help distribute the goods!! I used to be fascinated by the harvest loaf - shaped to resemble a sheaf of wheat - I don't think we have wheat sheaves anymore do we?


Yesterday was St. Francis' Day - one of the most well known and popular saints - even the Pope chose his name in honour of St. Francis.

Saint Francis’s original name was Francesco di Pietro di Bernardone and he was born in Assisi, Italy. He grew up leading a privileged life as the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. Francis loved school and learned Latin and French. His father wanted him to become a businessman and taught him about the French culture.

In 1202 Francis took part in a war against the nearby town of Perugia. He was taken prisoner and held for almost a year until his father paid the ransom and he was set free.

In 1205 Francis planned to fight in another conflict, but on his way there he had a vision. In the vision he was told to return to Assisi and wait for a call to a new kind of knighthood. He returned to Assisi and spent time alone and prayed.

More tomorrow.


Start by doing what's necessary;
then do what's possible;
suddenly, you are doing the impossible. - St. Francis.

Cx :-)

It isn't Harvest Festival here, but OH has gone to church ..... he has to do the People's Prayers this morning.

There is a congregation in the Baptist church across the street, the first time since late August. OH watched one late arrival trying to park her car on the street by the side of her house ............... he stopped watching after 5 tries to get it parked in a space for at least 5 cars and still no success :-D

There was even more room in the church parking lot, but she wold have had to walk about 50' to the church, instead of just crossing the street! ;-)


I hope David is doing well, but the sad thing is that we will very possibly not hear if otherwise, because I don't think his wife uses the internet. How many people are on here like that, and who just disappear?

Hello all

Harvest Festival in church this morning. Donations are passed later to the local food banks. A very sad reflection of the hard times some families are experiencing right now.

I hope David is getting stronger each day.

Thoughts and prayers for all patients in hospital with the corona virus and for their families too.

Keep well, stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)


Today is St. Francis’ Day…….


The Collect (special prayer) for today :
Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:
pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,
and so bring us at last to your heavenly city
where we shall see you face to face;
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. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Oh dear, just realised I missed yesterday. It's been a bit hectic here what with one thing and another, so I do apologise. <3


I do wonder how David is going on - hope his recovery will be speedy.

For today:

Father, as we celebrate this season of Harvest, we give thanks for the blessings of food, provision and nourishment. Please grow in us a harvest for the world.

Sow a seed of hope within our souls Lord, that we might yield goodness, patience and kindness in abundance.

Sow a seed of peace in our lives Lord, that we might bear the fruits of forgiveness, compassion and righteousness.

Sow a seed of love in our hearts Lord, that others would reap the blessings of family, friendship and community.

May each seed of hope, peace and love grow within us into a harvest that can be feasted on by all. Amen.

Cx :-)

Thinking of you, David. I hope you are comfortable and beginning to recover from your latest setback. <3

Hello all

Thinking of David and hoping all went well for him.

Sylvia, the California fire has caused immense damage to properties and wild life. So very sad.

1st of October already, very Autumnal here today.

Keep safe and stay well everybody.

Good morning :-)

Sylvia, there may be something in that as I suppose those with dementia may get flustered when visitors arrive and they can't remember who they are. I feel for the families though.

Hoping all went well with David.


A new month and autumn has definitely arrived!

In your time, Creator God,
This world was put in place,
And in your time
Became beautiful,
Through the craftsmanship of your love.
Remind us always,
As we look at sunrise,
Landscape and tiny child,
That at the centre of all things,
Is the creative love of God.


Cx :-)

Thank you, Cynthia and kandj.

It is hard to think that we might not be able to see them for possibly 2 years or more ................ and will we even be alive then? Both of us are over 80 :-(


Cyn ........... there was a posting on another site that I am on from someone who works in a care home in the UK. The discussion was about not being able to see relatives in care homes and how bad it was for them ............. this guy said that hey have a number of dementia patients there, and that they were surprised to find that those patients were more settled and calmer during the time when they were NOT having visitors.

Makes you think, eh??


Now we have smoke from the California wild fires ........... an orange sun is really weird.


Wishing David well.

Hello all

Sylvia, I can sympathise with you as restrictions keep me and my family apart too.

Thoughts and prayers for David in RVI having his operation today, and for wife Ellen waiting at home.

A cold/windy day here. Stay safe everyone.