General Chat

Errol. You will be pleased that I will not give a very full reply.

Your text is Matt Chapter 7 verse 15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

I have a very simple approach to false prophesy. I believe the last verses of the Bible - "For I (St John) testify unto every person that hears the words of the prophesy of this book, If any person shall add unto these things, God shall add unto them the plagues that are written in this book. And if any person take away from the words of the book of this prophesy, God shall take away their part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book."

So anyone who has added prophesy since end of first century AD or has taken away any truths from the Bible is a false prophet. That is my interpretation of what it means.

Luke 24 verse 25, Errol.

Am delivering sermons that look at the proofs of the resurrection of Jesus last week, today and next two weeks. It is uplifting just thinking about these proofs and preparing what to say.

We do have a lectionary (set passages that are read and preached about in all chapels in UK each week) but we also have freedom to go slightly off the lectionary if we feel drawn to certain passages of scripture.

Thanks for question.

It is lovely to hear about your church and your activities, Cynthia.

I was out today about an hour away on edge of Brecon Beacons. Beautiful sunny drive over the mountains and had a lovely congregation welcoming me.

I love this time of the Christian year leading up to Pentecost. So many interesting Bible passages to open up. So many great hymns to choose.

Congregation was "average" size today - about 20. Next week it is likely to be about 6, and in a fortnight over a hundred (largest chapel on circuit). All of the chapels (even the sparsely attended ones) have mid weeks and a good social life. My own chapel offers tea and biscuits after service and that is a lovely opportunity to chat.

In general, it seems to have been an excellent Lord's Day and I hope we all have a lovely and fulfilling week ahead of us. God bless you all.

And isn't it lovely to read about a thriving church? :-)

Thanks for sharing Cynthia, busy indeed :-)

Enjoy reading about your Sunday, makes me
feel I'm there.

Emma :-)

Hello all....... :-D


Another Sunday - I'm sure there are more than there used to be........ :-S


Also, another busy Sunday - at least the morning was.

We had a speaker from the diocese this morning who had come to talk to us about what is called 'shared ministry teams'. It's where lay folk are encouraged to use their gifts and talents and help 'minister' within the parish - the Body of Christ in action so to speak.

We're pretty fortunate in our parish as a lot of that sort of thing is already going on - we have people who lead prayers and groups; we have those who visit and care. We collect and makeup food parcels and run a lunch club which is very popular.

We are blessed by the fact that we have a vicar who not only conducts worship, takes numerous baptisms, weddings and funerals, but who is also happy to peel onions and make hotpot - alongside his people.


This morning, apart from the guest speaker, we had a baptism in the service so, as usual, it was pretty hectic. After the service, the vicar had a burial of ashes and another baptism - we think this one got their times wrong........sigh......


Busy and hectic it may have been, but I wouldn't have it any other way!!

The two most amazing periods of growth in Christianity came at a time when people didn't really understand or even know the words of the Lords Prayer. In about 40 AD (CE) and 1750 AD.

Christianity was pretty well non-existent at first date and was at an incredibly low ebb at second date. Many ag labs in 18th century had no education, could not pay pew rent or even put anything into the collection - so the merits of Jesus were pretty much in the background.

Recently, apart from Sunday Schools (or Junior Churches as we now have to call them) the children I have found who know most about Jesus are attending Islamic schools. He is one of their prophets and they learn about him and his life in very great depth.

Cynthia makes the fundamental point that Margaret Hilda Thatcher (as she was called in the funeral service) comes to the Lord on exactly the same terms as Margaret Hilda Gubbins from Shrewsbury. There is no difference in birth or death. And all get judged fairly. I doubt our political views (whether far right or far left) will cloud that judgment. It is whether we have been given the gift of faith, given the certain knowledge that we have been set aside for eternity - however little we deserve that great honour.

Ephesians Chapter 2 came to mind, but particularly verses 8 and 9:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God.
Not of works, lest anyone should boast"

And I always think of Tony Hancock when I read "not of works". Remember his little book where he had recorded all his good works. "1s 3d to the blind, 9d to the lifeboats, showed an old lady across the road...". He was going to present his book at the pearly gates, certain he would be allowed in. :-)

I think RE (all faiths) is compulsory up until the age of 16, but it is up to the school to decide how it is tackled. So, a rather hit and miss effort in my opinion. :-(


Assemblies can now tend to be more of a 'notice/announcement' giving time in many places. I can still remember the rousing hymns we used to sing at assemblies!


I know the Lord's Prayer is taught in church schools but don't know about state schools - doubt it somehow.

I know what you mean Susan. I find it sad when the youngsters of this country aren't always given the opportunity to experience the faith of their country - to give them a 'grounding' or a base to work from so to speak. Personal decisions as to whether to follow that faith, can come later.


On the bright side, I am always heartened to hear of the work of some church schools, youth groups and organisations, of whom there are many, who actively work within the community.


There is always hope... :-)

Cynthia.....re the Lord's Prayer .....while it was being recited I had the thought that maybe some day in the not to distant future, not many will know it. it is not being taught to most of the younger generation. In fact where I live there are not many young children who know who Jesus is.....sigh!

Amen

Lots of talk this week about the funeral of an 87 year old lady who worked hard at what she was good at. There was talk of tributes and disputes. There was much ceremonial and grandeur. There were many mourners. This lady certainly made her mark in history but I didn't know her personally.


Today I went to the funeral of an 89 year old lady who worked hard at what she was good at.. There were quiet tributes and no disputes. There was little ceremonial or grandeur. There were many mourners. This lady certainly made her mark on the local community and I knew her quite well.


In death they are equal - and leave grieving families behind them.


May they both rest in peace and may their families be comforted and given strength to cope during the days which lie ahead.

Can I echo what Cynthia has said please as she says it so much more eloquently than me. :-)

Had a quick look at the music chosen for today, and it looks as if Baroness Thatcher chose some wonderful hymns to go out on.

There should be plenty of emotion when the congregation sing "Love divine, all loves excelling" and " I vow to thee my country". The service will stay with her family and friends - particularly her two young grandchildren - for ever.

I echo the prayers of Cynthia. I am confident it will not be a day with too many protests. And I pray the day will be dominated by "Our Joy of Heaven to Earth Come Down".

Because, if our Love Divine had not come into this cruel world and defeated pain and death, there would be no chance whatsoever of Lady T ascending to heaven. Or any of us either.

"Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise" :-)

Today I'm praying......

...for the ceremonies taking place in London today...

.. that there will be no violent incidents...

...that respect for both the deceased and the mourners will be shown...

...that everyone returns safely to their homes...

...that, despite all differences, we endeavour to love one another.

Yes indeed John......I've only just caught it on the news.

Like everyone else, I am dismayed at what has happened and simply do not understand .............apart from the fact that I know there is so much sin in the world.


Just thought I would post the prayer which will be said by thousands, if not millions of people during the next few days.....it may help us to focus our thoughts a little....


THE LORD'S PRAYER - in the traditional version


Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.

Shocking scenes at the end of the Boston Marathon. Many casualties from two bomb explosions.

Our hearts go out to the casualties and all their families and friends. All our fervent prayers will be needed.

:-D :-D Nightmare Cynthia.

Re the shadow dancers, I think they are Hungarian. Not sure how that confirms that Britains got talent though.

:-D :-D :-D, Cynthia love it.

Emma :-)

Thanks Ann.....they sound wonderful and very, very, clever.


I received an email from a friend this morning which I felt I must share with you. I think it is brilliant :-D :-D


CHURCH SERVICE OF THE NEAR FUTURE.


PASTOR: "Praise the Lord!"

CONGREGATION: "Hallelujah!"

PASTOR: "Can we please turn on our tablet, PC, iPad, smart phone, and Kindle Bibles to 1 Cor 13:13.

And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon."

P-a-u-s-e......

"Now, Let us pray committing this week into God's hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God"

S-i-l-e-n-c-e

"As we take our Sunday tithes and offerings, please have your credit and debit cards ready.

You can log on to the church wi-fi using the password 'Lord909887'.

The ushers will circulate mobile card swipe machines among the worshippers:

Those who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church.

Those who prefer to use iPads can open them. Those who prefer telephone banking, take out your cellphones to transfer your contributions to the church account."

The holy atmosphere of the Church becomes truly electrified as ALL the smart phones, iPads, PCs and laptops beep and flicker!

Final Blessing and Closing Announcements...

"This week's ministry cell meetings will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don't miss out.

Thursday's Bible study will be held live on Skype at 1900hrs GMT. Please don't miss out.

You can follow your Pastor on Twitter this weekend for counselling and prayers.

God bless you and have a nice day".



:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D