General Chat

Another good theme this week Cynthia. Thank you.

We had a wonderful blessed weekend. Son and dil collected us on Friday morning and it was an awful drive up, taking 6 hours, but dil drove well and we arrived safely. It was so good to see the girls, now 15, 19 and 21. The two older ones haven't changed much but the youngest was only 13 last time we saw her and has matured a lot. They were all so lovely to us, we weren't allowed to lift a finger and there was lots of chatting and laughing. When it was time to come home son drove us back, a more normal 4 hour journey, and then he drove on for another 3 hours to Southampton where he had to be on business for the next couple of days. Kandj might remember Buster from threads a few years ago. He is our son's English Bull Mastiff and is 9.5 stone of solid muscle but is made of marshmallow. He's a real gentle giant and everyone just loves him so it was good to see him and make a fuss of him again. He is now 7 and a half which is quite elderly as they are not a long lived breed. I am missing them all already.

So I have a lot to be grateful for this week - safe journeys both ways and a very happy time with a loving family. I pray that everyone who isn't as fortunate as me finds someone to give them a hug and make them smile.

Good morning :-)

Yes kandj, I wonder how Vera got on at the weekend bless her.

We are looking after our son's two dogs during the day as he is having work done at home. They never flinched at the thunder and lightning - I was surprised. I love a good storm I have to say. It cleans the pavements too...... :-D

Olympics and faith.

Tokyo’s Olympic Village has a multi-faith centre to offer athletes appropriate amenities for spiritual comfort and prayers. Tokyo 2020 is liaising with the native religion and non secular teams for planning and resourcing the multi-faith centre.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Olympics embody, religion, hope, and love. There is a small handful of accredited chaplains, who will solely enter the Olympic village for an emergency as a result of COVID restrictions. All chaplaincy this year is digital — by means of Zoom one-on-one appointments when requested. Zoom worship companies, and prerecorded devotional messages in a number of languages and traditions are available to the athletes.

Outreach through the Tokyo Olympics additionally will look totally different for Christian ministries accustomed to evangelizing amongst Olympic spectators and athletes.

We pray for the chaplain who minister to the athletes during this stressful time.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Two thunder and lightening storms so far today.
Good for the lawns but not good for the flowers.

I hope Vera and hubby are home safely after spending the weekend with their son and family.

Team GB are doing well in the Tokyo Olympic Games. Their dedication and commitment are finally coming to fruition after a one year delay.

Good morning :-)


Olympics – Christianity in Japan

Christianity arrived in Japan in 1542 when Europeans came from Portugal with gunpower. Among them were some missionaries. These missionaries were successful in converting considerable number of people to the faith and it could be practiced openly. However, in 1587 missionaries were banned from the country and 26 Christians were executed as a warning. In the late 1630s, there was a full ban on Christianity with only small pockets known as ‘Hidden Christians’ practicing their religion in secret.

In 1868 freedom of religion was given and the number of Christians has been slowly increasing again. Today, there are between 1-2 million Japanese Christians (about 1% of the population).

A few Christian customs have become popular among the non-Christian population in modern Japan – wedding ceremonies where the brides wear white wedding dress and the couple exchange vows at wedding chapels.

Pray for those Christians in Japan.
The local church in Japan is dedicated to Christ. It is no easy thing to be a Christian in Japan, but those who become believers understand that Christ is worth giving up their social comforts. Please pray that the churches in Tokyo would be encouraged and see the Olympics as an opportunity to reach out to their neighbours in a new way.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Staying with the Olympic theme, it’s interesting to note that their motto now reads: “Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together”.

What a great motto for a church too….

In his remarks before the unanimously vote, IOC President Bach explained the link between the change and the original motto: “Solidarity fuels our mission to make the world a better place through sport. We can only go faster, we can only aim higher, we can only become stronger by standing together — in solidarity

This is something we can aspire to within our church life…..we can go faster by taking part in church life as much as we can and advancing the Kingdom. We can aim higher maybe by increasing our knowledge of the faith and, of course, we can become stronger by working together in harmony.

We move forward when we move together.

Almighty Father we thank you for this new day.
We thank you for the wisdom you have given us to overcome challenges.
We continuously pray that you give us the strength to move forward.
May we see opportunities where there are challenges and develop a positive approach to life situations.

May we always have the determination to succeed and never to give up and may we always be blessed. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


It’s time for the Olympics again but it’s been a 5 year wait rather than a 4 year one. Their theme this year is Planting a Seed of Hope………and reads…..

“In the Opening Ceremony, we will aspire to reaffirm the role of sport and the value of the Olympic Games, to express our gratitude and admiration for the efforts we all made together over the past year, and also to bring a sense of hope for the future. We hope it will be an experience that conveys how we all have the ability to celebrate differences, to empathise, and to live side by side with compassion for one another.”

This is a thought we could all live by – athlete or not.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty Lord and everlasting God,
we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern
both our hearts and bodies
in the ways of your laws
and the works of your commandments;
that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever,
we may be preserved in body and soul;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The gospel reading set for today tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and also Jesus walking on the water.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Sorry. Forgot to put this link on earlier!!


https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-perseus-images/75db51cd7b4db6382bc86570bfd5bbb140d06efc.jpg






The life of Christ in art…………The Resurrection and again, a picture unlike the traditional.

This painting shows Christ rising again on the third day after his death. The event of the Resurrection is one of the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

The artist, Piero della Francesca, has pictured Christ stepping out of his Roman-style sarcophagus. Piero followed the artistic tradition of showing Jesus with one foot on the upper ledge, as if he is literally climbing out of his tomb. He would remain on earth for forty days until the Ascension — the Christian belief of Jesus’s bodily ascent into heaven.

In the painting, Christ stands upright watching us with a compelling gaze. In one hand he holds a flag — a banner with a red cross, symbolising the victory of the Resurrection over death — whilst the other hand rests confidently on his knee. His body has real weight and substance; the way his robe hangs from his shoulder recalls a Greek god or a Roman emperor.

Despite having followed artistic traditions, Piero has created a remarkable image of the Resurrection, not least because of Christ’s triumphant posture. The guards sent to watch over his tomb have all fallen asleep. Christ has resurrected and stands before us, boldly proclaiming his return. It is likely that there is no other depiction of Christ that is so imperial, so directly ardent.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Much better temperature this morning. I can breathe and feel more comfortable.

Vera, you and OH are sure to have a happy reunion with your family after such a long time.... exciting!! Have a great weekend, tissues might be needed.

Cynthia, I wasn't expecting to see that..... there's certainly plenty to see and reflect upon with this unusual but special painting. Thank you.

Happy Friday wishes everyone who pops in.

Good morning :-)

I think things are supposed to cool down at the weekend aren't they? Vera - so very pleased for you to be able to meet up with your family once more. I hope and pray you have a wonderful, wonderful weekend. <3

Here's an interesting picture for you to google kandj.......


The life of Christ in art…………The crucifixion

And now for something different……………

Menora by Roger Wagner


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/59/39/3a/59393a3d7df3b9fee3db372035c26615.jpg


Roger Wagner is unusual among contemporary Christian painters in tackling biblical stories head-on and transposes them into modern-day settings.

The painting does not dwell on the sufferings of Christ. Instead it invites us to reflect on the meaning and purpose of the crucifixion.

In the foreground forlorn individuals and small groups seem aimlessly stranded in the sodden fields. Some huddle together; others are isolated in apparent despair. They remind us of the images of concentration camp survivors at the end of the Second World War, too weakened to fend for themselves. However, the artist has drawn these specific figures from a related, but different photographic source – figures in the Crimea in 1942 searching for loved ones among bodies strewn across the ground. Thus the painting bravely conflates Jewish and Gentile suffering.

In the background the power station stands in for the Menorah, the seven-branched lamp of the Old Testament, which symbolised the presence of God.

In the foreground the misery of broken humanity, suffering beyond belief or reason. In the background the power of God, awe-inspiring and yet apparently impassive and uninvolved.

The artist does not preach, but he offers us the answer that Scripture gives: between the Menorah and the misery of the human condition stands the cross of Jesus.

We often struggle to articulate quite how the cross ‘works’, but we understand full well that God is anything but impassive and uninvolved. He has sacrificed his own Son to do for us what we were powerless to do: to roll back the frontiers of Satan’s kingdom, to overcome evil, to liberate captives and ultimately, to make all things new again. Despite the darkness of the sky and the foreground figures, a powerful clear light from the right brings hope to the scene.

In Menorah it also reminds us that God is present with us: Jesus reflects God’s glory in the midst of our broken and suffering world and gives us hope.


Cx :-)

I too am enjoying this week's paintings theme. Thank you Cynthia.

You are absolutely right about the blessing of clean water kandj. In fact I am looking at a leaflet from Water Aid at the moment which is telling me that 800 children a day die from having to drink dirty water. Isn't that horrendous?

I am feeling very excited at the moment as tomorrow I will be seeing my son and his family for the first time in 21 months so I am looking forward to a very happy weekend. I hope your weekend is also happy and peaceful.

Hello all

Goodness this heat is really getting to me!

Thank you for another interesting theme Cynthia, I'm Googling and enjoying looking at all paintings.

I'm counting many extra blessings during this mini heatwave and being thankful for clean water to drink and shower to help me to cool down.

Happy Thursday wishes to all who are looking in X

Good morning :-)

I hope you are all coping with this heat - I feel like a greasespot"""


Looking at the life of Jesus in art – His first miracle – the wedding at Cana.

I started to look for a suitable painting and came across this, not one I had ever seen before, but it’s an interesting read:

Wedding Feast at Cana, Paolo Veronese, 1563, Oil on canvas, Louvre, Paris

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paolo_Veronese_008.jpg

The sumptuous, vivid painting of the wedding at Cana, by Paolo Veronese, is a gigantic canvas measuring about 21ft. tall by 32 ft. wide. The masterpiece has unfortunately suffered several indignities in its life. Now in the Louvre, it was originally painted for the Benedictine Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice in 1563, but Napoleon’s army carried it off to Paris as spoils in 1797, cutting it in half in the process. During WWII it was rolled up and carted around France, along with other Louvre treasures, to keep it out of Nazi hands. Then, in 1992, it was severely damaged during conservation, when the support rigging holding the one and a half ton painting gave way and tore through the canvas in several places.

Jesus stares directly out at us at the centre of the scene with his mother Mary beside him, both adorned by halos. This spot at the banquet table would normally be reserved for the bride and groom, but the placement of Jesus here emphasizes the painting’s religious nature. In Christian theology, Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is his bride.

On the terrace above Jesus an animal is being butchered, which art historians believe to be a lamb since that would provide the symbolism of Jesus as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Confirming this is the knife poised directly above the head of Christ.

A splendidly-attired man prepares to taste the wine that Jesus’ miracle has produced. The red wine is visible in the beautifully reflective glass, a nod to the glass manufacturing for which Venice is still known today. The wine symbolizes the blood of Christ which was shed for us and which we share at communion. The wine is the new wine of the gospel.
Just as Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana, the bread and wine are miraculously transformed into the body and blood of Christ at Mass.

We can see several men seated near Jesus at the banquet table. Plainly dressed, they are the only figures who are staring directly at Jesus, while everyone else in the painting seems oblivious to him and to the miracle that has occurred. These men, staring at Jesus intently, questioningly, are obviously the disciples, though their individual identities are uncertain.

Dear God,
Your first miracle was at a wedding feast
where an ill-prepared host ran out of wine
in the midst of the celebration.
You changed water into wine,
certainly foretelling Your great
Last Supper gift to us:
Changing wine into Your Sacred Blood.

Dear Jesus of unchanging eternity,
through the sacrament of Holy Communion,
You change bread and wine
into Your Body and Your Blood.
And You have invited us:
Take and eat! Take and drink!

Please, God, as bread and wine are changed,
change me and make me worthy
to receive Your Sacrament!
Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Continuing with the life of Jesus in art……..The baptism of Jesus.

There are so many versions of this special event that I was spoilt for choice. Most people have heard of Leonardo da Vinci, so I looked for one of his works and found this.

The Baptism of Christ by Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci painted in 1474-5.
(It is easily found on the web)

John the Baptist is observed gently pouring water over Christ’s head. God’s hands outstretched coming down from the sky, a dove descending His arms symbolizing the Holy Spirit. There are beams of light streaming down which express the divinity of Christ, as well as acknowledging His being part of the Holy Trinity.

Jesus is placed at the centre of the masterpiece, with His hands clasped in a praying position, symbolising His grace and humbleness.

St John the Baptist is holding a slender cross and a scroll inscribed in Latin with the announcement of the Saviour’s advent: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Also present at the event are two kneeling angels, one of whom is holding Jesus’ clothes.

Palm trees grew along the banks of the River Jordan and we are reminded of Palm Sunday. Palms are mentioned many times in the bible and associated with great events.

In the mid-16th century, historian, Giorgio Vasari narrates that for the execution of the painting, Andrea del Verrocchio was helped by a young pupil, Leonardo, who painted the figure of the angel on the left with such skill that he upset the older Verrocchio. Leonardo also painted much of the background landscape as it is portrayed in oil, like the angel, while the rest of the painting is in traditional tempera paint.

Eternal Father,
who at the baptism of Jesus
revealed him to be your Son,
anointing him with the Holy Spirit:
grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,
that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;
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.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Hope you are all staying cool and hydrated and keeping your pets cool too. :-D


Following on from yesterday, we look at hidden symbolism in paintings, today the Nativity – both traditional and more modern. Most people like a painting of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey ??

The scene is usually a stable or cave or somewhere poor and rough. This is said to represent Jesus, the Son of God, coming down to dwell amongst humanity in all its forms – even the lowliest and the poorest.

Often, the Christ child is depicted with his arms stretched wide. This is symbolic of Jesus’ invitation of salvation to all mankind.

Generally, Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and the angels tend to have halos around their heads. These are a symbol of holiness and represent the spirit of God within.

It is said that the ‘swaddling clothes’, which Jesus is wrapped in, are prophetic and signify the shroud He will be buried in.

Mary is most often shown wearing a blue robe. This is the colour of the sky and shows that, as the mother of God, she is the link between Heaven and Earth.

Shepherds, as well as representing the common people, they are also symbolic of Christ’s ancestor, King David, and of Jesus Himself – the Good Shepherd come to gather His sheep. The lambs are symbolic of both Christ’s innocence and His coming sacrifice.

The gifts of the Magi have meaning. Gold is for Christ’s royalty, frankincense for His godliness and myrrh is for the sacrifice He will make for mankind.

Even the ox and the donkey have symbolism as they show aspects of Jesus’ personality. The ox symbolises patience and the donkey, humility.


The Collect for Christmas Day
Lord Jesus Christ,
your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:
accept our heartfelt praise
as we worship you,
our Saviour and our eternal God. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


It's tooooooo hot!!!! :-\ :-(


At the beginning of the sermon we heard yesterday, the vicar spoke about picture frames and related them to the gospel reading for the day. Perhaps it would be interesting to look at the life of Jesus through paintings but, because we can’t post pictures on here, you will have to google for them. There are some interesting ones, both traditional and modern.

The annunciation – that important moment when Gabriel appears to tell Mary that she is to be the mother of the Lord. It seems as though there are several hidden meanings within paintings, for example :

Light passing through a glass window, or a walled garden, symbolize Mary’s chastity.

The Annunciation is celebrated on 25 March, nine months before Christmas Day. So Mary is often shown with a spring flower in a vase, which later became a lily, symbol of virginity.

The archangel Gabriel is winged and traditionally in white. He may be descending towards the Virgin, or standing or kneeling before her. In early examples the angel holds a sceptre tipped with a fleur-de-lys, an attribute of Gabriel, but later he holds the lily.

Mary is often shown with a book open at the celebrated prophecy of Isaiah (7:14), ‘A young woman is with child, and she will bear a son . .’

The dove usually descends on a slanting ray of light that touches the Virgin’s head or breast, delicately suggesting the moment of conception.

The Collect for the Feast of the Annunciation.

We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The flooding in Europe is dreadful - just awful. I posted this prayer on another site so will share it here....

Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by the floods in Europe.

We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength.

Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.

We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope.

Bless the work of relief agencies and those providing emergency assistance. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.

Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the best of our abilities. Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even after the crisis is over.

We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Cx :-)

I have also been thinking of those on the continent whose lives have been turned upside down by the devastating floods. I am hoping my German friend and her husband are OK. I don’t think there is major flooding where they live but as she now has dementia communication with her is difficult. I email her through her husband from time to time as she can no longer understand how computers work. Perhaps I’ll email him to check that they are safe. My thoughts are with everyone affected.

There are so many world problems to occupy our minds but can you spare a small thought for the walkers on the MacMillan marathon hike. The hike was planned for last July but was postponed because of the pandemic. The walkers include my dil and her sister who are walking 26 miles in Northumberland. The temperature there is currently 27 degrees. I’d struggle to walk a couple of miles in that sort of heat, let alone 26! Dil and sister have so far raised about £800 for this worthy cause.

Enjoy this God-given sunshine and take care to stay safe everyone.

Hello all

Thank you for another interesting week Cynthia.

Remembering the people in Germany and Belgium who are coping with the devastation of the heavy rainfall and floods. Praying for all who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost their homes and been traumatised by their experiences, and for all the services who are helping out at this time.

Good morning :-)

To end our week of promises, promises.....



The Promise

There's a promise in our sorrow
and a blessing when we sigh.
There's a light beyond the shadows
and a cleansing when we cry.
So when we are discouraged,
and face tremendous grief;
it is during those times of trouble,
that the heavens send relief.

With our heart in tune with Jesus,
our source of joy and peace,
be mindful of His promise,
that all suffering He would cease.
He's cried our tears of sadness;
He's felt our every pain,
He's walked our path before,
all glory to His name.

Seek forbearance in the hardships,
or when we fear or roam.
Cast your burdens on the Saviour,
and He'll come and take us home.
For He is our great Redeemer
our only true best friend,
He promised he would never leave,
He'll guide us to the end.



Cx :-)