General Chat

Good morning :-)

An attitude of gratitude

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer

Lord, we thank you for those who have lit up our lives when we were facing dark days. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

An attitude of gratitude
Yesterday, we heard the story of Jesus healing 10 lepers and yet only one returned to thank him. We all have so much to be grateful for, maybe more than we imagine……..

A story of gratitude
Anthony Ray Hinton spent 30 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. The police told him he would be going to jail because he was black.

His time in jail was spent in solitary confinement in a five-by-seven-foot cell, allowed out only one hour a day. But, Hinton quickly became a friend and counsellor to other inmates and the death row guards, many of whom begged Hinton’s attorney to get him out.

A unanimous Supreme Court ruling ordered his release and he was able to walk free. In an interview he is quoted saying: “One does not know the value of freedom until it is taken away, People run out of the rain. I run into the rain…I am so grateful for every drop. Just to feel it on my face.”

In a later interview, the interviewer asked if he was angry at the people who put him in jail. He said he forgave them all. The interviewer asked, “but they took 30 years of your life — how can you not be angry?”

Hinton responded:
“If I’m angry and unforgiving, they will have taken the rest of my life.”

Lord, we are grateful for our freedom and for the rain. Thank you. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you:
pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself,
and so bring us at last to your heavenly city
where we shall see you face to face;
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.


Luke 17 11-19 The story of Jesus and the Lepers.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


October’s Party.

October gave a party;
And leaves by hundreds came –
The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet
And everything was grand
Miss Weather led the dancing and
Professor Wind, the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,
The Oaks in crimson dressed,
The lovely Misses Maple,
In scarlet looked their best;
All balanced to their partners
And gaily fluttered by;
The sight was like a rainbow
New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow
At hide-and-seek they played,
The party closed at sundown
And everybody stayed.
Professor Wind played louder;
They flew along the ground
And then the party ended
In jolly ‘hands around’.
- George Cooper

God of fallen leaves lying in coloured patterns on the ground, our lives have their own patterns. As we see the patterns of our own growth, may we learn from them.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thank you Vera - they are very good quotes aren't they?


Colours of Autumn

The colour brown reminds us of the beauty of nature especially the rich soil in our gardens. Our fruit, flowers, trees and vegetables depend much on good soil. Many of the leaves which are falling are a lovely brown colour.

When we see the colour brown this season, let’s remember that we are rooted in Christ. We no longer topple in life’s storms but stand firm. As part of the body of Christ, we celebrate the growing family we have within the church where we can offer a feeling of comfort and home to others. May we share the love of Christ with all.

Cx :-)

Another good theme this week Cynthia. Thank you.

I came across a couple of quotes yesterday that I thought I would share with you as they made me think. The first is Benjamin Disraeli and I think is quite well known though it was the first time I had heard it:

Judaism is not complete without Christianity and without Judaism, Christianity would not exist.

I do not know the author of the second:

Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is.

EDIT: The author is Mandy Hale

Good morning :-)

The colours of Autumn

Orange, that wonderful colour of the mixture of both red and yellow and a basic colour of this season. Although not specifically mentioned in scripture, the colour orange encourages contentment, joy and hope for the future.

When we watch those wonderful orange leaves tumbling to the ground, we remember that God provides us with wisdom, complete freedom and every reason for being optimistic.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The colours of Autumn

Another autumnal shade we see in nature is crimson/red in those beautiful leaves such as maple and rowan. In the bible, red tends to symbolize blood, fire, power and love. Red can also express anger and frustration as in ‘seeing red’.

In autumn, the leaves change and fall from the tree. When they meet the soil, they are nourished, allowing for new growth in the spring. As we watch the beautiful red leaves flutter down, we can think of Jesus and the sacrifice he made on the cross so that we could have eternal life.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The colours of Autumn
For many people, this is a favourite time of the year due, mainly, to the wonderful colours we see as nature takes its course with the falling leaves and fading plants.

One colour which particularly catches the eye is – Gold and those beautiful golden leaves fluttering down.

Gold can symbolise several things such as wealth, love, and light as in wedding rings and gifts. It can symbolise diligence and learning as in receiving a Gold Star. In the bible, yellow and gold are commonly associated with fire – fire represents the mighty, all-consuming presence of God and the Holy Spirit.

When we see the colour gold this season, may we remember God's amazing love for us, which brings light to our spirit and joy to our hearts.

Cx :-)

Hello all

No sermon in our church yesterday. It was the Harvest Service and we had a talk from the organiser of the village food bank, all very interesting, but upsetting hearing that so many villagers (young and elderly) are struggling now.

I loved singing the traditional hymns yesterday.

Come Ye Faithful People Come.

We Plough the Fields and Scatter.

All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, we had the gospel reading for the day – the parable of the mustard seed, that tiny little seed which grows into a very large shrub. Jesus was indicating that however small our faith is, nothing will be impossible for us.

Interesting:

It seems that there are many types of mustards ranging from sweet to spicy.

The trees can grow between 6ft - 2-ft in height.

They produce small green/yellowish flowers followed by pink or scarlet berries.

The tree originated in Persia but is now grown worldwide.

There are at least 40 types of mustard varieties ranging from black, brown and white.

Mustards are among the fastest-growing plants.

Extracts from the plant include making toothbrushes due to its anti-bacterial properties and is helpful in various medical conditions but mustard oil is considered dangerous.

Mustards are among the world's most widely consumed plants.

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you know my every need. You said that if I have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for me. Lord, my faith feels so weak but I thank you that you are strong. It is not the power of my faith that does the impossible but it is your power. Let my faith increase as I trust in your power. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today :


O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers
of your people who call upon you;
and grant that they may both perceive and know
what things they ought to do,
and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them;
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 reading is where Jesus tells the parable of the tiny mustard seed.
Luke 17

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Father, as we celebrate this season of thanksgiving We give thanks for the blessings of food, provision and nourishment. Please grow in us a harvest for the world.

Come sow a seed of hope within our souls Lord, that we might yield goodness, patience and kindness in abundance.

Come sow a seed of peace in our lives Lord, that we might bear the fruits of forgiveness, compassion and righteousness.

Come sow a seed of love in our hearts Lord, that others would reap the blessings of family, friendship and community.

May each seed of hope, peace and love grow within us into a harvest that can be feasted on by all. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Harvest

The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway—
and praise our God again!


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Harvest

The Harvest mite…….a parasite……No. Forget that! :-D

Harvest hymns have always been popular……

We Plough the Fields, and Scatter
Matthias Claudius (1740-1815) was a newspaper man in Germany. The son of a Lutheran pastor, he found his faith slipping away after rubbing elbows with some of the leading philosophers of the day, including Goethe. However, a serious illness caused him to rethink his values and to rekindle his faith.

Claudius set out to write a poem rather than a hymn. The poem depicted friends coming to a home to partake in a feast. It depicted God as the one whose generous providence made it possible for those people to enjoy that festive gathering.

A British English teacher, Jane Campbell (1817-1878), translated Claudius’ poem, reshaping it as a hymn.

The hymn celebrates God’s role in providing the food and other good gifts that sustain us. It says what, while we sow and scatter the seed, God is the one who feeds and waters the seed so that it might end up as the daily bread on our table.

The hymn offers God thanks for “all things bright and good, the seed-time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.” It then asks, “Accept the gifts we offer for all your love imparts, with what we know you long for: our humble, thankful hearts.”


And if you want to have it going round in your head all day....... :-D

1 We plough the fields and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God's almighty hand;
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes and the sunshine
and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above,
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
for all his love.

2 He only is the maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star;
the wind and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us his children,
he gives our daily bread.
All good gifts...

3 We thank you, then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food:
accept the gifts we offer
for all your love imparts;
and that which you most welcome,
our humble, thankful hearts.
All good gifts...


Cx :-)

Hello all

I also watched Songs of Praise and sang along. Vera, the history of the "Wool church" was very interesting.... a beautiful building inside too.

Sadly, no fresh produce or a Harvest Supper like in past years. Tinned/packet items are requested and will be passed over to help the village food bank.
Needed, but not quite like it used to be years ago.

Thank you for the Harvest theme postings Cynthia.

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Harvest – Harvest moon

The Harvest Moon isn’t like the other Moons.

Usually, throughout the year, the Moon rises an average of about 50 minutes later each day, but for the few nights around the Harvest Moon, the moonrise comes soon after sunset. This results in an abundance of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was a traditional aide to farmers and crews harvesting their summer-grown crops. Hence, it’s called the “Harvest” Moon!

Father, thank you for farmers. We are so blessed to have men and women willing to put in the time and work it takes to produce crops and livestock. Thank you for blessing their efforts in producing healthy food for our families. We are grateful. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Vera, I used to love the smell that hit you when you went through the church doors at Harvest but, yes, you are right - much of the fresh produce didn't last long and we had to get it out to people the next day.

Aspects of Harvest - Micromys minutus
Description: Blunt nose, small eyes, and small hairy ears.


This isn’t the description of anyone I know, ?? simply the description of a tiny animal connected with Harvest – the Harvest Mouse. They are always depicted as being rather cute and cuddly but many people would prefer to view them from a distance.

This brings on the thought of the saying ‘As poor as a church mouse’. If someone is as poor as a church mouse they are extremely poor. Likewise, ‘as hungry as a church mouse’ is in a similar vein.

This dates back to the 1600’s and stems from the fact that food was not stored in a church, so any mouse that ventured in would not find anything to eat. These days, Café churches are becoming commonplace, so there probably aren’t many hungry church mice anymore!

Dear Lord, please bless those who are facing hardship and hunger today. Help us to share our harvest with those in need. Amen.

Cx :-)

Harvest Festival isn't the same as it used to be. I well remember going to church with a little cardboard box containing some veg or fruit and proudly processing down the aisle with the other children to have our offerings displayed at the front of the church.

It's a lovely memory but I suspect half of that produce was going off before it could be used. Tins and packets don't look as beautiful or smell wonderful but are much more useful and, after all, the contents were once part of God's good harvest, though I do wonder if young children realise that..

I was watching Songs of Praise yesterday which was about the harvest and our need to care for the environment. It was from Long Melford which isn't far from my home and I know it well, including Holy Trinity Church which is a very beautiful, large "Wool" church. It was interesting to hear from a farmer who had a moment of enlightenment when he was spraying his crops one day. He has now become organic to help wildlife and nature. We also heard from the manager of Foxearth Meadows which is a sort of Christian run, but open to all, nature reserve. That is also only a short drive from my home so is now on my "To Visit" list.

Good morning :-)

Many churches are celebrating Harvest around this time. They are not as they used to be really with lots of fruit and veg and that lovely smell. It tends to be more about supporting foodbank with tinned goods. We had a good supply in yesterday.

Genesis 8:22

“While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
And cold and heat,
And summer and winter,
And day and night
Shall not cease.”


Cx :-)