General Chat

Good morning :-)


A very interesting and thought provoking sermon for us yesterday. The reading was the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes......but the vicar took the word and changed it into the Be-attitudes and worked it all together very well.

Today a rather long poem but worth a read......

A Minister passing through his church
In the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar
To see who come to pray.
Just then the back door opened,
And a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw the man
Hadn't shaved in a while.
His shirt was torn and shabby,
And his coat was worn and frayed,
The man knelt down and bowed his head,
Then rose and walked away.
.
In the days that followed at precisely noon,
The preacher saw this chap,
Each time he knelt just for a moment,
A lunch pail in his lap.
Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
With robbery a main fear,
.He decided to stop and ask the man,
'What are you doing here?'
The old man said he was a factory worker
And lunch was half an hour
Lunchtime was his prayer time,
For finding strength and power.
I stay only a moment
Because the factory's far away;
As I kneel here talking to the Lord,
This is kinda what I say:

.'I JUST CAME BY TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS BEN,
JUST CHECKING IN TODAY.'

The minister feeling foolish,
Told Ben that it was fine.
He told the man that he was welcome
To pray there anytime.
'It's time to go, and thanks,' Ben said
As he hurried to the door.
Then the minister knelt there at the altar,
Which he'd never done before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
As he met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed down his cheeks,
He repeated old Ben's prayer:
.
'I JUST CAME BY TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHERS FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME,
JUST CHECKING IN TODAY.'
.
Past noon one day, the minister noticed
That old Ben hadn't come.
As more days passed and still no Ben,
He began to worry some.
At the factory, he asked about him,
Learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried,
But he'd given them a thrill.
.The week that Ben was with them,
Brought changes in the ward.
His smiles and joy contagious.
Changed people were his reward.
The head nurse couldn't understand
Why Ben could be so glad,
When no flowers, calls or cards came,
Not a visitor he had.
.
The minister stayed by his bed,
He voiced the nurse's concern:
No friends had come to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Ben spoke up
And with a winsome smile;
'The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
He's been here all the while.'
Everyday at noon He comes here,
A dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down and takes my hand,
Leans over and says to me:
.
'I JUST CAME BY TO TELL YOU, BEN,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP,
AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN .
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALWAYS
AND I LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY,
AND SO BEN, THIS IS JESUS,
JUST CHECKING IN TODAY .'
.

Love to you all Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today :

O God,
you know us to be set
in the midst of so many and great dangers,
that by reason of the frailty of our nature
we cannot always stand upright:
grant to us such strength and protection
as may support us in all dangers
and carry us through all temptations;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.


The Gospel reading for today tells of the Sermon on the Mount.

Hope all our well.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


For today:

Lord, it’s Saturday,
A traditional day for sport and for shopping.
But some people still have to work.
Help me to think of shop workers,
Help me to think of those who are working in hospitals.
Help me to think of the police.
It’s so easy to think of myself and my own enjoyment
And to take for granted that others are working on my behalf.
May your will be done on earth
As it is in heaven.
May you be glorified today. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Vera, I understand that some clergy take their lives in their hands when they face someone who want a baptism/marriage/funeral and are denied for either a legal or parochial reason...........BIG problem :-D :-D


The medication is going to be in liquid form which is unusual and, apparently, VERY expensive. It has had to be ordered and should be delivered today. It seems that there are a few of his regular meds which can either be dispersed in water or prescribed in liquid form. This will be helpful as there are some minor probs with swallowing so many pills during the day.

I can sympathise with your OH's bad back Vera.........he needs lots of TLC :-D

I do hope that your friend's granddaughter's operation went well bless her.


For today :

Lord, here I am.
It’s another day – Friday.
For some people it’s the end of their working week.
The weekend break is ahead.
Time, maybe, for the family, the garden, sport, odd jobs.
So today Lord, I pray for families,
For parents and children.
I ask your blessing and peace
To be with every family.
Hold them together with a great love for each other.
Amen


Love, Cx :-)

I hadn't realised that being a clergyman was such a dangerous occupation!

Kandj, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your relative. My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family.

Cynthia, I do hope the increased medication will ease your husband's problems.

I am so thankful for our general good health as we get older. OH has a bad back at the moment caused by helping a disabled friend in and out of a car and lifting her up on a chair, but nothing that won't be relieved by some anti inflammatory pills and some rest. We are really very fortunate with our health.

My thoughts today are particularly with those in hospital, especially our neighbour's 14 year old granddaughter who is today undergoing an 8 hour operation to have a rod inserted in her back,

Hello all

After reading your post Dermot, I must admit that there have been occasions in church when I have had less than Christian thoughts about the Clergy at some point. I have never actually hit anyone BUT I do admit to having been sorely tempted more than once....... and I wasn't on my own either.

Cynthia, I hope that your hubby is feeling a little better in himself this morning.

We are both feeling very sad this morning after news that a close relative has lost
her fight with cancer. After coping with two family deaths last year, this is not what
we wanted to be told so soon into 2017. RIP Ann...... a lovely lady.

Good morning :-)


Oh dear...Charles Miller wasn't a happy bunny was he? I have to admit to times when I could er....um....chastise some clergy for being unprofessional, but have managed to restrain myself thus far. :-D

For today :

Lord, it’s Thursday.

Is there someone I can help?

Is there someone I can phone?

Help me to think of others today.

Is there someone I can write to?

It’s so easy to think of my own needs,

When the needs of other people may be greater than mine.

Lord, you gave yourself in service to others.

Help me to be more like you.

This is my prayer for today.

Amen.


Love to all Cx :-)

An auxiliary bishop who was attacked during a weekend Mass in New Jersey has addressed the congregation to tell them he’s doing fine.

Fr Manuel Cruz was punched in the mouth on Saturday at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark during an event honouring the late baseball 'Hall of Fame' Roberto Clemente.

Essex County authorities say 48-year-old Newark resident Charles Miller was in a pew when he got up, went to the altar and punched Fr Cruz. The bishop was treated at a hospital for undisclosed injuries that aren’t considered serious.

Fr Cruz addressed the congregation Sunday and told parishioners he was doing well.

Miller was charged with assault. Authorities have declined comment on a possible motive.

(Catholic Herald Magazine).

Good morning :-)


So glad things are looking a bit brighter kandj.......hopefully you will gradually improve too. <3

We've had a bit of a hiccup with OH. He has been waking early morning and has had some difficulty in trying to catch his breath. Saw the doctor who said there was some fluid around - due to his heart condition mostly. An increase in one of the tablets has been prescribed......hopefully it will help. Otherwise, not doing too badly really.

For today:

From our rising in the morning
to our lying down again,
you are with us
every hour of the day,
our reassurance
when storms assail
and strength
when courage fails.
From our rising in the morning
to our lying down again,
your light illumines
every step of the way,
our comfort
when darkness falls
and peace
that calms our souls.
From our rising in the morning
to our lying down again,
you are with us.



Cx :-)

Hello all

The awful lurgy symptoms are finally calming down after almost two months in our home. Hubby is less weary but I am still feeling fragile and have lots to catch up on.

Special words for Tuesday Cynthia, just very lovely and appreciated. Thank you.

Dermot, you do find very interesting articles to share with us here. Thank you.

Emma, Here are words in Scripture from the list you posted earlier. Thank you.

Psalm 18 verses 1-3 from the Good News Bible.

How I love you Lord!
You are my defender.

The Lord is my protector;
He is my strong fortress.
My God is my protection
and with him, I am safe.
He protects me like a shield
He defends me and keeps me safe.

I call to the Lord ,
and he saves me from my enemies
Praise the Lord!

Sending gentle hugs to all in need today. xxx

Good morning :-)

Thank you Emma - it's a good list to keep handy..... :-)

For today:

May this day be a gentle time
Of love and kindness shown,
To all my friends and family
A love that helps us grow.

Let Tuesday always prompt my heart
To place my life in You.
To see Your holy will be done
I give my life anew.


Love to all.... Cx :-)

Saw this on FB.

Emergency Bible Numbers

Upset?..........John14
Weak?..........Psalm 18:1-29
Lonely? Psalm 23
Sinned?........Psalm 51
Worried?.......Mathew 8: 19-31
Anxious?.......Phil 4: 4-9
Unhappy?......Col 3: 12-17
In Danger?......Psalm 91
Depressed?.....Psalm 27
Lack of Faith?...Exodus 14
Others Unkind?.John 15
Need Courage?.Joshua 1
Need Direction? Psalm 73 : 21-26
Seeking Peace?.Mathew 11: 25-30

My thoughts for those in need of comfort x

Good morning :-)

Thank you Dermot.......we are gradually becoming used to the fact that we now have women bishops. We do have an American woman bishop linked to our diocese and also a female American Archdeacon. Raised eyebrows aplenty in this diocese! :-D


Yesterday in church, we heard once again, the story of the Wedding at Cana – the first miracle of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry.

I quote the following….”During the story, Mary says…”Do whatever he tells you”. We are encouraged to follow these words with…. Love
…..with a listening heart
……in the silence of prayer
……patiently, sensitively, courageously
..….with joyful generosity
………holding nothing back.

We, too give ourselves, in faith, for our lives to be transformed …….from water…….into the glorious wine of the Kingdom.”

Words to think about.


Cx :-)

The Church in Wales has its first woman bishop.

Her consecration marks the end of a journey that, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, said, had been “long and hard” for the women of the Church —“first to be made deacon, then priest, and now bishop”.

(The Church Times).

Good morning :-)


Sunday - traditionally a day of worship and well earned rest.......how will you spend your day?

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

God our creator,
who in the beginning
commanded the light to shine out of darkness:
we pray that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ
may dispel the darkness of ignorance and unbelief,
shine into the hearts of all your people,
and reveal the knowledge of your glory
in the face of 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 for today tells us of the story of the Marriage at Cana in Galilee.


Hope all are well.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

For today:

They lie on the table side by side
The Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
One is well worn and cherished with pride.
Not the Bible, but the TV Guide.
One is used daily to help folks decide.
No, not the Bible, But the TV Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see,
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV
So they open the book in which they confide,
No, not the Bible, but the TV Guide.

The Word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching TV

So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not on TV.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Another interesting article Dermot .....thank you.


Today is Holocaust Memorial Day.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January each year. It’s a time for everyone to pause to remember the millions of people who have been murdered or whose lives have been changed beyond recognition during the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

On HMD we can honour the survivors of these regimes and challenge ourselves to use the lessons of their experience to inform our lives today. 27 January marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

HMD is a time when we seek to learn the lessons of the past and to recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own, it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented. We’re fortunate here in the UK; we are not at risk of genocide. However, discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion.


Something to ponder indeed.


Cx :-)

You post some interesting articles Dermot.

Cynthia, I am glad your hospital visit with OH went well.

Poor Kandj, you really are having a basinful of problems right now. I hope you start to feel better very soon. Keeping you in my thoughts <3.

Thinking tonight of everyone who has to be out in these icy, foggy conditions. May they stay safe.

Because Redemptorist priest Fr Tony Flannery has been forbidden by the Vatican to speak in public, he had to seek a non-church venue for the Mass he celebrated on Sunday to mark his 70th birthday.

“The obvious place was the community hall here [in Killimordaly]. Living so close by, where else would I go?” he mused as he addressed the packed congregation in the hall. “But it was such a right decision,” he added. “The local community took it up. The sense of support, engagement and affection that I got from this area has been incredible.”

There had also been emails, calls and texts of support from elsewhere “which was lovely. But what happened here was special”, said Fr Flannery of the way friends and neighbours in his home place had rallied round.

Fr Flannery was silenced by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, five years ago. The reason given by the Vatican’s ‘strong arm’ was that his liberal views on celibacy, women priests and homosexuality were out of line with Church teachings, as were his criticism about how the Church had dealt with cases of child sex abuse.

However, Fr Flannery feels that the real reason for the Vatican’s ire was his involvement in setting up The Irish Association of Catholic Priests. By silencing him, Rome was letting priests know that they were not entitled to a voice.

His decision to celebrate Mass in defiance of the Vatican was to mark the milestone of his 70th birthday, which fell on January 18. It was not to declare war on the Vatican, he said, just to celebrate his 40 years of ministry.

One group of women at Sunday’s event commented on the sadness of the occasion, given that those “with power and pomp” had prevented Fr Flannery from saying Mass for the previous five years.

But Tony Flannery didn’t look sad. In fact, he radiated happiness. This was a celebration. The Mass featured a reading from the prophet Isaiah, while Matthew’s Gospel spoke of how “the people living in darkness have seen a great light”.

Some in the congregation nodded. Mostly middle aged and older, with many from the local area, they didn’t look like revolutionaries. Respectable people, they were there to support a popular priest, whose message resonates.

(Connacht Tribune 26.01.17.)

Good morning :-)


Poor kandj, you are having such a tough time at the moment bless you. Hope you feel better today <3

Dermot......I think it has long been said that arguing, shouting and ranting at God is quite acceptable.......He understands. :-)

The hospital visit went well - straight into a parking place and called right in - didn't have to sit down in the waiting area. :-D Things are as stable as they can be, so no change really.

Something to think about today..........


If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He listens.
He can live anywhere in the universe,
but . . . He chose your heart.
And . . . that thing He did at Calvary . . .
Face it, friend--He is crazy about you!


Love to all. Cx :-)