General Chat

Hello all

Cynthia, ongoing prayers for you and all your family as you walk the lonely bereavement path.

After reading the Lenten thoughts on water today
I am mindful of the many ways that water affects all of our lives.

Praying for all who travel or work at sea or on inland waterways. Remembering also all who have been flooded in recent months.

Good morning :-)

A longish read - please bear with me :-D


The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty God, you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;
through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever
Amen.

The gospel tells the story of Nicodemus asking Jesus about being born again.

Lent Course:

This week we’ll be reflecting on water’s central place in both life and faith. We’ll explore how we can better use, conserve and share this precious gift of God, strengthened and encouraged by our faith in Jesus who offers “living water”.


Prayer for the week
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Behold, I freely give
the living water; thirsty one,
stoop down and drink, and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
From “I heard the voice of Jesus say”,
by Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

As we think about the gift of water at this time, we also remember and continue to pray for those whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated by floods in recent weeks.

God of compassion,
you hear the cries of all who are in trouble or distress;
accept our prayers for those whose lives are affected by storms and flooding:
strengthen them in their hour of need,
grant them perseverance and courage to face the future
and be to them a firm foundation on which to build their lives;
this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A prayer for the emergency services and those coping with the flooding
God of compassion,
hear our prayers for those who are affected by storms and flooding:
strengthen them in their hour of need, and
grant them courage to face the future,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cloudy and chilly here today. Roll on Springtime.

Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu is a real inspiration. A colourful character with the most beautiful smile ever.

"Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all of the darkness." (Desmond Tutu).

Thank you all <3

Good morning :-)


Thoughts and prayers go to April's family...... <3


Today's Lent Course.....

John 1.1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

During Lent, we are encouraged to face the reality that there are many dark places in our lives and in our world. We need God’s light to open our eyes to the world’s needs, to bring hope into the darkness.

Whatever challenges we face, it is important we remember, in the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, that “Good is stronger than evil; love is stronger than hate; light is stronger than darkness; life is stronger than death. Victory is ours, through him who loves us.”


Organizations such as Christian Aid and Tearfund work with communities in great need, including those already affected by climate breakdown. Pray for their work, and support it financially, too, if you can.


Help those bringing hope
Read a webpage for a charity like Christian Aid or Tearfund. How do they help to bring light into dark situations, such as countries badly affected by climate change?


Cx :-)

Thinking of April’s family and friends <3

Cynthia’s posts have been talking about light and here we have a beautiful sunlit morning which really lifts the spirits, so today I’m going to try and spread a bit of virtual sunshine around by smiling more and being more cheerful when I talk to anyone. I hope your day is filled with sunshine too.

Hello all

Oh bless her, that's your granddaughter's friend.
A heartbreaking day for her parents, family and friends today. RIP April X

A ((hug)) to you Emma.

Thoughts and prayers with Sophia, family and friends
saying last goodbye to April <3

Good morning :-)


I remember that little song well kandj :-)

Today's reading:


Genesis 1 4-6
4And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
6And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.”


Light is good. Access to light and electricity brings people many benefits, enhancing our security, education and health. The good news is that more than 920 million people have gained access since 2010. However, some 650 million people are likely still to be without electricity in 2030, the vast majority of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

We need to provide light and heat to the whole world, in ways that use renewable sources and neither pollute the environment nor pump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

A third of the UK’s electricity now comes from renewable sources like solar. Ask your provider if you can swith to a 100% renewable energy tariff. If not, find one via the big church switch website.

Give thanks for light and warmth at home. Almost a billion more people now have electricity at home than did 10 years ago. Thank God for this progress, and for your own home too.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Reading Cynthia's post has had me singing the lovely little song I learned in Sunday School very many years ago, and I still love it as much today.

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 me in mine.

Good morning :-)


The only scooter I am likely to have now is a mobility one I think - but not yet! :-D

I am also trying to think of ways of how I can improve my carbon footprint but with having a dodgy knee, walking far is a challenge.

I remember those virtual trips too Tabitha.....many moons ago now since we planned what we would bring to eat! :-D :-D


Today's Lent Course

Matthew 5.14-16
14 ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Jesus describes himself in John’s Gospel as “the light of the world” (8.12). In Matthew 5 he encourages his followers to see themselves in a similar way. The good news of God’s kingdom we have heard is news to be shared, not kept secret or hidden.

How much is witnessing to God’s love for creation part of your own Christian witness? Or that of your local church community? Is it time to make your concern more visible?

As well as adjustments in our own lives, tackling climate change will require governments and businesses to make big changes. Take time to convey your concerns as a citizen, consumer, voter and member of your church.

Let your light shine
Jesus calls us to share his light with the world. Can you suggest ways your family, school or church could take better care of creation?


Cx :-)

<3 <3 <3

I am sure you would look very dashing on a scooter Cynthia :-D

Your post today immediately brought to mind the Graham Kendrick hymn “Shine, Jesus, Shine”. I do like that hymn but I now can’t get it out of my head.

Our attempts to use the car less haven’t been terribly successful as our bus service has been pared to the bone. When we moved here 6 years ago we had 3 fairly regular buses. Since then one has been discontinued altogether, one is still hourly but has been rerouted so it is much less convenient and the other is now every 2 hours. So the car is a necessity but we try and do our bit by combining several trips where possible. I tell OH where we need to go and he works out the best route round. We also liaise with friends so that where we can we only use one car instead of two or even three.

I am also trying to save water and power by not lingering in the shower which I am inclined to do.

These are all just drops in the ocean I know but I hope that, as the advert says, “Every little helps”.

My thoughts tonight are with health workers everywhere as they take care of our sick and injured and now have the extra hazard of Coronavirus to contend with.

Hello all

Take things slowly and look after yourself Cynthia.

I'm planning to join in the first session of a Lent Course held in my church this evening. I'm not used to going out when it's dark and it is several years since I was able to go to any local Lent Courses, so wish me luck.

Depends on the scooter - Vespa - Mobile hairdryer variety - Harley D - or the little push along ones with your foot to the Electric ones I saw on my way to work today.

Cynthia you and the girls kept me going over some of my darkest days - now we are here for you. I still remember very fondly our virtual trips out.

Take care - its good to eat out occasionally & meet with friends

Good morning :-)


Thank you for all the good wishes......I am trying to take care of myself honestly. Sleep pattern in better but still a bit erratic and my eating is a bit hit and miss too. I am eating out now and then as I hate cooking. Doing work such as this on the computer actually helps me so I am fine with this. :-D



Today's reading :

Isaiah 2.2-5
2 In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!

Light is a powerful symbol of God’s presence in the Bible, providing guidance in the darkness and showing his people the way. In Exodus 13, as the Israelites flee captivity in Egypt, God goes before them in a pillar of fire.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path,” declares the psalmist (Psalm 119.105). God’s word illuminates our path, providing us with guidance on how we might walk in God’s light.

However light and sunny it is – or isn’t! – today, make at least one journey on foot.

Longer term, could you make more sustainable travel choices, such as cycling or using public transport?

Walk in the light
Walking or cycling – rather than driving – are good for our health and for the environment. Can you make one extra journey on foot, bike or scooter today?


Now, why does the thought of me on a scooter make me laugh? :-D

Cx :-)

<3 Cynthia

Cynthia, take time please to think of yourself <3

Thoughts and prayers for those in need x

I think in answer to your question on Monday.

My response would be - to sit down and make/take time to appreciate what is around me, stop rushing around all the time. Make time to contemplate all the wonderful things he has done and count my blessings.

I loved today's reading, its a very long time since I read that. It brought back memories of Bible study evenings and friends no longer here.

Take care Cynthia

Hello all

Cynthia, I hope you're eating to keep yourself well.

Vera, the tumble dryer broke and I've managed so far without one. I do like to peg the clothes on the line.

My effort to conserve energy is to wash clothes on a lower setting in the machine and to turn the heating down one notch. I haven't felt a big difference in either of these things and it's helping to save energy.

Continuing to pray for those whose homes have been devastated by the recent floods in past months.