General Chat

Good morning :-)

How lovely to see the rain once more...…………………. :-D

The Collect (special prayer) for today.

The Collect Almighty God,
who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church:
open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Today’s gospel reading tells the story of the Five Loaves and Two Fishes.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

During the week, we have looked at famous Christian platitudes which many of us have used all of our lives. We have discovered that most of them do not have any biblical basis.

Language matters, platitudes can be destructive. Next time you feel yourself about to respond with a platitude; pause, listen to the Spirit and respond accordingly.

Lord, help us to speak the right words - at the right time. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I know what you mean Vera - different places of worship can feel very different but I am not sure why. It may be the design or an atmospheric thing. I have heard people say that they can 'feel' the prayerful atmosphere of a place. Like you, some places of worship really inspire me whilst others leave me cold.

Pondering Platitudes...

Goodness me, I think we have all said this at some time or another. 'Cleanliness is next to godliness' – but that isn’t in the bible. We are instructed in the Bible to draw near to God. See this example from the book of James:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up".

Notice, James instructs us to draw near to God. “Wash your hands” is not a reference to proper hand washing techniques but to an inner cleansing that requires the blood of Jesus, not merely soap and water.

To be near God, we must do far more than tidy our living rooms and bathe regularly. We must admit our folly, fall on the sufficiency of Christ, and depend wholly on God’s ability to make us truly clean.


Love to all Cx :-)

I have a general question to ask. Are you affected in different ways by different churches and, if so, is it the building, the general atmosphere or what I can only describe as the “spirit” of the place?

I am sorry that I am not being very clear but as an example.....many years ago I visited Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris and after a few minutes I felt so oppressed, as though there was a great weight on me, that I had to leave. Another time in Germany OH and I came across a small whitewashed and very simple church. We entered to have a look and I immediately had such a feeling of peace and calm. I found Coventry Cathedral immensely moving, partly of course because of its history, but last week I visited Truro Cathedral and didn’t feel anything very much, though I enjoyed seeing the building.

I would love to understand why these places of worship affect me differently and whether others feel the same.

An interesting ‘theme’ again this week Cynthia. Thank you. I don’t have anything to add but you have made me think a bit.

Good morning :-)

Pondering Platitudes. Some of these make for uncomfortable reading don’t they? How often have we used them when speaking to others? I know I have :(

Again, I quote. " 'Let go and let God' – What does this even mean? Can someone explain how I’m supposed to do this?

Am I supposed to somehow magically forget my problems and assume that, without any effort on my part, God will just fix it? God is not a cosmic genie. You don’t just rub a lamp and your problem is fixed. God works in and through us in the midst of a problem.

I get the idea that we’re supposed to allow God to work and not try to fix everything in our own strength. That’s true. But we’re also not simply passive recipients while God grants all of our wishes. We’re not to just sit back and do nothing.

The idea is we do things in God’s power, not God does it for us.


Love. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Elizabeth - its lovely to know that you are popping in daily <3


Continuing to ponder those 'religious' platitudes we offer to other people, without realising that there is no Christian basis to them.


I quote. “God needed another angel in heaven – This was actually said to me after we lost Hope. It’s the closest I’ve ever come to literally punching a church member.

First, God doesn’t need anything.

Second, humans don’t become angels (more bad theology for another post).

Finally, how cruel would God have to be to say, “Looks like we’re one angel short of our quota. Let’s kill that kid there so we can have all the angels we need.”

Please, if you’ve ever said this, fall on your knees and beg God for forgiveness right now. And don’t ever say it again. I might not be able to control myself next time”. Dr Chris Perry - author of The Church Mouse.


Cx :-)

Hello Cynthia :-)

I continue to visit daily!

Your latest "quote" reminded me of my time working in the States,a shop had a poster up

"God Helps Those Who Help Themseves-We Prosecute" :-D

Good morning :-)

I wondered if folk were on holiday - its good to have you back Vera. Sounds as though it wasn't a boring break! :-D

Still thinking about those platitudes we offer without thinking...…..


I quote :
God helps those who help themselves – Okay, quick – find that verse in the Bible. Guess what? It isn’t in there.

The phrase actually goes back to ancient Greek philosophy. There’s debate about whether Ben Franklin said it, but if he did the idea didn’t originate with him.

Either way, it’s not biblical. In fact, the Bible is pretty clear that God helps the helpless. God helps those who admit their need for him. God helps those who are incapable of helping themselves.

Yes, God wants us to do what we can, but we have to learn to do things in his power, not our own. Figuring out how to do that is part of the whole Christian journey.


Cx :-)

I haven’t been on here for several days as I have been on holiday to Cornwall so today I am catching up..

I have a lot to be thankful for. We have had good weather that wasn’t as sunny or quite as hot as at home so much more bearable. My brother was with us and health-wise he has had a very bad year but he kept pretty well all week so we were able to get out and about as much as we wanted. We did unfortunately have a coming together with another car but no-one was hurt and both cars remained drivable, even if ours doesn’t look very pretty. Also one phone call to our very efficient insurance company sorted everything.

Sorry to hear your week was far from perfect Cynthia. I hope your bumps and bruises are disappearing and your pains easing quickly <3

Right now everything is alright with my world so I am sending thoughts to those whose life is more of a struggle.

Good morning :-)

Thank you Sylvia.....I still have a bit of an 'egg' on my forehead - hopefully it will settle down soon.

Our preacher yesterday morning, spoke about platitudes – something we have all been guilty of at some time or another – we generally use them when we don’t know what else to say. I started to look at platitudes which are often used by we Christians, but which have no theological or biblical basis to them. We need to think before we speak…….

For today, and I quote……

God will never put more on you than you can handle – No. No. NO. NO! Nowhere in the Bible can you find that. This saying is a corruption of 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

It’s about temptation, not life circumstances. The truth of the matter is, there will be circumstances in life that are more than we can handle on our own.

This platitude does incredible damage because someone says it to you and you think, “But this is more than I can handle. I don’t have the strength to go through this. What’s wrong with me?”

Food for thought.

Cx :-)

Oh dear, Cynthia

you poor face!!!

Hope the bruising soon goes down, and your knee pains can be easedt.

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen


The gospel reading for today tells the story of Mary Magdalene.


Goodness me, it's been a quite week on here! I feel like a pea rattling round in an empty tin. :-D


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I'm okay again thanks kandj - but bruised on the face once more!

For today:

Dear Lord, thank you for the grace of being alive today. Life goes by so quickly.

Please help me to live and love well and take nothing for granted.

Please help me to be a good steward with my health, my time and all that you have entrusted to me.

Help me to let go of regret and all the things I cannot change.

Help me to do my best and then trust everything else to your hands. In Jesus’ name I ask these things. Amen.

Cx :-)

Oh dear Cynthia, yesterday doesn't sound good at your house. I hope that you are ok and feeling better today. You are blessed to have a caring son who lives nearby.

Amen to your prayer for today and to all prayers that you have posted all this week.

Thank You Lord that You hear all our prayers and that Your ears listen to the cries of our hearts. Thank You for Your loving kindness and mercy to us all every day. Amen

Good morning :-)


I wasn't yesterday as I had an unfortunate day involving knee pain, fainting, falling, paramedics and superspeed arrival of son. I am fine now.

Lord,
Today is a day I choose happiness and peace.
I choose to be centered and grounded in you.
I am grateful for my life that you have filled
With many blessings.
Please help me to go through my day with grace and love. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Our church FB page is receiving a lot of requests for prayer lately. This is very encouraging and something we are always happy to do.


Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Saviour, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Music Prayer
Thank you for the music all around us.
Each morning we hear it from the moment we open our ears;
the low notes of wind around the eaves
the whoosh of water as it comes from the tap
the glug glug as it drains
the throaty whistle of the boiling kettle
the metallic tap of the spoon against the cup
the jazz percussion of our feet on the steps.
The sounds of our day,
so familiar we hardly pay attention.
Thank you Lord, for the ability to hear. Amen.

Hoping everyone is okay. Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

For those who a fighting some sort of battle


Under the wing of an angel, we feel protected
Through prayers to God, we feel connected.
Peace is said to be offered on the wings of a dove
Prayers can bring peace along with hope, faith, and love.
Wings of a jet plane provide steady flight
I pray you remain steady and strong through this fight.
Butterflies have wings to fly playfully free
And free from this monster is what I pray you’ll soon be.
Birds spread their wings as they may leave their nest
We’re spreading our prayers that you’ll always be Blessed
Go fight and win this battle you didn’t start
On the wings of an angel and prayers from my heart.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things:
graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion,
nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
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 reading is taken from St. Mark and tells the story of the beheading of St. John the Baptist.


Cx :-)