General Chat

Good morning :-)


Another busy day today. The Tour of Britain Cycle Race is coming through our parish and, as we are at a great vantage point to watch, we are opening church to provide shelter from the rain and a hot drink for those waiting for this event. I'm even taking a packed lunch to church because I am helping and my route home is the route the race is taking, so roads are closed!

The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Lord, you have taught us
that all our doings without love are nothing worth:
send your Holy Spirit
and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtues,
without which whoever lives is counted dead before you.
Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


WE LIVE IN VERY INTERESTING AND FUNNY TIMES

1. We live in times where we see many humans, but not humanity.
2. We live in times where the rich have more rooms than children and the poor have more children than rooms.
3. We live in times where smartphones bring you closer to those who are far but distance you from those who are closer.
4. We live in times where we open Facebook, more than The Holy Book;
5. We live in times where a single mother can look after 10 children, but 10 children can't look after a single mother;
6. We live in times where the rich walk miles to digest food, while the poor walk miles to search for food;
7. We live in times where women are paid to be naked, while others have no clothes to cover their nakedness.
8. We live in times where our contact lists are huge, but our relationships are poor.
9. We live in times where our possessions are more, but our appreciation is less;
10. We live in times where we know how to earn a good living, but somehow forget how to live a good life;
11. We live in times where many know the price of everything, but not the value of anything.

Indeed, we live in a strange world. May God help and Guide Us
God bless you

Cx :-)

Made it! Was out early today and had a busy day. :-D

What does it mean to be part of a church family?

Well, it means there is support when we are facing life’s challenges. It means that if we are facing tough times, in the middle of something difficult or preparing for upcoming problems, the church family is there for us. There is always someone who will give encouragement to help us prioritise what truly matters. Together, we learn more about our faith. We know that God loves us and that we are never alone! We thank God for our church family and we are very happy to welcome new family members.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to this mornings prayer Cynthia.

I was in tears earlier watching the BBC D-Day service and listening to the stories from the WW2 veterans which were really heartbreaking.
I have total respect for all the brave men who fought hard for our freedom...... RIP to so many who never came home.

Later this evening there will be a service to commemorate the 80th anniversary date, the village band will play and a beacon will be lit at 8.30pm followed by refreshments in the village hall. It's sure to be very well supported, I'll take a tissue!

"We will remember them."

Good morning :-)

D-Day 80th anniversary: THE DAY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

“The Normandy landings on 6 June 1944 saw bravery and determination that turned the tide of the Second World War and we honour all those involved. An entire generation gave everything for us to live in freedom and we must never forget their sacrifice; those who never came home, those who did, and those who remained to keep us going through conflict”.

Dean of St Edmundsbury.

God our refuge and strength,
as we remember those
who faced danger and death in Normandy,
eighty years ago,
grant us courage to pursue what is right,
the will to work with others,
and strength to overcome tyranny and oppression,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong dominion and glory,
now and for ever.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Another thing we often hear is “I don’t need to go to church, I am quite happy with just Jesus and me”. This is a wrong perspective from what we are taught in the New Testament. This ‘Lone Ranger’ syndrome wouldn’t have entered the minds of the early Christians – they knew that Jesus wanted to build a church – a body of people – the Body of Christ.
Christians need each other, for support, for encouragement, for prayer. to learn and to be part of the Body of Christ.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

How often have we heard people say “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian?"

The thing is, we need to remember that the church isn’t just a building, it’s the people, the people of faith who are the church. We need to meet up with other Christians to learn, pray, and support one another. It’s all about belonging to God and one another; the church building is a very acceptable meeting place. So yes, we do need to go to church – we do need to be together.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Why go to church?
Yesterday, we were told the story of the mother who was trying to get her son up to go to church. She kept calling and calling him, but he simply refused to get up. At last, he admitted that he didn’t want to go to church – the building was cold, the sermons were boring and the music was dreadful. His question was…..”Why should I go to church?”

His mother replied, “Because son, you are 40 years old and you are the vicar!”

So, why should we go to church?

Cx :-)

Hello all

Beautiful sunshine, we were able to leave the church door open during the service for a change.

Vera, I hope your husband is on the mend now.
I agree that we have a lot to thank NHS staff for.

Happy Sunday wishes to everyone looking in.

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)
O God,
the strength of all those who put their trust in you,
mercifully accept our prayers
and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature
we can do no good thing without you,
grant us the help of your grace,
that in the keeping of your commandments
we may please you both in will and deed;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I know just what you mean Vera - some churches can blow your mind, whilst others leave you feeling absolutely nothing. I do wonder if it has to do with the every day life of the church as in is it well-used, well-loved, cared for? These things can make a difference.

Popping into churches on holiday:

Popping into a church on holiday. Cartmel Priory

There’s a special feeling you get the first moment you enter a church. And with its 800-year-old history, stunning architecture and fascinating heritage, Cartmel Priory gives you a feeling that will last long after you’ve left.

Steeped in culture and rich with history, the Priory is found at the very heart of Cartmel village, surrounded by picturesque English countryside, and gives a warm welcome to everyone who comes to experience it.

Exploring the Priory is different for everyone. Some visitors marvel at the ancient architecture, some discover hidden mysteries within its motifs and carvings, others just sit and absorb the Priory’s peaceful atmosphere.

Over the centuries the Priory has witnessed war, peace, raids and ruin, but still remains a building of greatness and enduring beauty. A story 800 years in the writing, still being written today.

Anyone for the famous sticky toffee pudding?

Cx :-)

Good afternoon

I agree with kandj. It has been another interesting week. Thank you Cynthia. We are great "poppers-in" of churches wherever we are so it is always good to learn about ones that are new to us. I am always amazed at the difference in atmosphere in different churches. Some you walk into and feel uplifted, some are calming and others you feel at home Some are just neutral, nice places to visit but not making any particular impression. Very, very occasionally you may come across one that you find disturbing in some way. I had such an experience many years ago when I visited Sacre Coeur in Paris with OH and my late brother. As soon as I walked in I felt a sadness and as I wandered about I felt more and more oppressed till I had to leave because it was too disturbing. I waited outside for OH and my brother who were in there for some time and felt nothing special. Isn't that odd? Thankfully my experience in different churches is usually the opposite.

At the moment I am feeling very grateful for our NHS. I know the organisation has enormous problems but the front line staff are marvellous. A couple of days ago OH had a problem and from the advisor I spoke to at 111 through the nurses and doctors to the lady who took me to the phone I could use to call a taxi home and stayed with me till she was sure we had got transport back, everyone was so kind and good humoured. Thankfully the problem was not as serious as it first appeared and OH is fine again. I have been saying a few quiet "thank-yous" ever since. God bless all our medical workers.

Hello all

Cynthia, another week of interesting posts. Thank you.

Hard to think that the month of May ends today, another cold day with dark rain clouds all around.
Roll on June, hopefully we will get sunny days.

"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says,
I'm possible!" (Audrey Hepburn).

Good morning :-)

Popping into churches on holiday:

The glorious 'Garden of England' county, Kent, has some incredible churches to visit. How about this one?


All Saints Church, Tudeley

The church is the only one in the world to have all its windows in stained glass designed by Russian-French artist Marc Chagall. Tourists from across the UK and the globe travel all the way to the small village located near Tonbridge to visit the church.

The daughter of Sir Henry and Lady D’avigdor-Godsmid, the owners of nearby Somerhill House, drowned in a sailing accident off Rye in East Sussex almost 60 years ago. Chagall was then commissioned by the couple to design a stained glass window for the church in memory of their lost daughter Sarah. According to Capel United Church, the artist was originally reluctant to take on the commission but was eventually persuaded.

It was revealed that after seeing the church, the artist exclaimed in French: “C’est magnifique! Je les ferai tous”, meaning: “It’s magnificent! I will do them all.”


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Popping into churches on holiday..

Popping into churches on holiday.
The Lake District and Cumbria are very popular tourists places and interesting churches abound!
What about St. Catherine’s, Boot?
According to tradition, the first place of worship in this lonely spot dates back to the 6th century when a hermit lived here beside a well. The hermit was said to offer holy water from his well along with healing and prayers to anyone hardy enough to seek out his dwelling.
We are on much firmer historical grounds when it comes to the medieval building we see today. A stone chapel was built here around 1125 by William de Meschines, the lord of Egremont. That 12th-century church was owned by St Bees Priory.

A story!

Final journey on the corpse trail
Before St Olaf’s in Wasdale received its licence to bury the dead, bodies were carried by pony and cart over the mountains and along the coffin route to St Catherine’s. On one such journey, the pony transporting a young man’s body bolted. A search was made, but neither the pony nor body was found. A few months later the young man’s mother died and she too was taken along the coffin path. The pony pulling her coffin bolted at the same location. A pony and coffin was found, but it wasn’t the mother’s; it was the son’s, lost months before. The mother’s body was never found.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Popping into churches on holiday

Somerset and Exmoor in particular, gives us the beautiful church of All Saints at Selworthy. Built onto the side of a hill in the rolling landscape of Exmoor National Park, the church at Selworthy is a deeply elegant and graceful place to visit. Built in the 15th century, it is still periodically coated in the mixture of lime and tallow that was once common in churches of the area. Inside, you'll find a fascinating 15th-century clock and a beautiful 18th-century wooden gallery. Still a well-used parish church, you can attend services here every Sunday.


‘Welcome to this outstanding Parish Church, which, thanks to its distinctive white appearance stands as a beacon on the hills of Exmoor. For centuries Selworthy Church has been a focus for residents and visitors as a place to experience the power and presence of God. We hope you find peace of God here and leave uplifted, refreshed and inspired.’

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The holiday season is fast approaching – some will be going abroad, others will be travelling around this country. Many often say that, wherever they go, home or away, they like to pop into the local church. Some of these churches can be exotic or plain and unadorned, but all are generally atmospheric, beautiful in their own way and often mysterious.

Is anyone travelling to Cornwall this summer? Why not pop into what is called ‘An Extraordinary Space’,

St Just in Roseland Church. A place of Christian presence, prayer, and worship since the sixth century. Hallowed by such a long history of prayer and settled by the creek in glorious grounds, you will never forget you have visited St Just in Roseland Church. This church is an active parish church for the local community and a place of respite and prayer for all people who enter our door.
St Just in Roseland | St Just in Roseland & St Mawes (stjustandstmawes.org.uk)

Cx :-)

Hello all

So pleased that yesterday's opening hymn has brought back happy memories for you Cynthia.

Thunder and lightning with hailstones yesterday, more heavy rain today, so no weeding for me.

Happy Bank Holiday Monday wishes to everyone.

Good morning :-)


Aw....kandj, that's the hymn I entered church to when we were married.

The Holy Trinity
In the name of The Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit. Amen.


An Ancient Irish Poem
Three folds of the cloth, yet only one napkin is there,
Three joints of the finger, but still only one finger fair,
Three leaves of the shamrock, yet no more than one shamrock to wear,
Frost, snow-flakes and ice, all water their origin share,
Three Persons in God; to one God alone we make our prayer.


Happy Bank Holiday.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, I hope your back is less painful today?
I agree with Vera, do try to step back and delegate.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty,
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee,
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Happy Trinity Sunday to everyone looking in.