General Chat

Yesterday was best start of week for me. The two chapels I attended yesterday were a small, sparsely attended chapel on brink of closure and a large thriving chapel that is most successful cause in a small market town. And of course my own chapel where I had to find our chalice and help the ladies to dress the Lenten tree.

In the first chapel, members have decided to close soon and are deciding where to go in future. You trudge along to that sort of chapel a bit - small congregation, quite elderly. Yet they were full of optimism about their futures, though not sure where they would settle. Some may go to Baptist, some may go to Church in Wales and a couple may join a Methodist chapel about 4 miles down the valley. One lady had been baptised there 80 years ago. But we had a lovely service and the largish chapel looked very smart and well kept.

The second chapel is very well attended, singing and music are fantastic (really fantastic). It is growing with loads of young people and a lot of community work. It was first week of Lent, so like in many chapels out came their chalice and we sang a few verses and read a few verses specific to this first week.

Both times I threw most of sermon notes away and just "flew". It is a wonderful feeling, friends. One lady said "that was a good service". I replied "was it? I wasn't here"

And that was exactly how I felt. She understood. I got some praise, they are very loving and nice people in both causes. Like many, I do enjoy an occasional pat on back. But truthfully I deserved none at all. :-) :-) And I am always so intrigued why certain of us seem to be continually blessed, because it doesn't always seem to be those who deserve much blessing :-S

Hope all have a lovely day and prayerful week. :-) :-)

Today is Commonwealth Day. Big multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey attended by the Queen. And many other events. :-)

Good morning friends..... :-)


I think John deserves a day of rest after all his exertions of yesterday but it all sounded very worthwhile. :-)


My day was slightly less rushed than that and our morning service was quite quiet and reverential. Our new priest-in-charge preached and I think he is taking all of the service next week, in order to get to know us better.

Afterwards, there were six baptisms taking place so the church was then full to bursting and full of excited chatter. Our P-i-C soon calmed everyone down as he gently went through the points of the service, reiterating what is said at the Baptism Preparation classes.

I feel sorry for the chap - he is being pulled all over the place with his responsibilities, but I think he is coping and we are offering any support we can.


Our Lenten thought for today:

People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

~Found written on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta



Cx :-)

Am having a bit of a rest today, Cynthia. Trying to use Mondays to prepare sermon for next week. But never happens and I write it on a scrap of paper at 5am Sunday morning usually. Wish I was as organised as you appear to be.

I was thinking about yesterday evening. I was carried away (not literally) and I could see that several below were quite carried away. The felt presence of the Holy Spirit was in that chapel in abundance. Probably first time for several months I have felt it like that.

I have never taken drugs, except tobacco and alcohol till I was about 32 yo. But I do wonder if a drug-fuelled party gives people the same sort of lift. It must be similar. You are outside yourself, looking in.

And you wake up the following day still feeling nice, relaxed, well loved and pure. And absolutely raring to go and can't wait for next "fix".

"To God be the glory
Great things he has done" :-) :-)

What busy souls you both are and definitely blessed to have the energy needed to support Clergy and minister to others so readily. Well done, thou good and faithful servant springs to mind. (Matthew 25 v 21).

Good morning everyone. :-)


kandj, I have to admit that I am not as busy within the church as I once was. As with everyone, there comes a time when it is time to step aside and let others enjoy the privilege of service. I now do what I can, when I can, whilst I can. :-)


I am sure many churches will be singing this hymn at some stage through Lent. The words are traditional, but the meaning is still very relevant.


Forty Days And Forty Nights

Forty days and forty nights
Thou wast fasting in the wild;
Forty days and forty nights
Tempted, and yet undefiled.

Sunbeams scorching all the day;
Chilly dew-drops nightly shed;
Prowling beasts about Thy way;
Stones Thy pillow; earth Thy bed.

Should not we Thy sorrow share
And from worldly joys abstain,
Fasting with unceasing prayer,
Strong with Thee to suffer pain?

Then if Satan on us press,
Jesus, Savior, hear our call!
Victor in the wilderness,
Grant we may not faint nor fall!

So shall we have peace divine:
Holier gladness ours shall be;
Round us, too, shall angels shine,
Such as ministered to Thee.

Keep, O keep us, Savior dear,
Ever constant by Thy side;
That with Thee we may appear
At the eternal Eastertide.


Cx :-)

I know from my work days that busy does not equal effective. Often the busiest achieved far less than those who knew what they had to achieve and were single-minded.

I am sure everyone would agree that you are both very effective in your ministry on chat. And it is lovely to see your posts every day.

I love that hymn for lent. I looked at hymnwriter (nosey, see) and it is George Hunt Smyttan (1822-1870). He is descibed as a German rector and this hymn was translated by Francis Pott (sometimes called Samuel Pott) after Smyttan's death.

Have just looked him up on the Cyber Hymnal site

"George Hunt Smyttan (1822-1870) was an English clergyman, born in Bombay (Mumbai) India, son of of Dr. Smyt­tan of the Bom­bay Me­di­cal Board. He was ed­u­cat­ed at Cor­pus Christi Coll­ege, Cam­bridge graduating in 1845. He took Ho­ly Or­ders in 1848, and was appointed Rec­tor of Hawks­worth, Not­ting­ham­shire, Eng­land from 1850 - 1859. He published Thoughts in Verse for the Afflicted, 1849; Mission Songs and Ballads, 1860; and Florum Sacra, n.d.

He died in Frank­furt am Main, Ger­ma­ny and was bur­ied in a pau­per’s grave. "

Hmmmm! Quite a few mysteries there - was he German or English, did he write 40 days in German and why, why did he die a pauper in Germany?

We both have "been there, done that" over the years Cynthia and I also know my own limitations and pray that our new Rector will encourage some younger folk to become committed to enable our village church (over 1000 years old) to move forward.

John I had to smile thinking we all are busy and involved in church life one way or another...... there is a saying. "If you want a job doing, then ask a busy person"
and I agree with those sentiments entirely. It is often difficult to say No especially in the service of the Lord. I am praying that new blood may take on the church wardens roles or become a Parochial Church Member when our AGM takes place in April.

Didn't know who had written that old traditional Lent hymn, so thanks John.
I have learned something new today.

I feel like I am on PCC, a churchwarden and all the rest since I retired, kandj. Just used to preach about once a fortnight, which I found very easy (only thanks to Holy Spirit) and very stimulating.

Now I seem to have volunteered for everything except cleaning the chapel and putting the flowers out every week :-D :-D. Think I might take classes in flower arranging and cake making and how to use a massive tea urn just in case one of the ladies is poorly. ;-)

I love to look at background of these hymn writers. They are not usually famous at all, and am sure they would be quite thrilled that their words are familiar but they are anonymous. Cannot find Smyttan (forty days writer) on any census, except his wife outlived him by about 25 years as a widow and was quite well off when she died.

"Believe not those who say
The upward path is smooth,
Lest thou shouldst stumble in teh way
And faint before the truth"

A nice verse for Lent, I thought.

And a less obscure hymnwriter too. Anne Bronte (1820-1949), daughter of the Curate of Wellington in Shropshire about 1808 - at sort of time my 3 x great grandfather came to the Lord in that very church. Rev Patrick Brunty (sic) was a young bachelor Irish curate in those days working with very saintly Rector of Wellington, Rev John Eyton, to effectively save Shropshire souls.

Good morning everyone :-)


I really think you need to nip out and buy yourself a duster and some polish John - volunteers to keep a church clean are always welcome and you could do some of that heavy hoovering for the ladies......... ;-)


A Prayer by St. Anselm of Canterbury

O my God, teach my heart where and how to seek You,
where and how to find You.
You are my God and You are my all and I have never seen You.
You have made me and remade me,
You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess,
Still I do not know You.
I have not yet done that for which I was made.
Teach me to seek You.
I have not yet done that for which I was made.
Teach me to seek You.
I cannot seek You unless You teach me
or find You unless You show Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire,
let me desire You in my seeking.
Let me find You by loving You,
let me love You when I find You.

Amen



Cx :-)

In my own experience I discovered that Church cleaning is therapeutic and in days gone by I have been known to have my names down on the rotas of both the parish church and the Roman Catholic church in our village. It is a good simple way to be of service to the Lord and have the opportunity to chatter and get to know Christian like-minded people too.

The flower ladies do an excellent job in both churches and excel themselves for weddings and Easter Day/Christmas and other special events in the church calendar. Flower arranging isn't my forte, however I am never too old to learn new skills (given the time).

I really do love the beauty of fresh flowers in church, so colourful and natural, a true joy to see the beauty amongst the stone and stain glass in our church windows.

A PRAYER OF THE HEART

Of all the living beauty
I may see in my last hour,
O Lord, I would be privileged
To look upon a flower.

What joy and gaiety divine
Encompassed in a span of thine,
A multicoloured song of bliss,
Lord, grant that I may look on this................... written by Terry Funnell

What a lovely little verse, kandj. Two new things I try to meditate about are flowers and classical music. Much as I like Queen and Beach Boys et alia, there is something fantastic about listening to Verdi or Beethoven or my favourite Debussy. And to stare at a flower - well, you see something so beautiful and intricate that you know it has been created by God.

As for polish, I welcome all nationalities into my chapels,Cynthia :-) ;-)

I know my weaknesses, and dusting is one of them. Another is coffee and tea. As a young 19 year old junior bank clerk (back about 1895) my Manager called me over by my surname (no first names or titles then) and asked me to make a milky coffee.

It was a bit of a shock as I had never made tea or coffee of any description up to that point in time. Good job he didn't ask for a skinny latte :-D

OFITG has put up a lovely Opening Posts on 18th anniversary of Dunblane shooting tragedy - 16 children and a teacher cold-bloodedly mown down and doubt the wounds have yet healed in that community.

And Aberfan (Oct 1966) remains very raw and the 100 plus children would now be aged late 50's in that little village near Merthyr Tydfil.

Deaths of babies and children affect us all so much. So prayers and thoughts for all those today who have lost young loved ones and carry their grief for so many years.

And particularly those families affected by Dunblane on this sad anniversary.

Heal us, Immanuel! Hear our prayer;
We wait to feel thy touch;
Deep-wounded souls to thee repair,
And, Saviour, we are such.

(William Cowper - pronounced Cooper) :-)

Good morning :-)


Like you (again) kandj, flower arranging is not one of my talents and I so admire those who can make sense of an armful of mixed blooms...

I am much more capable at wielding a duster or a coffee pot and actually enjoy hoovering - yes John, I am a strange person at times... :-)

I love the friendship, chatter and laughter which occurs when one is upended in polishing a pew - sorting plugs out - washing dishes. Our late vicar encouraged everyone so much and led by example - never afraid to be seen doing the most menial of tasks. Mind you, when we had all finished whatever it was we had enjoyed doing, he would cast his eye round and utter the words that we had done an 'average' job. We knew then that he was pleased with our efforts........ :-)


Our prayer for today:

O Lord, the help of the helpless,
The saviour of the storm-tossed,
The harbour of voyagers,
the physician of the sick;
We pray to you.
O Lord you know each of us and our petitions;
You know each house and its needs;
Receive us all into your kingdom;
Make us children of light,
And bestow your peace and love upon us.

- St. Basil, Bishop of Caesarea.



Cx :-)

Good morning. My word, it took me a long time to get on this site this morning...... :-)


I have to go out soon, so just a few thoughts for today:



Dear Jesus, I come to you today
longing for your presence.
I desire to love you as You love me.
May nothing ever separate me from You.


"I am free."
When I look at these words in writing
They seem to create in me a feeling of awe.
Yes, a wonderful feeling of freedom.
Thank You, God.

At this moment Lord I turn my thoughts to You. I will leave aside my chores and preoccupations. I will take rest and refreshment in your presence Lord.


Amen.



Cx :-)

A lot of worries and concerns around the GR members, so thought and prayers are with them all today.

O God, our help in ages past
Our hope for years to come
Our shelter from the storm blast
And our eternal home. Isaac Watts.

It takes the storm to prove the real shelter. We are blessed to never be alone.

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength
(Isaiah 40 v 29)

Good morning everyone.... :-)


So sorry to hear about the worries and concerns of other members kandj. I don't always look at what is going on .... maybe some angels are needed.... :-)


Blessings in Disguise.

God sends His little angels
in many forms and guises.
They come as lovely miracles
that God alone devises,
For He does nothing without purpose –
everything’s a perfect plan
To fulfil in bounteous measure
all He ever promised and…...
Every little angel
with a body bent and broken
Or a little mind unknowing
or little words unspoken
Is just God’s way of trying
to reach out and touch the hands
Of all who do not know Him
and cannot understand...
That often through an angel
whose wings will never fly
The Lord is pointing out
the way to His eternal sky,
Where there will be no handicaps
of body, soul, or mind,
And where all limitations
will be dropped and left behind…
So accept these little angels
as gifts from God above,
And thank Him for this lesson
in faith and hope and love.

- Cathy Pinto


Cx :-)

A man once fell out with his brother so badly that he had to flee from his town and country, otherwise his brother would kill him.

He was exhausted. So exhausted from his long flight that he put his head on on a solid rock in open air and slept like a log. He had a vivid dream where he saw a ladder of (probably) stone reaching up into the sky. And on this ladder were myriads of angels. Angels who got their orders from above, descended on this ladder to minister to him and all those who needed them.

And they then went back to report and wait for their next mission.

And since Jacob had that dream, many generations of God's believers and unbelievers have had similar visions and practical experiences of the work of angels.

May our many friends who are in desperate need of their own angels at the moment be well blessed.

Have just read posts from Friday. Sorry did not post yesterday. OH and I saw her 96 year old mother in N Wales and took her to Llandudno to have tea. Over 10 hours solid driving when got back after midnight. Waved to my friends across in Merseyside and along North Wales coast :-D ~~~~~~~~~ again this morning.

Cynthia, it is good to be reminded of heavenly Angels and also other human angels in disguise who are near to help us when we face challenging times.

However little we understand of the Gospel, it is light in our midst in time of worry and sorrow. However little we perceive of the Holy Spirit, He is light for us with many blessings of peace, joy, love, hope, kindness, compassion and strength, which enables us all to reach out and to seek a helping hand at the beginning of each new day. and in the still darkness during the night time as well

However little we grasp of the Eucharist, this is Christ's presence in us, a blessing indeed, and along with the angels and our friends, then a rough road is made so much smoother and the heavy load lightened a little because we are able to share.

The visit with your wife to see her Mother is a true blessing and at 96 it must be a privilege to spend time in her company John. Are you still on your best behaviour in front of your Mother in Law ha ha

Each weekI visit my Catholic friends who are in our village care home now but F at 82 has almost given up on life (so sad) yet and her lovely hubby H of 95 (an absolute inspiration) listens intently as we share our tales. I feel it is a real privilege and so humbling to share this special time with them. Another part of our journey in faith over very many previous years.

Your tales of your visits to local care home and very inspiring, kandj. Many thanks.

I do not treat mil any different now than when I first knew her in 1976. She was then pretty elderly at 58 (aren't all people of that age so elderly when we are young :-0). And she is still elderly to me. Even she has admitted recently that she is elderly.

But I found her full of fun yesterday. Still making plans. Still thrilled with good news of her 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 5 gt gt grandchildren. Still worried when they are worried. Recent photo of her and her four children (now 61-70 in age) on mantlepiece. Complaints that photo had made her "look old". Still very much the quiet boss of a large family. My son told his gran all about his heavy metal gigs and visiting a girl friend in Austria and his new sports car and new job. I couldn't follow it all. But she did :-D :-D