General Chat

Hello all

Amen to your morning prayer Cynthia.

Vera, nice to see your post. Your OH's ancestor was certainly a very special lady to do what she did.

There are new houses being built at the edge of my village and the streets and road names have been taken from villagers names listed on the War Memorial at the church Lychgate. How good is that?
We will remember them!

Good morning :-)

Hectic few days gone and a hectic few days to come. Hopefully, I will be able to get some housework done soon :-D :-D

Heavenly Father,
As the sun rises on this brand new week, we come before you with hearts full of anticipation and hope. We thank you for the gift of this day and for the opportunity to start afresh.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him,
from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above,
where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Cx :-)

I am just catching up on iPlayer with the VE day events of the last few days. There are so many moving and inspiring stories of bravery and everyday "just getting on with it" that it is quite humbling.

In OH's family we have an example from WW1. One of his ancestors volunteered to work on the railway to release a man for military service. She worked at Victoria Station, London and became a foreman in 1916, apparently carrying out her duties capably and efficiently. She is listed in the National Roll of the Great War as a Special War Worker.

We must never forget . I pray for peace in our troubled world.

Good morning :-)


God of light,
who helped to keep the home fires burning
during the dark days of war in Europe,
set our lives alight today in a time of peace,
so that we shine as lamplights,
keeping the darkness at bay
and holding onto that precious peace
that was won for us in history,
and supremely on the cross for eternity.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It was lovely to see the veterans being respected and honoured yesterday - so much to watch and share.

I am in the middle of organising an exhibition of life in the 1940s and am going in ever-decreasing circles!!!

God of peace,
who raised Christ Jesus
to victory over death,
keep us ever mindful
of the cost of making peace,
of the call to be peacemakers,
and of the carefulness needed
to keep the peace,
in our lives, in our land
and in our world.
Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

V E DAY 8th May 1945

Many people were extremely happy that the fighting had stopped, and there were big celebrations and street parties. People also attended church services to thank God for the victory.

The Royal family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony to wave to the heaving London crowds, and families gathered around their radios to hear the prime minister, Winston Churchill, address the nation.

But, for many, VE Day was bittersweet. A time of sorrow, as well as joy, as millions of people had lost their lives or lost loved ones in the conflict. Many had to continue fighting battles in other parts of the world, away from Europe, where the war continued. Many people were also being kept as prisoners of war abroad.

In his VE Day announcement, Winston Churchill said: "We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead."


We honour the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the unity that brought an end to tyranny. May their legacy inspire us to stand for justice, to seek peace with humility, and to cherish the freedoms we now enjoy. Guide us to be peacemakers in our own time, with hearts full of gratitude and hope. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

CHAPLAINS IN THE WAR

They carried no weapons, only holy books and simple vestments, yet they were towering figures on the battlefield, symbols of goodness in a harsh world. American and British military chaplains provided peace and security amidst chaos during the War. British clergy showed extraordinary heroism, with many chaplains continuing their ministries even after being captured by the Nazis.

Chaplains, by their professions of 'faith, hope, and charity' (and the Geneva Conventions), were also called upon to minister to enemy wounded and prisoners of war, and to render to the enemy dead the same care they gave to our soldiers.

Field Marshal Montgomery recognised the significance of spiritual support, stating that battles are won in the hearts of men, emphasising the crucial roles of nursing sisters and chaplains in caring for soldiers.

During World War II, 96 British Army Chaplains of all denominations lost their lives. A further 38 Commonwealth chaplains and 182 US Chaplains were also killed. Many were killed whilst tending to the wounded.

We thank God for these brave men. We will remember them.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I saw the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace watching the Red Arrows flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of
VE Day.

Great excitement in my village with several events planned to celebrate such an iconic day in history.

Good morning :-)

Women in the War

From 1939, many women, primarily older women, joined the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS). They knitted for servicemen, provided refreshments for those in shelters, assisted people who lost homes due to bombings, and collected scrap metal for the war effort.

From December 1941, women aged 19-30 were conscripted for war work, and by 1943, 17 million women were involved in military or war-related jobs. They played an important role in munition factories, and many also joined the military, including the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).

Women worked as nurses and codebreakers but were often paid less than men. The Women’s Land Army was created to help with farm labour shortages and ensure food production.

Government propaganda promoted the message: "There’s Not Much Women Can’t Do."

We know that!! :-D :-D

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We are approaching an important date in the history of this country

VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day - marks the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.

On 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio at 3 p.m. that the war in Europe had ended following Germany's surrender the day before.

VE Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for those who fought, sacrificed, and worked tirelessly to bring peace to a war-torn continent. This day is an opportunity to honour the bravery of soldiers, nurses, civilians, and countless others who played a role in the victory and recovery.

We thank God for these people. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer for today)
Almighty Father,
who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples
with the sight of the risen Lord:
give us such knowledge of his presence with us,
that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life
and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;
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 the Gospel reading is where Jesus says "Follow me".

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A bit cooler today.

Jesus’ forty days in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, during which multitudes saw him, is rarely disputed. The contemporary Jewish historian Josephus mentioned it, as did other writers. Two generations later, the writer Eusebius interviewed many individuals who had known people who saw Jesus during this time. These accounts included reports of miracles and even cited sermons and letters from the risen Jesus.

In other words, while some people may not have joined the followers of Christ, despite rapid growth in believers, even in the face of persecution, very few disputed that he rose from the dead.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

That was a very hot May Day!! :-D

Let not your heart be troubled
Let not your soul be sad
Easter is a time of joy
When all hearts should be glad
Glad to know that Jesus Christ
Made it possible for men
To have their sins forgiven
And, like Him, to love again
So at this joyous season
May the wondrous Easter Story
Renew our faith so we may be
Partakers of His glory.
- Helen Steiner Rice

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples over 40 days to confirm his resurrection and strengthen his teachings. These encounters were important for building the early Christian faith. During these visits, Jesus taught his disciples about the meaning of his death and resurrection and explained how the Scriptures pointed to him and his mission. This helped prepare them to share the message of salvation with others. It is also up to us to share this message.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It’s only been a short while since we celebrated Easter and the Resurrection of Christ. How bewildered those disciples were…until they realised the truth—Jesus was alive.


Today, this same Jesus is here with us, showing the marks of his suffering. He gets what we’re going through and knows our fears. Just like the disciples, we worry about the world’s powers—its armies, courts, prisons, and all their threats. We also feel our own weaknesses and insecurities. We’re scared of pain, suffering, and especially death. But Jesus wants us to understand the power of his resurrection, just like he wanted the disciples to. He wants us to remember his words: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Catching some of the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, it was interesting to see how many young people were present and actively taking part in the proceedings.

At the moment, several press articles are about how Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) are taking an active interest in Christianity. This is being welcomed as a positive sign that young people are seeking stability, purpose, and community in an increasingly uncertain and divided world.


“Who among us has not experienced insecurity, loss and even doubts on their journey of faith?… We’ve all experienced this, me too.” – Pope Francis

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, we heard about Doubting Thomas. Dear old Thomas – he certainly left a legacy behind him.

Who hasn’t had doubts at some time or other?

Doubts are natural and can be a good thing for Christians. They can cause us to look more closely at what we believe and why we believe it.

Rather than run away from doubts, we need to take them to God and find the answers. Doubts can lead to growth and be used to strengthen the faith of others. It’s important to remember that God cares for us in our moments of doubt.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I managed to catch some of it, and what a service! Seeing all the crowds and knowing that millions were watching on TV made me think about how many Christians there are in the world. The world would be a much better place if we all fulfilled our calling. We need to stand up and be counted! :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)
Almighty Father,
you have given your only Son to die for our sins
and to rise again for our justification:
grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness
that we may always serve you
in pureness of living and truth;
through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Today’s gospel tells the story of Doubting Thomas.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I watched the requiem mass for Pope Francis from St Peter's Square in the Vatican earlier today. More than 250,000 worshipers, religious and political people attended the funeral.

May the Holy Father, Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory. Amen.