General Chat

I may have posted this before but I can put on me earphones close my eyes and just lie back and enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLMzr3PFgk

Good morning everyone. :-)

Kandj, I do hope that there hasn't been any damage to the church roof or, indeed, to any part of the church. Repair jobs on churches can reach astronomical figures these days and can severely disrupt the worship plan. Apart from that, clergy have enough to do without all the money raising which needs to be done when this sort of thing happens. Hopefully, someone may come up with a plan where the tree can be firmly fixed and still spill it's cheer into the village.


A gentle prayer for today:

I said a Christmas Prayer for you
Because the season's near.
I didn't ask for riches
But for gifts so much more dear.

I asked for joyful gatherings
With your family all round,
And for carols to inspire you
With their old familiar sound.

I asked for quiet moments
In your heart on Christmas morn,
For a special time to celebrate
The Savior who was born.

I asked for friends to send their best
That you might know they care;
I asked for peace and love and hope,
And I know God heard my prayer.

~ Author Unknown ~




This morning I am going to the funeral of an elderly man who was a Lay Reader within the church for many years. We thank God for the people who are willing to commit themselves for training and service in this voluntary capacity. For the time and effort the put into their work and for the support they offer to both the clergy and to the people.


Cx

It is lovely to hear these videos and read these lovely words at this time of year. Over a year now since this thread had been going and, after a rocky start, I hope it has given love and mutual support.

I seldom read many of the other threads now, but did note this morning that Emma is not well at the moment. So:

"Dear Father in heaven. You know the needs of Emma better than any of us. Tend to our friend Emma and give her relief from her painful ailment, we beseech you. We hold hands in a virtual sense on this thread and pray for her speedy recovery. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen"

BananaNaNa...... yes, tissues at the ready again and thanks for the links.

Cynthia, thankfully no damage to church roof (pheww) , a local man is now looking at putting the tree back up there more securely and so our beautiful church lights will shine brightly in the village for another year. Many thanks for your words today.

John, I also spotted that Emma is unwell with shingles and hope and pray that she will feel more comfortable before too long.

Day 19 of my Advent calendar;

King Herod sent them to Bethlehem. Matthew 2: 8.

I hope you don't get sick of my postings ........ they may continue until Christmas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg_fgzvG5Io

A real interesting group I like .... check out their other videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzvN1n4qomo&list=FLjSBvB--PxRtX_Vk0FFJV-w&index=252

And if you like steel drums gets interesting around 3:20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TUM7qkQLTk&list=FLjSBvB--PxRtX_Vk0FFJV-w&index=265

Good morning everyone.....don't worry BananaNana, it's good to have a variety of posts on this thread. Too many people think that faith issues are boring and old hat and that not many people go to church anyway ....... fortunately, we know that isn't the case :-)

Sending love and very best wishes to Emma, in the hope that she soon feels much better bless her. <3

An Advent thought:

The Whisper of Christmas . . . .

"There is no evidence of any kind regarding the date of Jesus’ birth. His nativity began to be celebrated on Dec. 25 in Rome during the early part of the fourth century (AD 336) as a Christian counterpart to the pagan festival, popular among the worshipers of Mithras, called Sol Invictis, the Unconquerable Sun.

At the very moment when the days are the shortest and darkness seems to have conquered light, the sun passes its nadir. Days grow longer, and although the cold will only increase for quite a long time, the ultimate conquest of winter is sure.

This astronomical process is a parable of the career of the Incarnate One.

At the moment when history is blackest, and in the least expected and obvious place, the Son of God is born…"

- Joe E. Pennel


Cx. :-)

Cynthia, as always you post such special words for us all...... very many thanks.

BananaNaNa, loving your links and not sick of them at all, thank you for every one.

I agree with John that its good to see the videos and share joy at this time of year.

I hope Emma's shingles are less painful today and she will soon be more comfortable.

Oooops, silly me. I forgot the important bible text for today, (blame "me age") lol

Day 20 of my Advent calendar:

The star which they had seen in the East went before them. Matthew 2:9.

Our prayers today for the many people who have suffered because of the Lockerbie atrocity (21st Dec 1988). So many deaths as that plane plunged out of the sky so needlessly, so many lives affected since of families in many countries - and of many faiths and none.

We hope that our love and prayers reach all those who have been affected - today particularly. <3

'The human imagination breaks free at Christmas, urged on by the desire to see our world as it isn't'. (Irish Independent).

Good morning everyone :-)

Those words are very striking Dermot thank you.

It isn't just the commercialisation of Christmas which I find tedious, I think it's the fact that the whole advertising scene tends to portray Christmas as a time when absolutely everyone is having a great time. Sadly, that is not the case.

Again, there is the tendency to hark back to 'the good old days' when everything was 'wonderful, so let's try and re-create it'. For some yes, it may have been wonderful but, like today, not everyone would have agreed.


However, it is good to be reminded of what Christmas is really about, as in the following verses:


There's a miracle in Christmas ...
There's a stillness in the air
And excitement in the shining eyes
Of children everywhere.

There's a miracle in Christmas
As each silent night unfolds,
And we see again the promise
That this holy season holds.

There's a wonder in traditions,
In the stories passed along;
In our thoughtfulness toward others,
And in voices raised in song.

There's a reassuring comfort
In the joy glad tidings bring
And an inner peace from honoring
And praising Christ the King.

There's a magic in the season,
In the kindnesses we do,
Whether joys are shared my many
Or among a special few.

There's awareness of our gratitude
For blessings from above;
There's a miracle in Christmas,
And the miracle is love.

~ Jan Miller Girando


Cx :-)

Thanks to John for the Lockerbie reminder. Such a tragic event our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are still effected and whose lives were changed forever.

Day 21 of my Advent calendar

They saw the young child and Mary his mother. Matthew 2:11

Loving the posting today Cynthia, thank you.

WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?

It is tenderness from the past, courage for the present and
hope for the future.
It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings
rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.

Agnes M. Pharo

Hi everyone

OH was saying some not very pleasant words about choir ladies this morning (Saturday)!

They had a practice called for 10 am for tomorrow's (Sunday) Chorale.

He got home just before 12:30 pm

The said ladies had spent so much time gossiping, and then having to ask "Where are we?", or "What did you say?" (to the choir mistress), etc etc

OH said the men never said a word, except to ask for specific instructions!


At this moment, he says he will opt out of the Chorale in 2 years time, which is the next time we shall be here for it.


Pity ....................... but not even the choir mistress seems able to control these 4 or 5 ladies.

Two of them even like to conduct the choir from their places in the choir stalls!


Cyn ......... sometimes not all volunteers are blessings! Most are, but there are those few others :-)





I wish every one on here a Merry Christmas

May you enjoy it, no matter how you celebrate, or do not celebrate.


On Christmas Eve, I will try to imagine myself back at that little church in the North, the one that is lit only by candles and oil lamps, and heated by a wood stove.

The one where over 100 people try to squish into a church built to hold no more than 40, so they can participate in the traditional Carol service

The one that sits in the middle of snow-covered fields.


The one where my sis-i-l was minister in charge until she had to suddenly retire 2 months ago.



May the rest of her life be as pain-free as it can be.





take care everyone xxxxx

Good morning everyone :-)

Oh don't I know it Sylvia....... :-D Over the years I have worked with some brilliant volunteers...those who are always willing to go the extra mile or take on extra work to help out and then, you get those whose commitment is somewhat lacking and whose enthusiasm is dim. As for those choir ladies....well! How rude of them and what a shame there is no control over them - they should leave their gossiping until later.

I don't expect we will have our usual number in the congregation this morning as it is the Carol Service tonight but, we will worship together as usual :-)


The Collect for the fourth Sunday in Advent :

God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.


Today, we especially remember Emma and Sylvia's sister-in-law and ask for God's blessing on them both.


Enjoy your Sunday Cx :-)

Day 22 of my Advent calendar

They fell down and worshipped him. Matthew 2:11

Sending gentle hugs and positive vibes to Emma and Sylvia's sister-in-law right now.

Good morning all... :-)

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday morning as there were more in church than I had expected. In the evening, the carol service attracted the usual full house as people flocked in to enjoy the festivities.

All of the organisations took part, either by reading a lesson or by having some of their members process the figures for the crib scene, to the front of church to be gently placed within the stable. Carols were lustily sung and the youth band played happily away for part of the time, all within a good family atmosphere.

After the service, hot drinks and mince pies were served in the meeting room and it was extremely busy with lots of happy chatter going on.


For today:


The Kneeling Santa prayer

The sleigh was all packed and the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of his bed,
"Dear Father" he prayed, "be with me tonight.
There's so much to do and my schedule is tight.
My sack will hold toys to grant all children's wishes.
The supply will be endless, like the loaves and the fishes.
I can do all these things Lord, only through You.
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.
I do this to honour the birth of the One
That was sent to redeem us, your most Holy Son.
So, to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job."
Amen.



Cx :-)

Cynthia, thanks for sharing your Carol service activities with us. Sadly I was unwell yesterday and missed morning church and our Carol service in the evening too.

Day 23 of my Advent calendar

They presented unto him gifts of; gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11.

IF YOU LOOK FOR ME AT CHRISTMAS.

If you look for me at Christmas
You won't need a special star.
I'm no longer just in Bethlehem
I'm right there where you are.
You may not be aware of me
Amid the celebrations
You'll have to look beyond the stores
And all the decorations.
But if you take a moment
From your list of things to do
And listen to your heart, you'll find
I'm waiting there for you.
You're the one I want to be with
You're the reason that I came
And you'll find me in the stillness
As I'm whispering your name.
LOVE,
JESUS.

Hello everyone and thank you John,
Cynthia and kandj for your thoughts
and prayers. :-)

Emma :-)

Just so glad that our prayers are answered Emma and you are feeling a little better now. Take it easy. Enjoy Christmas and the special joy that this brings to everyone.