General Chat

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent
The colours of Lent, often seen in church with vestments and altar frontals

Green: New Life

The very word “Lent” means spring and as the cool of winter fades, we look for all the green signs that the season of hope and redemption is at hand. The grass comes up, the leaves slowly burst forth on the trees. Bulbs that we planted in the autumn, digging deep into the earth, push up and show their true colours. As we pray in Lent, we are looking to be fertilised and watered with God’s wonderful love. We are not green with envy, we are green with new life.

Lord of All, life is a journey full of stumbling blocks and challenges. With each hurdle, there is growth. With each setback, a valuable lesson. Lord, I ask that You give me the wisdom and presence of mind to learn from my mistakes and pitfalls. Help me to approach these things with maturity so that I can be closer to You. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


This morning, many churches may be celebrating World Thinking Day when we think of the 10 million girls all over the world who are joined together in this great organisation.

The Collect (special prayer) for today
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
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 :-)

Hello all

A lovely old traditional hymn for Lent Cynthia.
Perhaps we might sing it in church tomorrow??

A cold and wet weekend forecast, keep warm and stay safe everybody.

Good morning :-)


This is a slightly updated version of one of the favourite hymns of Lent - it helps to explain the biblical reason for fasting during these next few weeks. It takes us on the journey.

Forty days and forty nights
You were fasting in the wild;
Forty days and forty nights
Tempted, and yet undefiled.

Shall not we your sorrow share
And from worldly joys abstain,
Fasting with unceasing prayer,
Strong with you to suffer pain?

Then if Satan on us
Flesh or spirit to assail,
Victor in the wilderness,
Grant we may not faint nor fail!

So shall we have peace divine;
Holier gladness ours shall be;
Round us, too, shall angels shine,
Such as served You faithfully.

Keep, O keep us, Saviour dear,
Ever constant by your side,
That with you we may appear
At th'eternal Eastertide.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – giving up or adding

Often, when we ask ourselves, “What should I give up for Lent?” we might instead ask, “What can I add to my routine and life that would let me help others, strengthen my faith, and better myself?” Starting a new habit to bring us closer to God while bettering the lives of others and/or ourselves in preparation for Easter. So, maybe….

Give up sleep and use this extra time in the morning for prayer or bible reading.

Give up using your phone at night. Instead, limit your screen time before bed and use that extra time to connect with loved ones, read a spiritual book, or simply reflect on your day in prayer.

Only spend what is strictly necessary such as food and bills – this helps to show the difference between needs and wants.

Lord Jesus Christ, by your almighty power, you opened the eyes of the blind and showed yourself to them. Turn our eyes away from worthless things, and lead us to love you sincerely. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Such a shame for your village kandj - the Ash Wednesday service is so gentle but so meaningful. We were fortunate enough to have a service last night - some churches had a quiet time during the day.

ASPECTS OF LENT – Giving up or taking on

Advert spotted yesterday: “Lent money-saving challenges can be a quick way to boost your bank account. Most people normally use the 40-day window to ditch chocolate, alcohol or meat. But you can turn Lent into a savings challenge too, giving your bank account a well-needed boost ahead of Easter”.

No. No. No.

Giving something up for Lent is not a money-saving scheme for our own bank accounts, the money saved is for us to share with others who are less fortunate.

The act of giving up the things we love for Lent is a form of self-discipline or sacrifice, alluding to Christ's sacrifice when he was in the desert praying and fasting prior to his crucifixion.

• Each year, The Salvation Army launches its Annual Self-Denial Appeal. During this time, Salvationists voluntarily give up something—whether it’s a daily habit, a specific treat, or even a portion of their salary. The money raised is used to support their mission work throughout the world.

God, may Your light guide my day, and your spirit bring me peace. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Sadly as our village church is still without a Priest we have no Ash Wednesday service today.

Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday and today being Ash Wednesday we begin our Lenten journey in faith.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are not here forever and challenges us to live the very best each day.

Happy Ash Wednesday wishes to everyone.

Good morning :-)


Today is a bit of a heavyweight due to a calendar collision of two events!

Yes, it's Valentine's Day, that fixed annual celebration of love and friendship, marked with romantic messages, hearts, flowers and chocolates.

However, it also happens to be Ash Wednesday, that solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Christianity's most penitent season. Ash Wednesday is not a fixed date. Its timing is tied to Easter Sunday, which moves annually because it is based on a calendar calculation involving the moon.

So how does it all work for the Christian? It really depends on how people view these things.

On Valentine’s Day, many couples will celebrate with a romantic meal out, but those who mark Lent will be at an Ash Wednesday service where the priest draws a cross of ashes on their forehead. This symbolises our human mortality as we prepare to enter the season of Lent. Not a flower or chocolate in sight!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Shrove Tuesday to some, Pancake Day to others.

It’s always good to be reminded of what this day actually means and where the name comes from and it’s also interesting for those who have little knowledge of the Christian faith.

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) is a Christian festival celebrated in many countries across the globe. It falls on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent – around six weeks leading up to Easter. During Lent, many Christians give up luxuries to remember when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray.

2) The exact date of Shrove Tuesday changes from year to year. But one thing stays the same — it’s always 47 days before Easter Sunday. And yes, you guessed it, it’s always on a Tuesday!

3) The name comes from the old word ‘shriving’, which means to listen to someone’s sins and forgive them. In olden times, Christians would go to church on Shrove Tuesday to confess their sins and clean their soul. In other words, they would be ‘shriven’.

Traditionally during Lent, Christians would give up rich, tasty foods such as butter, eggs, sugar and fat (some Christians continue to do so, in fact). Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to eat them – and what better way to do so than with a delicious pancake!

On this Shrove Tuesday, Lord help us to enjoy and give thanks to
you for the bounty you provide for us and remind us to share your gifts with others. And as Lent begins tomorrow, prepare our hearts and minds to reflect upon the temptation of Jesus for 40 days and nights and what that means for us. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


May you always have enough happiness to keep you sweet,
Enough trials to keep you strong,
Enough success to keep you eager,
Enough faith to give you courage,
And enough determination to make each day a good day.
~ Anonymous


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



The Collect (special prayer) for today
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Small Beautitudes by Joseph Folliet

Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves; they will have no end of fun.
Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill; they will be saved a lot of bother.
Blessed are those who know how to relax without looking for excuses; they are on their way to becoming wise.
Blessed are those who are sane enough not to take themselves too seriously; they will be valued most by those about them.

Happy are you if you can take small things seriously and face serious things calmly; you will go far in life.
Happy are you if you can appreciate a smile and forget a frown;
you will walk on the sunny side of the street.
Happy are you if you can be kind in understanding the attitudes of others even when the signs are unfavourable; you may be taken for a fool, but this is the price of charity.

Blessed are those who think before acting and pray before thinking; they will avoid many blunders.
Happy are you if you know how to hold your tongue and smile,
even when people interrupt and contradict you or tread on your toes; the Gospel has begun to seep into your heart.

Above all, blessed are you who recognise the Lord in all whom you meet; the light of truth shines in your life for you have found true wisdom.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A wise man once faced a group of people who were complaining about the same issues over and over again. One day, instead of listening to the complaints, he told them a joke and everyone cracked up laughing.

Then, the man repeated the joke. A few people smiled.

Finally, the man repeated the joke a third time–but no one reacted.
The man smiled and said, “You won’t laugh at the same joke more than once. So what are you getting from continuing to complain about the same problem?”

Don’t waste time complaining, have faith in God and pray for the courage to improve and bring about a change to the situation.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


A speaker held up a £50 note. “Who would like this?! Of course, all the hands went up. He then proceeded to crumple up the £50 note up and said: “Who still wants this £50 note?” All the hands in the room went up again.

With that, he dropped the money on the floor and stood on it. He then asked: “Who wants it now?” Again, every single hand was raised. Little did everyone know the teacher was teaching them a lesson.

It didn’t matter how crumpled or dirty the £50 note got. The value of it never decreased. It was still worth £50.

In life, we will metaphorically be crumpled and stood on and made to feel totally worthless. But…….It doesn’t matter what happens to us or how badly treated we get, God still loves us. We are still valuable to Him and His love continues to surround us and that’s something to remember.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, another week of interesting posts, thanks.

Vera I hope you're feeling better and keeping warm.

Such a shock hearing of the King's cancer diagnosis..... thoughts and prayers are with HM as he faces ongoing treatment and also to his family in the days and weeks ahead. God bless them all.

Good morning :-)

Thank you Vera <3

During the gold rush, a man who had been mining in Colorado for several months quit his job, as he hadn’t struck gold yet and the work was becoming tiresome. He sold his equipment to another man who resumed mining where it had been left off.

The new miner was advised by his engineer that there was gold only three feet away from where the first miner stopped digging.
The engineer was right, which means the first miner was a mere three feet away from striking gold before he quit.

When things start to get hard, try to persevere through the adversity.

As Christians, we are commanded to persevere, not in our own might, but in the power of the Spirit. We are called to persevere in faith, in prayer, in fruitful service to Christ, and by spreading the gospel to the whole world.

Cx :-)

I haven’t posted for a while but have been following the thread with interest. The Christian Unity week was particularly interesting to me as from 1972 till 1986 we lived in a village that had an Anglican and a Baptist church and they shared much.and I think learnt a lot from each other.

I love Cynthia’s posts of yesterday and today. Thank you.

Good morning :-)

Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take tie to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
~ Old English Prayer


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I AM THANKFUL
For the taxes I pay - it means I am employed.
For the mess after a party - it means I have been surrounded by family and friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug - it means I have enough to eat.
For my shadow that watches me work - it means I am out in the sunshine.
For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing - it means I have a home.

I AM THANKFUL
For all the complaining I hear about the government - it means we have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot, I find at the far end of the parking lot - it means I am capable of walking, and I have been blessed with a vehicle.
For my huge heating bill - it means I am warm.
For the lady behind me in church who sings off-key - it means I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing - it means I have clothes to wear.
For the weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day - it means I have been capable of working hard.

I AM THANKFUL
for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours - it means I am alive.
I am thankful for my loving God who watches over me day and night.
Thank you God.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever. Amen.

Today we hear how God became man.

Cx :-)