General Chat

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – A woman who sold purple cloth

Lydia was known as the first convert to Christianity in Europe, in the city of Philippi. She sold purple cloth, among the most expensive articles of ancient commerce, so she was, no doubt, a woman of considerable wealth. She was one of the few famous women in the Bible who owned a business.

She was not a Jewess by birth but a worshipper of God and, when Paul found her, she was gathered with a group of other women on the Sabbath at a place of prayer near the river outside of Philippi.

As a result of Paul’s preaching, Lydia was baptised and led her household to believe in Jesus and they too, were baptised. She opened her home to the disciples who often stayed with her.

Lydia's story shows God works through people by opening their hearts to help them believe the good news. Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ through grace and cannot be earned by human works.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – Another holy mother

In the book of Acts, we come across another Mary. The Bible clarifies her identity through the name of her son: John, also called Mark. Scripture sometimes uses both names, as in John Mark.

Peter (the apostle) is in prison, expecting to be executed. Mary—risking imprisonment herself if she’s discovered—bravely holds a prayer meeting for Peter at her home. Her home and household played a big part in the lives of those early believers and they often met there for prayer and worship.

God answers the prayers of the believers, and an angel escorts Peter from the prison. Peter heads to Mary’s house, expecting to find some of his friends gathered there. They welcome him and celebrate God’s goodness.

It is thought likely that John Mark, witnessing his mother’s faith in action and God’s supernatural answer to their prayers, began to tell other people about Jesus. He went on to work alongside the disciples in spreading the Good News.

He is credited with being the author of the book of Mark.

Children watch what we do and say. What are they learning from us?

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – women who followed Jesus

Mary the Mother of James and Joses, and Salome, mother of James and John

There are several women with the name Mary in the bible and, one of these was Mary – the mother of James, one of Jesus’ disciples. She provided for Jesus’ ministry via financial means, and two of her sons seemed to follow from Galilee to Jerusalem alongside her. She witnessed Jesus’ death and, likely, His resurrection.

Salome, the mother of the other James and John, asked if her sons could receive “places of honour” in God’s kingdom. She also witnessed Jesus’ death and resurrection, as one of the women at the tomb.

We learn from these two women that even when God gives our children places in ministry, that does not mean we have no place in ministry either. These mothers gave up everything to follow Jesus and provide for His ministry. When their sons fled the cross, they stayed behind and had a chance to be the first witnesses to His miraculous work three days later.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent…….Jesus and women.

Mothering Sunday is almost upon us, that special day when we think of mothers and our mother church. There are many stories about women in the bible - some were mothers, some were not. Each story is significant in its own way.

Jesus had a very different view to women from that of his contemporaries. Jesus said, “. . . at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female”. Women are created in the image of God just as men are. Like men, they have self-awareness, personal freedom, a measure of self-determination, and personal responsibility for their actions.

For Christ, women have an intrinsic value equal to that of men. There are some biblical women we need to know better.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace;
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

Today we hear how Jesus became angry with those in the temple

Good morning :-)

It's good to know that your spirits are lifting Vera.......a new baby can cheer even the saddest of times. I bet there were plenty of cuddles all round <3 I love the adaptation of Fishers of Men. That's now going to stick with me whenever I hear it next :-D :-D


Aspects of Lent – traditions and symbols

ALMSGIVING: donating gifts of money, food or time to help those less fortunate

Almsgiving is a traditional practice during Lent. Almsgiving refers to giving money or goods to the needy. Jesus assumed that people would give alms because he told them to do it in secret. He did not say, ”IF you give alms.” Rather He said, “WHEN you give alms.” St. Paul admonishes us to be a cheerful giver. St. James tells us that our faith is proved by our almsgiving to the needy. Almsgiving is not an option; it is a necessity for a person who claims to follow Jesus. Almsgiving is seen as a way to express compassion, generosity, and a sense of social responsibility towards individuals or communities facing financial difficulties or hardship.

LORD, open my hand wider so that a bit more of my plenty may escape to help those more in need than I. Amen

Cx :-)

Hello all

Happy St David's Day to all our GR friends.

Vera, I hope having cuddles with your great granddaughter helped with your sadness. How quickly the 6 months have passed by.

Cynthia, I second Vera's thanks for all the very interesting Lenten postings this week.

Thank you for your posts during Lent Cynthia. I have been enjoying them. It has been good to be reminded of some things I already knew but had forgotten and to learn one or two new things. For instance I knew, of course, that the fish was an early Christian symbol and I knew that the Greek name for it was ichthus but I never knew that the letters of the word stood for anything special.

I also smiled at today's post remembering how as children we would sing the Fishers of Men chorus with the words "I will make you vicious old men". It seems very irreverent now but as children we just thought it was funny.

Like many others, our life is still one of ups and downs but I do think that the ups are beginning to outnumber the downs at last so something to be grateful for. The end of February saw the 50th anniversary of my mother's death and the 18th anniversary of my father's and I always feel a little down then. They both died around my birthday which was last weekend but this year grandson brought his partner and beautiful 6 month old baby daughter to see us and this weekend one of my granddaughters is coming. As they all live in Yorkshire it is quite a trek for them and I feel very blessed to have such a good and loving family and very sad for anyone who is estranged from their family.

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Lent. Traditions and symbols

FISH:
A fish is a symbol of Lent because, for some Christians, all Fridays during Lent are meatless days. In medieval times, meat was not eaten at all during Lent. Early Christians used a fish as a symbol of Christ because the letters of the Greek word for fish (ichthus) formed the first letters of the phrase “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Saviour.”
After the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus told Peter, James, and John, “From now on, you will be catching men.” So each Christian is symbolically one of those fish caught in God’s net and hauled into the Kingdom.

LORD, You are my God and my All. Catch me in Your net and take me home. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – traditions and symbols

HOT CROSS BUNS:
Those of a certain age will remember this: “Hot Cross Buns, Hot Cross Buns, One ha’penny, Two ha’penny, Hot Cross Buns! If you have no daughters, Give them to your son. One ha’penny, Two ha’penny, Hot Cross Buns.”

Once only available at Easter time, these tasty buns are now available all year round but they are, in fact, a Lenten tradition with quite a history. For example, in 1582 London, cross buns were temporarily banned because they were believed to have supernatural qualities, along the lines of warding off evil and curing illnesses. 10 years later, Queen Elizabeth had banned them entirely, unless for funerals and, of course, Good Friday.

Traditionally, the bun marks the end of the Christian season of Lent and different parts of the hot cross bun have a certain meaning, including the cross representing the crucifixion of Jesus, the spices inside signifying the spices used to embalm him at his burial and sometimes also orange peel to reflect the bitterness of his time on the cross.

LORD, may I follow You in Your suffering and passion so that I may taste the sweetness of eternity with You. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Lent – traditions and symbols

THE PRETZEL:

Pretzels? Yes. Pretzels. It is said that the bread from which pretzels were originally made, way back in the early Middle Ages, was a simple recipe of only flour, water, and salt. This was used during Lent when Christians were not permitted to eat eggs, lard, or any dairy products.
An Italian monk, teaching children in Northern Italy, is said to have made these little biscuits and called them pretiola or 'little rewards', to reward children for learning their prayers. He is said that he made the treats with little arms forming the 'knot', to resemble the arms of the children when they were crossed over the chest in prayer.

LORD, may I spend much time in prayer and penance and may my Lent be fruitful. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – traditions and symbols

Some churches may have a display of rocks out during Lent.
Why rocks?

Rocks are symbols of Lent for many reasons. Jesus foiled Satan’s temptation to change rocks into bread before beginning His ministry.

Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert which, in Israel, is a rocky, arid region. Jesus called St. Peter the “rock” when He said, “On this rock [Peter] I will build my Church.” Rocks are cold and unyielding. Scripture tells us that we need to exchange our stony hearts for hearts of flesh—in other words, our unfeeling spirit needs to become one that is soft and pliable, able to soothe, comfort, and love others.

LORD, You are the foundation of my life. Without You, my life is barren, cold, and lifeless, as unyielding as a rock. Soften my hard heart with Your grace. Make it a welcoming dwelling place for Your Spirit. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – traditions and symbols
It’s interesting to discover that, throughout the Christian church, there are different traditions and symbols used during Lent.
We have already had the use of ashes on Ash Wednesday, and we’ve looked at the 5 different colours which are used during this season.

Praying Hands
Praying hands are a common symbol of Lent and prayer in general. In popular depictions of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see His hands clasped in prayer.

Lent is a time for reflection, evaluation and repentance. Through prayer we communicate with God, express our love and ask for forgiveness. Time given to prayer during Lent allows us to draw closer to God.

LORD, help me to pray more and better. May my prayers be united with those of the saints and angels, and may they be heard by You. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted
into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things
that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Lent - Feast then Fast

Fast from judging others;
Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from fear of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.
Fast from words that pollute;
Feast on speech that purifies.
Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism;
Feast on hope.
Fast from negatives;
Feast on encouragement.
Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion;
Feast on truth.
Fast from gossip;
Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm;
Feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from anxiety;
Feast on faith.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – Colours of Lent
Red: Importance

Red is often the colour associated with martyrs of the faith, those who gave their lives over to the Lord. Red can symbolize the Passion of our Lord who gave His life for us and is often used on Palm Sunday. Later, it invariably marks the feast day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down and filled Jesus’s followers as it fills us, giving us the power and strength to do what we might never have thought we could do.

Red is the colour of the stop sign or that red light that makes us stop and keeps order on our roads. A red-letter day marks a day of some importance and significance in our lives. Red in Lent helps us to remember what was and what is, important in our Christian lives.

Our Father, today please lead me in all I say and do. Whenever I fall out of step from your will, draw me back. Lead me to repent and try again. Guide me with the light of your love now and always. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – Colours of Lent

Yellow: The Light Within

We are nothing without the warmth and golden light of the sun, waking us up in the morning, following us through the day, dropping over the horizon at day’s end, God with us always. Yellow is that God-given hue that when mixed with blue forms green or mixed with red becomes orange. It is the very light within.

In our Lenten meditations, we stop whatever we are doing at different times during the day and connect directly to God who is always there to connect to us. Like the sun. There’s nothing soft about yellow. It is strong, life-giving, life-sustaining. With Lent you see how each moment is golden, not to be missed.

Almighty and ever-living God,
you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent.
May this time be one of outward focus;
seeking you in those we often ignore.
Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter.
Give us hearts hungry to serve you
and those who need what we have to give. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Lent – Colours of Lent

Blue: Reflection

Lent is a time of deep reflection. When we offer ourselves up to the Lord in contemplative prayer, it is common to tap into sorrow and sometimes painful memories. We see our dark side. We remember our losses. We can be smitten with unexpected sadness. We find ourselves singing “the blues,” literally. But that very process is a letting go. We feel God’s forgiveness. The very singing of the blues becomes a way of healing. The clouds disappear. The blue skies open up. The air shimmers. Blue becomes crystal clear vision.

God Almighty, I thank you that in prayer I leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter your realm, where everything is possible – nothing is beyond your power or your reach. Nothing is too great for your almighty power, and nothing too small for your love. I thank you for being God of the impossible. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Lent - The colours of Lent

Purple: God’s Love

Purple has always been the liturgical colour associated with Lent, when ministers of God wear purple vestments and the altars where we worship are often decorated with purple cloth. Purple has long been the colour linked with royalty and nobility. Why? Because it was especially expensive to produce, made from thousands of mollusc shells. Only the rich could afford it. If the kings could wear it, shouldn’t it be appropriate for the King of Kings?
God came down to Earth and was reborn in Jesus as we become reborn in Him. Purple then becomes a link to what God put in our reach.

Our Father, today please lead me in all I say and do. Whenever I fall out of step from your will, draw me back. Lead me to repent and try again. Guide me with the light of your love now and always. Amen


Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your morning prayer Cynthia.

The snowdrops, miniature daffs, and crocus that I planted in Autumn are in flower and looking pretty.

There was a baptism service in church yesterday, and it felt good to have so many people there.

A bright but chilly day, take care and stay well all.