General Chat

Good morning :-)

DID YOU KNOW?

A mason in 1700s Jerusalem left his wooden ladder behind after doing some work on a church, and now it can’t be moved without the agreement & permission of six different Christian leaders.


In 1644, English statesman Oliver Cromwell banned the eating of pie. He declared it a pagan form of pleasure. For 16 years, pie eating and making went underground until the Restoration leaders lifted the ban on pie in 1660.


Found in Isaiah 8:3, “Mahershalalhashbaz” is the longest word in the Bible. Mahershalalhashbaz means “Swift is the Spoils, Speedy is the Plunder.” The prophet Isaiah named his second son Mahershalalhashbaz? What a mouthful!


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

DID YOU KNOW?

The full Bible has been translated into over 3,000 languages. Among those include fictional languages like Elvish, Klingon, and Na’vi.

There were female gladiators in Ancient Rome! A female gladiator was called a gladiatrix (plural gladiatrices). They were extremely rare, unlike their male counterparts.

"Strengths" is the longest word in the English language with one vowel? According to the Guinness Book of World Records, "strengths" is the longest word in the English language with one vowel. The word contains nine letters, eight of them being consonants.

Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

DID YOU KNOW?
If you translate “Jesus” from Hebrew to English, the correct translation is “Joshua.” The name “Jesus” comes from translating the name from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English.

Roselle, a guide dog, led her blind owner down 78 flights of stairs during 9/11. The descent took about an hour, and they both safely made it out.

When we’re born, our only innate fears are the fear of falling and the fear of loud sounds. All other fears are learned.

Jesus says, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe” (Luke 8:50).

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that:
- one spoonful of honey is enough to keep a person alive for 24 hours
- one of the first coins in the world featured a bee symbol
- honey contains live enzymes. The metal spoon kills these enzymes. The best way to consume honey is with a wooden spoon, if not, you can use a plastic one.
- honey contains a substance that helps the brain function.
- honey is one of the few foods on earth that alone can sustain human life.
- bees saved people from starvation in Africa.
- propolis produced by bees is one of nature's most powerful antibiotics.
- honey has no expiration date.
- the bodies of the world's greatest emperors were buried in golden coffins and then covered with honey to prevent them from rotting.
- the term "honeymoon" comes from the fact that the young couple consumed honey for fertility purposes after marriage.
- a bee lives less than 40 days, visits at least 1,000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey, but for her it is the work of a lifetime.
Thank you, dear bees!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Over the last few weeks in church, we have heard much about Jesus being The Bread of Life…….this fits in nicely with yesterday’s reading.

The Bread of Life

As many grains make one loaf, and grapes are crushed for wine;
So we who eat the Bread of Life, become a living sign
As food becomes our energy, and with our bodies mesh
So we who eat this blessed meal become His living flesh

He talks through us, loves through us, meets our neighbour's needs
And through the work of our own hands, the hungry crowds he feeds
So in this blessed sacrament, we become what we eat
Then we too must broken be, poured out, His work complete

This sacrament reminds me of the holiness of life
And of the power of sharing in others joys and strife
So when we say "Amen" to "The Body of Christ",
We say Amen to all of us, His Body highly priced.

Thus this Living Bread is the bond of unity,
And it's a vital element of our community.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer for today)

Almighty and everlasting God,
you are always more ready to hear than we to pray
and to give more than either we desire or deserve:
pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy,
forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid
and giving us those good things
which we are not worthy to ask
but through the merits and mediation
of 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 :-)


THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT : The task of seeking God is not limited to the beginner monk, it is a life-long commitment to prayer, both personal and communal.

The prayer of St. Benedict – completed.

To refer the good I see in myself to God. To refer any evil in myself to myself. To fear the Day of Judgment. To be in dread of hell. To desire eternal life with spiritual longing. To keep death before my eyes daily. To keep constant watch over my actions. To remember that God sees me everywhere. To call upon Christ for defense against evil thoughts that arises in my heart.

To guard my tongue against wicked speech. To avoid much speaking. To avoid idle talk. To read only what is good to read. To look at only what is good to see. To pray often. To ask forgiveness daily for my sins, and to seek ways to amend my life. To obey my superiors in all things rightful. Not to desire to be thought holy, but to seek holiness.

To fulfill the commandments of God by good works. To love chastity. To hate no one. Not to be jealous or envious of anyone. Not to love strife. Not to love pride. To honour the aged. To pray for my enemies. To make peace after a quarrel, before the setting of the sun. Never to despair of your mercy, O God of Mercy.

Amen.

We thank God for these men and women of prayer.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Thank you Cynthia for another interesting topic. Fascinating reading the lifestyle of the Benedictine monks and nuns. Amen to their prayers.

I've been on several retreats and spent reflective prayer time with the Cistercian Monks at St Bernard's Abbey in Leicestershire. Very peaceful.

Have a good Friday everyone.

Good morning :-)

THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

Benedictine nuns wear a habit similar to that of Benedictine monks, but with some differences in style and colour. Benedictine nuns usually wear a veil that covers their head and shoulders as a sign of their consecration to God. Again, colour will depend on the tradition of the community.

The Benedictine habit reflects the monastic values of humility, simplicity, poverty, chastity, obedience, and contemplation. The habit is plain and unadorned, without any luxury or pride, and it reminds the monks and nuns of their commitment to live a simple and humble life.

St. Benedict’s prayer continued.
Not to be proud. Not to be given to intoxicating drink. Not to be an over-eater. Not to be lazy. Not to be slothful. Not to be a murmurer. Not to be a detractor. To put my trust in God.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

St. Benedict's rule

When Benedictines live in community, they are distinctive by what they wear. Each part of their habit has great significance

The men wear a tunic, a long and loose garment covering the body from the shoulders to the ankles. It symbolizes the simplicity, poverty, and humility of the monastic life.

There is also a scapular which is a rectangular piece of cloth that hangs from the shoulders to the knees on both sides of the body. It symbolizes the yoke of Christ, the burden of obedience, and the protection of the Holy Spirit. The scapular may be plain or decorated with a cross or other emblem.

A cincture is a rope or a cord that is tied around the waist to secure the tunic and the scapular. It symbolizes the chastity, self-discipline, and readiness for service of the monastic life.

The hood is a piece of cloth that covers the head and the neck and may be pulled over the face. It symbolizes the solitude, silence, and contemplation of the monastic life. The hood may be worn up or down, depending on the occasion and the weather.

St Benedict’s prayer continues

Not to give way to anger. Not to foster a desire for revenge. Not to entertain deceit in the heart. Not to make a false peace. Not to forsake charity. Not to swear, lest I swear falsely. To speak the truth with heart and tongue. Not to return evil for evil. To do no injury: yea, even to bear patiently any injury done to me. To love my enemies. Not to curse those who curse me, but rather to bless them. To bear persecution for justice's sake.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

St. Benedict's Rule

Those who wish to become a Benedictine – either as a monk or a nun, will go through a time of learning and listening. It is a lengthy process to help the person to discern their calling and grow closer to God.

Not all Benedictines live in monasteries or communities. Yesterday, we heard about Oblates. Oblates desire to live as a monk in the world, seeking God by striving to become holy in their everyday life, in their family, and in their workplace. Oblates are associated with a monastic community, offering their lives to God through prayer and service. Faithfully participating in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, Oblates promise to practice a prayerful life in their particular denomination.

St Benedict’s prayer continues

Not to kill. Not to steal. Not to covet. Not to bear false witness. To honour all persons. Not to do to another what I would not wish done to myself. To chastise the body. Not to seek after pleasures. To love fasting. To relieve the poor. To clothe the naked. To visit the sick. To bury the dead. To help in trouble. To console the sorrowing. To hold myself aloof from worldly ways. To prefer nothing to the love of Christ.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



St. Benedict’s Rule

What is there about the monastic life that attracts people, especially in today’s world? How does it work? How do they function? What happens? Just…..why? So many questions…….

Some people feel called to look deeper and more prayerfully into the scriptures. Some yearn for a life of simplicity, obedience and stability. Some want to embrace life within a community. Many, many reasons why people want to take up this way of life and often it is a continuing process of listening and responding to God’s call.

First of all, one becomes an Oblate. Benedictine Oblates are ordinary people: men and women, married and single, lay and ordained; Catholic and non-Catholic Christians; retired, working in the home and the community.

These people must be upright and at least 21 years old.
They must provide proof of baptism and obtain a letter of recommendation from their priest or spiritual director.
There will be an investiture ceremony where they will receive a small religious habit. They become an oblate candidate for a year, and they will study under a Director of Oblates.

Prayer of St. Benedict – an extract
O Lord, I place myself in your hands and dedicate myself to you. I pledge myself to do your will in all things: To love the Lord God with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, in church, we heard a little about the Rule of St. Benedict - it's an interesting topic.

We are all used to seeing vicars, but it’s not so often that we see a monk – except on the TV. Interestingly enough, many men and women still commit themselves to lead this sort of life – the monastic life. It is said that there are around 10,000 Benedictines around the world today. There are both Roman Catholic and Anglican Orders of Benedictines and the lifestyle is fascinating.

Seeking Faith
Gracious and Holy Father,
give us the wisdom to discover You,
the intelligence to understand You,
the diligence to seek after You,
the patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You,
and a life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Collect (special prayer) for today:

O God, you declare your almighty power
most chiefly in showing mercy and pity:
mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace,
that we, running the way of your commandments,
may receive your gracious promises,
and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure;
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 for today, Jesus is continuing to explain that He is the bread of life.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


SUMMER HOLIDAYS

How we holiday with our families has changed radically over the last 40 years. For those of us privileged to be able to travel today, adventures unheard of 40 years ago are within our grasp at the press of a computer key: winter holidays, villa holidays, boutique hotel holidays, foreign city breaks, cruises, ski trips, scuba trips, flights to far-flung places with strange-sounding names.

So what’s next? It’s not easy to predict how we’ll be holidaying with our families 40 years from now. Driverless cars taking us to beaches covered by weather-proof glass domes? Zooming away to other planets?

However, some things haven’t changed for 40 years, nor will they change… the lasting effects of a good holiday, the anticipation of a trip to come, the joy of spending time with people you love away from the routine and worries of everyday life, and the suitcases of lasting memories we bring home with us.

Oh Lord, guide us to demonstrate love, joy, peace, goodness, gentleness, and kindness during this summer holiday season. Thank you for holidays. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

In the 1970’s, the holiday of choice was still the British seaside and 40 million of us headed to a British beach in 1975. Many of us were now swapping train travel for our own cars, thanks to Dr Beeching who in the 1960s had closed many of the rail branch lines to seaside towns. Car ownership gave us all a freedom never before enjoyed and led to a big increase in camping and caravan holidays
Travelling by plane was a special treat and many of us dressed up in our Sunday best for the privilege. We were learning to love abroad.

By 1979, for the first time in history, Britons spent more on overseas holidays than on holidays at home. For £50 you could spend a week in glamorous Majorca with hotel bedrooms that had balconies and –I unheard-of luxury – ensuite bathrooms! Travel entrepreneurs were developing mass-market tourism abroad on an unprecedented scale.

Was anyone else ever in a car with a roof rack which fell off when the brakes were applied??

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of summertime, the days of light, warmth, and leisure. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


SUMMER HOLIDAYS

It was Lancashire cotton workers in the 1870s who helped develop a genuine working-class seaside holiday system. They saved all year to convert the traditional (unpaid) one-week Wakes holidays into seaside breaks, and in doing so helped change the character of many northern seaside resorts. Wakes Weeks when factories closed were still pretty strong in the north in the 1970s

The right to holiday leave became a legal right for workers in 1939, and by 1975 most workers had two weeks or more paid holiday. (New Year’s Day was made a Bank Holiday in Britain in 1974 and the first Monday in May a Bank Holiday in 1978.)

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. Amen

Cx :-)

Hello all

It's a joy to see and hear the children playing happily, enjoying their Summer school break.

Here's to a season of gratitude, kindness and the simple pleasures of life. May your Summer be blessed with love, laughter and many good things.

Sending a gentle hug for all in need today.

Good morning :-)

SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Apart from religious festivals, the changing seasons of the agricultural year provided times when less work was required (for example, in winter), and the period after harvest in late August and early September was traditionally a time of celebration.

It wasn’t until 1841 that a one-day excursion to a temperance meeting (from Leicester to Loughborough on a chartered train) was organised and sold at a shilling a head. This earned former Baptist preacher Thomas Cook the inventor of the package tour.

It was the Victorians who created an official holiday for workers when they introduced the August Bank Holiday Act of 1873.

Oh Lord, during this summer holiday, guide us to demonstrate love, joy, peace, goodness, gentleness, and kindness. Teach us self-control. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

The summer holidays are here again, and many folk may be looking forward to going abroad or on a day trip away for a change of scene.

Those who are not having a holiday may be feeling rather sad at what they are missing; but spare a thought for our ancestors who had very few holidays and had to work six days a week almost all year round.

Our word ‘holiday’ comes from the medieval Holy Days that were held to mark important religious festivals in the church calendar. Then, everyone would participate in the religious festival, and no work would be done on that particular day.

Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday were the three most important holy days during the medieval period. However, a local saints day might be an important event locally.

Lord God, Creator of all things, guide our steps and strengthen our hearts during these months of summer and vacation days. Grant us refreshment of mind and body. Amen.

Cx :-)