General Chat

Good morning :-)

New Year’s Eve………and 2025 is nearly with us.

So, what about those New Year's Resolutions?

The start of a new year always brings the urge to review the past year and plan for the year ahead. Many people focus on things like health, wealth, and growth, but if we truly want a change, it should start with our spiritual lives.

The Bible has lots of advice on how to live a good and meaningful life, including a few resolutions that could make a real difference in our walk with the Lord this year.
By making our relationship with God the most important thing we can do, we set the foundation for growth in every other area of life.

Let 2025 be the year we focus on aligning our hearts with His will and seeking His guidance in all we do.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We are moving steadily towards a brand New Year. 2025 is almost upon us. How come? It doesn’t seem 2 minutes since there was all the fuss about the new millennium and some people being so scared that they took to the hills, literally! And yet, here we are………a quarter of a century later. It’s the time when some people start planning New Year Resolutions – which last a day at best.

We could consider making new resolutions, though….as Christians. There are quite a few suggestions we could try. Do you have any ideas? If so, please share them on here.

Lord, as we approach a brand new year, help us to consider how we may serve you better in our lives and in our church. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
who wonderfully created us in your own image
and yet more wonderfully restored us
through your Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as he came to share in our humanity,
so we may share the life of his divinity;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Gospel reading for today is from St. Luke chap.2 vs 41-end. It tells the story of Jesus being lost in the crowd and his parents find him preaching in the Temple.

Cx :-)

Good morning and I see that I missed a day!!! Sorry!


Have you ever noticed how some people put their Christmas tree up in November? Christmas trees are very, very popular.

But what is the religious significance? Is there a religious significance to this popular tree? While there is no actual reference to an evergreen tree in relation to Christ's birth, there are some interesting aspects.

The evergreen tree maintains its colour throughout the year. Even in the depths of winter, it shows its life. This characteristic of everlasting life represents the life we have in Christ.

The triangular shape of the Christmas tree has often been used to reference the Holy Trinity. The upward pointing branches often symbolize our praise to God.

For many Christians, candles or lights on the tree signify how Jesus came as the light into the world. The star placed on top of the tree represents the star the wise men followed to Bethlehem.

For some, presents under the tree represent the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus. For others, the presents represent the gift of salvation we have through Jesus.

When the evergreen tree is cut, it is struck down to its death, only to be raised to glory in splendour as a decorated Christmas tree. This transformation of the tree symbolizes how Jesus died on a tree and was raised to new life on the third day.

Interesting!


And now for those Christmas crackers!!!

What do snowmen wear on their heads?
Ice caps

Why can’t penguins play football?
There’s snowball

What does Father Christmas do when his elves misbehave?
He gives them the sack

Why are Christmas trees very bad at knitting?
Because they always drop their needles

How does a penguin build its house?
Igloos it together

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas?
A mince spy

What goes “Oh, oh, oh”?
Santa walking backwards

What do you call a reindeer with bad manners?
Rude-olph

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you LaGooner - I hope you enjoyed the day! <3

'The day' has gone and, hopefully, it passed peacefully and cheerfully for most people. Sending lots of love to those who may have struggled or been unhappy. ??

For anyone who missed out on the Christmas cracker jokes, see below! Firstly, however..............

It's Boxing Day……. a day to eat up any leftovers, watch TV, and generally relax after all yesterday's activity. Make the most of it!
It’s thought the name ‘Boxing Day’ came from when Queen Victoria was on the throne.
In Victorian times, the wealthy would box up items they no longer needed to give to the poor. On this day, servants were given time off and thanked for their hard work with a 'special box' of treats.

The servants would then head home and use the 26th to spend with their own families — and share the presents they had just received. Boxing Day became an official bank holiday in the UK back in 1871.

Of course, it is also St. Stephen’s Day. This brave man, a model of charity and courage, became the first Christian martyr.

Gracious God, on this Boxing Day, I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Thank You for the blessings, both big and small, that fill my life. May an attitude of thankfulness shape my perspective and actions in the days ahead. Amen.

And now.......those jokes - please groan quietly!

1. What do you call a bear with no teeth?
A gummy bear!

2. How did the torch feel when its batteries ran out?
De-lighted!

3. Why shouldn’t you barbecue on your roof?
The steaks are too high!

4. What do you call a vicar on a moped?
Rev!

5. What do you do if you're scared of lifts?
Take steps to avoid them!

6. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a computer?
Lots of memory!

7. What's a goalkeeper's favourite snack?
Beans on post!

8. What do cats call an aquarium?
A sushi bar!

9. What did the pineapple say to the salad?
Lettuce be friends!

10. When is a turkey dinner bad for your health?
When you're the turkey!



Cx :-)

A very happy and blessed Christmas to you all. <3

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
As we celebrate His birth, may our hearts overflow with joy, peace, and gratitude.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).
Fill this day with love and unity, Lord.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Blessings to you all this Christmas <3 <3

Good morning :-)


Christmas Eve—the night before Christmas—may include happy laughter or quiet reflection, but above all, it’s the perfect time to prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth. We make other holiday preparations, like shopping lists, food plans, and travel arrangements. But we also need to prepare our hearts as we reflect on the true reason for the season—the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
May this preparation night be a holy night as we once again receive and celebrate Your great gift to us this Christmas.

Bless each member of our families and fill our homes with warmth and joy. May the spirit of Christmas bring us closer to you and to one another. We ask for your guidance and protection in the coming year. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Cx :-)

I am sorry to hear of your loss kandj. You and your family are in my thoughts as are the families of Cynthia's church members <3

Good morning :-)

I am so sorry to hear the news from Vera and kandj and send my love, sympathy and prayers to you and your families.

In the last 3 days, two much-loved members of our church family have died and will be hugely missed.

Death always seems to be more poignant at Christmastime and grieving in the middle of so much outside merriment is very hard. All we can do is surround those who mourn with our love prayers and offers of help. <3


Advent 2024

Today, billions of people around the world are getting ready for the birth of Jesus. Christmas reminds us that Jesus was born to show God the Father’s love for all his children – whoever they are and wherever they live. How wonderful, that on every continent people are preparing, just as we are, to celebrate the birth of God’s Son, Jesus.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Vera that is very sad news for your family. Thoughts and prayers for you all right now.

I also was given upsetting news. My sister in law died suddenly in the night, a huge shock as we were chatting on the phone only two days ago. My brother sadly passed away earlier this year after many years of poor health.

Take care and stay well everyone.

Thank you for another interesting week Cynthia. It is a sad time for us as our daughter’s partner died yesterday at the young age of 54. Please think of her in your prayers today.

Good morning :-)

Today is the 4th Sunday in Advent. We hear the story of the meeting between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth. The video says it all.

https://youtu.be/PoOc561S2to


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Your service sounds lovely kandj and I do hope that it stimulates more people to take an interest in church life. Our carol service went well too and we had little angels, shepherds and wise men trooping down the aisle to their appropriate carols. Very traditional and meaningful.

Advent 2024
We’ve almost finished the third week of Advent, our time of preparation for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. This week, we have reflected on how knowing God loves us, forgives us, and is delighted by us brings a deep joy that we feel even in difficult times.

Today, spend a little time quietly thanking Jesus for showing us how much God the Father loves us.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Another week of special Advent posts thank you Cynthia.

Our village church hosted the annual Carol Service last Sunday. The village band played for all the traditional 9 carols and 9 lessons were read out.

A packed church and a wonderful beginning for the other Christmas services offered this coming week.

It was good to take time out from all the rushing around and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

Good morning :-)

GLOBAL FAMILY FACT: Every year, in the last days of Advent, children in Mexico remember Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem. This Advent tradition is called Posada. During each Posada, children carry painted clay figures of Mary and Joseph and call at the houses of friends and neighbours to ask if Mary and Joseph can stay for the night. The answer is usually no, so the children have to keep searching. Eventually, they find a welcoming house. Once Mary and Joseph are inside, everyone says prayers of thanks and then the children have a joyful Posada Party!

Spend some quiet time thinking of those looking for somewhere to stay this Christmas. We ask God to keep homeless people and refugees in his care and to help us offer welcome and kindness to all God’s children.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


This week, we are thinking about joy. What can be more fitting than this glorious carol? Sing along to the video.

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.



https://youtu.be/30OaM6b48k8


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

During Advent, we remember how God’s angels brought the joyful news of Jesus’ coming to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. The angels’ joyful visits and the special message they shared are remembered each year when angel decorations are placed on our Christmas trees. The tradition of putting angels on Christmas trees began hundreds of years ago in Germany, but today the practice is followed around the world.

Angels are messengers who bring God’s word to us on earth. Words are very powerful. We can use our words to encourage, to provide guidance, and to spread love and joy. Let’s spend a moment in silence, asking God to help you spread love and joy with your words today.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


GLOBAL FAMILY FACT: This week we are focusing on the joy that Jesus brings. On the island of Mauke, part of the Cook Islands, the people prepare for the birth of Jesus with an Advent visiting tradition known as Rangokere. During Rangokere, huge baskets of food are shared between the two main villages on the island. The baskets are shared with everyone, whatever their faith. People also sing and dance, so that the whole community can share friendship and joy together.

The people of Mauke know how important it is to share with everyone. Who can we share friendship and joy with this week?

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Joy never starts with yourself
Joy is spelled: Jesus Others and You
Joy does not depend on:
a soul mate
a car
a number on a scale
friends
or difficult situations
Joy Is:
in Christ alone
in doing his will
trusting him
fellowship with Him
giving Him your burdens
Joy starts with Jesus
and it ends with yourself


Cx :-)