General Chat

Good morning :)

Tuesday of Holy Week…….Jesus Curses a Fig Tree.

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

For Jesus, the leafy barren fig tree must have been a picture of religious Jews of that day, all flash and finery. They knew the right words to say but their hearts were far from God.

God of Truth, save us from a religion of mere words: from repeating phrases which have lost their meaning; from uttering empty prayers that have no soul; from calling Jesus “Lord, Lord,” when we fail to own His sovereignty. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Haven't sung that hymn for a long time kandj.....thank you. <3

Nearly full church yesterday with almost 200 palm crosses given out and two babies baptised. Each family was given a tiny palm cross to put aside for their little ones and to remind them of their baptism. :-D

We are now in Holy Week. Yesterday we came away from church with our palm crosses to remind us of Jesus entering Jerusalem.
Today we remember how he threw the money changers out of the temple.

"Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!"
Jesus worshipped God in the temple somewhat like we worship God in the church building. When he went to the temple, however, he saw things he did not like.

Is it possible to worship badly now, also? Yes. We can miss the point and worship to serve our own ends rather than God’s.

How does God want us to worship Him? We should think about Him, not us. We should be thoughtful of others. We should try to learn all we can. We should behave ourselves, and not be disrespectful.

We can do this by being quiet, listening to the speaker, singing the hymns, and concentrating on the prayers.

Worshipping God is like meeting Him in person. What could we do to displease God during worship? Thinking about worldly things. Talking when we should be listening. Not concentrating on what is happening. Moving around and disturbing other. We need to focus……….and be still.

Lord, help us to worship in spirit and in truth.

Cx :-)

Hello all

A beautiful sunny God-given Palm Sunday here, which is a real tonic to us both.

My favourite all time Palm Sunday hymn is one I'd like to share with you all today:--

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam
Thou silver moon with softer gleam

O Praise Him, O Praise Him
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

I hope all reading this will enjoy a happy and blessed Palm Sunday today xx

Good morning :-)


TODAY IS PALM SUNDAY.
Everyone in many churches will receive a palm cross to remember the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Collect for today
Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The reading tells the story of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

We also have two baptisms this morning - it could get a bit manic. :-D


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

As we approach the holiest week of the Christian year, we offer this prayer.

Fill with your Spirit Christ’s broken body, the Church … Give to Christian people everywhere a deep longing to take up the cross and to understand its mysterious glory. By the Saviour’s cross and passion, Lord, save us and help us.

We ask God to bless those who lead Christian worship throughout the world this week.

Cx . :-)

Hello all

Joining Cynthia with thoughts and prayers for all caught up in the troubles in Syria. Unbelievably shocking and distressing news coverage of this heartbreaking situation.

I have read back and say Thank You Vera for your kind words. Hubby is responding to the antibiotics and we feel blessed to still have the NHS to turn to (yet again!).

Sending gentle (((hugs))) to those struggling during Passiontide week. xxx

Good morning :)

Listening to this morning's news, we pray for all those involved in the ongoing conflict in Syria and for the families of those who have been killed.

Passiontide……..and Passion Plays. What IS a Passion Play?

A Passion Play dramatises the events of the last week of Jesus’ life, depicting the events that led up to his crucifixion. Many Passion Plays today also include a dramatic portrayal of Jesus’ life, including his teachings and miracles, and his resurrection to show the context in which his death took place.

Passion Plays use theatre to bring the words of the Gospel to life in new, often vivid and startling, ways. They show how the message of second chances, forgiveness and new opportunities has the potential to speak life and hope into communities struggling with poverty, crime, addiction or hopelessness and boredom.

Oberammergau Passion Play is probably the most famous play of all and has been taking place since 1634. They take place every 10 years and people flock to see them from all over the world.

However, whilst researching this subject, I was surprised to see how many Passion Plays are taking place in the UK in 2017. I would imagine they would be very worthwhile. Take a look at this link to see if there is one local to you....

http://passion-plays.co.uk/passion-plays-2017/


Cx :-)

Good morning :)

Last night, 20 folk from church, from the age of 6 upwards, met to make Palm Crosses. Oh my word, we had so much fun. I was leading the session because this is one of the few craft things I can actually do and it was fun teaching others. A really good night. Mind you, this was after Baptism prep where we had had 6 families.........and still they come.

Continuing to look at various aspects of The Passion....

Today, The Passion of Christ………in art

The Passion is one of the most common subjects in art. Paintings of the Crucifixion were much in demand for church use.

The earliest paintings of the Crucifixion date from the 5th century.

Among the most famous paintings is the Isenheim altarpiece (1515) by Mathias Grunewald shown below. The painting of the Crucifixion is gruelling in both its detailed treatment of the physical anguish of Jesus, and the visual language used.

The Crucifix as a sculpted cross with the figure of Jesus dates from the 10th century (the Gero Cross of Cologne Cathedral).

In many churches a Crucifix stands on the choir screen, in the arch between the nave and the chancel. These are often known as 'roods' and the screen as a 'rood screen'. Rood comes from the Saxon word for a crucifix.

I had never heard of this work of art but, on googling, found it to be breathtaking. Pictures can be found on this link….

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isenheim_Altarpiece

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

During this season of Passiontide, let's take a look at The Passion of Christ…….in music.

In Christian music a Passion is a setting of the Passion of Christ. Liturgically most Passions were intended to be performed as part of church services in the Holy Week.

Passion settings developed from intoned readings of the Gospel texts relating Christ's Passion since Medieval times. Passion Plays, another tradition that originated in the Middle Ages, could be provided with music such as hymns.

The best known example is probably The St. Matthew Passion, a sacred oratorio written by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1727.

When you get a chance, sit back, relax and listen to part of this wonderful work of music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1lpv1kKwgo

Another musical setting is the rock opera – Jesus Christ Superstar.
I saw this when it first came out…..absolutely stunning. This is just one song from it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-ChyH9RHfY


Be inspired....


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Something associated with this time of year is the beautiful Passion Flower.

Even the history of this striking flower is rich with reverence. Called "Espina de Cristo" (Christ's thorns) by Spanish Christian missionaries who first discovered it in South America, each part of the flower holds symbolic meaning in recognition of the crucifixion story - the passion of the Christ.

Five sepals and five petals refer to the ten faithful apostles (excluding Judas and Peter).

Three stigma represent the three nails that held Christ to the cross.

Five anthers represent his five sacred wounds.

The tendrils of the flower are said to resemble the whips used in the whipping.

The filaments, which can number in excess of a hundred depending on the flower, depict the crown of thorns.

This powerful symbolism has led to the inclusion of the Passion Flower among the ornamentation of various churches, such as in stained glass window designs, altar frontals and lectern falls.

Lord, as we marvel at the beauty of this flower, may we be touched by the symbolism of your passion and pain. Amen.

Cx :-)

I think a lot of churches these days are much more geared up to children, though your church seems to be quite exceptional Cynthia. I also like the fact that church buildings are used for much more than just once a week services.

I am sorry to hear that your hubby is not too well again Kandj. I hope the antibiotics kick in quickly. Care for him but take care of yourself as well.

Today my thoughts are with all who are suffering mental problems. May they receive support and comfort.

Good morning :-)

Loved that article Dermot, although I think it should be pointed out that many churches draw a huge amount of young families into their midst. We get a fair few, but we do realise that it is often to do with getting into school etc. However, whilst they attend, we hope and pray that a seed may be sown.

We are an officially 'child friendly' church and have a diocesan certificate to prove it :-D

We have the toilet facilities necessary - changing station etc and a whole host of toys which can be played with in the meeting room which is at the back of church.

Each pre-schooler is handed a bag which contains crayons, books and a lacing card and a picture to colour.

We simply ask that parents keep their children from playing in the chancel and sanctuary areas - apart from the fact that these are spaces which are much respected during worship, there are also sharp corners, steps and lit candles to contend with.

On with today......

We have now entered the last two weeks of Lent…..known as Passiontide. This begins on Passion Sunday (yesterday) and ends on Holy Saturday.

The Passion of Christ is the story of Jesus Christ's arrest, trial and suffering. It ends with his execution by crucifixion. The Passion is an episode in a longer story and cannot be properly understood without the story of the Resurrection.

The word Passion comes from the Latin word for suffering. The Passion is a story about injustice, doubt, fear, pain and, ultimately, degrading death. It tells how God experienced these things in the same way as ordinary human beings.

During the next two weeks we will look at some of the aspects of this holy season.

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever.

Amen.

Amongst the various items discussed at our local Three-Parish Pastoral Council meeting held in October last year was the worrying dearth of youngsters & young families attending our churches. One might conclude that the Pied Piper of Hamelin had marched through the area.

There was an old rule of thumb much loved and adhered to by adults of a bye-gone generation that suggested young children should be seen and not heard. Few, it should be said, took that idea more to heart than the Catholic Church. The only noise expected to be made (the collection plate excepted) during Mass was to respond to the priest in the way laid out in the Mass booklet.

For the few carefree youngsters who might have taken a more freestyle approach to proceedings on the Altar, there were special rooms – still are in some churches – into which those likely to make irritant noises during Mass were corralled like sheep.

Some foolhardy inexperienced parents were brave enough to take a chance on their little treasures maintaining a job-like silence during ceremonies. But they then ran the risk of having to take the ultimate walk of shame down the side aisle with a screaming child wriggling from their grasp while the priest would halt proceedings temporarily just to heighten the tension & embarrassment.

Talking during Mass was up there with stealing the altar wine in terms of sin – but, it seems, no more. One church in London I used to attend made a point of reminding parents that there were crayons and sheets of paper in front of the altar in case any of the younger participants need a temporary diversion.

Apparently, this church isn't on its own in this more liberal approach to children – other churches have been doing so for years – although I’ve not witnessed it down here in Devon yet.

The sheets of paper supplied – it must be said – had a religious theme to them, but little people just want to colour inside and outside the printed lines; some very young ones may not recognise Christ’s face from Goosy Goosy Gander on TV, and they're as likely to give Him a purple face as a flesh-coloured one. No harm!

Nobody really minds the odd yelp out of a little person during Mass – at least outside of the consecration – and bringing them along is the only way that young parents themselves can get to go in the first place.

Equally, after arriving at church, what's the point of enclosing yourself & offspring in a soundproof room away from the main body of the Church? You might as well stay at home and tune into a Mass on local radio.

So setting out the crayons is a good idea – assuming the little ones stick to colouring in the pages rather than parts of the church’s ancient & precious fabric. There is little wrong with a little bit of noise during Mass anyway; God did not intend anyone to sit like automatons, speaking only when spoken to – and certainly healthy two year olds were never put on this earth to sit still for very long.

Small steps for sure, but ones in the right direction – and maybe the next generation will turn Mass attendance into an art form as well as regular occurrence. Please God, it will happen!

Good morning :-)


Awww.... so sorry to hear that your husband isn't too well again kandj.......don't worry about those weeds, you need your energy to look after yourself as well.

Yes, the link was an April Fool's joke as far as our church is concerned, but the practice of baptising babies in such a fashion is commonplace in Russia and elsewhere. I looked at several such videos and watched open mouthed as the babies were 'dunked' in quite a violent fashion. :-0

The Collect for today....

Most merciful God,
who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
delivered and saved the world:
grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross
we may triumph in the power of his victory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The gospel for today tells the wonderful story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.


Take care all. Cx :-)

Hello all

Hubby not well at all, back to more antibiotics poor love. Hope they kick in soon.

Cynthia I looked at your mass baptism link, noooooo, just far too cruel to baby!!
An April Fool joke I hope???

This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice
and be glad in it. Psalm 118;24 of the King James Version.

A bright dry day here, the garden weeds are calling me outside,I need some energy

Blessing to all reading this today xxx

Good morning :-)


This is a new day that God has made

Rejoice and celebrate.
Enjoy it, God is with you
May you have blessings in
everything you do and say.

Have a great day, to look at your family
and thank God for them.
See how God is helping them
in whatever they need.

Make it a day full of light and harmony
on the whole family,
with opportunities to share
even by phone or skype
keep in good loving relationships.


On another note, we have a very large number of baptisms at our church as I am sure some of you will have realised.

Recently, the PCC discussed the possibility of introducing a new system similar to the one shown in the following link. We can but try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne6JCpuvMWw


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Good to see you kandj....... <3


Lent is a time to take time to let the power
of our faith story take hold of us,
a time to let the events get up
and walk around in us,
a time to intensify our living unto Christ,
a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
a time to place our feet in the streets of
Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and
listen to his Word,
a time to touch his robe
and feel the healing surge through us,
a time to ponder and a time to wonder….
Lent is a time to allow
a fresh new taste of God!
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,
for thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future
knowing our past.
Give us courage, O God,
to hear your Word
and to read our living into it.
Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven
and give us the faith
to take up our lives and walk.

- Ann Weems

Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all

Thank you for Jesu lover of my soul link. One of my favourite hymns Cynthia.

Little children passing here this morning carrying home made Easter decorations
of chicks and lambs and colourful eggs. All excited and happy faces for school.

"Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there."
(Clarence W.Hall)

A smile on its way to whoever is needing one today. xx

Good morning :-)


As we move slowly through Lent, we begin to think about what lies ahead..

What Easter means to me....

• A fresh start.
• A clean start.
• Forgiven pasts.
• True Love that lasts.
• A Holy embrace.
• A face to Face.
• Man’s peace restored forevermore.
• Love far and wide for me, His bride.
• The Saviour Divine,
• Forever mine.
• No longer blind, now Christ I see.
• That’s what Easter means to me.

- Jennifer Walker


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



During the season of Lent, this hymn is often sung…..the language may be archaic but the sentiments are prayerful…and comforting.



Jesu, lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters toll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, till the storm of life is past:
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on thee;
Leave, ah! Leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed, all my help from thee I bring,
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of thy wing.

Plenteous grace with thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound,
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of thee;
Spring thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity.


To hear it, please click on this link..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFaiiPv-Q6I



Cx :-)