General Chat

Good afternoon (busy morning!) :-)



Heading towards Advent

One of the most popular items we see on display in various homes is, of course, the nativity scene. There is quite a history to these familiar items.

Blame St. Francis of Assisi, who is credited with staging the first live nativity scene in 1223. It appears that St. Francis got permission from Pope Honorious III to set up a manger with hay and two live animals (an ox and an ass) and to invite the villagers to come and gaze upon the scene whilst he preached about ‘the babe of Bethlehem’. There are still many places throughout the world that enact a live Nativity scene as Christmas approaches.

Of course, for most Christian families, we rely on models of the Nativity as a reminder of this holy season. These can vary enormously in price, size, material and workmanship. When we set our figures out, it’s interesting to put the Wise Men a little distance away to represent the journey they were on and then put them in the scene the week after Christmas. It’s also good to put the infant Jesus into the manger on Christmas morning.

Lord, help us to remember your great love for us each time we look at a Nativity scene. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Heading towards Advent

A traditional twist on an advent calendar, an Advent candle can be a lovely addition to our homes as we build up to Christmas. We can count down the days to Christmas with the dates of Advent printed alongside a traditional nativity picture.

The candle can be placed in a small wreath of greenery and maybe put on the mantelpiece or table and can be lit before a meal or during the evening. It’s a rather beautiful way to remind us of the journey towards Christmas.

Of course, we can pay mega bucks if you so wish, but there are candles available for under £5. We don’t need to spend a lot of money to remind folk of what the season is about.

Lord, with these candles, we remember that you are the Light of the World and we wait for your coming.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, I will join Vera in thanking you for your daily posts, always very interesting to read.

A bonus going through an interegnum period is that we get to have our Sunday morning services officiated by other clergy. It's always good to welcome them and I enjoy their different sermons.

Sending a gentle hug to everyone looking in.

Good morning :-)


Next Sunday is Advent Sunday – the beginning of the Church’s year and the countdown to Christmas Day.

As Christians, it’s really up to us to set an example of what this special season is all about. This week, we’ll look at some of the Christian Christmas decorations that are available and that we could use to share our faith with others.

Maybe we should start with Advent Calendars. Forget those displaying toys, toiletries and champagne and stick with a true Advent calendar which shows what the season is all about.

There are many that display the nativity scene and many different types from very traditional pictures to those with cute, child-like characters, There are square ones, round ones and those that have two folds.

Christian Advent calendars can be bought for under £5 but you can, of course, pay a lot more if you wish to. There are also several that you can download and print yourself if you have an artistic streak!

Lord, help us to share our Christian faith with others in whatever way we can. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


TODAY IS THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

The Collect (special prayer) set for today :

Eternal Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven
that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:
keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

LUKE 23 33-43 - Reminds us of the crucifixion where Jesus is mocked


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Vera.........it does seem a bit lonely on here at times but, as you say, I think there are those who pop in but don't post. If the posts interest just one person, it's worth it <3

How were returning soldiers treated after World War 1?

Social attitudes towards returning war heroes were also fairly complicated.
Whilst no one doubted the bravery of the soldiers who made it back, the nation's mourning for those that didn't survive caused problems for those who survived.

Because the war dead were revered so much, people often spoke of 'the nation's best men being lost to war'. This attitude implied that those who had managed to return were somehow less important or less brave than their fallen comrades.

For many people who had experienced the horror of war directly, there was nothing they'd have liked more than to be able to forget the events they had witnessed.

Finally, there was added pressure due to the political tensions of the time.

Whilst World War I was seen as the 'war to end all wars', it was only a matter of years before the prospect of World War II seemed menacingly close - and the thought of returning to war must have been truly horrifying for the veterans of World War I.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

Cx :-)

Another couple of interesting and thought provoking weeks Cynthia. .

I don't post very often as I seldom feel I have anything to add but I do look in every day and appreciate you keeping the thread going. At times you must wonder if you are talking to yourself but I am sure there are others who don't post but do look in.so Thank You.

Good morning :-)

The War is over. What next?

Once the soldiers had been treated for their injuries, whether or not they had, it was commonplace for the men to be left to help themselves, with little or no financial help to get back on their feet in society.

Unemployment was low during the war but once the men had returned there weren’t enough jobs for all, even though women had largely had to leave the jobs they’d taken on.
There were a number of charities and organisations that tried to provide support and relief. The British Legion was formed in 1921 when four national organisations of ex-servicemen were united.

They helped with financial assistance for ex-servicemen and their families and helped them manage their injuries or disabilities, providing medical aids such as wheelchairs and crutches.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The War is over – what next?

The government thought it was important that those returning should quickly get back into everyday life, to their homes and jobs.

This was made more complicated by the fact that a large proportion of the men had been injured, and many suffered long-term disabilities caused by amputation, blindness, disfigurement and poison gas damage to heart and lungs.

Surgery had improved, and there were advances in artificial limbs and so sometimes doctors could help soldiers become independent once more, when the injuries were physical.

A greater challenge was helping those with mental health problems caused by the trauma of being in war.

“Shell shock” as it was called then, caused patients to shake, to have nightmares and to see and hear things that weren’t there. It was frequently impossible for someone with shell shock to lead a normal life.

Doctors didn’t really know how to treat mental health problems like these and sometimes their attempts were brutal – men would be told to stop being cowardly and pull themselves together.

Today we better understand the effect of traumatic events on mental health.

Lord, we pray for those who are suffering from PTSD due to recent conflicts. We ask that they be given the help and support they need. Amen.

Cx :-) :

Good morning :-)

That's a new one on me kandj :-)


The War was over – what next? Leaving the army

Before he would have left the battlefield, a soldier would have had a medical examination to document any injuries he had sustained. He would also be given forms for claiming civilian clothes and an employment certificate to show what he had done in the army. If he’d lost any of his equipment that would be logged because it would have to be paid for out of his wages.

On arrival in England, the man would move to a Dispersal Centre. This was a hutted or tented camp or barracks. Here he received a Protection Certificate which enabled him to get medical care and a railway warrant or ticket to his home station.

They’d receive any outstanding payments or vouchers to receive this from the post office, a ration book and could choose to have either a clothing allowance of 52 shillings and sixpence or be provided with a suit of plain clothes.

They had to return their army great coat within 28 days of leaving and were given a pound in return.

The soldiers might have expected a hero’s welcome but it wasn’t the same for all. In some places, there were bands at the railway stations playing triumphant music as the trains pulled in. Others may have arrived late at night to an empty platform.

Lord, we pray for soldiers who are returning home.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I have these words going around in my head.

Faithful one
So unchangng.
Ageless One
You're my rock of peace.
Lord of all I depend on You.
I call out to You, again and again,
I call out to You, again and again.
You are my rock n times of trouble.
You lift me up when I fall down.
All through the storm
Your love is the anchor.
My hope is in you alone.

Sending hugs for all who are struggling today.

Good afternoon :-)


The War was over – so what next? Going home

Winston Churchill, who was a politician at the time, decided that the order system wasn’t fair – those who’d been on farms and mines were often the last to be called up to join the war and so going home first angered the others who’d served for longer periods of time.

He changed the rules so other things were taken into account, – such as length of service and any injuries.

A few soldiers weren’t in a hurry to return home, or leave the army. They’d become accustomed to the way of life, or perhaps hadn’t family or friends to return to.

Some would stay and marry and raise families in the places where they’d fought, or continue to serve as soldiers in other parts of the world.

Those who did return home could find themselves on another long journey back to normality.

Lord, we pray for those who are leaving military service today. May they be well cared for. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The War was over………so what next? Going home

After Armistice Day, on 11th November 1918, millions of soldiers hoped they would soon be sent home. Most would be disappointed, as moving so many was overwhelming. Many would have a long wait – sometimes over a year before their turn came.

Those who had worked on farms or in mines were allowed to go first because Britain needed to get its industry back up and running as quickly as possible. If the company you worked for before the war wrote to the government and said it was vital you returned, sometimes that might help you jump the queue, but if you were older, or your regular job wasn’t so important, you’d be further down the list.

The wait occasionally led to anger from the men, who would strike or mutiny and refuse to follow orders anymore.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Today is Remembrance Sunday

The Collect (special prayer) for today.

Heavenly Father,
whose blessed Son was revealed
to destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life:
grant that we, having this hope,
may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory
we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
where he is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Gospel set for today is Luke 21 5-19. The Destruction of the Temple.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Look at a poppy…...

Poppies are bright and cheerful flowers: we thank God for the lives of those who have died in warfare, remembering all the love they shared with families and friends.

Look at the red petals: red reminds us of danger and harm. We ask God to be close to those who are facing danger each day, to give courage to the armed forces, and compassion to all who help others.

Place your whole hand over the poppy: poppies are also fragile and need to be handled gently. God cares for those who are hurting and those who are sad. We ask God to comfort all who are grieving the loss of someone they love.

Finally, place a finger on the centre of the poppy: ask God to help you play your part in working for peace in the world.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Lest We Forget.... this 11/11 annual remembrance.

Cynthia, I didn't know about a black poppy and I haven't ever seen one worn by anyone.

We Will Remember Them.

Good morning :-)


The 11th day of the 11th month - the day when we remember why we are wearing poppies. At 11.00am. many people will fall silent, many shops will come to a halt and many heads will be bowed in quiet remembrance and thanksgiving for those who have given their lives in warfare.

The poppy

I am not a badge of honour,
I am not a racist smear,
I am not a fashion statement,
To be worn but once a year,

I am not a glorification
Of conflict or of war.
I am not a paper ornament
A token,
I am more.

I am a loving memory,
Of a father or a son,
A permanent reminder
Of each and every one.

I'm paper or enamel
I’m old or shining new,
I’m a way of saying thank you,
To every one of you.

I am a simple poppy
A reminder to you all,
That courage faith and honour,
Will stand where heroes fall.
- Paul Hunter

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Remembrance: The Black Poppy

The Black Poppy has been around for just over a decade, being launched in September 2010 by Selena Carty. The aim is to commemorate people of all nations of African, Black, West Indian and Pacific Islander heritage who contributed to war efforts.

It explains it is a symbol that signifies pride, honour and glory, with the hope that future generations will be inspired by these largely untold historical legacies’.

Father, we thank you for those of different nationalities who served alongside each other during world conflict. We thank you for their commitment and bravery in the face of adversity. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Remembrance: Purple Poppies

The purple poppy was introduced by the charity Animal Aid in 2006 in remembrance of animals that lost their lives at war.

Throughout the history of human conflicts, animals have been victims of war. During World War I, dogs and pigeons were used to deliver messages between frontline trenches and further afield. It's estimated that 8 million horses and donkeys died in WWI.

Horses, donkeys and elephants have been used as beasts of burden – camels carried wounded soldiers across the deserts.

Lord, we remember with thanksgiving the animals who were involved in warfare. We thank you for their strength and courage as they obeyed the orders given to them and for their loyalty in serving their masters. Help us to love and care for all animals committed to our charge. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yes, that's the one kandj! :-D

Remembrance: The white poppy

The white poppy has been worn in the run-up to Remembrance Day for almost ninety years, as a symbol of remembrance and peace.

Created in 1933 - just 12 years after the red version - many people wore white poppies to stress the "never again" message, which emerged after World War I. Like the red poppy, the white badge also symbolises remembrance for victims of war. It is said that the white poppy also represents a lasting commitment to peace and the belief that war should not be celebrated or glamorised.

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is error, the truth;
where there is doubt, the faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.

Cx :-)