General Chat

Good morning everyone - it's lovely to see Emma back with us again. You've been missed Emma and I hope you are feeling much better. <3



Only one service at church today because of the holiday season, so it's an hour earlier for us.........zzzzzzzz Many clergy tend to take this Sunday as part of their holiday entitlement as they have been so busy over the Christmas period. Thank heaven's for the retired clergy......... :-)

I am reading the epistle today and it's one of those where, if you don't get the expression right, it sounds a bit gobbley-gook - if you know what I mean. I'd better make sure I take my specs with me .... :-S


The Collect for today :

God in Trinity,
eternal unity of perfect love:
gather the nations to be one family,
and draw us into your holy life
through the birth of Emmanuel,
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Have a good and peaceful day everyone.... Cx :-)

I would like to add a blessing for all.......

As the New Year begins, let us pray,
that it will be a year with new peace,
new happiness, and abundance of new friends,
God bless you through out the New Year.

Bliadhna mhath ur 2014..........Happy New Year 2014

Emma :-)

Bliadhna mhath ur 2014 a blwyddyn newydd dda eto. Celtic greetings - and I see they beat Inverness Cally 1-0. :-D

We had a carol service today. Don't ask. But it was what is called "own arrangement" and we just happen to all like carols. And we had 5 candles too, cos we had no service Christmas Day.

What surprised me was that midweek was cancelled. It was cancelled last Wednesday and I suppose that was expected. But why do we need to cancel a midweek prayer meeting because it is New Years Day? Am I missing something? Are there days of the year when we should not have prayer meetings?

Churches will never meet the spiritual needs in their areas if they do not pray a lot. Think I will try and subtly move prayer forward a bit in my church so it goes from being in the relegation zone into at least the top half of the table.

Good morning everyone :-)

John, I know what you mean about services being cancelled. It's probably due to the fact that many folk are either away or too tired to do very much on New Year's Day. A lot of C. of E. midweek services are cancelled at this time of year because the clergy are having a break after all the work of Christmas services.

We duly amalgamated our two services yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised at how many folk actually turned up. :-) It was also interesting to see how many people kept popping their heads round the doors because they hadn't realised the time had changed! The looks of surprise on their faces was quite funny :-)

A favourite writer for today's prayer :



Thank You, God, For Everything

Thank you, God, for everything,
The big things and the small.
For "every good gift comes from God"...
The giver of them all.
And all too often we accept, without any thanks or praise,
The gifts God sends as blessings, each day in many ways.
And so at this Thanksgiving Time, we offer up a prayer...
To thank you, God, for giving us a lot more than our share.

First, thank you for the little things
That often come our way,
The things we take for granted
But don't mention when we pray,
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need.
Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces
That come to us with "sweet surprise"
From never-dreamed-of places.

Then, thank you for the "Miracles"
We are much too blind to see,
And give us new awareness of our many gifts from Thee,
And help us to remember that the Key of Life and Living
Is to make each prayer a Prayer of Thanks
And every day Thanksgiving

- Helen Steiner Rice



I hope everyone has a happy and peaceful day. Cx. :-)

New Year's Eve! And so we come to the end of another year - a year which seems to have flown by. We have all had our joys and our sorrows; our ups and our downs; our laughter and our tears.

We have gathered a few new friends on this little thread, some of whom share their thoughts with us, whilst others prefer simply to stop by and read.

We have shared news, exchanged views and had the odd slight altercation, but there has been a true spirit of friendliness.

I hope that over the last year, there have been words and prayers which have been not only helpful, but thought provoking too. I pray that people have been welcomed, comforted, enlightened and encouraged as they continue or even begin, their spiritual journey.

I thought I would use a very traditional prayer for today :


God Knows


And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.

So heart be still:
What need our little life
Our human life to know,
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low,
God hideth His intention.

God knows. His will
Is best. The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision,
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him,
All time hath full provision.

Then rest: until
God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes,
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail,
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Our mind shall fill.

- Minnie Louise Haskins.


A peaceful New Year's Eve to you all.....Cx :-)

What a lovely post this morning, Cynthia. Yes, I have loved this thread. It has really lifted me when I have been down, and thank all of you - those who come on and contribute, those of different religions to mine like Judaism and Islam. It has always been a word in season.

I remember hearing a sermon by Martyn Lloyd Jones delivered at Westminster Chapel to the usual 1,500 congregation on New Years Day after we had extricated ourselves from the Suez crisis (now known as East of Eden. 1956 or 57, I suppose.

His text was Ecclesiastes (The Preacher). Chapter 1, verse 9:

"The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun."

His theme was that politics was about change, and Christianity was unchanging certainty. We want to really believe each year that our lives will change for the better by putting our trust in Cameron, Miliband, Clegg and Forage - or Carwyn Jones and Leanne Wood in Wales. The world wants constant change - for what reason? Meanwhile, we quietly plod along trying to do our best to secure souls for a more permanent, certain and blissful future in the loving arms of Jesus. :-)

Wishing all my friends on here a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. Sending all my love. God bless you all...... <3 <3

Hi everyone

I noticed that the church across the street from our house, a Baptist one, which has 3 different churches sharing the space, with successive services on a normal Sunday .................. only had 1 church meeting on Sunday. The Filipeno church met as usual. The Canadian and the Chinese congregations had apparently decided not to meet.



it's not even 9 pm here ................... we're the last of the lot to celebrate New Year, I think! :-)


we went from the high to the low this morning

9 am ............... hear the news that a very close friend has been made an Officer of the Order of Canada :-D :-D (OH did have a hand in this, but you don't hear whether it has been successful or not until "the" day :-) )


10:45 am ......... phone call to say that OH's sister has been taken into hospital, prognosis maybe a week ......... 3 days and 2 weeks are the extremes. :-( :-(

It seems she hung on for Christmas, and her children and grandchildren all being there. She did manage to make it to Christmas Eve service in that church I mentioned earlier.


OH wanted to spend New Year here, with me, so we have him on a plane up there on Thursday morning, returning next Monday. I'm staying here.

I will go up for the Memorial.



I sure hope that 2014 is a better year.



I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and the hope that we have peace, prosperity, and happiness



s
xx

Many thanks for that Sylvia - highs and lows as we end 2013. Terrible news about sil - may we just pray she and your whole family know the presence of God at this time.

What I loved yesterday was switching on the telly and seeing those fireworks in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong. Then Moscow. Then London finally at the CORRECT time (Cardiff Mean Time).

They had taste bubbles and flakes (banana flakes, raspberry bubbles) floating down in London so the celebrations were sight, sound and taste. Bit like a noisy communion, I thought.

And then we sleep and wake up to celebrations in Canada.

The sun never sets on Christian worship. As the sun goes down on one congregation, the sun rises on another :-)

Good morning everyone.........I hope everyone is well :-)




Yours was a day of mixed emotions indeed Sylvia and we send our love to you and your family as you face the next few weeks. <3


For today - New Year's Day


Whatever the New Year has in store,
Remember there's always a good reason for
Everything that comes into our life.
For even in times of struggle and strife,
If we but lift our eyes above
We see "our cross" as a "gift of love."

For things that cause the heart to ache
Until we feel that it must break,
Become the strength by which we climb
To higher heights that are sublime.

So welcome every stumbling block
And every thorn and jagged rock;
For each one is a stepping-stone
To a fuller life than we've ever known;
And in the radiance of God's smiles
We learn to soar above life's trials.

So let us accept what the New Year brings,
Seeing the hand of God in all things,
And as we grow in strength and grace
The clearer we can see God's face.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~


Enjoy your day - however you are spending it. Cx <3

Cynthia, I found the New Year's Eve words interesting as for years I have a battered old card with me that only has the first verse written and had no idea there were others.

For years the Anglican, Catholic met up for a New Year's Eve midnight service in our village Methodist chapel and this was always so special and exciting as we all came together in faith, hope and expectation. Sadly it was decided as the Methodist congregation became so few in numbers and elderly that our village chapel would be closed and the faithful few driven to a nearby Methodist chapel for regular services.
A huge loss to a great many of us as we had shared Ecumenical services together in all three places of worship for as many years as I can remember. I did miss this gathering last night but have many lovely memories of happier fellowship shared.

Profound and interesting words from John, as always. Thank you.

Sylvia, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

It was good to see other postings and I thank you all for sharing thoughts and prayers as we continue to share our journey in faith and trust in the Lord's grace.

I wish all who share this Christian thread Good Health and much Happiness to you all

I thought you might be interested in knowing a little bit more about the church in my avatar.

It is called St John the Divine, but another local name for it is St Johns in the Fields.

There is one Sunday afternoon service a month held there.

Plus the 6 pm Christmas Eve service.

There was once a thriving village down the hill near the river, hence the church. As you can see, it now stands in open fields and woods, there are no houses or farms in close proximity.

It is still left open on most days of the day for private prayer and quiet reflection.

It was originally built in 1914 a couple of miles away, then moved some time about 1928 to its present site.

There are no services to the site ............. heating is by a wood stove, lighting by oil lamps and candles, and water has to be taken in if needed (ie, no toilet faciltiies).

The church has 5 rows of pews, and seats about 40 people comfortably. Over 100 usually crowd into the church, the small porch, and stand outside for the Christmas Eve service.

It is quite magical to go there on Christmas Eve.


My sister-in-law was priest-in-charge of this church until last October ........... and she was able to attend the church with all her children and grandchildren this past Christmas Eve.

Good morning and thank you for sharing the memories of that special place with us Sylvia. It must have been so moving, both for the congregation and for your sister-in-law, to worship there on Christmas Eve. May God bless her and the whole family in the days which lie ahead. xx <3


So, we are now into the New Year and a new day....


A new Morning!

Another chance to give thanks that we woke up this morning!

A new day!

Another chance to ask Jesus to guide us on our way!

A New Year!

Another spectacular chance to ask Jesus to help us make this our
best year for witnessing to many, praising God always
and just being grateful for all that HE has given us!

A New Day

The morning's here, another day,
The sun is shining through,
I left my worries all behind;
Today, I start anew.

An orchestra of tuneful birds
Gives messages of cheer,
The dark of night has vanished
And the morning sun is here.

The dew is wet with diamonds
And the world has come alive,
The little stems I planted,
All limp; will now survive.

The morning's come, the air is sweet,
The sun is shining through,
Yesterday has ceased to be
Today, I start anew.

~ Mildred H. Bell



Love to you all... Cx :-)

Many thanks, Cynthia. It is a nice moring here, and just off to perambulate. I shall think of the dew being "wet with diamonds" :-)

That little church is so special to you all, Sylvia. And now to us. Buildings do not make a church, but they provide us with so many memories of past saints and past glory. :-)

"Blessed are those who dwell in your house: they will always be praising you.
Blessed is the one whose strength is in you: in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
Who going through the valley of dryness
Finds there a spring from which to drink:
Till the autumn rain shall clothe it with blessings."
(Psalm 84)

Thanks for sharing such special thoughts with us Sylvia. Sending good vibes and prayers for you and your family right now as you face a sad time ahead. xx

In a village nearby there is an ancient redundant Anglican church that is opened for viewing three times a year but a Carol service is held each year inside this tiny church on the Sunday before Christmas Day.
It is always very well attended although as there is no heating we know to get well wrapped up. No electricity means we rely on torches and candlelight to see and read from the service sheet. This makes it a very special time for everyone.
You couldn't help but think of all the many others who had been to worship here since the church was built in the Norman 11-12th century.

Dear All

Hello

On New Years Day, I attended a full church service.

For various reasons, I had not been to the local church in my area for some time.

On this occasion, it was different experience.

Older and wiser, yes, but the basics of faith and belief still exist for me.

The church was beautifully decorated; such loving work must have been put into creating the nativity scene.

There is a new priest/vicar too.

He appears to have humility and gentle humour.

I saw some of my friends there again and was met with warmth.

Will I go back?

Yes, I believe I shall.


Take gentle care
Best wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx

Elizabeth, that is so good to hear and thank you so much for sharing that with us.

In my village church we also have been blessed with a new lady Rector just a few weeks ago but already her genuine warmth and kindness plus her strong spirituality means it is a joy and privilege to share time together in praise and worship.

Already we have former church family members who are returning and this is such a blessing for us faithful few golden oldies who have struggled for many years with uncertainty and a lack of Christian love within God's house. God is indeed good.

Good morning :-)


It was so uplifting to read your words Elizabeth, thank you so much. I have always found that, being part of a church family, is much like being part of an ordinary human family.

You have those who have been a part of the church for many years and who maybe older, wiser and are certainly more experienced about things in general. They are rather like loved and respected 'grandparents'.


There are those who have been welcomed into the family relatively recently and who may be uncertain about how this church family functions. They remind me of those who have recently 'married in' to a family or who have been befriended and encouraged by helpful neighbours.


Our youngsters are typical young people going through all the trials and tribulations of the school and teenage years and we wave some of them off to university or college. We send them off with a prayer that God will keep them in His care and bring them back when the time is right.


We have new additions to the family each time we have a baptism and we encourage these new parents and their little ones to visit us regularly so that we can get to know them better.


There are times when we have to say goodbye to much loved family members, but we do so in a spirit of hope and expectation of life eternal.


And yes, we do have the odd fall out, upset and commotion - for we are all humans who are on a journey. Sometimes that journey gets a bit much for some folk and tempers flare - as within most human families. Hopefully, wise words and kind actions calm the situation down and we move onwards again.


This prayer, b Bishop Thomas Ken has come into my mind:

O God make the door of this house wide enough
to receive all who need human love and fellowship,
and a heavenly Father’s care, and narrow enough to shut out all envy,
pride and hate.

Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling-block to children,
nor to straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter’s power:
make it a gateway to thine eternal kingdom.

Amen.


Enjoy your day.... Cx :-)

Very uplifting stories. And that old Bishop Ken has some wise words for us.

We had revival down here in South Wales in 1903 - probably the last major revival in Britain. And the bedrock was the church family. And the flame was the Holy Spirit.

But the faggots that allowed teh fire to burn so brightly were the rough coliers who had had nothing whatsover to say about religion up until then. They were the pobl y tafarn (people who went to the pub) and had no idea why their wives and mothers trooped off to an old chapel every week.

Then one by one they realised spirit was better than beer. But they came into chapels at first very distrustful, very cynical and - in many cases - they disrupted the services by swearing and shouting, often drunk.

I often muse on how we would deal with those sort of people today. Typical working men and their foul-mouthed wives, dirty and noisy children........

Thoughts very much with you, Sylvia (nothing to do with previous paragraph)

Hear, hear Cynthia. That is also how I perceive my church family over the years.

John I hope we would be Christian minded enough to welcome such people into our worship service and our church family. Perhaps they could just be angels in disguise?

Ongoing thoughts and prayers for Sylvia and her sister in law and family today.