General Chat

Hello all

Heavy rain all day but on the positive side I am saved a job of watering the garden.

I have been blessed to mostly see my glass as half full and not half empty, this positive outlook has always helped me to cope with life's challenges over the years.

"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and
achieves the impossible". (Winston Churchill).

Have a Happy Wednesday everyone. xxx

Good morning :-)


In 2015, a friend of ours became the Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe including what is known as the Eastern Archdeaconry. It covers a vast area and many, many countries, some of which are popular holiday destinations. The pictures he posts as he travels from country to country and from church to church, are stunning and show just how active the C. of E. is across that wide area.

One of the countries under his wing is Croatia and the Anglican Chaplaincy in Zagreb. This is what they tell us......

“Our English-speaking congregation meets at Crkva svetog Blaža (St. Blaise’s Church), Prilaz Gjure Deželica 64, Zagreb, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 5:00 pm. We also hold other occasional events, so please check our calendar of events. Who are we?

Our group consists of people of many nationalities and church backgrounds, and our aim is to provide church services in English for anyone who needs them, whether long-term residents, those here for shorter periods, tourists, or visitors.
We meet twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, from September to June. One service is a celebration of Holy Communion with visiting clergy, and the other a lay-led Service of the Word. Children up to school age are cared for in the creche and those aged up to 12 are welcome to join in organised Sunday School. Refreshments follow the service.

The Zagreb congregation is linked to Christ Church Vienna in the Diocese in Europe, which is part of the Church of England. Our nearest sister congregations are in Ljubljana and Belgrade. We wish you a warm welcome."

We pray for this congregation in Croatia.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A double blessing indeed kandj, but I wonder how many folk have said 'double trouble' :-D

I think the idea of praising the younger members of the family is a simply lovely idea Vera. They will be made to feel very valued and loved. I'm so pleased that you have had a lovely family gathering - a very special time indeed. <3

Thanks for you input David........there are so many dubious videos and internet sites out there which purport to be 'religious', that I am very, very careful when looking for information. I prefer the tried and trusted sites which have some credence behind them.

I can remember an 'end of time' date being given out to much dismay when I was at school in the 60's. Guess what? It didn't happen :-D Apart from that, practicing Christians are aware that the event could happen at any time and live their lives accordingly. :-D

Now, for today:

Tenerife is a particularly popular place for holidays and yes, there are churches there too. if you are a little bored by the beach, one church has just the thing for you to do

The Anglican church of All Saints Church in Parque Taoro, Puerto de la Cruz - is a little bit of England tucked away amid its own beautiful gardens, carefully tended week by week by our gardening team. If you have green fingers or even if you don’t and would like to do a couple of hours in our gardens please pop along on a Tuesday morning and ask for Tony and join the team who will be delighted to meet you." :-D

We pray for our brothers and sisters who worship at this little church.


Cx :-)

I've been looking into Y**Tube about the Universe.

There's some good stuff on there about the Universe,

Evolution v creation. There's a much stronger case for creation.

Also, different topic, there's a couple of very interesting videos on there

endeavouring to explain Revelation Ch 12 Watch out for Sept 23 2017

signs in the heavens explained.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

What a lovely welcome from the church in Mexico. Your church also sounds very welcoming Cynthia - you certainly seem to get good congregations and lots of little ones brought for baptism. I bet the twins looked gorgeous.

I do like the way baptisms are incorporated into normal services these days. 50 years ago when my children were baptised there was always a Sunday afternoon service just for baptisms and the children never seemed to receive a welcome into the church family. By the time my grandchildren were baptised, they were carried round the church and shown to all the congregation and it was so much more "inclusive".

We very much enjoyed our family weekend. All my grandchildren got there which was lovely. J didn't bring his medal as he is quite an unassuming young man and never boasts but, of course, he got a round of applause. One of our family traditions at this gathering is to celebrate the achievements of the younger ones throughout the previous year. These are read out and are often quite simple things...A has learnt to ride his bike without stabilisers, B sang in a school assembly, etc. Think hard enough and you can always find something notable that a child has achieved. They all get a clap and a "well done" and it's a joy to see the smiles on their faces.

So, as they start their summer break, may God bless the children and bring a little joy into the lives of those less fortunate.

Hello all

Twins boys for baptism on Sunday Cynthia. A double blessing for their family.

I'm sure that your family get together was a happy time for everyone Vera.
Did your Grandson go to Nottingham to show you all his Gold Medal there..

A rainy day and cooler but the rain is needed and a job less watering the garden.

Thinking of all parents as children have broken up for the Summer holidays.
It was always a happy time for our family and I pray it will be happy for others too.

Good morning :-)


Three newly baptised little boys......they all behaved beautifully. The twins had blonde curly hair and all dressed up in tiny matching waistcoats and trousers with little ties. So cute.

The holiday season is upon us and friends are up, up and away flying to all corners of the world. Whilst we may have holidays, God never does…..he is with us 24/7 and we shouldn’t really forget that.
All around the world there are churches who would welcome us to join them for Sunday worship and I have been looking at one in that very popular holiday location of Mexico.

Whilst Roman Catholic Christianity is the dominant religion in this area, there are over 100,000 Anglicans.

Christ Church in the City of Mexico - here is the welcome they extend to visitors:

"New to Christ Church?
We love visitors, and we’ll do our best to welcome you warmly to our congregation. After the Sunday service, we all head across the patio for coffee in the parish hall. Please go to the “Welcome Table” to talk with a member of the Newcomers Committee. We can answer questions, introduce you to members of our church family, and also inform you about English-speaking services in the area (e.g. shops, doctors, etc).

We follow the Book of Common Prayer and The Hymnal 1982, both from the Episcopal Church in the US, for our order of worship and our music. All are welcome to join for any of our services.”

They sound very friendly and welcoming and we thank God for their witness.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


We have three little boys - including twins - to be baptised today. One of the families has a mega amount of guests apparently - could be fun ..... arrrrghh :-D

The Collect (special prayer) for today

Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding:
pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in and above all things, may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire; 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 reading for today tells of the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds.


Have a good day everyone.... Cx :-)

Good morning :-D


Wild flowers are so pretty.......and can cheer people up so easily. Enjoy them kandj.

Hope you have a fabulous time with your family Vera and yes, you are indeed blessed. Will your famous grandson be there?



The sun is up and the school holidays have started! Sending very best wishes to all those who are going on holiday in the next week.

Thank You Lord for the times of refreshment and opportunities to go away on a holiday – so that we may be renewed in body soul and spirit. And Lord, we particularly thank Your for this lovely summer holiday time and pray that You would be with us as we spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the work-a-day week and take time to rest awhile. Amen.

Cx :-)

Your wildflowers sound so pretty Kandj. Nature is indeed wonderful.

At the moment I am in Nottinghamshire for our annual family get-together. We are geographically scattered but we try to meet up once a year. Numbers vary but everyone who can get there does so. I think this year there will be about 50 of us spending tomorrow together. I am sure I have said it before but I am so aware of how blessed I am to be part of such a close knit family that my thoughts turn to those who aren't so fortunate. May those who are alone and lonely find support and solace.

Hello all

Reading today's post reminds me of some wild flower seeds I sprinkled around in
April and now we have a beautiful and colourful display of cornflower, poppies, chamomile and tiny marigold with little effort from me. These seeds definitely fell
on good ground. Isn't nature wonderful.

Good morning :-D


The sower flings the seed everywhere...

Remember God's love... God's love is extravagant, abundant and unconditional...

God keeps loving and giving his word to everyone – the passersby, the distracted, those who turn away and those who follow him... It is up to us how we respond.

Lord, help us to respond to your love with open and grateful hearts. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-D

*Waving* to Vera as she disappears in a cloud of dust...... :-D


Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown...

Jesus said, " But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering, produce a crop."

What are the things that have helped you to listen to God and to follow him?

Lord, open our eyes and ears to the presence of Your Holy Spirit. May the seeds of Your Word scattered among usfall on fertile soil. May they take root in our hearts and lives, and produce an abundant harvest of good words and deeds. Amen.


Cx :-)

Just popped in for a quick read. Can't stop. Hope you've all had a good day. Waves as she dashes out again ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good morning :-)

I know what you mean kandj........dark times and fingertip faith. Without God in my life I think I would be a total wreck :-D

For today :

There is so much to unpack in the parable of the sower......

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Jesus said, "The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature."

What are the worries, riches or pleasures that stop you from hearing God and following him?

Lord, deliver us from distraction, from worldly desires and all that would lure us and choke us with false promises. Still us, turn us, and enrich us with your Spirit, that we may be good soil, forever faithful and fruitful for you. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

The brown paper bag method worked then Cynthia ha ha.

There have been many times I have felt in a dark place and coped with bereavements, major surgery and serious health problems, but still clung on to my faith even with just
my fingertips at times. I have a very old bookmark which reminds me we are never on our own in any challenging times.... it reads:

If God brings you to it; He will bring you through it. (Isaiah 58:11).

Powerful words that work and are so true in my own humble experience.

Remembering all who are going through a difficult time right now. (((hugs))) xxx

Good morning :-)



Still browsing through the parable of the sower.........

Some seed fell on rocky ground and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture... Jesus said, "Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away."

What have been the testing times when it was difficult for you to hear God and follow him?

Father, create in me a soft heart, an open heart that is readily yielded to your Word and your commands. Make me fruitful, I pray. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Oooh. I didn't realise I had posted twice yesterday. I need to blow into a brown paper bag and get rid of those hiccups... :-D


For today:

Yesterday, we heard the great parable about the sower sowing the seed and what it means for us.

Jesus said, "The seed is the word of God. The seeds that fell along the path stand for those who hear; but the devil comes and takes the message away from their hearts in order to keep them from believing and being saved."

What things make us just pass by so that we do not listen to God?

Lord, plant my seed in good ground! Help me to grow in faith so my relationship with you is not shallow and weak, but a deep and mature faith. Amen.


Love that story! <3


Cx :-)

Hello all

Ooops, I think Cynthia has the hiccups this morning.

I wonder if Vera and her family have come down to earth after her grandson J and
his team won the Gold medal for GB, what a wonderful time of celebrations.

Sunday is the perfect day to reflect on the past week and look forward to the week ahead and be thankful for each and every one of our blessings.

Thinking now of all children and teachers who have one week before end of term. xx xxx

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness
and truth to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.


The gospel reading for today tells the wonderful story of the parable of the Sower.

Cx :-)