General Chat

Good morning :-)

We had our Walking Day yesterday - a good turnout - the first for 3 years.

There are other styles of Christian walks available in the UK, often known as Pilgrimages. Let’s take a look – hiking boots on!

We’ll begin in Wales……….
A PEMBROKESHIRE PILGRIMAGE
St David's, Pembrokeshire

THE ROUTE: Discover more about Wales patron saint on a walk of about six miles around the city of St David's.

HISTORY & HIGHLIGHTS: In medieval times the pilgrimage route to St David’ s was as important a destination as the Camino in Spain. Indeed, in 1123 the Pope declared that two pilgrimages to St David’s were the equivalent of one to Rome and three to Jerusalem. Thousands of pilgrims from the humblest through to Kings such as William the Conqueror and Henry II made their way to the small city in the remote south west of Wales.

Nowadays there is no official pilgrim’s route to follow, although there are traces of ancient paths, and the peninsula provides a peaceful escape from modern concerns. Walk from St Non’s Chapel and Well – the birthplace of St David – to the city’s cathedral and then on to Whitesands Beach.

Pilgrimage today
Today there is a rising interest in the idea of journeying and pilgrimage for many different reasons. Not only will people venture on a pilgrimage as a response to faith but also to enable them to gain perspective on some issue or stage in their lives, for the benefits of health and wellbeing or to find a greater connection with creation.

Cx :-)

Hello all

The first hymn sung this morning for Holy Trinity Sunday and I can't get the tune/words out of my head............

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Good morning :-)


TODAY IS TRINITY SUNDAY

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty and everlasting God,
you have given us your servants grace,
by the confession of a true faith,
to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity
and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity:
keep us steadfast in this faith,
that we may evermore be defended from all adversities;
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.

Gospel Reading: John 16:12 - 15


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Jubilee is now over, and our Walking Day is almost upon us……….two celebrations in quick succession. There was very much a faith element to the Jubilee with the wonderful service and the knowledge that the Queen is a committed Christian. Walking Day – a Christian celebration of unity and faith.

In the North of England - The Whit Walks.

The first Whit Walk was held in 1801 and is said to have arisen out of the Sunday School movement.

Many children were working long hours in the city’s cotton mills and church leaders wanted to make sure that on their day off they didn’t become involved in activities such as drinking and gambling.

Since then, they have become an annual tradition for generations of families.
In keeping with tradition, all walkers are encouraged to wear their Sunday best - men can wear flowers in buttonholes.

They are a lively, joyful and colourful witness to the Christian faith and to the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit which we celebrate at Whitsun.

They bring people together in the community.

They uphold a long and lovely tradition. They cause us to remember those who were part of past Whitsuns but are no longer with us.

All of the Christian churches – Anglican, Roman Catholic, Free Churches have held Whit walks – many churches walked together. A small act of worship was usually incorporated into the event.

Lord, we pray that tomorrow the churches may bear witness to our Christian faith, humbly and honestly. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Have we all recovered from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for our wonderful Queen?

I've been catching up with the tv coverage after spending a very happy time with family in Durham.

Thank you Vera for your kind words. Life continues to be difficult, but my faith is helping in dark times.

Sending gentle hugs to all in need right now.

Good morning :-)


At the church I attend we are blessed to have gardens around the building. This was certainly an incentive to hold our Jubilee Tea outside!

Whilst the council takes care of cutting the grass and the bedding flowers, we have volunteers who tackle the undergrowth and overgrowing trees. Our folk also look after any ornamental pots and so on. We thank God for these people who give of their time and expertise to care for our gardens.


Help us, Oh God, to be ever mindful of the beauties around us. May we grow with our flowers in gentleness, patience, courage, laughter and religion.
As we turn the brown soil and plant our seed, may we learn faith ... faith in the goodness of the earth, the radiance of the sun, the fullness of the clouds.
May we be grateful for the privilege of being co-workers with God in the creation of even one tiny flower.
And grant that we may know the great joy that comes from sharing with others. Amen,

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Where would any Jubilee celebration be without cakes! We saw the cake specially made for Her Majesty and those served up at all the street parties. Thousands upon thousands of cakes of all shapes, sizes and types. Bakers of every age, sex and culture produced some stunning masterpieces with their very talented hands. We were blessed with masses of home-made cakes last week-end and the comments were very complimentary.

Lord, with gratitude, we celebrate the bakers in our midst. Through the work of their hands, they create edible masterpieces that neighbour can share with neighbour.

Their offerings bring peace to the ones looking for comfort food. Their offerings bring joy to the young people celebrating birthdays and the couples joining their lives together in marriage.

The bread they bake sits on communion tables as your children are reminded to “take and eat.”

The pastries created by them will bring people together in our fellowship halls when worship ends.

Bless their hands in the rolling of dough and the ovens as breads rise and bake. Bless the hearts who laugh together in the kitchen as they decorate cakes or finish pies.

Through the work of their hands, we partake in fellowship and see the presence of the Christ in our midst.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Most people have seen those acts on BGT where athletic men perform incredible tricks of strength and agility. Our heroes though, are the men from church who are willing to clamber and stretch to put up bunting, change lightbulbs, clean gutters, lift tables and all the other maintenance work which needs a bit of ‘muscle’. It’s a fact that- we would be lost without them and are so grateful for all they do.

Heavenly Father, we thank you the men who are part of the church family. We thank you for their commitment, loyalty and strength and for their willingness to help. Bless them and their families Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

There are so many types of talents. They don’t all have to be glamorous or important skills. Take the tea-makers for instance. Those folk who make drinks and refreshments, then serve and clear away afterwards. We thank God for these important people who help to sustain others.

Dear God,
Thank You for the gifts and talents You have given to me. I pray that I am aware of these gifts and use them to serve you and to serve others. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Hi Vera, there have been some lovely stories of people drawing together to celebrate the Jubilee - so encouraging after the trials of the pandemic. Glad you enjoyed it. <3

That was some weekend – so much going on. It brought the importance of teamwork and talents very much to the fore – from the Jubilee celebrations to our little Afternoon Tea. Without the people who have expertise in something, however small, and are willing to use it to the greater good, the world would be a poorer place.

Lord of All,
Thank You for the unique talents
with which each of us is born,
and for Your support
as we use them over the years
Help us to freely share our talents with others whenever we can.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost
Taught by thee we covet most
Of Thy gifts at Pentecost
Holy, heavenly love.

This was our school hymn, sung at the beginning and end of every term and particularly appropriate on Pentecost Sunday.

Another lovely week of posts Cynthia. Thank you. I am so pleased that your afternoon tea went well. I live in a small Close of 6 houses and we all gathered in one of the gardens on Thursday to have afternoon tea together. Yesterday there was a village fete and "bring your own picnic" event on the field at the end of our Close. It was a bit cool and a bit breezy but everyone seemed to be smiling and there was a great feeling of togetherness. It was a lovely day.

It was good to see you post recently Tabitha. Congratulations on your anniversary.

Kandj, I remember you saying a little while ago that life was throwing up some challenges. I hope things are easier for you now.

Keeping Ukraine in my thoughts and prayers and wishing for strength and comfort for anyone who needs support right now.

Good morning :-)

Well, that was a great success! The sun shone, the music played and the people came. The food was amazing and the donations poured in - and it wasn't even a fundraiser! It was our church's outreach to the community. A little tired I have to admit :-D

Today is Pentecost Sunday when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Today we have our Afternoon Tea at church - all tickets sold and plenty of interest. Good team work with everyone so far - hard work plus a lot of laughter. It's going to be a long day - praying it all goes well.


Stirring words from the Archbishop of York at yesterday’s Service of Thanksgiving


“It is well known that Her Majesty likes horse racing. I don’t have any great tips for the Derby tomorrow, but since the scriptures describe life as a race set before us, let me observe that her long reign reflects the distance of Aintree more than the sprints of Epsom. Certainly, less dressage than most people imagine. But with endurance, through times of change and challenge, joy and sorrow, she continues to offer herself in the service of our country and the commonwealth. Your Majesty, we’re sorry you’re not with us this morning in person, but you are still in the saddle. And we are all glad that there is still more to come.”


“What I see in Her Majesty the Queen is someone who has been able to serve our nation faithfully because of her faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps there is no better way of celebrating her Platinum Jubilee than by doing the same ourselves.”


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



"The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God."

Her Majesty The Queen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Looking back to Coronation time, 1953.

The death of Queen Mary just 3 months before the Coronation.

The late Queen Mary. The whole nation has been plunged into mourning with our dearly loved royal family through the passing of one of the outstanding personalities of two centuries.

Queen Mary was surely all that a Queen should be; very lovely – even advancing years failed to hide her beauty – elegant, erect and regal. And yet, she was also a wife and a mother. The strong bonds which unite our royal family are evidence enough of her great love and devotion. Like every other mother she had troubles and heartaches. Who can ever forget the picture of the three Queens awaiting the cortege of the late King. Queen Mary, in spite of advancing years, seemed there to be a tower of strength to the whole nation.

A bulletin was posted outside Marlborough House which stated that the Queen’s heart had grown weaker. An onlooker was heard to say; “and what a great heart it is”. That seems to sum up what we all feel – a lady with a great heart has gone to her Lord.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


One of the hymns sung at the Coronation in 1953 is still sung today :


All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice,
Him serve with fear, His praise forthtell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make.
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.

Oh, enter, then, His gates with praise,
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His name always.
For it is seemly so to do.

For why? The Lord, our God, is good;
His mercy is forever sure.
His truth at all times firmly stood
And shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
To God whom heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


In the midst of all the nostalgia, we celebrate a special day today:

The Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary Luke 1:39-45


Elizabeth is Mary’s cousin. She is now elderly and she and her husband, Zechariah, have never been able to have children. Now Elizabeth is pregnant as God has worked a miracle so they can conceive.

• Their child will grow up to be John the Baptist, the person whose role in life is to prepare people for Jesus.
• Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth when both of them are expecting their babies. Elizabeth’s baby “leaped in her womb” when Mary entered the house and called a greeting.
• This incident shows that even though they are not yet born, John acknowledges the superiority of Jesus and recognises that Jesus is God’s son.

From this story we get The Magnificat – Mary’s wonderful hymn of praise


My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour
for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I think the country is going to be in a state of nostalgia over the coming days leading up to the Jubilee.

This week, a miscellany of things from around 70years or so ago. Please share your own memories too. :-)

Does anyone remember this?

Hands together softly so,
Little eyes shut tight.
Father just before we go
Hear our prayers tonight.

We are all your children here,
This is what we pray,
Keep us when the dark is near
and through every day.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



The Collect (special prayer) for today :

O God, the King of Glory,
hear our prayer: that as we believe your Son Jesus Christ
to be exalted with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven;
so also we may know his presence with us now,
and to the end of time;
who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen

The Gospel reading for today is John 17. 20 – end. Jesus prays for all believers.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Hi Tabitha, nice to see you again. Jubilee seems to be the only word going round in my mind at the moment. I'm organising a tea at church for next Saturday and my head is all over the place. :-D


Interesting quotes from interesting people :

"To gather with God's people in united adoration of the Father is as necessary to the Christian life as prayer."

Martin Luther

Cx :-)