General Chat

A bit late in the day but sending out genuine Happy Easter wishes to one and all.

Good morning :-)


Lovely to see Easter good wishes from people and I hope you all had an uplifting day.

We were extremely busy at church and enjoyed some special worship with all ages. The children were given an Easter egg as they came back from the altar so there were lots of happy, smiling faces.

We went on to our son's for lunch which was lovely - but why do I need so many Eggs? :-D


For today :

There are some interesting stories behind this special time and it’s always good to take another look at them. There are roughly 12 recorded times where Jesus appears to people after he had risen from the dead……..

The first person who saw Jesus was Mary Magdalene
Mary, lingering at the tomb weeps and is fearful. Peering into the tomb she sees this time two angels who wonder why she weeps. Jesus then approaches her from behind. Not looking directly at Jesus, she supposes him to be the gardener. Then he calls her by name, and Mary, recognizing his voice, turns and sees him. Filled with joy she clings to him. (Jn 20:16)

Father God, Mary did not know what was to come,
but her love for Jesus held her by his tomb.
We pray for those who are in dark places -
Those who feel without hope.
May this season of Easter
Bring them peace. Amen.


Cx :-)

Very belated Easter greetings to all who look in.

Good morning :-)

In this post Resurrection period, we look at the second appearance of Jesus after his death - this time to the women who came to the tomb to anoint his body. I cannot even begin to imagine the shock they must have had!

Jesus had sent Mary back to the apostles with the news to prepare them for his appearance later that day.

The other women have departed the apostles and are on their way possibly back home. Jesus then appears to them after he had dispatched Mary. He also sends them back to the apostles with the news that he had risen and that he would see them.

Lord Jesus, we no longer look for you among the dead.
As we celebrate your resurrection, strengthen our determination to share your Gospel with our family, friends and the world. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Wow! I managed to get on here within about 5 mins...... :-D


The 3rd appearance of Jesus after his Resurrection.

So far, Jesus has been seen by Mary Magdalene and the other women who had come to the tomb.

Later that day, two disciples are on their way to Emmaus are pondering what they have heard about rumours of his resurrection. Jesus comes up behind them but they are prevented from recognising him. First Jesus breaks open the word for them, then sits at table with them and celebrates the Eucharist whereupon their eyes are opened and they recognize him in the breaking of bread.

Lord Jesus Christ,
Stay with us, too, we pray,
in every part of our journey,
no matter how full of doubt or fear we may be today.

Through your Holy Spirit,
we pray that you will open our eyes, too
Help us see you as our risen Lord
in all your beauty,
and in all your loving power.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The 4th appearance of Jesus after the Resurrection.

Yesterday, we heard how the two men had met with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. The story continues…..

The two disciples returned that evening to Jerusalem and went to the Eleven. At first the Eleven disbelieved them just as they had the women. Nevertheless, the men continued to relate what they had experienced.

At some point Peter drew apart from the others (perhaps for a walk?) and it was then that Jesus appeared to him. He returned to tell the others, who then believed. Thus the disciples from Emmaus (still lingering with the apostles) were now told (perhaps by way of apology) that it was indeed true that Jesus had risen.

Lord Jesus, even though I don’t see you, I can believe in you and receive you into my life. Thank you for loving me, for dying on the cross for me, and for raising from the dead. Thank you for your Spirit living in me always. In your name I pray, Amen!


Cx :-)

Cynthia thank you once again for these wonderful posts.

I look forward to reading them everyday as I'm sure
others do also x

Good morning :-)

Thank you Emma......I do my best :-D

The Resurrection appearances of Jesus

Not long after he had appeared to Peter, we are told that he then appeared to the other apostles but Thomas was missing. When they told Thomas that the Lord had appeared to them, he refused to believe them – unless he saw Jesus for himself.

A week went by. The disciples were gathered together in the house again. This time Thomas was with them, too. Again, Jesus came, stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Jesus offered to let Thomas touch the wounds in his hands and side, but Thomas believed immediately. He worshipped Jesus by saying, "My Lord and my God!"

Jesus said, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

Lovely words. Cx :-)

Good Friday here, very quiet on the dog walk. :-D

Many are off work. Services last night accompanied by the clanging :-D

Hope you all have a good day. <3

Lovely words indeed Cynthia x

My thoughts and prayers for those in need of
comfort whether in words or deed.x

Good morning :-)

I imagine your church bells will be going crazy tomorrow Pat - ear muffs at the ready :-D :-D

We had good news this morning. The little boy with meningitis has been allowed home with visits back to the hospital every other day.....but good news indeed <3


We round up the good news which was the focus of our worship last week.

After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people but we will end this week with one of the most well known appearances…….On the Beach – not the film, but an interesting story.

Not long after the resurrection, Simon Peter and some of the other disciples had just spent all night fishing but had caught nothing. Looking towards the shore, they could see someone waving to them.

It was Jesus, and he called out to the men on the boat to cast their nets on the other side if they wanted to catch fish. Miraculously, they immediately caught a huge haul of large fish. They hauled it in and then joined Jesus on the shore. Jesus had a fire going and cooked breakfast for the men.

Afterwards Jesus talked to Simon Peter and gave him that famous instruction to “Feed my sheep”. Even though Simon Peter had denied Jesus during his trial and run away, Jesus forgave Peter and accepted him back as a friend.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I often think about my life and how I have let you down. I sometimes am afraid to draw close to you because my sin is always before me. I thank you for the story of Jesus and Simon Peter on the beach. It helps me realize that I no longer need to be afraid or feel guilty, that you are reaching for me today, and that your arms are open wide. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Love to all Cx :-)

The bells, the bells ;-)

8 am today 1 starts, another joins in then left on their own, a third church starts within seconds of the 2nd one finishing. Better than Thursday as I now find several friends woken at 05.30 on Thursday morning by the bells in a nearby village.

No early night tonight. Late evening service which ends just before midnight then a bonfire is lit and a firework display. They burn Judas Iscariot on the bonfire.

Good Morning :-)

Goodness me Pat, it's all go out there isn't it? :-D Do tell us how Easter Day goes.


The Collect (special prayer) set 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.

The gospel for today tells of the apostles proclaiming the Risen Lord and the generosity of people in giving to the needy.

There are two little girls to be baptised in our morning service. :-)


Cx :-)

We were up keeping the dog company until just after 1 am this morning. Priya is frightened by the fireworks. She has spent the morning sleeping as she's tired, doesn't help us though. :-0

Bells mid morning here. No food until after first service of the morning then a special soup. This afternoon lots of lamb eaten. Many family get togethers, BBQs and enormous amounts eaten.

Those who take Lent seriously will not have eaten meat for 40 days. The hospital A & Es will be on standby for all the stomach complaints coming in. You often see in the local papers the numbers dealt with at the hospitals on Easter Sunday and Monday. :-S

All the shops except for small corner shops have to close today by order of the government, some have ignored this in past years. The church population like UK is dropping, not many younger people go.

Just hearing more fireworks going off in the far distance, Priya sleeping through it. :-D

No good moving to Cyprus for a quiet life then :-)

Thank you for the posts as always Cynthia. It’s great that the little boy with meningitis is doing well.

It looks as though there is an interesting television programme tonight about women in early Christianity. 8pm on Channel 4. I am recording it as I won’t be able to watch it tonight.

Thinking of all who are in need of a little extra support today.

Dear All

Hello

Hope things are going better.

Hello Pat in Cyprus.....a very happy Easter to you.


Take gentle care
Love Elizabeth, EOS
xx

Good morning :-)

Lovely to see you all ......... :-)

Easter over here seems to be a much quieter event than in Cyprus - but we did have our church bells ringing on Easter Day. I have to smile at the thought of all those sore tummies though! :-D

Who doesn't love good news?

Last week, we celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Christ from the dead - the best Good News ever.

Whenever good things happen, it is always right to give thanks.

Lord,
Thank You for this day–
a fresh start,
a new opportunity,
a gift from You.
Thank You for filling it
with the joy of friends,
the wonder of what might be,
an awareness that You are here–
watching, waiting, loving,
more awesome than anything
that stands against me.
More loving than anyone
on this Earth.
More than I can imagine.
Thank You.

Cx :-)

Good morning Cynthia,

I watched a programme on ch4 Jesus's Female Disciples
which I found very interesting and learnt things I never
knew about. Did you see that Cynthia or anyone who looks in.

Thinking of all who are alone x

Good morning :-)

I think it will be the same programme which Vera mentioned Emma - someone told me about it but I haven't watched it yet. Will hopefully get it on catch up tv. Sounds as though you enjoyed it :-D


In our week of saying 'Thank you' to God, we remember our friends.

Dear Lord,
We thank you for our friends – the people we enjoy being with – the people we are happy to spend time with. Bless our time together, that we may appreciate our friendships and reflect your truth in our lives, and carry your love in our hearts. Amen.


Love to my friends......Cx :-)

Also sending love to the special people
in my life, my friends <3