General Chat

Good morning :-)

James struggled with addiction and felt trapped in guilt.

On Easter Sunday, the minister spoke about the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb.
“The stone represents the burdens holding you back,” the pastor said.

James prayed, “Lord, roll away the stone in my life.”

With the church’s support, James overcame his addiction.
The next Easter, he shared his testimony. “Jesus rolled away my stone and gave me a new life.”

Conclusion
These Easter stories remind us that Easter is about more than just Jesus's resurrection—it’s about the renewal of faith, forgiveness, and hope.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Tom had lost everything—his job, home, and faith. He wandered the streets, feeling forgotten and alone.

On Easter morning, as Tom sat on a park bench, a woman approached him with a small bag. “Here,” she said kindly. Inside the bag were a sandwich, a bottle of water, and a small note that read, “Jesus loves you.”

Tom stared at the note, tears filling his eyes. It had been so long since someone showed him kindness.

Later that day, Tom walked past a church and decided to step inside. The minister welcomed him warmly and invited him to stay.
“You are not forgotten,” the minister said. “God’s love is for everyone.”

Tom began attending services regularly. He found a job and started rebuilding his life. That small Easter gift had reminded him that God’s love was still there, even in his lowest moment.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Michael was an energetic eight-year-old who couldn’t wait for Easter Sunday. But what excited him most was the chocolate eggs, not the idea of celebrating Christ's resurrection.

His grandmother, who was deeply rooted in her faith, decided to teach him the true meaning of Easter. A short while before Easter, she handed Michael a small brown bulb.

“Plant this in the garden,” she said. “Water it every day and take care of it.”
Michael wrinkled his nose. “But it’s just a boring bulb!”
“Trust me,” she smiled.

Michael followed her instructions, watering the bulb daily. A week passed, but nothing happened. Frustrated, he complained to his grandmother, “I think it’s broken!”
“Be patient,” she said. “Sometimes things happen beneath the surface before you can see them.”

On Easter morning, Michael ran to the garden and gasped. A beautiful white lily had bloomed where the bulb had been planted.
His grandmother knelt beside him. “This lily is a symbol of Easter. Just like Jesus’ resurrection, life can spring from what seems lifeless. The bulb had to be buried in the ground before growing into something beautiful.”

Michael’s eyes widened. “So Easter isn’t about chocolate—it’s about new life?”
“Exactly,” his grandmother replied. “Jesus gives us new life.”

That Easter, Michael understood the deeper meaning behind the holiday. He still enjoyed his chocolate eggs, but he also carried the lesson of the Easter lily in his heart. The flower became a symbol of faith and trust in God’s timing.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I hope you've all had a good St George's Day.

Just in from a meal out in the village hall to celebrate this special day for our country.

Good morning :-D

Happy St. George’s Day,

Here are some facts about England’s Patron Saint. Some you may already know but maybe some you don't!

1. St George’s Day is on 23 April, which is traditionally accepted as the date of his death in AD 303.

2. St George was beheaded for resigning his military post and protesting against his pagan leader, the Emperor Diocletian (245-313 AD), who led Rome’s persecution of Christians.

3. The Emperor’s wife was so inspired by St George’s bravery and loyalty to his religion that she too became a Christian and was subsequently executed for her faith.

4. Before the cult of St George was brought back from the Crusades, the top choice for England’s patron saint was Edmund the Martyr, one of the Whuffings, East Anglia’s ruling family. Edmund is also the patron saint of pandemics, torture victims, and wolves.

5. St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting, and on the Sunday nearest to 23 April, scouts and guides throughout England parade through the streets.

6. St George’s emblem, a red cross on a white background, was adopted by Richard the Lionheart and brought to England in the 12th century, when the king’s soldiers would wear it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

7. Aside from England, other countries that celebrate St George’s Day include Canada, Croatia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia.

8. Though celebrations are somewhat muted in modern times, Englishmen can still be seen to mark St George’s Day with quintessentially British traditions, such as Morris Dancing, eating fish and chips or watching a Punch and Judy puppet show.

9. The most famous legend of St George is of him slaying a dragon, with the dragon commonly used to represent the Devil in the Middle Ages. The slaying of the dragon by St George was first credited to him in the 12th century, long after his death, and it is therefore likely that the many stories connected with St George’s name are fictitious.

10. The date of 23 April was also the date of the death of the English playwright William Shakespeare. UNESCO marked this historic date by declaring it the International Day of the Book, and it is also traditionally when Shakespeare’s birthday is celebrated.

So there we have it!!! Enjoy your St. George's Day!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Empty Tomb and a Renewed Faith

Anna struggled with her faith after losing her mother to cancer, feeling abandoned by God. As Easter approached, she felt numb, but her grandmother encouraged her to attend the family service. Reluctantly, Anna joined them and listened as the minister spoke about the resurrection and the promise of hope. His words touched her heart, and she felt a flicker of warmth for the first time in months.

After the service, her grandmother reminded her that just as the tomb was empty, her heart could be filled with faith again. Grateful for the renewed sense of hope, Anna whispered a prayer and began attending church regularly. Though her grief remained, she found comfort in knowing that God was with her on her healing journey. Easter had shown her that hope is never truly lost.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I can't believe that I missed Easter Day! Mega apologies, and my only excuse is the pressure of duties. Not good enough though.
:-(


What news to begin the day! We give thanks to God for the life and witness of Pope Francis. For the enthusiasm for his calling and for his dedication to his faith. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

From an article in the Church Times a few years ago.
Dying “on time” is not such an unusual phenomenon. Many of us know of people who have “hung on” to see a grandchild born, or to celebrate an anniversary, and who have died shortly afterwards. To die in Holy Week or Eastertide is a blessing, and perhaps a consolation to those who are left.

Cx <3

Hello all

Happy Easter Sunday blessings.

A wonderful service in church this morning and I was able to meet and greet lots of newcomers.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia,
Our triumphant Holy day
Who did once upon the cross
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia.

The old ones are the best ones.

Enjoy this joyous Easter weekend.

Easter blessings to you all

Holy Saturday: A Day of Sacred Silence

A day of silence, sorrow, and waiting, while Jesus descended to the realm of the dead. Hope is already on the move. In anticipation, Christians await the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


Cx


https://youtu.be/ZPeqBmXgSlk

A DAY OF SORROW AND REVERENCE
Good Friday is a day for reflection—a day of mourning. It isn't observed in celebration or joy but with reverence. It is a day to look within oneself and reflect on the values of selflessness, humility, and forgiveness.

Cx

Dear All

Hello

Hope you are all well.

A short prayer for Maundy Thursday:


BECAUSE HE LIVES

God sent his Son; they called Him Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

an empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow;

because He lives all fear is gone;

because I know He holds the future;

and life is worth living

just because He Lives.


By William J. Gaither

Be peaceful and God Bless you.

Take gentle care
Love EOS
xx

Easter blessings - hope everyone is ok. Just a quick visit.
<3 :-) :-) <3

Good morning :-)


THE ROAD TO THE CROSS – HOLY WEEK
Holy Week takes a sombre turn.
So much going on!

In Bethany, Jesus sent Peter and John to the Upper Room in Jerusalem to prepare for the Passover Feast.

After sunset, He washed His disciples' feet, demonstrating the importance of humble service. Many churches continue this practice during Maundy Thursday services. During the Passover meal, Jesus expressed His eagerness to share it before His suffering, stating He would not eat again until its meaning was fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. By giving His body and blood in sacrifice, He fulfilled the significance of Passover, He established the Lord's Supper (Communion), instructing His followers to remember Him through the bread and wine.

After the meal, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He sweated blood. That evening, He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Sanhedrin.

While Jesus was on trial, Peter denied knowing Him three times before the rooster crowed.

Many churches will commemorate Maundy Thursday tonight with the symbolism of foot washing and Holy Communion.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

THE ROAD TO THE CROSS – SPY WEDNESDAY

The Bible does not mention what the Lord did on the Wednesday of Holy Week. Scholars suggest that, after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples took this day to rest in Bethany as they prepared for Passover. Just before this, Jesus demonstrated His profound power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. Many in Bethany were inspired by this incredible miracle and came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, embracing faith in Him. In a beautiful act of love, Lazarus' sister Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume.

This day, known as Spy Wednesday, also signifies when Judas Iscariot made the fateful decision to betray Jesus to the religious leaders for 30 silver coins.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HOLY WEEK


THE ROAD TO THE CROSS - HOLY TUESDAY


On Tuesday morning, Jesus and His disciples returned to Jerusalem, passing the withered fig tree as He spoke about faith.

At the Temple, religious leaders were upset with Jesus for asserting His spiritual authority and set a trap to arrest Him. However, Jesus escaped and condemned them, saying they were like whitewashed tombs—appealing on the outside but filled with impurities.

Later, Jesus and His disciples went to the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem. There, He delivered the Olivet Discourse, a prophecy about Jerusalem's destruction and the end times, using parables to illustrate events such as His Second Coming.

This Tuesday was also when Judas Iscariot negotiated with the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus. After a long day, Jesus and His disciples returned to Bethany for the night.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HOLY WEEK

THE ROAD TO THE CROSS
Yesterday, we reflected on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marked by the waving of palm branches. The next morning, as He and His disciples left Bethany, they came across a fig tree full of leaves but without any fruit. Despite the expectation that it should have had at least some unripe figs, it was completely bare. Jesus cursed the tree for its fruitlessness, causing it to wither by the next day. He used this moment to teach His disciples about genuine faith, explaining that even faith the size of a mustard seed could move mountains when aligned with God's will. This lesson was timely, as their faith would soon be tested.

Next, Jesus entered the temple courtyards and found widespread irreverence. In anger, He overturned the tables of the money changers, accusing them of turning His Father’s house into a “den of thieves.” These money changers provided services for pilgrims who needed to exchange currency or obtain animals for sacrifice.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Palm Sunday today and I loved singing the traditional hymns.... we began the service with
Ride on, Ride on in Majesty and the final hymn was Lift High the Cross...... a few more people in church which was good.

Holy week blessings to all who look in.

Good morning :-)

Today is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus and the ride into Jerusalem.

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
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

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Moving towards Holy Week

Lent is a time to take time to let the power
of our faith story take hold of us,
a time to let the events get up
and walk around in us,
a time to intensify our living unto Christ,
a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
a time to place our feet in the streets of
Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and
listen to his Word.

A time to touch his robe
and feel the healing surge through us,
a time to ponder and a time to wonder….
Lent is a time to allow
a fresh new taste of God!
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,
for thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future
knowing our past.

Give us courage, O God,
to hear your Word
and to read our living into it.
Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven
and give us the faith
to take up our lives and walk.

Cx :-)