General Chat

I had a glimpse of light today, as I walked home in bright sunshine.

The gable end of a metal outbuilding caught the sunlight and it
reminded me how wonderful light and reflections are.

Light was one of the first things to be made, according to the Creation Story.

The end of the outbuilding had appeared briefly as a triangle of dazzling white light:
three sides like a three-in-one God.

The more reflective surfaces that there are around, the more light we see,
the more beautiful everything is.

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
Psalm 119 v105 (NIV)

Light is so much more wonderful when you meditate about the source. Wonderful post, Sue.

I went to a Mother Julian of Norwich Quiet Day recently and we watched a video that really impressed me. Apparently, every time we breathe in and out we say God's name. I do now believe that we say God's name in every breath we take. Looking for a link to video, but unsuccessful (and about 17 minutes). Below is an explanation of YHWH by Simon Gray, who I think is an American singer.

"I heard a teaching not long ago about the moment when Moses had the nerve to ask God what his name is. God was gracious enough to answer, and the name he gave is recorded in the original Hebrew as YHWH.

Over time we’ve arbitrarily added an “a” and an “e” in there to get YaHWeH, presumably because we have a preference for vowels. But scholars have noted that the letters YHWH represent breathing sounds, aspirated consonants that in the Hebrew alphabet would be transliterated like this:

Yod, rhymes with “rode”, which we transliterate “Y”
He, rhymes with “say”, which we transliterate “H”
Vav, like “lava”, which we transliterate “V” or “W”
He rhymes with “say”, which we transliterate “H”

A wonderful question rises to excite the imagination: what if the name of God is the sound of breathing?"

Thanks, John.

Dear All

Hello


A couple of prayers for our young people as they take exams:

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AGAINST STRESS

"In this exam time, dear Lord,

Keep me focused, but also relaxed,

Do not let me become stressed.

Please protect my sleep, and give me rest,

send me safely into each exam with the right energy".

Amen

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ON AN EXAM DAY

"Thank you that, whatever the outcome today,

I know you have a plan for my life,

Please take my achievements and failures

And weave them into something amazing for you.

I hope for success today, but much more than that,

My desire is to become the person you want me to be".

Amen.

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Take gentle care all
With very best wishes
Elizabeth,
xx

Dear All

Hello

A small prayer for our children:

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CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE:


"If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.


If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.


If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.


If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.


If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.


If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.


If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.


If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.


If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.


If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.


If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
he learns to find love in the world".

Amen.

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This prayer is lovingly dedicated to children everywhere in the world.


Take gentle care all
Best wishes
Elizabeth,
xx

Pentecost and Shavuot are lovely words, Elizabeth. Thankyou very much for that.

Pentecost is Ancient Greek for "the fiftieth (day)"). It is also the Greek name for the Feast of Weeks, a prominent feast in the calendar of ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai. This feast is still celebrated in Judaism as Shavuot, as you have clarified.

In England in Christianity, Pentecost was usually called White Sunday (or Whit Sunday) and followed with a Bank Holiday on Monday. In these more inclusive religious times, we share Pentecost with our Jewish friends who celebrate Shavuot.

White Sunday/Savuot/Pentecost marks the day when 3000 Jews were added to the small number of Christian Jews (perhaps a couple of hundred only) who had met in Jerusalem to celebrate the life, the death and the resurrection from death (7 weeks before - approximately 50 days) of Rabbi Jesus of Nasareth, who had been executed by the Roman punishment of crucifixion at the behest of the Jewish rulers of that day.

Churches and synagogues tend to be well attended during this momentous weekend.

Christians believe the Church of Jesus Christ was born at Pentecost on day following the Jewish Sabboth. That is why we have met since every Sunday for 2,000 years all over the world.

In Wales it is Sul Gwyn (Sul = Sunday, gwyn = white).

Good morning :-)

Goodness me, what a busy thread this has been. It was so lovely to open it this morning and see the wonderful and inspiring words and thoughts posted here. Thank you so much.

Exams and school leavers have been very much in my mind lately because our granddaughter left high school this week. It seems no time at all since we were so overawed by this beautiful baby who had come into the world, and now, she stands on the threshold of adult hood bless her. John, beware. They grow up so very quickly..... :-)


Our church continues to be a popular venue for baptisms, and we are now booking into November. I led the baptism preparation class again last night, and did my best to give these young parents a grasp of the serious nature of the promises they are about to make. Some of them look so young and vulnerable - not much older than our granddaughter in fact. Bringing the excitement of the faith to these youngsters is not easy in an hour..... :-)

Following on the theme of our school children, and thinking of those who are soon to leave school, the following prayer is an adapted version of the prayer by St. Francis de Sales.....


Father
Help us to not look forward in fear
to the changes in life;
Rather, may we look to the future with full hope,
because as changes arise,
you will lead us safely through all things,
because we are your very own,
and when we cannot stand it,
You will carry us in Your arms.

With you,
we shall not fear what may happen tomorrow;
because you are the understanding Father
who cares for us today,
and who will care for us tomorrow and every day.

We have faith, O Lord,
That you will either shield us from suffering,
or give us unfailing strength to bear it.
Put us at peace,
and give us the grace
to put aside all anxious thoughts and images.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
Your Son, and Our Lord. Amen

- Adapted by David Bennett


Remembering kandj and all who need our prayers.

Cx :-)

On this special anniversary day :



THE FALLEN

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We shall remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night.

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon

We will remember them.

Good morning :-)


There were some very moving scenes from the ceremonies of yesterday, not least the veterans who moved humbly through the graveyards remembering their colleagues who were killed.

I thought this may be apt :

Our Father, up in heaven,
Hear this fervent prayer--
May the people of All Nations,
Be United in Thy Care,

For earth's peace and man's salvation
Can come only by Thy grace
And not through bombs and missiles
And our quest for outer space.

For until all men recognize
That "The Battle Is The Lord's"
And peace on earth cannot be won
With strategy and swords,

We will go on vainly fighting,
As we have in ages past,
Finding only empty victories
And a peace that cannot last.

But we've grown so rich and mighty
And so arrogantly strong,
We no longer ask in humbleness -
"God, show us where we're wrong".

We have come to trust completely
In the power of man-made things,
Unmindful of God's mighty power
And that He is "King Of Kings".

We have turned our eyes away from Him
To go our selfish way,
And money, power and pleasure
Are the gods we serve today.

And the good green earth God gave us
To peacefully enjoy,
Through greed and fear and hatred
We are seeking to destroy.

Oh, Father, up in heaven,
Stir and wake our sleeping souls,
Renew our faith and lift us up
And give us higher goals,

And grant us heavenly guidance
As war threatens us again.
For, more than Guided Missiles,
All the world needs Guided Men.

--Helen Steiner Rice


Thinking of kandj and all in need of prayer. Cx :-)

Happy birthday to all Christians. :-) :-)

Today is the day that commemorates the birth of the present day Christian church - Whit(e) Sunday, just a pentecost (50 days) after Christ defeated our last great enemy, death itself. Many Jews who had arrived for the Feast of Shavuot in Jerusalem (exactly 50 days after Pesach (Pasg in Welsh, Easter in English)) heard ordinary men - and some women probably - preaching very ordinary words in language they were familiar with (see opening post).

There were about 120 preachers, it appears. Few of them rabbis or ordained by men. Mostly very ordinary people. Yet the Holy Spirit helped them. And 3,000 of these Jews who had made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Shavuot took out membership cards of this new Church of Christ on this one day alone.

Well, we have more than 120 preachers in South Wales in the Methodist Church alone in 2014. And well over 1billion members are paid up members world wide and over 2bn in total claim they are Christians. Christianity is weak in some ways, but in weakness cometh strength.

And let us pray that many are blessed today and our numbers are swelled on this very special day in our church calendar. God bless you all this White Sunday, this Pentecost.

:-) :-)

Good morning :-)

Happy Birthday dear Christian church indeed......thank you John. When I am attempting to explain the meaning of Holy Baptism at our preparation classes, and I get to the stage where the Holy Spirit comes into things, I always remind folk about the shape of a bishop's mitre. I say about the Spirit descending as though flames of fire rested on the disciple's heads and that the mitre is a reminder of that time.


Today, my church walks, with a couple of other churches, around the local streets. There will be banners, bands, waving and lots of happy smiling faces. We walk as a witness to our faith in Christ - what a wonderful way to celebrate Pentecost.


The Collect for today :


The Collect

God, who as at this time taught the hearts of your faithful people
by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:
grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things
and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;
through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.


Have a wonderful day.......Cx :-)

I have only just opened my emails this evening late on and found one from 'Share Jesus International' (SJI) about this evening's Songs of Praise - I missed that and will have to try to watch it on catch-up.

Here is the gist of the email:

"The Biggest Birthday Party Ever is featuring on today's Pentecost Sunday special Songs of Praise, with Andy Frost talking about why we want to celebrate the feast of Pentecost with a party that you're all invited to!"

Reading your post John about Methodist preachers reminded me of Andy Frost and the SJI team and Andy's late father, Rob Frost, the Methodist evangelist who started 'Easter People' back in the eighties I think it was. I first went to 'EP' in 1993 in Scarborough then went every year for ages after that. :-) :-)

Sue

How lovely that post was. And brought back memories. I almost remember Rob Frost's dad. We had a Rob Frost Mission in Whitchurch Salop back about 1989. I was a steward of the largest church on circuit and we went over to Stoke a couple of times to meet Rob Frost and his team to prepare for Mission. Lots of people told me about his dad and how good his dad was so I felt I nearly knew him. And I just thought Rob was the greatest evangelist I had ever met. How sad he died so young. But how fantastic we have a third generation now of Frosts.

I am a sixth generation Methodist preacher (none of us good enough to be paid). First was my 3 x gt grandfather in 1806 on Knighton circuit in Radnorshire). Have his diary - he used to ride round on his horse to various outlying farmhouses within 15 miles of Knighton in various directions. Only 2 chapels out of 15 "causes" on circuit - all others were barns and farmer's front rooms. As proud of that background as St Paul was to be an 8th generation Hebrew, but we would both deny our "pedigree" if we could help to save one soul.

Great day down here in the Valleys. Lovely service in my local chapel. Then a huge combined service over the mountain tonight which was so uplifting. And it was very sunny when we went in at 5.30 and when we came out at 8pm. Valleys are so beautiful when it is crisp and sunny like that. And it sounds like Cynthia was going to have a great birthday today too.
:-D :-D

Good morning :-)


Such stirring words from both Sue and John this morning.....The Easter People. It's a phrase which catches the imagination and stirs the soul.

Yesterday's walk went well. The sun shone, the wind blew the banners, the bands played and over 500 people took to the local streets headed by the Cross of Christ. By the time I got home, I felt as though I had run a marathon. :-)

One hymn which really captures the spirit of both the Easter People and events such as Walking Days, is Onward Christian Soldiers........


1. Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
forward into battle see his banners go!

Refrain:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.


2. At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

(Refrain)

3. Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

(Refrain)

4. Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
but the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail;
we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.

(Refrain)

5. Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honour unto Christ the King,
this through countless ages men and angels sing.

(Refrain)


What a great hymn to start the day with.....

Remembering kandj and all who need our love and prayers Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I hope this small poem helps those who are struggling ......



God, Are You There?

I’m way down here!
You’re way up there!
Are You sure You can hear
My faint, faltering prayer?

For I’m so unsure
Of just how to pray—
To tell you the truth, God,
I don’t know what to say. . .

I just know I am lonely
And vaguely disturbed,
Bewildered and restless,
Confused and perturbed. . .

And they tell me that prayer
Helps to quiet the mind
And to unburden the heart
For in stillness we find....

A newborn assurance
That Someone does care
And Someone does answer
Each small sincere prayer!


- Helen Steiner Rice.


Love to you all. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Whilst I was looking for a prayer for today, I came across the story of Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles and I became quite intrigued by it.

She was the youngest of 25 children - which I found quite startling..... :-0

She married Samuel Wesley when she was 19 and went on to have 19 children.

Nine of her children died as infants. Four of the children who died were twins. A maid accidentally smothered one child. At her death, only eight of her children were still alive.

(By the time I had read all this, my eyes were like saucers....)


The family experienced continue financial difficulties,her husband was twice imprisoned and their home burned down twice with John only just being rescued in time.

She was responsible for the children's education and they were taught Latin, Greek and classical studies.

I could go on, but I will leave you with one of her prayers.......


Holy God,
too great to be trifled with and too wise to be deceived by insincerity;
compose our thoughts as we enter your presence,
order our minds as we bring our petitions,
and grant us grace to offer you the loving sacrifice of hearts
both steadfast and obedient;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Susanna Wesley (1669-1742)



Cx :-)

G'mornin Cynthia and everyone. Deep breath. Be still, and know that the presence of the Lord....

Susannah's father was one of the most senior men to be ejected from the Church of England in 1662. 2,000 lost their jobs, houses and a years salary that year. Dr Annesley became a best-selling Puritan writer.

The incident at Epworth Recrory was always referred to by John Wesley. He was the "brand plucked from the burning"

All 3 boys were ordained and wrote hymns - Samuel (the eldest) was 12 years older than John and 17 years older than Charles.

One of daughters married a Rev Westley Hall, who I don't think was Susannah's favourite son in law. Yet it was in 1739 (when Susannah was about 69 and nearing end of her life) that she was visiting her daughter and took communion in Rev Hall's church. As he gave her the bread and said "This is my body broken for you" Susannah realised for first time in her long and very Christian life that Jesus had died for Susannah Wesley personally.

Just like both her sons John and Charles the previous year, she now knew the Lord Jesus had picked her out personally and set his mark on her forehead.

Tremendous Christian saintesses back then. Another one was Selina, the Countess of Huntingdon. May write a little about her this week. :-) :-)

Good morning :-)

I love the words from the hymn 'Be Still' John.....especially when they are sung quietly and reverently.


Today, however, I would like to share with you some words from a book I was given some time ago. It is basically a book for every woman but, as I am sure that there will be men who will appreciate the sentiments also.

It is called "I've got to talk to somebody, God" by Marjorie Holmes. I have often used it when leading meditations and quiet times and it does seem to reach out and touch folk - where they are.


I've got to talk to somebody, God.
I'm worried, I'm unhappy.
I feel inadequate so often, hopeless, defeated, afraid.
Or again I'm so filled with delight I want to run into the streets proclaim, "Stop, world, listen! Hear this wonderful thing."

But nobody pauses to listen, out there or here - here in the very house where I live. Even those closest to me are so busy, so absorbed in their own concerns.They nod and murmur and make an effort to share it, but they can't; I know they can't before I begin.

There are all these walls between us - husband and wife, parent and child, neighbour and neighbour, friend and friend.
Walls of self. Walls of silence. Even walls of words.

For even when we try to talk to each other new walls begin to rise. We camouflage, we hold back, we make ourselves sound better than we really are. Or we are shocked and hurt by what is revealed. Or we sit privately in judgement, criticizing even when we pretend to agree.

But with you, Lord, there are no walls.
You, who made me, know my deepest emotions, my most secret thoughts. You know the good of me and the bad of me, you already understand.

Why, then do I turn to you?
Because as I talk to you my disappointments are eased, my joys are enhanced. I find solutions to my problems, or the strenth to endure what I must.

From your perfect understanding I receive understanding for my own life's needs.
Thank you that I can always turn to you. I've to to talk to somebody, God.


Cx :-)

That meditation has really reached out and touched me, Cynthia. Lovely. Have been asked to lead Celtic worship in a church in a couple of months and will c and p that as it will be very useful in the quiet, beauty and simplicity of a Celtic service.

Right, Countess of Huntingdon. There is so much to write about this dear lady, so I will just try and put up a couple of short facts each day:

1. Her dates were 1707-1791. Born Lady Selina Hastings, daughter of Washington Shirley, Earl Ferrers. Married 1728 to Theophilus, 9th Earl of Huntingdon. He died 1746, leaving her as a 39 year old widow with seven children.
2. She came to faith after nearly dying. In her illness she saw herself as a sinner and, if she was going to die soon, what was going to happen to her? She was converted in 1738, the same year as both John and Charles Wesley.
3. Her closest friends from 1738 onwards included George Whitfield, Henry Venn, Hywel Harries, Daniel Rowland, John and Charles Wesley, John Fletcher, William Romaine, John Berridge, Rowland Hill and Augustus Toplady.

If anybody knows anything about this 18th century Deborah, it will be very interesting. I got interested in her when we lived in Northants. We lived near Astwell Castle (which is near Helmdon, Sulgrave and Brackley). I was wasting time in the Family History Centre in Northampton and saw a biography of her written about 40 years after her death. Don't think it had been read since it was written.

It was quite a dry and academic tome, and author seemed to know his subject very well. In this biography, the author stated quite clearly she was born at Astwell Castle and her family were the Washingtons of nearby Sulgrave. Quite different from modern books that give her birth as various places 40-50 miles east.north east of Astwell.