General Chat

Dear All

Hello

A small prayer for Ascension Day:

"Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten

Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven,

so we may also in heart and mind there ascend

and with him continually dwell."

Take gentle care.
Best wishes, EOS
xx

Good morning :-)

Good to hear from you Vera, I was getting a bit concerned. <3

Symbols of Peace - Still waters

Who doesn’t love to rest and relax beside a gently flowing stream, letting the world go by?

The phrase "still waters" is found in Psalm 23:2, where David says, "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters." This idea is important in Christian faith. Still waters represent peace and God's care, providing a place for rest and refreshment for the soul.


Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.


Cx :-)

There is something very special about a rainbow. I shall now have Clementine going through my head all day :-D

Such a dreadful time in Liverpool. My thoughts are with everyone affected in any way; the injured, their families, the emergency services and anyone who witnessed the events.

Good morning :-)

Dreadful events indeed kandj. :-(

Symbols of Peace

Rainbows
Who doesn’t love a rainbow with its sweeping, glowing colours?

In Christianity, the rainbow represents God’s covenant with Noah after the great flood. As a sign of God’s promise to never again destroy the earth with floodwaters, the rainbow came to symbolise divine forgiveness, mercy, and hope.

To the tune of ‘O my darling Clementine’

God Almighty set a rainbow
arching in the sky above,
and His people understand it
as a signal of His love.
Thank You, Father, thank You, Father,
thank You, Father, for Your care,
or Your warm and loving kindness
to Your people ev'rywhere.

Cx :-)

Hello all

My thoughts and prayers are with the football fans in Liverpool on what was meant to be a day of celebration in the City, but was changed dramatically when a car ploughed into the crowds injuring over 50 people. A shocking day for all.

Good morning :-)

Signs of peace

Yesterday, we had the dove carrying an olive branch back to the Ark. We often hear people say about ‘offering an olive branch’ after a disagreement, but why an olive branch? An olive branch is a sign of peace – the dove took an olive branch back to the Ark to signal the end of God's judgment and the restoration of peace between God and humanity

In ancient Israel, the olive tree symbolised prosperity and divine blessing. It was vital because it provided cooking, lighting, and anointing oil. The abundance of olives and olive oil is a sign of God's favour and provision.

Olive trees in pots seem to be very popular at the moment, and most garden centres sell them. At a price! ??


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, we heard………Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Apparently, the word PEACE appears in the bible 429 times!

This peace is not just about ending conflict. It is a deep sense of well-being and a restored relationship with God, thanks to Christ's sacrifice in His death and resurrection.

One of the best-known symbols of peace in Christianity is the dove. Occasionally, we see doves being released at special ceremonies - maybe a wedding or funeral or a meaningful event.

In the story of Noah’s Ark, a dove symbolises hope and God’s covenant by returning with an olive branch after the flood.

Doves were used in Old Testament sacrifices for those who couldn’t afford larger animals, showing God’s care for the poor.

In Christian tradition, doves represent the Holy Spirit, peace, purity, and spiritual renewal as seen in Jesus’ baptism and teachings.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Collect (special prayer) for today:
God our redeemer,
you have delivered us from the power of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:
grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life,
so by his continual presence in us he may raise us
to eternal 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


In the readings today, we hear about the peace given by Jesus and Lydia, the seller of purple cloth.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SERENDIPITY

Inheritances You Can Give to Your Children

1. A Legacy of Faith: Instil spiritual values and a relationship with God.
2. Wisdom: Share life experiences to help them learn valuable lessons.
3. Social Skills: Teach them how to handle relationships. communicate and socialise effectively.
4. Good Memories: Create treasured moments that they'll cherish throughout their lives.
5. An Identity: Help them understand their family heritage and lineage.
6. Confidence: Encourage self-belief and resilience to face challenges.
7. Finances: Show them how to use their money wisely.
8. Values and Traditions: Pass on important values like integrity, hard work, and unity.

Remember, the legacy we leave behind us shapes future generations.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SERENDIPITY

Gladys attended church services one particular Sunday. The sermon seemed to go on forever, and many in the congregation fell asleep. After the service, to be social, she walked up to a very sleepy looking gentleman, in an attempt to revive him from his stupor, extended her hand in greeting, and said, ”Hello, I’m Gladys Dunn.” To which the gentleman replied, “You’re not the only one!!!”


:-D :-D

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thanks kandj, I didn't realise I had missed yesterday. Apologies. xx

SERENDIPITY

DON’T DO ANYTHING. JUST REST. We’ve been conditioned to view rest as inactivity or failure, believing that only visible outcomes matter. But rest is essential; it allows our bodies to heal, our minds to relax, and our souls to breathe. Activities like reading a magazine or enjoying a cup of coffee are not wasted time. We are not machines designed to hustle constantly; we are human beings who sometimes just need to be.

We are people who need to rest in the love of Christ.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Heavenly Father

Thank you for our homes, for a safe place to sleep and for good food to eat. Help us to rest well and give us peaceful dreams tonight. Teach us to trust you and to love you more and more, in Jesus name.
Amen

Good morning :-)

SERENDIPITY

One day, Rev. Williams was visiting 6-year-old Terry and his mother, Tracey. He was surprised when Terry told him Mummy had just baked cupcakes and had let him put the frosting on.
Using his best manners, Terry offered the minister a cupcake while Tracey poured him a cup of coffee. "They all look beautiful, Terry," he said. As he took a large bite, he asked "How did you get them iced so evenly Terry?" Trevor replied, "I licked them."


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SERENDIPITY - Things to ponder :

*How come wrong numbers are never busy?
*Do people in Australia call the rest of the world "up over"?
*Does that screwdriver belong to Philip?
*Does killing time damage eternity?
*Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?
*Why is it that night falls but day breaks?
*Did Noah keep his bees in archives?
Have you ever seen a toad on a toadstool?
If tin whistles are made out of tin, what do they make fog horns out of?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?


Heavenly Father, teach me the art of pondering on you, to treasure Your promises in my heart with patience and faith. May my reflection on Your word encourage and strengthen my trust in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Almighty God,
who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help
we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen 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 we are reminded of the command of Jesus 'To love one another'.

Cx :-)

Good evening! Just scraping in by the skin of my teeth!


Vocations

So, what about those who DO feel called to religious ministry and, perhaps, ordination? What exactly does a vicar do?

• Lead Worship Services: Vicars conduct Sunday services, including Eucharist (Holy Communion), baptism, weddings, and funerals.
• Provide Pastoral Care: They offer spiritual guidance, counselling, and support during times of crisis, illness, or grief.
• Community Involvement: Engaging with local organisations and charities to support social causes is fundamental to a vicar’s mission.
• Teaching and Preaching: Through sermons and classes, vicars educate their congregations about scripture, ethics, and community values.

At one stage, only men became vicars, but things have changed. Across the country, women are serving God as priests, deacons, bishops, and lay ministers.

You do not have to have a degree to be ordained. There is constant support during training and financial help is available. There is an opportunity to continue in your current employment whilst studying for ordination. Many clergy work part-time.

Lord of all, we give thanks that you call some to be pastors.
We pray for all whom you have called to care for others through prayer and service: for those who take care of any who are young or old, who are sick or struggling, for those whose work supports medical, social and community services, may their lives be channels of your love and grace. Amen

Cx -)

Good morning :-)

Vocations

Not everyone is called to be a cleric, but music is a vocation for many people. Music in the Bible plays a significant role in worship and as an expression of faith. It is a powerful tool for glorifying God and bringing people together.

Many churches struggle to get both an organist and a choir together, whilst cathedrals attract people with amazing talents and voices. We thank God for those who are called to offer their musical gifts.

The Royal School of Church Music prayer for choristers.

Bless, O Lord, us thy servants,
who minister in thy temple.
Grant that what we sing with our lips,
we may believe in our hearts,
and what we believe in our hearts,
we may show forth in our lives.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Vocations.
Not everyone is called to be a cleric, but every church needs a Treasurer, and there are those who give freely of their time to work with church finances. While being an accountant isn't necessary, a treasurer must be honest, enthusiastic, financially competent, and understand the parish's needs.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for all those who work with figures to support church life. We appreciate their enthusiasm and skills, and we ask for your blessings on their efforts. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Vocations

We can’t all be clergy, but each of us has a gift we can use to the glory of God.

For example, many church members are very skilled at sewing and embroidery and are largely responsible for the beautiful banners and drapes that you see in churches.

Some of us can’t even thread a needle, so those who can produce such beautiful items are to be admired and thanked, and we thank God for them.

This is a quilter’s prayer
Heavenly Father,
Today, I want to pray on behalf of all the quilters in the world. May these petitions cover all the talented brothers and sisters who create unique works of art.
I come with a heart full of gratitude for the talent and resources You have blessed me with to create quilts. Your Word says in Exodus 35:35, “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers… and as makers of every kind of craft.” I praise You, Lord, for creating me with creativity and the skill to work with my hands in this way. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I love that idea of naming the new streets from the War Memorial.

After a manic 6 days, I am now off to my 2nd funeral this week - and it's only Tuesday!. We have 3 more booked in at the moment - several of them were old enough to remember VE Day , bless them.

On Sunday, we were told that it was Vocation Sunday. A vocation describes an occupation someone feels drawn to or is well-suited for. Originally derived from Christianity, it referred to a divine call to serve God.

The church believes we are all called to serve God according to our given gifts and talents. This doesn’t mean we are all good at everything, obviously, and within church life, there are some amazing talents to be found.

Risen Master, you called fishermen and tax-collectors, women and foreigners to be your disciples and to carry the good news to a broken humanity: call many in this generation to continue your work of reconciliation, that wounds may be healed, sins forgiven, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven; for your love’s sake. (Canon Nicholas Thistlethwaite)

Cx :-)