General Chat

Good morning :-)


Still remembering the Transfiguration of Jesus, we continue to look at famous people who have had their lives transformed by Him.

David Suchet

The actor best known for his portrayal of Poirot came to Christ after reading Romans 8 in a hotel Bible.

In an interview he said, ‘I'm a Christian by faith. I like to think it sees me through a great deal of my life. I very much believe in the principles of Christianity and the principles of most religions, actually—that one has to abandon oneself to a higher good.’

The star is also vice president of The Bible Society. In 2014 he released the first full-length audio version of the NIV Bible spoken by a single British actor.


Love to anyone looking in. Cx :-)

Thinking of a dear friend today. Have known her for 50 years, today is the funeral of her mother.

Her relationship with her mother has been fraught over many years. Her mother slowly distanced herself from her 4 children after her second marriage. My friend clung in there and even after the mother became a widow she was still offensive at times to my friend. The last 2 years my friend has regularly been making a round trip of over 400 miles to spend a few days with her mother even though she'd get abusive. She succumbed to a chest infection a few days ago. My friend is now glad she made the effort to keep contact with her.

Thinking of you and proud of what you did. Sending my love and thoughts to you. <3

Hello all

What a sad tale Pat. Sadly, all Mothers don't have a loving nature. Your friend is to be commended for her long time support though. She will be sorry at her Mum's funeral, but have no regrets that she could have done more. My thoughts are with her today.

Sending ((hugs)) to all who will attend a funeral service for family or friends today xx

Thank you for your kind thoughts Kandj. My friend did her best, that's all you can do. <3

Attending a funeral is always sad. Pat, I hope your friend can take comfort from knowing that she did the right thing in keeping close contact with her mother.

Thoughts for everyone dealing with a loss at the moment <3

Good morning :-)

I agree with both kandj and Vera Pat, in that your friend has done her best in a very difficult situation. Many would have given up before now, but your friend persevered. I hope she has no regrets and that she finds peace within herself.

We continue to look at famous people whose lives have been blessed by their Christian faith.


Fern Britton

Former This Morning presenter, Fern Britton describes herself as ‘an average Church of England Christian’. Britton recently revealed she struggled with her faith following three failed IVF attempts. In an interview with the Press Association, she explained that her previously strong faith was shaken, adding ‘my faith's always sustained me through tough times like divorce and some of my bouts of black depression.’

There are those in the public eye who prefer to keep quiet about having a religious faith, but part of Britton’s appeal is her honesty about every aspect of her life, whether it be the rape she suffered as a 21-year-old, her struggle with depression during her first marriage, her suicide attempt, or her decision, aged 40, to be confirmed in the Church of England.

“I’ve never had any fear of coming clean about my faith. I am not a very good Christian, but I am one nonetheless.”


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Last Sunday we heard about the Transfiguration of Jesus whilst he was on a mountain. Someone who knows all about mountains and a lot about Jesus Christ, is Bear Grylls......the British adventurer who is also the Chief Scout in the UK.


"Jesus, the heart of the Christian faith is the wildest, most radical guy you’d ever come across.

Faith is personal if it's to be real. And I think things that are personal are sometimes hard to talk about. And I think Brits are especially bad at that. But I've definitely learned over my life through a lot of difficult times — whether it's military stuff or losing people on big expeditions on high mountains — I've definitely learned it takes a proud man to say he never needs any help. I'm not that man. I do need some help sometimes. And my faith has been that to me. It's been a real quiet strength and a real glue to our family, as well. For me to be able to climb big mountains with a person I feel has made these mountains is a huge privilege."


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


To end our week of thinking about the Transfiguration of Jesus and some of the famous people who have allowed Him into their lives, we finish with, perhaps, the most famous…..the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Her Majesty the Queen

The Queen doesn’t reveal what she thinks about a whole host of subjects, but about her trust in Christ she has been open, clear and direct. Here are 3 quotes that show something of the Queen’s relationship with Christ and how that strengthens her and shapes the way she lives and works.

'I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God!'

'Christ not only revealed to us the truth in his teachings. He lived by what he believed and gave us the strength to try to do the same - and, finally, on the cross, he showed the supreme example of physical and moral courage.'

'To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ's words and example.'


We give thanks for the example of Christian faith the Queen gives to our nation.

Cx :-)

Hello all

We both admire HM the Queen. Neither of us could do as much as she does and we are not anywhere near our 90s yet.

Hoping that everyone will enjoy a good weekend. Sending Happy Saturday
Blessing and (((hugs))) to all who need one this morning. xx

Spoke with my friend today. She's so pleased she kept on going to see her mother. She said the last time she saw her they extended their stay because she was having lots of good days. Only days later she became ill with the chest infection. Friend seems to be OK now the funeral is over.

Friend said thank you to those on here for their thoughts and prayers she does appreciate it.

Have you all have a good weekend :-) <3

Good morning :-)

Its good that your friend is now feeling so much better Pat and, hopefully, she can now move on bless her.


This morning, we have the baptism of 3 young children during our morning service. Such is the demand for baptism that we are having to add extra services from September.

We pray for these children as they take their first steps on the Christian path. We also pray for their parents and Godparents, that they may be sincere and true to the promises they are about to make on behalf of these little ones.

The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God, who sent your Holy Spirit
to be the life and light of your Church:
open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Gospel reading tells the story of Jesus walking on the water.

Its going to be a lovely day :-D


Cx :-)

Hello all

Pat, best wishes to your friend as she copes with her bereavement.

Cynthia, it sounds as if it could be a very hectic/noisy morning service today.
It would perhaps be a miracle if the newly baptized children and their families became regular attenders in the weeks/months ahead. My years experience of baptism services recall the norm is never to see families again until next baby is baptized..... I hope that I am wrong in my assumption within your own congregation.

The sun is shining and it's a good tonic after so much heavy rain.

Sending happy Sunday blessings to everyone right now. xxx

Good morning :-)

I know what you mean kandj. There are only a small percentage of families who stay with us after baptism and this, apparently is the norm :-( However, we do what we can to prepare them as to what baptism is all about and make the day as special as we can. We welcome them into the family of the church. The ball is then in their court - we have done our best :-D

It's a rather dismal morning, so how about some summer madness and a smile to start the day?

WITH ALL THIS RAIN, WE NEED AN ARK. FEAR NOT
(WAIT FOR IT)
WE NOAH GUY!
_______________________

TWEET OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TWEETED.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of laughter.


Cx :-)

Thank you for your remarks Cynthia and Kandj much appreciated.

Anyone got any cotton wool to spare. :-( Tomorrow is Ascension of St Mary - mother of Jesus. Holiday here tomorrow, all the shops are shut. It's starts with early services - the bells will start at either 6.30 or 7 am. :-(

Bet I'm out walking the dog when they start ringing - should have written start clanging :-|.

:-D

6.30 am - clang clang clang.

Got up and pottered a few minutes then sorted out the dog for her walk - just started the walk, it was about 7.15 when clang clang (end of service). That went on for a while then peace and quiet. Walked for about another 5 minutes and just as I walked past the olive grove - clang, clang, clang the other church in the village was finishing their service.

Ayiou Louka (St Luke's) church in the centre of the village is the closest to us and I expect a service around 9 am but at least I'm awake then ;-)

Happy Ascension of St Mary day for those who celebrate it. :-)

Good morning :-)


Hahahaaa Pat and the bells, I love it! The bells are celebrating a day which is mostly kept by Roman Catholics and Orthodox members of the Christian faith. Quite an interesting read.

Some more humour from church signs to brighten your day :-D

FORBIDDEN FRUIT CAUSES MANY JAMS
________________________________________

ADAM AND EVE - THE FIRST PEOPLE NOT TO READ THE APPLE INSTRUC-TIONS.
________________________________________

THE WORLDS FIRST COMPUTER CAN BE TRACED BACK TO ADAM AND EVE.
SURPRISE! SURPRISE! IT WAS AN APPLE.
BUT WITH EXTREMELY LIMITED MEMORY.
JUST ONE BYTE
AND IT CRASHED!

:-D :-D :-D

Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia I like your humorous posting this morning.

Pat, I hope you found some cotton wool. I wouldn't like the bell clanging at all, but
church bells are something very different and always a delight to hear pealing out.

Strange weather for Summer....... never mind. whatever your weather is like I hope
you all have a GREAT day. Just SMILE..... and pass it on to share with others. xx

Good morning :-)

Keeping on a thoughtful, happy theme.......



HE WHO KNEELS BEFORE GOD
CAN STAND BEFORE ANYONE

--------------------------------------------------------

GOD ANSWERS KNEE MAIL



:-D


Cx :-)

Have your ears stopped ringing yet Pat? I love the sound of church bells but not clanging away at all hours. Best in small doses I think.

I have had a smile at your posts this week Cynthia. I love some of the posters you see outside churches. They do make me laugh but make me think as well.

Tomorrow is A Level results day for many young people. It's a worrying time for them, particularly for those who have provisional university or training offers. My daughter, a teacher, will be there at school ready to congratulate or comfort and generally offer support. So gentle thoughts today for all those anxious youngsters, their parents and teachers.

Good morning :-)

Some of the quotes are quite thought provoking I agree Vera. :-D

Love and prayers to all those who will be opening those special envelopes today.


Let's smile again..... :-D


OUR CHURCH IS LIKE FUDGE……
SWEET WITH A FEW NUTS.
________________________________________

LIFE WITHOUT GOD IS LIKE AN UNSHARPENED PENCIL –
NO POINT.
________________________________________

CHRISTIANITY IS LIKE CHICKENPOX –
IF YOU HAVE IT, YOU CAN GIVE IT TO OTHERS.


Love to all. Cx :-)