General Chat

Tabitha ........ a difficult time for you, but I am sure that things will work out, and that things will be even better very soon. xxxx


Churches are still closed here in BC, apart from the 3 evangelical ones which are disobeying all rules and health regulations.

However, OH has to go to church tomorrow morning ................... the service is being done on video at his church this week as the stand-in for all the churches in the diocese. He's doing the Reading ................. still no singing thought, and I'm not sure about music.


Keep warm, stay safe, take care.

Hello all

A new Christina Rossitti poem for me. Thank you.

Tabitha, a very worrying situation for you right now,
I was always taught that as one door closes, then another door opens. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you work your way through challenging times ahead.

Stay warm and keep safe everyone.

Good morning :-)



Lent, by Christina Rossetti

It is good to be last not first,
Pending the present distress;
It is good to hunger and thirst,
So it be for righteousness.
It is good to spend and be spent,
It is good to watch and to pray:
Life and Death make a goodly Lent
So it leads us to Easter Day.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


An acrostic for LENT


L.amb of God… You died for me

E.ternal One Your love I see

N.ow and forever… with You I’ll be

T.hou are my life…. You set me free




Cx :-)

Thank you both for your very kind and wise words - The sun has just started shining today after a very grey start.

I am sure there is a silver lining cloud just behind the mist on one of those paths ahead of me - it may even have a glorious rainbow with it. I know i am not walking the path alone.

Keep smiling and keep well - i love reading this thread and try and pop in when i can.

Keep safe and well.

Good morning :-)

Thank you for your lovely words Vera - I appreciate them. <3

Dermot, re the ashes. I've seen quite a bit about people lamenting the lack of 'ashing' this year. I read where sprinkling on the head was deemed appropriate for those churches which are still open but that sounds a bit messy. I then read that the C. of E. (who else, sigh) have put a filter on their Instagram site where you can view yourself with an ash cross on your forehead. Not sure how that works.

I follow a high Anglican church on Twitter which is down in Middlesex. The priest is an absolute joy and he posted pictures of the palm crosses people had brought in and he was burning them ready for last night. I don't know how he used them but his church has remained open throughout lockdown, offering all that is to be expected from all churches.

Poor Tabitha, not a happy time for you at all. I know one cleric who says that when one is between a rock and a hard place, God is still there. Hope things work out for the best. <3

And now for today! :-D :-D


A prayer for Lenten Grace,

Loving God during the sacred season of Lent, bring me closer to you. Prepare a place in my home and heart for silence and solitude, so that I may re-discover the grace of a prayer full life. Help me to fast from those things that threaten the well being of body and soul and remind me of the grace of simplicity. Enlarge my heart so that I give to those in need and, in so doing, rediscover the grace of gratitude and generosity. May this season be a grace filled time to rekindle my love for and faith in you. Amen

Cx :-)

You never have any need to apologise for “non-attendance” Cynthia. Without you the thread would have fizzled out long since.

Tabitha, I can spare you all the thoughts you need. You are in a horrid situation but you will find a way through. I am sure you have a silver lining, it’s just hidden behind the clouds at the moment. As Maya Angelou says “Every storm runs out of rain”

It is a shame about Ash Wednesday services Dermot. Did you read in the papers about the priest who was questioned by the police as they were suspicious of the bag of ash in his car? They didn’t seem to quite understand about Ash Wednesday.

Take care all and stay safe.

No ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Very sad. :-(

Take care Cynthia - Hope all is well - have been thinking of you all.

We had our first Jab on Friday - now waiting for the next date to arrive.

Also after being told last year our jobs were safe - they pounced on us the last week of January and told us we have x number of weeks consultation and then a max of 12 weeks to look for internal work - or take redundancy.

After 26 years there i am now looking at my CV & job applications and how to pass an interview. If they had waited 3 years i could have easily taken redundancy - but i still have a mortgage to pay, and outside jobs are there - but not many - not many internal jobs either really. I know i need to take a large pay cut - but as long as the house is safe - we can wrap up in a spare quilt or 2.

Oh well Que Sera Sera things happen

I believe we all have paths to follow and at the moment my path has got to a rocky crossroad with a few very misty paths. Hopefully one will have some sunshine and a Rainbow for me in the very near future.

I am staying optimistic and lifting up a few extra thoughts and prayers. If any of you have a thought to spare - I would be very appreciative.

Take care all and keepsafe.

Good morning :-)

Apologies for my non-arrival yesterday - I got carried away with lots of things going on.

I love pancakes and, if you had any, I hope you enjoyed yours......just sugar and lemon for me please! :-D


So, today is Ash Wednesday.


This Ash Wednesday, we remember that the purpose of Lent is to be a season of fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity. It can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him.


Lent is a time to take time to let the power
of our faith story take hold of us,
a time to let the events get up
and walk around in us,
a time to intensify our living unto Christ,
a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
a time to place our feet in the streets of
Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and
listen to his Word,
a time to touch his robe
and feel the healing surge through us,
a time to ponder and a time to wonder….

Lent is a time to allow
a fresh new taste of God!
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,
for thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future
knowing our past.
Give us courage, O God,
to hear your Word
and to read our living into it.
Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven
and give us the faith
to take up our lives and walk.
-Ann Weems

Hello all

I hope Cynthia is well and just having a day off.

Shrove Tuesday.... have you had pancakes today?

I'm finding it hard to think that it will be Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent tomorrow.

Village church still closed so there will be no annual Ashing Service. No Lent courses and no Lent lunches either. I'll miss helping out with these and with meeting up with friends from nearby churches this year. I plan to follow the service tomorrow evening but it will still feel very strange.

Stay safe everyone.

Hello all

We have sunshine here. A blessing after the snow.

Thank you Lord for waking me up this morning.
Without You I wouldn't be alive!
Thank You Lord for protecting me, loving me and
walking beside me, always.
Thank You heavenly Father.
I gratefully await all that you have in store for
me today. Amen.

Sending gentle ((hugs)) to all who need them.

Good morning :-)



May you find a gift this morning
Laid out for you in the sky.
A beautiful reminder
That sets your hope in flight.

May you notice birds above you
That soar and ride the winds.
And know that as you lift your prayer.
God lifts your heart and sings.

May you hear the sweet birds chirping
May you smell the fresh cool air
And know that God's love is all around.
Holding you so dear.

May this day be like a present
That fills your heart with awe.
And takes your world from grey to gold.
And soothes your very soul.


Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)


Sorry but have been busy what with one thing and another....... :-D


Today is not only St. Valentine's Day, its the day when we remember The Transfiguration of Jesus. This was when he took three disciples up to a mountain and they saw him meet with Moses and Elijah and his whole appearance changed to a dazzling bright light.

The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello and a Happy St.Valentine's Day to everyone.

No Cynthia as yet? I hope all is ok with her today.

I woke up this morning with the Love Divine hymn in my mind and I'm still singing the words even now. This lovely traditional John Wesley hymn was sung at our wedding, and I feel it's appropriate for today.

Love divine, all loves excelling
Joy of heaven to earth come down
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion
Pure unbounded love Thou art
Visit us with Thy salvation
Enter every trembling heart.

Hello all

Dry but still have snow around and it's -2 outside.

Vera, I'm still upholding you and your family in prayer as you all come to terms with the loss of your brother.

Heavenly Father
Help those who are coping with mental ill-health, give them your peace during troubled Covid times.
Comfort those who have lost a loved one and help strengthen them on their grieving path.
Amen.

Keep warm and stay safe everyone.x

Good morning :-)

Just nipped out to the garage and oh, my word, it is SO cold outside. Brrrr

To end our week of thinking of those whose lives have been turned upside down by the pandemic, we think of those with mental health issues.


The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Those already living with mental health problems are facing extra challenges too.

Lord, we pray for those who wrestle with mental health issues. Grant them support, care, understanding and love.

We pray for families trying to give support. Lord, supply energy, rest, patience and others to help.

We pray for the wider support network, medical professionals, support staff and volunteers.

Protect them from being overwhelmed. Encourage them and give wisdom.
In Jesus' name

Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-D


This week we are thinking about those whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus.

Those made homeless

More than 70,000 households have been made homeless since the start of the pandemic, with tens of thousands more threatened with homelessness, despite government pledges to protect tenants and prevent evictions, according to figures compiled by the Observer.

Father, hear our prayer today for all women and men, boys and girls who are homeless this day.
For those sleeping under bridges, on park benches, in doorways or bus stations.
For those who can only find shelter for the night but must wander in the daytime.
For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.
For those who have no relatives or friends who can take them in.
For those who have no place to keep possessions that remind them who they are.
For those who are afraid and hopeless.
For those who have been let down by our social safety net.
For all these people, we pray that you will provide shelter, security and hope.

We pray that those of us with warm houses not be lulled into complacency and
forgetfulness. Jesus, help us to see your face in the eyes of every homeless person we meet so that we may be empowered through word and deed, and through all the means we have, to bring justice and peace to those who are homeless. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It's good to know that all went well for you on Monday Vera and yes, you are blessed to have such a supportive family around you. <3

Dermot, the RC churches are still open in my area and getting reasonable congregations too. All safety measures are in place of course. Personally, I feel all churches should still be open and I feel we have let people down badly by closing the places where many feel safe and loved. I understand the logical nature of it but my thoughts go to the spiritual and emotional needs of people in these difficult times. I would happily be part of a team of volunteers to keep the doors open.

As for Zoom - a mixed blessing. You only have to download the app which is free and off you go but, it isn't the same as meeting in person obviously.

The injection was fine and I am fine. :-D :-D Thanks for your good wishes.

Today we pray for those who have lost their jobs and financial security due to the pandemic.

Lord, we pray for those who are struggling with the loss of income at the moment – for those who are fearful, anxious and feel worthless. Help them to remember that you are in control and know the past, the present and the future.

Help them to trust in you as they look for new work. Please watch over them and their families in this time of waiting. Though times are uncertain, remind us to be generous. Help us share what we have and support each other the best way we can. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good evening
Thank you for your kind wishes for the day of my brother's funeral. They are much appreciated. It is good to know others are thinking of you when you are going through a difficult time.

Even though I knew exactly what was coming at every point in the service, (which was totally non-religious according to my brother's wishes), it just seemed unreal to me. However I have since watched it online and it was a really lovely service and we have received many kind comments.

As the crematorium was large and people could be distanced we were allowed the full 30 people, joined online by friends and family worldwide. Many people travelled quite long distances in quite nasty conditions which is a measure of the love my brother inspired in people. My son and dil had a 500 mile round trip for the 25 minute service but my son's comment was "I couldn't not be there".

I am very blessed to have such a loving and supportive family.

Amen to all your prayers this week Cynthia.

Dermot, it you are a regular churchgoer you might even enjoy joining in with the online congregation. Go on, give it a Zoom :-)

EDIT I hope the vaccination went well Cynthia and you have no after effects.