General Chat

Good morning :-)


It is a fact that thousands of soldiers faced terrible poverty after fighting in World War One. They had been promised 'a land fit for heroes' - instead, they were confronted with years of strikes, high unemployment and hunger marches in the years between the First and Second World Wars.

After the war, soldiers struggled as veterans looking for employment which was not there. A lot of men didn't want handouts, they wanted to work for a living, they wanted a proper job.

Sadly, today, we still have men and women, who have returned from conflicts, who experience problems with employment, resettlement, with housing.

Lord, we ask that these brave people, when they return from any conflict in our name, may be treated with compassion, care and respect. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Looking back at how those injured in WW1 were cared for, it was interesting to see an article in the news today, about how treatment is improving for military personnel! It was a very different story one hundred years ago.

After WW1, many soldiers were left with serious physical injuries. One of the most common was damage to a limb which then had to be removed. What was the original treatment for this in WW1? The treatment was usually amputation surgery and the application of an artificial limb.

Soldiers who lost a limb were all entitled to receive an artificial limb. These were mostly made of wood and only really provided support.

41,000 out of seven million British soldiers endured an amputation in the First World War and survived the process.

Lord, we think of those who are suffering this sort of injury in today’s world and give thanks for the specialised treatment which is now available to them. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning - just :-)


A very busy morning with lots of folk turning up at the local cenotaph. In the evening we lit a beacon and rang the muffled church bells. A lovely weekend of remembrance.


We continue to pray for all those affected by the dreadful fires in California.....just awful.

So, another Remembrance Day is over......but is it? Do we simply forget about those who suffered because the day has passed? Do we forget about our own loved ones after their funeral? No, of course we don't. I thought that this week, we could look at how soldiers were affected after WW1 had ended.

Many, many suffered from Shell Shock both during and after the war.
At the start of the war, shell shock was believed to be caused by a physical injury to the nerves such as: Being buried alive or being exposed to heavy bombardment.
Patients were treated with massages, rest, special diets and electric shock. These treatments were not very speedy or helpful as they were viewing it in the wrong way.

Men with shell shock were made to feel ashamed that they could not handle the war the way a 'man' would.

Gradually, treatment changed to a ‘talking cure’, which included hypnosis and resting, which was a much quicker recovery. Between 1914 and 1918, 80,000 soldiers of the British Army were suffering from Shell Shock.

We pray for those in today's armed forces who suffer as a result of what they have endured - that they may receive care, compassion and love. Amen.


Cx

For freedom's sake they served and are serving, for yesterday, today and tomorrow, we remember. <3

Good morning :-)


‘It is a dream, tears fill the eyes of many men while French, English and Ger-mans smiling almost hysterically shake hands with each other. Our English lads although few in number, sing ‘Tipperary’ at the request of the French, who ask for it again and again.’


We will remember them. <3

Good morning :-)

I agree Vera - and I still hear stories of families who lost several sons during both World Wars. So very sad.


Today we pray for the people who are caught in the dreadful fires in California, that they may soon be under control. We pray for those who have lost their lives, families and homes. We thank God for the bravery of the firefighters. Be with them all Lord. Amen.


A centenary of remembrance

A hundred years after the event, Remembrance Day and first world war memorials still provide a time and place to remember those who fought and fell in the conflict. For the most senior citizens among us, this is their parents’ generation; a past they still live with.

On November 11 2018, to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of one of the world’s deadliest conflicts, you may choose to attend a Remembrance Day service. You may choose not to, or not even notice that it is Remembrance Day.

During the minute of silence, you may reflect on the meaning of war and its long-lasting impacts, its futility or its glory, think about a family member, or the weather. This degree of versatility partly explains the endurance of Remembrance Day. An official and public event, but also a personal gesture that everyone can embed with their own meaning.


Cx :-)

Thank you for the week’s posts Cynthia. The contemporary accounts of the ending of WW1 are very moving.

I have just been watching our local news and hearing of yet another lady who lost both her sons, aged 19 and 21, within a few weeks of each other. There were so many in that situation. My great grandmother was very fortunate that her four sons all came home.

Perhaps we should keep in our thoughts those families, of every nation, who are still losing their loved ones in conflict

Good morning :-)

We think of our friends in the US as they face yet another mass shooting and the spread of more wildfires. We ask that God will give comfort and strength to all who are involved in any way.

Continuing with items from Armistice Day 1918

Second Lieutenant H C Blagrove writing to ‘Dear Old Mums’ in Ashtead, Surrey:

‘I expect you have heard the news by this time that the war is finished. Many many thanks for the lovely parcel which came yesterday. I gave some of the cake to some French people in my billet in a little village. They have not tasted cake or chocolate for nearly four years.

They hid all their brass door knobs etc and even clothing and mattresses by burying them in the garden and they even had to take their bread to bed with them as the Bosche used to come in and take it. It is rather interesting to see them digging their various possessions from the garden.’



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Ceasefire memories.....


For 13-year-old Olive Wells at school in Streatham the war’s end meant, among other things, no homework for a week.

‘We came to school this morning hardly realising what a great day this was going to be. Miss Bassett told us that the Armistice was signed. We cheered until we were hoarse. At 11 o’clock the guns were fired, the church bells were rung, the sirens were blown – we did not think of air raids as we would have done any other day. Our home work was excused for the week. The guns are booming while I am writing this."

'We are coming out of school at 12.30pm instead of 12.45pm this morning. This has started as a day of rejoicing and I am sure will end as happily.’



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Continuing our look at the various reactions to the ceasefire in 1918.

Unaware as yet of the armistice, Clifford Carter was still thinking of the shelling that lay ahead for his men in the trenches recently captured from the Germans. "The first parade of my platoon was to the baths – an unusual treat. I left them there to spend an hour wallowing in hot water. They were in a gloomy mood having some idea of what was in store for them that night."

He went for a stroll through the town and passed a house where a signaller ‘leapt through the door into the road as though he had been shot and pinned up a notice'.

It read Hostilities will cease at 11am today'. I

"Its significance dawned on me. We shan’t have to go to the trenches tonight; the air won’t be pierced by bursting shells and whining bullets. I shan’t have any casualties in my platoon tonight; we shall all be alive tomorrow".



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Armistice Day 1918

Captain Leonard Burleigh, whose batman had saved him six days earlier, was still in hospital, but was now well enough to write home:

‘My dear Mother and Dad,

So the war is over – Hurrah!! – I can hardly realise it. I wonder what will happen now? No doubt there will be a lot of clearing up to do. I am getting on fine and expect to be moved to Lille very soon. When they will send me home is all a matter of luck once I am fit for the journey. Well don’t worry mother, I am getting on splendidly. Just looking forward to a rattling good time at home.

With Fondest love
Leonard.’

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

This week we commemorate the ending of the First World War: four years of fighting; 10 million soldiers dead, including almost one million from the Brit-ish Empire. In Britain alone about three million people lost a close relative.

The armistice that brought the war to an end was signed at 5.10 on the morn-ing of 11 November 1918. But to give time for the news to reach the front line, the ceasefire did not come into force until 11am. On that last morning, 2,738 men on all sides lost their lives.

Through the week we will look at some reactions on that very special day.

Captain Thomas F. Grady, serving with a machine gun battalion wrote:

‘Buried Jones. Big German hospital nearby. Cold and raining. Runner in at 10.30am with orders to cease fire at 11.am. 306 Machine Gun Company on my right lost 12 men at 10.55 when a high explosive landed in their midst. At 11 am sharp the shelling ceased on both sides and we don’t know what to say.’


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The collect for today:

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous
and godly living that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
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.


The gospel is taken from St. John and is where Jesus uses several of his famous sayings….
”Do not let your hearts be troubled,”
“My Father’s house has many dwelling places,”
“I am the Way and the Truth and the Life"
and ”No one goes to the Father except through me.”


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thank you Elizabeth, that's very nice of you to say so and I am glad you are looking in. <3


Having looked at possibilities for Christian gifts over the Christmas period, we finish with how we dress our homes. If a stranger came to the door, would they know that a Christian lived there?

Most Christians I know have some sort of Nativity scene – from the very simple to the more expensive and elaborate. However, there are other give-away decorations….from tree baubles with Christmas words, to Christian Christmas crackers and ornaments.


Father God, as we prepare for the Coming of your Son Jesus, help us to bear witness to the faith – to show others how much the faith means to us – by how we live our lives. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello Cynthia

Just wanted to say I continue to look in most days, and to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to remember us all :-)

Good morning and sorry for missing yesterday :-)


I've been looking for more presents with a Christian theme which are suitable for Christmas presents....its amazing what's out there when you start to look.

One of the things I liked most was the small wooden 'holding' crosses. These are small crosses which fit in the palm of your hand. They can be given to people at various occasions such as baptisms and confirmations.....they can be used to give comfort and as a reminder of Jesus. They are not a good luck charm or anything like that, but simply something to hold on to. They remind me of that old, old hymn The Old Rugged Cross.


On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.


Cx :-)

Hallo everyone
Christmas does seem to become a little more frantic and more commercialised every year and the shops seem to think Advent begins about July. I have to admit to enjoying the decorations and food and presents but I refuse to do anything before 1st December and Christmas really starts for me with the Nine Lessons & Carols service from Kings College.

In the meantime I hope you all enjoy November :-)

Good morning :-)


Keeping Christ in Christmas – it’s up to us!

Christmas present ideas. In keeping with our faith, we are going to be looking at helping those in need during December so keep watching!

I am sure most people could do with some help in finding something a little bit different but not too expensive. I have been looking around and have come up with a few ideas which have a gentle Christian theme.

There are tea towels for ‘the overcomer’; A good friend is a gift from God; In this home; May the Spirit of Christmas; Bible quiz and others.

There are candles for Peace and joy and those with popular verses on them - all shapes and sizes.

I’ll see what else I can find for tomorrow.

Thank you God for sending the best present ever – your Blessed Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Keeping Christ in Christmas – it’s up to us!

With this in mind, what about the cards we send to family and friends? Some people have opted out of this altogether and, instead, give a donation to charity but, for those who still give cards, do we give cute, funny, traditional winter scene cards or do we give those which represent what the season is actually about?

Sometimes it can seem hard to find religious cards, but they are out there if you look hard enough. Your favourite charity should have at least a couple of religious cards to choose from.

If we as Christians do not send religious cards, then they will disappear from the shops. It’s up to us.

Lord, help us never to be afraid to stand up for you. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Did I miss yesterday? Ooops. apologies for those who look in.


A week with a difference. Christmas is coming……. how about some ideas for gifts, but with a Christian twist?

Keeping Christ in Christmas – it’s up to us!

First though, we have Advent. I have been trawling through the many and various Advent Calendars which are on offer. There is everything, from the cheap to the mega expensive. I have found cal-endars containing, chocolate, toys, candles, cosmetics, jewellery, al-cohol, Lego and much more besides.

There are Advent calendars which are cute, funny, character based, silly, rude, religious and non-religious but what are Advents calendars all about really? Advent is the time of year when Christians prepare and wait for the coming of Christ, so the calendars are used to help us ‘countdown’.

As Christians, it is up to us to lead the way in keeping Christ in Christmas – so what better than to give out a Christian ‘religious’ calendar rather than a ‘cutesy’ one?

There are religious calendars available but not so many have chocolates in them but I found two - one from the Real Chocolate company and one from Traidcraft - there may be more.


Lord, help us to keep you at the centre of our celebrations. Amen.


Cx :-)