General Chat

Good Morning :-)

Thinking of the poor folk in Scotland with all this rain. <3



We’ve been looking at last week’s Gospel reading and the parable of the great feast which Jesus told. He was trying to get over to His listeners that the Kingdom of God is open to everyone.

We are all invited to follow Jesus and experience the glory of God but, the trouble is, not everyone accepts that invitation. Those who refuse to accept the invitation will never experience that glory, but our God is merciful and more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved.

he Invitation needs to be accepted.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


As we continue to pray for the situation in the Middle East, we think especially of the Anglican-run hospital which was attacked. We pray for the patients, medical staff and those who were taking shelter. Lord, have mercy.


Continued from yesterday.....
When the king entered the wedding hall, he noticed that one guest clearly stood out from all the others because he was not wearing a wedding garment.

Having the man brought forward, the king asked him why he was not wearing what had been provided for him.

The lack of a wedding garment was another example of extreme disrespect for both the king and his son. It showed that he did not wear one on purpose. He had defiantly refused to put one on.

The king reacted very quickly and had him bound hand and foot and cast into ‘outer darkness’.

The man wanted the honour of attending the wedding feast, but he did not want to follow the custom of the king. He wanted to do things his own way. His lack of proper dress revealed his inner rebellion against the king and his instructions. He was executed as a rebel.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Such dreadful news from the Middle East. We ask for God's peace to descend on these stricken areas.

From yesterday.

So, there it is, the King had set out a lavish spread to celebrate his son’s wedding, and no-one turned up even though they had been invited. In fact, some of the servants who had invited the guests were killed. The king was so angry that he sent his army to destroy his enemies.

A wedding banquet was one of the most joyous occasions in Jewish life and could last for up to a week so he told his servants to go and bring anyone they could find, the rich and the poor, the good and the bad and the hall was soon filled.

In today’s world, most people make an effort to dress up for a wedding, but the custom in those days was for the one hosting the wedding feast—in this case, the king—to provide garments for the wedding guests. These wedding garments were simple, nondescript robes that all attendees wore. In this way, rank or station was covered, so everyone at the feast could mingle as equals.

And then the king spotted a man who was not wearing a wedding robe.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I love it when the priest makes us laugh during our services - it helps people to relax and smile at each other. :-D

In Sunday’s Gospel, we hear how Jesus told the story of a king who was giving a wedding banquet for his son. Invitations were sent out…….

The sending of wedding invitations began around the beginning of the 18th century when reading and writing was a sign of education, so it was only the educated who could use this form of correspondence.

These days, with modern technology, there are various options to consider, and it is quite usual for the happy couple to design their own invitations.

So what about the king in the story Jesus told? Despite receiving the invitations, the guests simply did not come – they were too busy and occupied with other things. The king was definitely not happy! Who can blame him?

Cx :-)

Hello all

I do love the traditional way of reading in church.

Yesterday when a lovely young priest from a nearby church read out the wedding banns, he chose to use the old words.... "speak now, or forever hold your peace" taken from the marriage liturgy section of the Book of Common Prayer first published in 1549! Being a young Priest, he waited and when no one in the congregation objected.... he said, "A big relief, the objections only ever happen in Eastenders" which made us all laugh out loud.

Good morning :-)


In yesterday’s Gospel reading, Jesus told a story about a wedding. There was much more to the story of course, but weddings are an interesting subject.

The very first wedding at the church I attend took place on 27th December 1866 and was between a widow and a widower.

On this site, we would realise that it would have been a very different type of wedding to what we are used to today. The widower was a carter, so money would probably have been in short supply. The fact that they married on 27th December was probably because the Church often didn’t charge for marriages over the Christmas period.

It certainly wouldn’t have been a ‘fairy tale’ wedding and it’s quite possible that the happy couple simply wore their ‘Sunday best’ clothes.

Just a fashion note.......had they been from wealthy families, the widow would have worn a pearl, lavender or satin gown trimmed with ostrich feathers. There would be no bridesmaids, no veil, and no orange blossoms.

The service would have been taken from The Prayer Book of 1662 which is still used in many churches today.

FORASMUCH as N. and N. have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

The heating was on in church, it was cosy for a change. A big surprise, but a good one on a cold morning.

Cynthia, your posting on 13th October took me back very many years....
Standing on the Promises of God was a favourite that I had forgotten about. We never sing it now.

Prayerful support to those who are struggling for whatever reason.

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:
O God, forasmuch as without you
we are not able to please you;
mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
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.


In the Gospel reading we hear……..that “Many are called, but few are chosen”.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


PROMISES, PROMISES

Thousands of baptisms take place each year. At each baptism, the parents promise to bring their child up in the Christian faith. It is hoped that the parents keep those promises so that, when the child reaches Confirmation age, they can make those promises for themselves.

A reminder:
In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.

Therefore I ask:
Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.

Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.

Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.

Lord, help us to keep all the promises we have made.

Cx :-)

Good morning everyone..... :-)


PROMISES, PROMISES
Standing on the promises of God

"Standing on the Promises" is a hymn written by Russell Kelso Carter in 1886. Inspired by his time in the military, this hymn contains a martial musical style complementing its theme and focus.

1 Standing on the promises of Christ my king,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God my Saviour;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

3 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Saviour as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb58igFrrNA


Cx :-)

Amen to kandj's prayer

Hello all

Thinking and praying for everyone caught up in the horrific Israel-Hamas conflict going on right now.

Heavenly Father,
I'm praying for the world tonight. Times are bad and getting worse. The disease of hatred in people's hearts needs to come to an end, with your help.
My voice is small, yet I'm hoping to be heard.
I pray for no more fighting and violence.
One Nation under our God................ Amen.

Good morning :-)


PROMISES, PROMISES

God hath not promised
skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways
all our lives through;
God hath not promised
sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
peace without pain.

But God hath promised
strength for the day,
Rest for the labour,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

I feel like the Scarlet Pimpernel at times......we seek him here, we seek him there......etc. Life is incredibly frantic at the moment so I am so sorry if I miss the odd day.

On Sunday we had a sermon delivered by a young woman who is in training for the ministry. It was also the annual Enrolment Service for our Boys' Brigade. The theme was Promises.

PROMISES! PROMISES!

There are many different types of promises.

There are solemn promises, such as marriage vows or military oaths. There are legal contracts, enforceable by law. We can’t forget election promises either! Probably the worst kind of promise is the ‘pie-crust’ promise – easily made, easily broken!

But what is a promise? A promise is a commitment by someone to do or not do something.

The Bible is filled with promises from God to His people. These promises are meant to provide hope, comfort, and assurance to those who believe in Him.

God promises to provide and deliver: and He always keeps His promises.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty and everlasting God,
increase in us your gift of faith
that, forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to that which is before,
we may run the way of your commandments
and win the crown of everlasting joy;
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


The Gospel today tells the story of the wicked tenants in the vineyard.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


What a lovely day you had Vera and I will certainly google the sculpture you mention. <3


Celtic week

You are the peace of all things calm
You are the place to hide from harm
You are the light that shines in the dark
You are the heart’s eternal spark
You are the door that’s open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me still
You are my love, keep me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way,
You are my Saviour this very day.

Cx :-)

I am sorry you and others are having such a stressful time over possible church closures Cynthia I will keep you in my thoughts.

I am enjoying Celtic week.

Yesterday we went on a coach trip to Windsor Castle. I was so impressed with St George's Chapel which I thought was beautiful. Even though it was very busy and there were people everywhere I found it a very calming space.

As we had a while to spare before our timed entry.to the castle OH and I visited the parish church just down the road and there saw the most amazing sculpture. It is a representation of The Last Supper and quite big. At first sight it appears to be small tiles set in some sort of resin or glass fibre but when you look closely the tiles are keys from recycled computer keyboards. Mostly they are random but a lot have been set to form words or even biblical quotations. In the brief time we had I just saw a few instances of Amen but I could have spent hours looking at it. Some people are so talented and have chosen to use those talents in such good ways. If you are interested to see it google "The Last Supper sculpture by Peter Barnes".

Good morning :-)

Celtic Week

May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine upon your window pane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near to you and
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
(traditional blessing)

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Celtic Week

Christ we rise today
Knowing that you alone
Know our hearts
You alone can change
Our sadness into joy
Forgive us our shortcomings
each us patience
each us kindness
Help us to forgive
Those who have injured us
And keep us from injuring others
Keep our way lighted
With your steadfast love. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thanks Kandj. Speak soon. <3


Celtic Week

I arise today
Through a mighty strength:
God's power to guide me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's eyes to watch over me;
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to give me speech,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to shelter me,
God's host to secure me.


Cx :-)