General Chat

Hello all

Like Vera I well remember singing Wide, Wide as the Ocean and also I Will Make You Fishers of Men in Sunday school. I can remember the actions too.

Last Sunday we sang Jesus Bids Us Shine which also reminded me of my Sunday school days.

Jesus Bids Us Shine

Jesus bids us shine with a clear pure light,
Like a little candle burning in the night,
In this world of darkness we must shine,
You in your small corner and I in mine.

Beautiful songs and precious memories too.

Good morning :-)


This poem was written by Mary Anne Procter, Queen Victoria’s favourite poet and a contemporary of Charles Dickens. She was born in 1825 and died in 1864.

Fishers of Men

The boats are out, and the storm is high;
We kneel on the shore and pray:
The Star of the Sea shines still in the sky,
And God is our help and stay.

The fishers are weak, and the tide is strong,
And their boat seems slight and frail;
But St. Peter has steered it for them so long,
It would weather a rougher gale.

St. John the Beloved sails with them too,
And his loving words they hear;
So with tender trust the boat's brave crew
Neither doubt, or pause, or fear.

He who sent them fishing is with them still,
And He bids them cast their net;
And He has the power their boat to fill,
So we know He will do it yet.

They have cast their nets again and again,
And now call to us on shore;
If our feeble prayers seem only in vain,
We will pray and pray the more.

Though the storm is loud, and our voice is drowned
By the roar of the wind and sea,
We know that more terrible tempest found
Their Ruler, O Lord, in Thee!

See, they do not pause, they are toiling on,
Yet they cast a loving glance
On the star above, and ever anon
Look up through the blue expanse.

O Mary, listen! for danger is nigh,
And we know thou art near us then;
For thy Son's dear servants to thee we cry,
Sent out as fishers of men.

O, watch, — as of old thou didst watch the boat
On the Galilean lake, —
And grant that the fishers may keep afloat
Till the nets, o'ercharged, shall break.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

That made me smile Vera..........and brought back memories of the Christmas hymn which contains the words 'Highly favoured Mary', which children would turn into 'Highly flavoured gravy'!! :-D :-D

Fishers of Men.

There is an inter-denominational Christian charity called Fishers of Men, which ministers, without distinction to those who are homeless, at threat of homelessness, or poor or needy.

This Australian charity was founded by Bobby Mearns who was himself a heroin addict, dealer and Triad member for over 20 years in Hong Kong before he became a Christian in a rehabilitation programme. Bobby lived in their residential service and has been “clean” for over 25 years.

The charity aims to direct people away from their life-controlling behaviours and focus them instead on Christ so that they can be free and, in turn, help others.

We thank God for charities such as this.


Cx :-)

You stirred a few memories with today’s post Cynthia. I well remember Wide, Wide as the Ocean and Fishers of Men from singing them at Sunday School at the age of 7 or 8. We were naughty as we used to think it very funny to sing “I will make you vicious old men” although I don’t think we really understood the meaning of vicious.

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, we heard how Jesus called ordinary, everyday working fishermen to follow him. In our church, we sang the old hymn ‘Wide, wide as the ocean’ complete with actions! ??

We are ordinary, everyday working people – are we serious about following Jesus?

Does anyone remember this other old chorus?

I will make you fishers of men,
Fishers of men, fishers of men,
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow Me;
If you follow Me,
If you follow Me,
I will make you fishers of men
If you follow Me.

https://youtu.be/R0jpyeRpRq4

Dear Lord, thank you for this new day. Please guide me and bless me as I go about my day. Help me to be kind and loving to others, and to always remember to be grateful for the blessings in my life. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:

O God,
you know us to be set
in the midst of so many and great dangers,
that by reason of the frailty of our nature
we cannot always stand upright:
grant to us such strength and protection
as may support us in all dangers
and carry us through all temptations;
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 we hear of Jesus calling his first disciples and how he wants us to be ‘fishers of men’.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Recalling what Candlemass was all about..............
They came, as called, according to the Law.
Though they were poor and had to keep things simple,
They moved in grace, in quietness, in awe,
For God was coming with them to His temple.
Amidst the outer court’s commercial bustle
They’d waited hours, enduring shouts and shoves,
Buyers and sellers, sensing one more hustle,
Had made a killing on the two young doves.
They come at last with us to Candlemas
And keep the day the prophecies came true
We glimpse with them, amidst our busyness,
The peace that Simeon and Anna knew.
For Candlemas still keeps His kindled light,
Against the dark our Saviour’s face is bright.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


There is a variety of candles in churches:

Altar Candles
Altar candles hold a significant role in religious ceremonies, symbolising the light of Christ. Typically placed on the altar, these candles are lit during services to represent Christ’s presence among the worshippers.

Votive Candles - those small candles set aside for people to light.
These are lit as a sign of prayer, remembrance, or thanksgiving. People light these candles with specific intentions, such as seeking blessings, expressing gratitude, or seeking comfort in times of need. The act of lighting a votive candle carries a deep spiritual significance in many traditions.

The sanctuary lamp, also known as the eternal light, is a candle that is suspended from the ceiling or mounted on the wall near the Lord's table and constantly burning throughout the week. These days, the lamp tends to be lit by electricity. The lamp is traditionally lit beside the tabernacle to indicate the presence of the consecrated elements.

The Paschal Candle has its origins in the early Christian church. In the first few centuries after Christ’s death and resurrection, Christians would celebrate the Easter Vigil by lighting a large bonfire, symbolizing Christ’s light overcoming the tomb's darkness. The Paschal Candle is lit from this fire, representing Christ’s resurrection and victory over death.

This candle reminds the faithful of the darkness of sin and death, and how Christ’s light brings hope and life.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Candles come in all shapes, sizes and colours and are very popular with many people. They are big business!

Candles have been important in religious ceremonies for centuries, starting with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans. In Christian worship, candles symbolize the light of Christ and by the 4th century, churches commonly used candles to show the divine presence and to light up dim spaces.

Light is meaningful across many faiths, and in Christianity, it symbolizes God’s presence, hope, purity, and enlightenment. Candles represent Christ as the "light of the world." They help create a sacred atmosphere in worship and show the connection between the divine and the faithful followers.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I was 'churched' after the birth of my children too kandj. It doesn't really happen nowadays, but there is a service of thanksgiving that can be used. <3

A hymn which suits Candlemass perfectly.

Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Longing for truth, we turn to You.
Make us Your own, Your holy people
Light for the world to see.

Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in Your church gathered today.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has pow'r to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Refrain

Longing for food, many are hungry
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us Your bread, broken for others
Shared until all are fed.
Refrain

Longing for shelter, many are homeless
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us Your building, sheltering others
Walls made of living stone.
Refrain

Many the gift, many the people
Many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another
Making Your kingdom come.
Refrain

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia I was "churched" after my baby was born. It was the norm back then, I don't hear of it now?

Vera, so very sorry for your loss. The final resting place of your daughter's partner sounds peaceful, and I do hope this will bring some comfort to you all.

Good morning :-)


Candlemas isn’t that well known out of church circles, but it marks the day Mary completed her purification 40 days after giving birth to Jesus and presented Him at the Temple in Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke describes how Simeon recognized Jesus as a Light to the World.

In Jewish tradition, women were seen as unclean after childbirth for 40 days (60 for girls) and could not worship during that time. After this period, they underwent a purification ceremony to return to religious services. It's reminiscent of the service of 'churching' which was once very popular in this country.

Candlemas is named for the day when all church candles are blessed, representing hope and light. Many people light candles in their windows on Candlemas night. This celebration also connects to ancient festivals of light that marked the midpoint of winter, as people lit candles to drive away darkness and evil spirits.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Vera, and I am glad that all went as well as could be expected for your family funeral. It sounds just the right sort of farewell for a much-loved person.

Yesterday’s reading about Jesus being taken to the Temple gives us that beautiful prayer uttered by Simeon and used in the church throughout the world for centuries – known as the Nunc Dimittis

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace :
according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen :
thy salvation;
Which thou hast prepared :
before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles :
and to be the glory of thy people Israel
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.

Simply glorious……………………Thanks be to God.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon

Another thought provoking, and heart wrenching, week with stories of the Holocaust. It is so hard to comprehend how it could have happened. There was so much bravery shown by those who saved lives and we must be thankful for them. Thank you Cynthia for the posts.

It has been a sad week for us as we have all said our goodbyes to our daughter’s dear partner. As he was not a person of faith she arranged a secular service but asked the celebrant to include the Lord’s Prayer for anyone who would like to join in. The service was followed by a peaceful and moving woodland burial. He had enjoyed being outdoors in nature and loved trees so it seemed fitting.

Hello all

Candlemas service in church this morning which marks the last feast day of the Christmas cycle, and recognises the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

Lots of candles were blessed and placed all around our church, they symbolise Christ as the Light of the World.

Candlemas is also known for the rhyme about the weather, which says:

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight,
If Canflemas Day be wind and rain,
Winter has gone and will not come again.

Today has been "fair and bright", hmmm????

Sunday blessings to all who are struggling today.

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)
Almighty and ever-living God,
clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,
in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you
with pure and clean hearts,
by 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, we hear how Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Never again

Eternal God,
we come before You
to remember the victims of the Holocaust.
We lament the loss of six million Jews
who were killed in the Holocaust,
the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution,
and victims of all genocides.
As we remember and lament
all those whose lives have been lost,
help us to work for a better future today.
We pray for a day when all shall be free
to live in peace, unity and love.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, what harrowing stories you have shared in this week's postings.

I remember seeing the Schindler's List film very many years ago and I can still recall the horror of what had been shown on the cinema screen.

Please God may it never ever happen again.

Good morning :-)

The Windermere Children

As Jewish persecution intensified, Leonard Montefiore founded the Central British Fund for Jewish Relief (CBF) and initiated the Kindertransport, which aimed to transport Jewish orphans to safety. After World War II, Montefiore sought funding to bring 300 surviving orphans to Windermere, Cumbria.

A temporary reception centre was established, repurposing barracks with the aim of providing a welcoming environment for the children, who had survived the horrors of concentration camps like Theresienstadt. To the staff's surprise, when the planes arrived, the children were mostly teenagers rather than the young ones they had anticipated. The first groups that landed looked healthier than expected due to two months of recovery, but some still bore physical signs of malnutrition. Despite strict immigration policies elsewhere, the CBF successfully appealed to the British government, bringing an additional 432 child survivors to the UK.

For these children, their story of survival will always be rooted in one corner of northwest England. “I was part of a group of children that I belonged to,” says Joanna. “I think Windermere was an important part of that. I think it was really the first time I was free.”

By January 1946, all the Windermere children had left to build new lives, forming lasting friendships along the way. Montefiore emphasized the importance of independence, urging them to adapt to society. Their stories serve as a vital reminder of the Holocaust and offer hope for future generations, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and resilience.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Never again


The Man who revealed the Auschwitz atrocities to the world.

On 27 January 1945, Auschwitz prisoners were liberated by soldiers of the First Ukrainian Front. Among those who sought to reveal the camp's atrocities was Witold Pilecki, prisoner number 4859 and a member of the underground resistance group TAP.

In 1940, he intentionally got arrested to infiltrate Auschwitz and spent two and a half years gathering evidence of the horrors within, smuggling reports out detailing the conditions and deaths of prisoners.

Despite his efforts, the Allied Forces largely ignored his findings as Poland was not a military priority. Although Pilecki's testimonies did not lead to immediate liberation, he provided crucial early information about the camp's brutal realities.

After the war, under Soviet rule, Pilecki continued to fight for Polish independence but was arrested and executed in 1948, with his actions largely forgotten for decades. His children, initially told he was a traitor, discovered his true legacy as a hero only in the 1990s. Pilecki's daughter, Zofia, remembers him as a principled man who instilled important values in her.

Cx :-)