General Chat

Good morning :-)


In answer to a question asked last week, we continue:

What are vestments? ‘Behind every detail in what the clergy wear is reasoning and wisdom’.

Today: The Cope
The cope, like the chasuble, was originally an outdoor garment worn by laymen, monks, and clergy. Its history is quite fascinating. Isidore of Seville is the first person that mentions it, in A.D. 620. In A.D, 1250 Durandus, a French Bishop, gave an account of its symbolical meaning as follows: “It is embroidered with fringes, which are labours and cares of this world. It has a hood, which is heavenly delight. It is long, reaching to the feet, which signifies perseverance to the end. In front it is open, to denote that eternal life is open to men of holy life, and that the wearer’s life ought to be an open example to others.”

Copes are usually worn in processions and on ceremonial occasions.

A cope may be worn by any rank of the clergy and can be used for special occasions and add that little bit of eye-catching wonder to the proceedings. Think of the recent Coronation with all the splendour that it entailed. The clergy robes added to the whole scenario, they caught the eye, lifted the spirits and reminded us of the Glory of God. How disappointing and boring it would have been if the clergy had worn suits or casual wear.

The work and craftsmanship which go into these vestments is amazing – the designs, the sewing, and the sheer skill of making these garments is, indeed, a God-given talent.

Cx :-)

Good morning :)

‘Behind every detail in what the clergy wear is reasoning and wisdom’.

Today: The Chasuble. This is used at Holy Communion and symbolizes the "seamless garment" worn by Christ when he was led to his crucifixion. It is sometimes referred to as the “yoke of Christ”.

This poncho-like cloak began life as protection against the weather. Over time this simple garment took on greater liturgical significance, and by the ninth century, its use was restricted to priests. Again, chasubles come in all the liturgical colours and can be quite plain or more elaborate.

They are often given in memory of a loved one.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I love all of the vestments worn by various visiting Priests during our ongoing vacancy. I especially love the fancy lace ones, which are really beautiful.

It's bitterly cold with snow forecast tomorrow.

Keep safe, stay warm everyone and take care.

Good morning everyone :-)

If you have snow........do take care. Stay warm, stay safe. <3

‘Behind every detail in what the clergy wear is reasoning and wisdom’.

Today: The stole is a scarf-like cloth worn by ordained clergy around the neck. Deacons wear it over the left shoulder and tie it at the waist on the right side, while priests wear it straight. It can be worn over a robe, an alb, or a cassock.

The stole was adopted by bishops and priests in the early Christian church as a vestment signifying their authority to lead worship. It may have been intended for wiping the mouth - not any more! Its colour varies due to liturgical seasons and occasions.

Lay Readers wear a blue scarf, which is not a stole.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A question asked at a recent meeting was “What are vestments?”

Vestments are garments worn by clergy at certain times and for certain occasions. Many watched the Coronation last year and, maybe, wondered what the clergy were wearing. It all has significance.

The word ‘vestment’ refers to a formal piece of clothing reserved for conducting a worship service and is generally simple in design. The idea of vestments is to avoid any distraction from what the cleric is doing and to provide uniformity for all ministers. It is also a means of reminding the congregation of the clergy’s reverence and duty towards God.

It is said that white robes have long signified the holiness of Christ – holiness worn as a garment. The two main white vestments are the Cassock-Alb and the Surplice.

The Cassock-Alb is a single garment worn as a coat over everyday clothing. The surplice is a loose-fitting, broad-sleeved white garment which is placed over the head and is only worn with a cassock which is the long dark coat worn by clergy and choir.

The cassock can be various colours, generally black, but bishops wear purple and choristers have varied colours. These too, are worn to both signify a position and to provide uniformity.

There are prayers which may be said when the priest is putting the vestments on.

For the Alb. 'Wash me, O Lord, and cleanse my heart, that with them that have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, I may eternally rejoice.'

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today
Almighty God,
in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
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 about Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael to follow him.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Ooops missed a day - sorry!

They lie on the table side by side
The Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
One is well-worn and cherished with pride.
Not the Bible, but the TV Guide.

One is used daily to help folks decide.
No, not the Bible, But the TV Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see,
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV

So they open the book in which they confide,
No, not the Bible, but the TV Guide.
The Word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.

Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching TV
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the TV Guide.

No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not on TV

Cx :-)

Hello all

May your weekend be filled with........

Positive thoughts,

Kind people and

Happy moments. (Helen Barry).

Wrap up warm and keep safe these next few days.

Hello all

"Wise men speak because
they have something to say;
Fools because they have to say something."
(Author unknown).

I'm thinking of the homeless people
who sleep outside on these cold nights.

Good morning :-)

To ponder:


"What are you doing, O Magi?
Do you adore a little Babe, in a wretched hovel,
wrapped in miserable rags?
Can this Child be truly God? …
Are you become foolish, O Wise Men …
Yes, these Wise Men have become fools
that they may be wise!"
- St Bernard of Clairvaux.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It was Christmas Eve and the man's wife and children were getting ready to go to church. He wasn't going. "I simply can't understand what Christmas is all about, this claim that God became man," he told his wife.

It had been snowing all day and it was beginning to snow harder as the man's family left. He drew a chair up to the fireplace and began to read his newspaper.

A few minutes later, there was a thudding sound at the kitchen window. When he went to investigate, he found a flock of birds out in the backyard. They had been caught in the storm, and in a desperate search for shelter, were trying to fly through the kitchen window.

He was a kind man so he tried to think of something he could do so the birds wouldn't freeze. "The barn!" he thought. That would be a nice shelter.

He put on his coat and overshoes and tramped through the deepening snow to the barn opened the door wide and turned on the light. But the birds didn't come in. "Food will bring them in," he thought. So he hurried back to the house for bread crumbs which he sprinkled on the snow to make a trail to the barn.

But the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow. He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around waving his arms. They scattered in every direction except into the warm, lighted barn. "They find me a strange and terrifying creature," he said to himself, "and I can't seem to think of any way to let them know they can trust me."

Puzzled and dismayed, he pondered this thought, "If only I could be a bird myself for the moment, perhaps I could lead them to safety." If only I could be a bird myself . . .

Just then the church bells began to ring, pealing the glad tidings of Christmas. The man stood silently for a minute, then sank to his knees in the snow.
"Now I understand," he whispered as he lifted his gaze to the sky. "Now I see why You had to become man."
- Louis Cassels, The Parable of the Birds

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

There’s a story about a Sunday church service when the children were called forward for a short story. Everyone in the congregation watched with joy as the little ones tripped down the aisles. Some running, some walking but all moving excitedly to reach the front of the chancel.

The Vicar sat down on the floor in front of the pulpit to see from their perspective and glanced round at them. “Now”, he said to them “Does anyone know how the wise men found the baby Jesus on that night so long … ?”and before he could finish his question, a little boy, maybe 5 years old, jumped up on both feet and yelled, “Star!”

It took a few minutes for the laughter to die down from the congregation. Somebody had taught this little boy the story of the wise men who took a long journey to see Jesus, an event celebrated as Epiphany on the Christian calendar. And this little chap was so excited. He knew exactly how the wise men had found their way to the Christ Child. Lord, give us that excitement when we find you. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Three Wise Men
Three wise men, come from afar,
Seeking the King whose herald’s a star!
A new star in Pisces, a remarkable thing,
Jupiter and Saturn in conjunction bring
News of the coming of Messiah and King,
Promised by prophets, by Jews spread around,
Wise men determined He shall be found,
For honour is due, and shall be given
To One who has His own star in heaven.

A star of His own, of great glory telling,
But the child is found in a most humble dwelling,
In no king’s castle, in no prince’s robes,
But laid in a manger in swaddling clothes.,
All signs of a life with hardship afflicted
Just as the prophets have all predicted,
So praise, honour and gifts the wise men bring,
Gold, frankincense and myrrh, fit for the King.

Jesus, it is whose star shines in the sky,
Jesus the "Salvation Of God" from on high,
Jesus of whom the old prophesies speak,
Jesus for whom all wise men seek,
So offer all praise, give honour and attend
To Jesus, Our Saviour, Our God and Our Friend.
~ William Sutcliffe ~

Cx :-)

Hello all

Epiphany Sunday and what better hymn to begin church morning service than..... We Three Kings.

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountain
Following yonder star.

O star of wonder star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light.

This old traditional carol takes me back to the school assembly hall of very many years ago.

Definitely much colder.... take care everyone.

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit: grant that we, being born again, and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

The Gospel reading for today is The Baptism of Jesus.

Cx :-)

Hello all

12th night.... Epiphany and time to take the arc candles out of the windows now and put them away for another year.

I hope everyone is feeling well today.

Good morning :-)

Today, in the Christian church calendar, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Generally, this is accepted as :

The time when the Wise Men visited Jesus after his birth – where Jesus was revealed to the Gentiles (those who were not Jewish).

However, it’s quite a mixture because today also celebrates,

The Baptism of Jesus – where Jesus is revealed as the Son of God and also,

The Wedding at Cana in Galilee where Jesus’ first miracle is revealed.

That’s quite a lot of revelations to digest.

Most of us will have had an Epiphany/revelation moment in our lives – that moment when the ‘penny dropped’ and all was revealed.

We forget sometimes that the Jesus whose birth we celebrated at Christmas spent many years growing up in a small Jewish family, growing wiser and stronger, learning a trade, waiting for his moment and that moment came when He entered the waters of the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descend on him and that voice come from heaven saying "You are my beloved Son; in whom I am well pleased”.

Lord, may we have that moment of revelation when your greatness is revealed to us. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


New Year's resolution?

4. FIND WAYS TO SERVE OTHERS
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10)
We all have different strengths, abilities, and resources to use in serving others as gifts from God. Some of these gifts may be immense, but most are fairly simple. Scripture calls us to utilize our God-given gifts in serving our neighbour with love and humility. Making a cup of tea, shopping, giving people a lift, making someone laugh……..it all helps. As Christ loves us, so we should love others.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

How are things with the New Year Resolutions? ??

3. BE AN ENCOURAGER.
1 Peter 4:3-5 " You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy—sex sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and other terrible sins.
Of course, your former friends will be very surprised when you don’t eagerly join them anymore in the wicked things they do, and they will laugh at you in contempt and scorn. But just remember that they must face the Judge of all, living and dead; they will be punished for the way they have lived."

Oh, how discouraging our world can be! As Christians, we can face ridicule, backlash and, sometimes, plain nastiness. Even at work, we can be mocked for our beliefs and taunted because we go to church or because there are some things we don’t want to join in or do. Some people do not understand or support our way of life.
Because of this, we need to be encouragers. Encourage everyone, but especially encourage your friends who are Christians.

Lord, help us build up our fellowship of Christians, especially those struggling with relationships. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

New Year Resolutions - No.2 How about this?

GO TO CHURCH REGULARLY.

Hebrews 10:24-25 speaks of gathering together to “spur each other on to good works”. This can happen anywhere, of course, but where do we normally, meet and greet, enjoy each other’s company learn more about the gospel and plan to do more good works?

Church is a good place to discuss these things. It’s holy ground and, hopefully, a safe and neutral place to meet up. It’s good to set aside a day (a few hours, really) every week where we stop our frantic rush and just worship and be with our Saviour and other Christians.

Yes, we welcome crying babies, rowdy toddlers, elderly people, tired mums, stressed dads, anxious young professionals — everyone!

Let’s all come together once a week and just set aside our life for a second to be reminded of His.

Let’s sing at the top of our lungs and pray with each other.

Let’s listen to the preached Word.

Let's hug each other and be reminded that we aren’t the only ones fighting this battle against sin and self.

Lord, help us to discipline ourselves to set aside time to be with you and with each other in worship in our churches. Amen.

Cx :-)