General Chat

Good morning :-)


In yesterday’s Gospel reading, Jesus told a story about a wedding. There was much more to the story of course, but weddings are an interesting subject.

The very first wedding at the church I attend took place on 27th December 1866 and was between a widow and a widower.

On this site, we would realise that it would have been a very different type of wedding to what we are used to today. The widower was a carter, so money would probably have been in short supply. The fact that they married on 27th December was probably because the Church often didn’t charge for marriages over the Christmas period.

It certainly wouldn’t have been a ‘fairy tale’ wedding and it’s quite possible that the happy couple simply wore their ‘Sunday best’ clothes.

Just a fashion note.......had they been from wealthy families, the widow would have worn a pearl, lavender or satin gown trimmed with ostrich feathers. There would be no bridesmaids, no veil, and no orange blossoms.

The service would have been taken from The Prayer Book of 1662 which is still used in many churches today.

FORASMUCH as N. and N. have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

The heating was on in church, it was cosy for a change. A big surprise, but a good one on a cold morning.

Cynthia, your posting on 13th October took me back very many years....
Standing on the Promises of God was a favourite that I had forgotten about. We never sing it now.

Prayerful support to those who are struggling for whatever reason.

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:
O God, forasmuch as without you
we are not able to please you;
mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
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.


In the Gospel reading we hear……..that “Many are called, but few are chosen”.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


PROMISES, PROMISES

Thousands of baptisms take place each year. At each baptism, the parents promise to bring their child up in the Christian faith. It is hoped that the parents keep those promises so that, when the child reaches Confirmation age, they can make those promises for themselves.

A reminder:
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.

Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.

Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.

Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.

Lord, help us to keep all the promises we have made.

Cx :-)

Good morning everyone..... :-)


PROMISES, PROMISES
Standing on the promises of God

"Standing on the Promises" is a hymn written by Russell Kelso Carter in 1886. Inspired by his time in the military, this hymn contains a martial musical style complementing its theme and focus.

1 Standing on the promises of Christ my king,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God my Saviour;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

3 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Saviour as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb58igFrrNA


Cx :-)

Amen to kandj's prayer

Hello all

Thinking and praying for everyone caught up in the horrific Israel-Hamas conflict going on right now.

Heavenly Father,
I'm praying for the world tonight. Times are bad and getting worse. The disease of hatred in people's hearts needs to come to an end, with your help.
My voice is small, yet I'm hoping to be heard.
I pray for no more fighting and violence.
One Nation under our God................ Amen.

Good morning :-)


PROMISES, PROMISES

God hath not promised
skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways
all our lives through;
God hath not promised
sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
peace without pain.

But God hath promised
strength for the day,
Rest for the labour,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

I feel like the Scarlet Pimpernel at times......we seek him here, we seek him there......etc. Life is incredibly frantic at the moment so I am so sorry if I miss the odd day.

On Sunday we had a sermon delivered by a young woman who is in training for the ministry. It was also the annual Enrolment Service for our Boys' Brigade. The theme was Promises.

PROMISES! PROMISES!

There are many different types of promises.

There are solemn promises, such as marriage vows or military oaths. There are legal contracts, enforceable by law. We can’t forget election promises either! Probably the worst kind of promise is the ‘pie-crust’ promise – easily made, easily broken!

But what is a promise? A promise is a commitment by someone to do or not do something.

The Bible is filled with promises from God to His people. These promises are meant to provide hope, comfort, and assurance to those who believe in Him.

God promises to provide and deliver: and He always keeps His promises.


Cx :-)

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 today tells the story of the wicked tenants in the vineyard.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


What a lovely day you had Vera and I will certainly google the sculpture you mention. <3


Celtic week

You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in the dark
You are the heart’s eternal spark
You are the door that’s open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me still
You are my love, keep me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way,
You are my Saviour this very day.

Cx :-)

I am sorry you and others are having such a stressful time over possible church closures Cynthia I will keep you in my thoughts.

I am enjoying Celtic week.

Yesterday we went on a coach trip to Windsor Castle. I was so impressed with St George's Chapel which I thought was beautiful. Even though it was very busy and there were people everywhere I found it a very calming space.

As we had a while to spare before our timed entry.to the castle OH and I visited the parish church just down the road and there saw the most amazing sculpture. It is a representation of The Last Supper and quite big. At first sight it appears to be small tiles set in some sort of resin or glass fibre but when you look closely the tiles are keys from recycled computer keyboards. Mostly they are random but a lot have been set to form words or even biblical quotations. In the brief time we had I just saw a few instances of Amen but I could have spent hours looking at it. Some people are so talented and have chosen to use those talents in such good ways. If you are interested to see it google "The Last Supper sculpture by Peter Barnes".

Good morning :-)

Celtic Week

May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine upon your window pane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near to you and
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
(traditional blessing)

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Celtic Week

Christ we rise today
Knowing that you alone
Know our hearts
You alone can change
Our sadness into joy
Forgive us our shortcomings
each us patience
each us kindness
Help us to forgive
Those who have injured us
And keep us from injuring others
Keep our way lighted
With your steadfast love. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thanks Kandj. Speak soon. <3


Celtic Week

I arise today
Through a mighty strength:
God's power to guide me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's eyes to watch over me;
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to give me speech,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to shelter me,
God's host to secure me.


Cx :-)

Hello all

It is really good to read your update Tabitha, I hope you continue to feel better in yourself.

Cynthia, it's not good to read of a possible closure within your church.... this has happened more than once in our village church and we are still open.
Ongoing support in prayer during a difficult period.

"The Lord will guide you always." Isaiah 58 v 11.

Gentle hugs to those who are feeling ill today x

Good afternoon :-)


Please excuse me if I am a little hit-and-miss this week. We have a situation in Wigan where there is the possibility of between 11-15 churches being closed. This involves a lot of phone calls, typing and meetings, and talking to people who are understandably upset. My brain is somewhat mashed but the troops must be rallied!!

Celtic Week


Enfolding love
God the Father,
enfold us with your love;
God the Son,
surround us with your presence;
God the Spirit,
revitalise us with your power.
Surround, enfold, revitalise us
each day, each night.

Cx :-)

Good Morning Everyone

Thank you for your kind wishes.

Feeling very good, can get back to normal sot of now. pills working well, and i can start to reduce them to 3 a day next Tuesday. Gosh when my Dr comes back off his sabbatical in November he will notice a difference in me.

We had our Flu Jabs on Saturday, now waiting Covid ones. My next appointment is 24 Oct with my other favorite Dr (this one is younger, very good looking, and so easy to talk to, he is actually my husbands Dr)

Glad the Harvest festival/Supper went well. Its one of the best times of the year, i use to love it. Missed it at our local church, but will try & look out for it next year.

Glad the storm missed you, we have been lucky so far.

Keep well & posting, I will look in during the week.

Love to all

Hello all

Vera, I've never heard the Isley Brothers song but I've listened on Youtube.... this is very poignant with Harvest Services and tells a powerful story. Thanks.

"Thank you" is the best prayer that anyone can say. (Alice Walker).

I think most churches are now passing their Harvest gifts on to various Food Banks and organisations that can distribute them to those in need. But isn't it sad that so many do have that need? We are a affluent country and it shouldn't be happening here but we must also think of those countries where drought or floods or bad governance mean there is no harvest.

There is an old Isley Brothers song from the 1970s called Harvest for the World. It's not the easiest of songs to understand but I think it is mostly a plea for peace and equality. There are a couple of lines in it that resonate at this time of year.

All babies together, everyone a seed
Half of us are satisfied, half of us in need
Love's bountiful in us, tarnished by our greed
When will there be a harvest for the world?