General Chat

Lovely words, Cynthia to get our day off well.

Wesley sat in that chair!!! Probably too small for my fat bottom - he was only 5'3" and less than 9 stones.

A great friend of mine is 87 and what is called a supernumerary Minister (retired ordained man). He preaches more than I do, and - although he is not as vigorous as a few years ago, he is still out most Sundays and still works pretty hard.

He was a headmaster up in Yorkshire till his 50's and a local preacher (lay reader) for many years. He then got a call, resigned from education and trained for Ministry. So similar to your man. Many Methodist Ministers have had previous careers, and it probably helps them.

In my prayers this morning, I am particularly thinking of two elderly gentlemen. Nelson Mandela (breathing on his own in hospital this morning, but still serious and stable) and Prince Philip (who is recovering slowly from his exploratory operation last Friday). I just pray they will both know God's peace upon them today, and will be healed according to His will. :-)

ah ......


the Whit Sunday Walk


we always had brand new clothes for it.

I do wonder if the clergy who were concerned about their flock becoming too enthusiastic about their faith, were very unsettled. It was the period where many families fulfilled the Noblesse Oblige 'duty' ethos, where the first son had a duty to the estate, the second son had a duty to his country and the third son went into the church - whether he was religious or not!!! It must have been very difficult for someone who may not have any faith or interest in religion, to become a clergyman out of duty!!


Thankfully, most folk now enter the ministry having had a sense of being 'called'. In fact, we have a man in our congregation who has been a Lay Reader for quite a few years, who now feels 'called' to become ordained into full time ministry. He is still of working age and there are many things for him to consider but.....when God calls.............................


Several years ago, I went to visit an elderly couple and, as we were chatting, they pointed out a very small wooden chair in the room. They then went on to explain that it had originally belonged to the Wesley family and it was fascinating to think that the Wesley brothers had actually sat in it as children. :-)


Today is our Walking Day - a tradition which has been carried out for many generations in the North of England. Very similar to the famous Whit Walks.


Members of all the local churches in the area will turn out at 2pm to begin this annual Walk of Christian Witness to the community. We will be accompanied by bands and banners and, usually, the police or marshalls of some sort. It is quite a sight to behold as there are usually hundreds of children and adults who turn up. At least the weather is going to stay good and I will let you know how we get on later.......:-)

Meanwhile, we have a church service with 3 baptisms to attend first.........


A prayer for today


NO PRAYER GOES
UNHEARD

Often we pause and wonder
When we kneel down to pray
Can God really hear
The prayers that we say....

But if we keep praying
And talking to HIM,
He'll brighten the soul
That was clouded and dim,

And as we continue
Our burden seems lighter,
Our sorrow is softened
And our outlook is brighter.

For though we feel helpless
And alone when we start
Our prayer is the key
That opens the heart.

And as our heart opens
The dear Lord comes in
And the prayer that we felt
We could never begin

Is so easy to say
For the Lord understands
And gives us new strength
By the touch of His hands

- Helen Steiner Rice


Cx :-)

"John Wesley was an Anglican priest to the end. Just a bit of a maverick really"

Hmmm!!! That is one way of putting it. I would describe him as the leader of the evangelical wing of the established church through most of teh Great Awakening of 18th century. He would encourage his devotees to attend their parish church in morning and then attend local Bible groups in the afternoon organised by his Society for People Called Methodists.

Methodists wanted to remain in the Anglican fold but many Vicars and Bishops thought they were too "enthusiastic" about their religion and prevented them from sharing bread and wine, or even being buried, marrying or baptising their children.

This happened 200 years ago and Methodists have just about forgiven Anglicans. :-)

I think you can still find Helen Steiner Rice's words in many thoughtful cards today. She seemed to be able to articulate words which many of us struggle with - being able to say the right thing at the right time.... :-)


Ruby, the main difference between Anglicans and Presbyterians lies in the structure rather than the belief. They don't really 'do' hierarchy' :-)


John Wesley was an Anglican priest to the end. Just a bit of a maverick really ;-)

Incidentally, I am unashamedly Arminian. Not in sense that I follow Arminius's doctrine. He was a Dutch scholar 400+ years ago who proposed 5 principles of faith that were the opposite of what Calvin proposed.

But I do fully agree with teaching of Wesley - who has been described as a three and a half point Calvinist. John Wesley and I are of one mind on the interpretation of scripture. I have frequently preached in Calvinist chapels ( two in particular) and told them clearly I was a Methodist and an avowed Wesleyan. And there have been no problems - they keep asking me back. :-) :-)

Lovely thoughts, Cynthia. Have grown up with thoughts of Helen Steiner Rice. I seem to remember my grandmother used to read her words of wisdom every day, and she died in 1966.

Have just wickied her and her life is a tremendous inspiration for anybody. How she overcame so much tragedy is beyond my words. But full of admiration.

Good question, Ruby. I will have a go. The Church of England is very inclusive and run on episcopal lines. That is, there is a structure of government with Justin Welby and the Queen at the top and many Bishops and Archbishops throughout the world. The doctrine in neither Calvinist or Arminian, but includes both Protestant traditions. People can be members whether they believe, for example, that everyone can be saved (universal atonement) or just the elect (particular redemption).

Presbyterian churches differ in two respects from C of E: 1. the doctrine (teaching) is exclusively Calvinist - they base their constitution around the five points of Calvinism. 2. Church governance is usually within the local church by a group of "elders". They make their decisions within a presbytery of elders. Often a Presbyterian church is completely independent, but most also have close links with similar churches, including the Church of England and sister churches throughout the world.

I love that Cynthia. It is so true.

Last Sunday I wasn't able to go to church, but I watched a service on TV from a Presbyterian church in Charlotte, which I enjoyed very much. This area was settled by many people from The British Isles, and there are a lot of Presbyterian churches around me. The service looks to be the same as the C of E. I wonder whether there are any differences in beliefs between the two denominations? I am going to visit sometime.

Thank you for your daily words of comfort Cynthia and John.

Ruby.

Good morning..... :-)



I found this little poem written by a lady who has inspired many over the years:



Mover of Mountains

Faith is a force that is greater
than knowledge or power or skill,

And the darkest defeat turns to triumph
if you trust in God’s wisdom and will,

For faith is a mover of mountains —
there’s nothing man cannot achieve

If he has the courage to try it
and then has the faith to believe.


- Helen Steiner Rice.


Cx


:-)

Thank you both for your prayers for today.

Emma :-)

Good morning my friends...


With all the unrest in the world, I thought this may be something to consider:


Prayer for Peace

If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbours.

If there is to be peace between neighbours,
There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.



It reminded me of the fairly modern hymn we occasionally use.......'Let there be peace on earth / And let it begin with me'.

There are versions of this on YouTube.


Have a lovely day. :-)

Just having a quick look in before I go down Swansea way to work - where it has been "scorchio" all week and looks hotter than ever today and across weekend. Sun on our backs makes us all feel so much better.

Am including Prince Philip and Queen in my prayers this morning. He has his bowel op today. Then his 92nd birthday will be spent on Monday recovering in hospital. And the Queen will have to do her duties alone next week.

Also William and Kate, as their baby (3rd in line for throne?) is expected soon.

Am also thinking of young families who are struggling with fuel poverty and are having to use food banks and re-cycled school clothes.

Father, if it is your will, heal Prince Philip, give Kate and William a healthy and happy baby and give them the wisdom and ability to nurture her (or him). And Father, provide hope for those who struggle to feed and clothe their families, and heat their homes and pay their bills. And draw all people, whatever their circumstances, to see the merits of the Cross of Calvary. As the hymnwriter wrote, let us survey the wondrous Cross. Amen

How lovely you say grace before meals, Cynthia. Very few seem to do that these days. In fact, it is rare for families to sit round as families today and thank the Lord for anything in my experience.

My family tends to say grace on high days and holidays unfortunately. I have always tried to think of God at start of meals, but very rare it is a spoken prayer. I am the only committed Christian in my immediate family, and only a couple of others in my extended family of over 100:-( Family days are hardest for me as they tend to be on the day they are all doing very little ie Sunday. And usually my busiest day, of course.

Prayers do get everything off on the right foot. :-) :-)

Yesterday, I went to an informal meeting to discuss how child-friendly our church is.

The Church of England has an award scheme, whereby, if certain criteria are met, the church is allowed to display a certificate stating that they are, indeed, child-friendly.

We gained the award three years ago, and it is now time for us to be re-assessed.

Many areas are covered, including the many Child Protection issues; what facilities are available - toilets/first aid etc. ; what activities/clubs, groups there are for all ages ; how the children are included in worship ; what resources are used, and so it goes on.

Last time, we were given a glowing report, so we have been careful not to become too complacent. We looked through everything again, picked up on one or two things and now wait to see what happens. Someone will come out in a few weeks to check things in person. Hopefully, they will be pleased with our efforts.

It's very exhausting being 'child-friendly'. :-D



If any of you have ever watched Blue Bloods (don't ask me which channel) starring Tom Selleck, you can't fail to notice how, in each episode, the family meet around the table for a meal and a prayer of thanks is given.

In our home, we say 'grace' at every meal so, today I thought I would post a Breakfast Prayer........just to get the day off to a flying start...... :-


Breakfast Prayer

Father, we thank thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light.
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.
Help us to do the thing we should,
To be to others kind and good,
In all we do, in all we say,
To grow more loving every day.

- Amen.



Now, off to do some housework....... :-)

:-) :-) :-)
Thank you Cynthia........

Good morning my friends....... :-)


Happiness seems to be the message in many of the photographs on both sites, and it's good to remind people that Christianity is still alive and kicking!


A famous prayer for today - one which does not lose it's essence despite the fact it was written so long ago. Faith which has stood the test o time........


Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.

--St. Richard Chichester (1197-1253)



Keep smiling my friends........ :-)

:-) :-)

Just loved those pictures. Such a range of different worship.

Numbers are not that important, of course. I had 7 in a Welsh chapel on Sunday night and it was really special. It would have been equally special if only 2 or 3 were gathered.

I was amazed by India. I worshipped in the Anglican church in Trivandrum. Across the road was the RC Church. They both had 4 or 5 services every Sunday - in Malalayam (local language), Tamil and English. And the church (about 800 seats) was full each time - and for two Malalayam services there were several hundred outside listening through speakers.

You get a flavour in these photos
http://www.csichristchurch.org/gallery_cm_inauguration.php

Reminds me of those wonderful words at Christmas John........


.....and He shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.. :-)



The other day, I was googling for news on Archbishop Sentamu when I came across the following link. It reminded me of all the times we have heard people say that "no-one goes to church these days - it's old hat etc.etc.".

Some super pics and I am hoping that someone will add one from our church soon......... :-)


https://witness.guardian.co.uk/assignment/519f90a9e4b0e392888615d8?INTCMP=mic_1836


Enjoy!

:-) :-) @ Cynthia

Was just looking through the names of Jesus in the Bible.

Picked out a few:

Sun of Righteousness (Malachi Ch 4 verse 2)
Bright and Morning Star (Revelation Ch 22 v 16)
Cornerstone (Psalm 118 v 22)
Dayspring (Luke Chapter 1 v 78)
Light of the World (John Ch 8 v 12)
Rose of Sharon (Song of Songs Ch 2 v 1)

And: Queen of the South (Matthew Ch 12 v 42).

Over 200 other identified names in Scripture. And as we enjoy the sunshine and the warmth this week, let us think about who created all this wonder. For me. For you - for you personally. And how much each of us are loved - even though we may have a low opinion of ourselves and feel deserted and bereft at times in our lives.

Good morning - and another beautiful day... :-)



This world
Your creation
Rolled into a sphere
Packaged in sunshine
Gift-wrapped in love
Given to us
Thank you



- John Birch.