General Chat

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer for today)

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
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 bringing Lazarus back to life.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Today is All Souls Day


O God our Maker, we give you thanks for the gift of our earthly life and the rich blessings you gave to those we remember today. Thank you for the years we shared with them and the love we received from them. For every memory of love and joy, every memory of life well lived and every sorrow shared with us, we give thanks.

May peace flow
as a gentle stream
through your soul,
love’s pure warmth
soften your heart,
and joy in the Lord
shine in your face
and all your words.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Today is All Saints' Day

God of holiness,

your glory is proclaimed in every age:

as we rejoice in the faith of your saints,

inspire us to follow their example

with boldness and joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Halloween’s with us and, before we know
The moon will be casting its golden glow.
The air is crisp with much cooler days
The leaves full of colour to brighten the way.

The fields are all full and ready to glean,
Children laugh at the pumpkins they’ve seen!
Apples are ready to pick from the trees
Then cider will promptly be made from these.

The Lord looks down on our fun autumn days
And watches us as we go on our way.
The harvest is ripe in the fields of the soul
Make sure “to glorify Him” is our goal!

Witches and monsters we close our eyes to
But Lord, open our eyes to those who need You!
Send the workers far out in the field
Glean from their work what You’d have them yield.

Halloween is a time of trick or of treat
But do things that honour God on the street.
Hand out prayers with your goodies this year
You never know what seeds will fall near!

A seed that will sprout and soon grow to be
Lord, another ripe harvest for Thee!
Give us words and deeds on this night
That give others peace, not fear and fright.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HALLOWEEN YES OR NO?

Two workers from Scripture Union try to answer some questions.
Why do some people celebrate Halloween and others don’t? What’s wrong with Halloween anyway? Why is it bad, or evil, or dark?

Some people don’t celebrate it because they don’t want their children dressing up as ghosts and walking around the streets, knocking on people’s doors. Some don’t want their children getting involved in things they think might be harmful, or at least annoying or intimidating. Some Christian families don’t get involved because they believe the celebrations have something to do with the devil, and they definitely don’t want to get involved with him. Jesus is about light and life, not darkness and death.

Most people do it for a bit of fun, though it has its origins in an old Gaelic festival about the spirits of the dead wandering around. Some children and young people love to do things on this night that they can’t on any other – like ringing people’s doorbells, asking for sweets and scaring people. These aren’t necessarily appropriate or helpful things to do!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HALLOWEEN - YES OR NO?

Two workers from Scripture Union try to find answers for us.

Halloween and the devil
Is Halloween the devil’s (Satan’s) birthday?

Well, Satan was never born – he is an angel that rebelled against God. Since he wasn’t born, he can’t really have a birthday. Even so, some people (not Christians) say that 31st October is the devil’s birthday.

Is the devil real?

Yes, definitely. When he was on earth Jesus spoke about the devil and was tempted by him, so he must be real. Find a Bible, if you can, and look up Luke 22:31 and John 12:31.

Where did the devil come from?

The Bible suggests that the devil, Satan, was one of God’s chief angels, but he wanted to be greater than God. Some people think that this is what Isaiah 14:12–21 is about. Then in Revelation 12, we read about the dragon, called the devil. He and his angels fought against Michael and his angels and were defeated, and thrown out of heaven.

Does the devil have horns and a tail?

No, the Bible doesn’t exactly say anything about the devil having horns and a tail. Revelation 13:1 is a symbol of the devil, or a physical form that the devil takes on, but it’s not a description of the devil. This is picture language – the devil isn’t a physical being.
Back in Revelation 12:3 we read that the dragon, called the devil, has seven heads, ten horns, and a tail. That may be where it comes from. The problem with all this is it makes people think the devil is just a bit of a laugh, and not real. But let’s remember that Jesus is so much stronger than the devil. In fact, Jesus has already won the battle against the devil, and we’re safe with Jesus.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thanks kandj, I appreciate the concern and, hopefully, a quieter week this week. <3

10 new people - that's brilliant and I'm sure that your warm welcome would help to make them feel at home.

It’s the time of year when you are offered a ‘pumpkin'–flavoured coffee—so that means it’s ‘spooky’ season, which, in turn, means Halloween. How do we, as Christians, deal with this?

Scripture Union workers Steve Hutchinson and Terry Clutterham have a go at answering some questions.


What is Halloween basically all about? What does Halloween symbolise and why?

Most families think of Halloween as just a bit of fun, though many Christians feel uneasy about the celebration of the dark side of life. They believe it’s not what Jesus wants them to do. But actually Halloween offers the opportunity to celebrate light. All Saints Day – 1st November – helps people remember that death isn’t the end and that our life with God stretches beyond the grave.


Does Halloween represent death or dead people? Is Halloween real or fake?

If we're not careful, black can represent the dark side of life. Some people dress up in black to pretend that they’re bad or evil spirits. Of course, they aren’t really bad or evil spirits, so in that way, it’s fake.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, absolutely no need ever to apologise as you're clearly spinning such a lot of plates. Good to know that you and yours are well.

10 newcomers in church this morning, perhaps it was the bright sunshine or the extra hour that brought them in.... all were warmly welcomed (by me) and I really hope that they will come again.

"Therefore welcome one anothe, just as Christ has welcomed you...." Romans 15 v 7.

Good morning :-)


Good grief, I am so sorry to have missed the last 2 days - and yes, I am fine thank you, simply a case of being busy with my mind elsewhere. Apologies.


TODAY IS BIBLE SUNDAY

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

I too hope all is well with Cynthia and her family. I hope it is just that she is extra busy though it is unusual for her to miss more than 1 day .

One kind word can warm three winter months (Japanese proverb)

Hello all

It's very odd that Cynthia hasn't posted again,I just hope that all is well with her and her family.

A reminder that the clocks go back an hour to mark the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter.

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and for
warmth." Author unknown.

Hello all

Heavenly Father

Grant us all a peaceful rest,
Quiet our minds, still our thoughts, and fill our hearts with your love this night.
Protect us as we sleep and in the morning wake us all feeling refreshed to face the day,
In Jesus name
Amen.

Sweet dreams everyone.

Good morning :-)

Still with God


In a precious moment
where, as the world
outside my window
continues on its way,
I have found space
to be alone with you,
and ask, in all humility
to feel your presence
within this quietness,
however temporary,
and hear your voice
as, with open heart
I bring my offering
of prayer and praise.


Speak to me, Lord,
in this quiet moment,
a precious oasis
within a busy day.
Speak to me, Lord,
that I might find
refreshment
in its clear water,
strength for my soul


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Still with God


In your daily search for peace
may you find space within
your aloneness and busyness
where all else fades away
and grants to you and God
such precious time together,
in the simplicity of worship
within the everyday of life


That you think of me,
know me by name,
guide and call me
within the vastness
of this world and
the universe beyond,
is a thing of wonder.
That I hear your voice,
feel your presence
in a moment of time,
in a whispered prayer,
speaks of your love
and my true worth,
draws me ever closer,
Creator God, to you.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yes, kandj, it happens in most churches I think. The Communion begins and people sit back to discuss anything and everything. So annoying! :-)

.
May there always be space
within each day, time out
from whatever is going on
to make that important
and prayerful connection
with you, our loving God,
who always has time for us
within those ever-open arms.


Living LORD
lead us
to those streams
of living water
that we
might rest awhile
drink
and be refreshed


Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, I'm fully in agreement with your Lay Reader for a quiet reflective time during Holy Communion. We have two or three in the congregation who think this is the time to chatter loudly and it really annoys me so much.

Thank you so much for another very interesting week of postings.

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, our Lay Reader talked about quietness and reverence during worship, especially during Holy Communion. To be honest, quietness is something we all need at times, so in your often busy days, do take time out to be quiet, to hear that gentle whisper of God's Spirit, to be both blessed and strengthened.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters..."
(Psalm 23:2 NIV)
________________________________________

In the quiet of a moment,
snatched from the busyness
of this day, I shall be still.
Listening to the sounds
of the world around me.
Listening to the voices
of its people passing by.
Listening to my soul
and the prayers within.
Listening, and knowing
You are listening also,
that unbreakable bond
between Heavenly Father
and me, your earthly child.
In the quiet of a moment,
in the presence of my God,
I shall listen, and be still.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)
Grant, we beseech you, merciful Lord,
to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that they may be cleansed from all their sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
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 today's Gospel reading, we hear that Jesus came to be the servant of all.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SAINT FRANCIS

Continuously pushing himself in the quest for spiritual perfection, Francis was soon preaching in up to five villages per day, teaching a new kind of emotional and personal Christian religion that everyday people could understand.

His health began to suffer and as Francis approached his death, many predicted that he was a saint in the making. When his health began to decline more rapidly, Francis went home. Knights were sent from Assisi to guard him and to make sure that no one from neighbouring towns would carry him off (the body of a saint was viewed, at the time, as an extremely valuable relic that would bring, among many things, glory to the town where it rested).

Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226, at the age of 44, in Assisi, Italy. Today, Francis has a lasting resonance with millions of followers across the globe. He was canonized as a saint just two years after his death, on July 16, 1228, by his former protector, Pope Gregory IX. Today, Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint for ecologists — a title honouring his boundless love for animals and nature.

In 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose to honour Saint Francis by taking his name, becoming Pope Francis.

We thank God for the life and example of this amazing young man.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

ST FRANCIS

Francis preached to townspeople—even though as a layperson he was without license to do so—and he soon attracted followers. In 1209 he composed a simple rule - “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” He then led the group of 12 disciples to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III.
At first Innocent was hesitant, but, following a dream in which he saw Francis holding up the church of San Giovanni in Laterano, he gave oral approbation to the Franciscan rule of life. This event, which according to tradition, occurred on April 16, 1210, marked the official founding of the Franciscan order

Francis considered all nature as the mirror of God and as so many steps to God. He called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters,” and, in the most endearing stories about him, preached to the birds and persuaded a wolf to stop attacking the people of the town of Gubbio and their livestock if the townspeople agreed to feed the wolf.

Above all, his deep sense of brotherhood under God embraced his fellow men, for “he considered himself no friend of Christ if he did not cherish those for whom Christ died.”

Cx :-)