General Chat

Good morning :-)


HUGS

There is no such thing as a bad hug ...
only good ones and great ones.

They're not fattening
and they don't cause
cancer or cavities.

They're all natural ...
with no preservatives,
artificial ingredients,
or pesticide residue.

They're cholesterol-free,
naturally sweet,
100 percent wholesome.
And they're a completely
renewable natural resource.

They don't require batteries,
tune-ups,
or x-rays.

They're non-taxable,
fully returnable,
and energy efficient.

They're safe in all kinds of weather;
In fact, they're especially good
for cold or rainy days.

They're exceptionally effective
in treating problems
Like bad dreams
or the Monday blahs.

Hugs are free to give
and free to get.
There is no minimum
age requirement.

You can never get hurt
by giving a hug.
You can give someone a hug
at anytime ...
day or night!

There are also
many different types of hugs:
Hugs of sadness,
and hugs of joy,
Loose hugs with a kiss on the cheek,
big bear hugs,
And a pat on the back hug.


Thinking of all those who could do with a hug right now.......Cx :-)

Amen Cynthia.

God gives different people different talents and we all walk a different journey in faith

Being different isn't a bad thing. It means that your brave enough to be yourself.

Remembering all hospital staff who help reassure/support patients each day. xxx

Good morning :-)


Hoping everyone is well.........


Appreciating what we have in common with others

Lord, we ask you to open our eyes
that we may value and appreciate all people,
recognising what we have in common
rather than focusing
on what our differences might be.
Inspire us to distinguish
between what is important
and what is not,
and open our minds and hearts
that we may always be people of good will
who bring life and joy to others.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Meaningful words Cynthia, thank you

A true friend warms you with their presence,
trusts you with their secrets and remembers you in their prayers.

Remembering those who feel that they have no one to share worries with. xxx

Good morning :-)


I do wonder why this happens with some people in church I mean, they wouldn't be very popular if they allowed their children to run amok in the theatre or at the pictures..

:-S

For today:

A Friend is a Gift From God

Among the great and glorious
gifts our heavenly Father sends
Is the gift of understanding that
we find in loving friends...
For somehow in the generous
heart of loving, faithful friends,
The good God in His charity
and wisdom always sends
A sense of understanding
and the power of perception
And mixes these fine qualities
with kindness and affection...
So when we need some sympathy
or a friendly hand to touch
Or one who listens tenderly and
speaks words that mean so much,
We seek a true and trusted friend
in the knowledge that we'll find
A heart that's sympathetic
and an understanding mind...
And often just without a word
there seems to be a union
Of thoughts and kindred feelings,
for God gives true friends communion.


Love to all Cx :-)

Good Morning All

Cynthia, I remember a time when a Pram Club was held in our church. Mums and toddlers used to come along for stories of Jesus and sing-songs. Each Tuesday was absolute chaos for the 2 hour sessions. Mums chattered to themselves, totally ignoring their little ones whilst we "helpers" were never still, making sure the tiny tots were not in danger or the church wrecked!!

We encouraged Mums to bring the children along to our regular Sunday family services and a few did make the effort and join us but the children ran amok during the whole service, which spoiled it for others. I never blamed the children as they saw church as a place to run around and shout in, but I do understand exactly how you were feeling though.... been there.... done that..... many, many times in the past.

I can remember reading books in school (very many years ago) of the life of Nurse Edith Cavell and the brave work she carried out, each and every day of her life.

"Nothing but physical impossibility, lack of space and money would make me close my doors to Allied refugees" Edith Cavell.

We could all learn from this amazing lady, even now.

Good morning :-)

Oh my word! We had some lively youngsters in church yesterday so much so, that they began to run a bit wild :-( I don't blame the little ones, but sometimes wish that parents had more control over their offspring. Up and down the aisles, into the sanctuary, round the altar, alongside the choir... into the vestry........at that point, I decided that enough was enough and quietly went up to the altar and asked the mum if she could please make sure the child didn't go into the sanctuary as it is a very special place. Apart from the respect we offer to the area, there are also lit candles which could be pulled off and hurt the child. I was worn out :-D



Today marks the centenary of the death of Nurse Edith Cavell the World War I British nurse who is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers in Brussels from all sides without distinction. She and Belgian and French colleagues helped over 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium.

She was arrested, tried with 33 others by a German military court, found guilty of ‘assisting men to the enemy’ and shot by a German firing squad on October 12 1915.

The day before her death, she is quoted as saying....

"Standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough.
I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone."


We remember this remarkably brave woman with thanksgiving.



Cx :-)

I remember being on duty many times in our church during the baptism services and the bonus was to have a hold and cuddle of the little ones. A truly special event for all.

One Lord, one faith one baptism.
One God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all
and in all. Ephesians 4 :5

Thinking of all awaiting hospital investigation results. xx

Good morning :-)

How lovely for your friends kandj - I do hope they had a wonderful time yesterday. <3

This morning is the second time we will have the new baptism service....I am hoping all goes well for it. Two babies are being baptised and we look forward to seeing them.



The Collect
O God, forasmuch as without you we are not able to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; 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. Amen.


In the gospel reading for today, Jesus mentions the 10 Commandments…… :-D


Remembering friends in prayer.... Cx :-)

Good Morning All

Today is the wedding day of two special friends. This is a second marriage for both and they each have been though dark days and found one another, so there is truly a magical light at the end for both of them.

Love is patient, love is kind
It always protects, always trusts,
Always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4, 7-8.

Wishing much happiness and joy to K and K for today and for the future. xxx

Good morning :-)


You've been reading The Tablet again, haven't you Dermot? :-D

On to the last of the 10 Commandments.....


9) You shall not be a false witness
Response: Let everyone speak the truth.

10) You shall not covert anything which belongs to your neighbour.
Response: Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: it is more blessed to give than to receive. Love your neighbour as yourself, for love is the fulfilling of the law.

Thought: We are not to tell lies or falsely accuse anyone and not to desire anything which does not belong to us – this leads to jealousy and envy. We must be grateful for what we have…..not keep thinking about what we have not.


Lord, help us to remember these words.



Thinking of those going through trying times.......Cx :-)

'The gearbox of the Holy Spirit has no reverse'.

(Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras.)

Good morning :-)

Laughter is a blessing indeed and we are thankful that laughter is often heard in our church :-D

Almost at the end of our tour through the10 Commandments.....

7) You shall not commit adultery.
Response: Know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

8)You shall not steal
Response: Be honest in all that you do and care for those in need.

Thought: We should not have sexual relationships other than with our spouse. Taking something which does not belong to us is wrong - whether it is a 1p. or a £1. Stealing is stealing. We should always be aware of the needs of others.

Lord, keep us free from temptation and alert to the needs of those around us.


Praying for all who are being tempted to do wrong....that they may be given the strength not to yield. Cx :-)

Oh dear Cynthia....... laughing in church. Is that still allowed ha ha
Laughter is infectious and can cure a multitude if ills.

Thank you for a better understanding of The Lord's Prayer. All very interesting.

Respect the old, when you are young.
Help the weak, when you are strong.
Confess the fault, when you are wrong.
Because one day in life,
you will be old,
weak and wrong.

Remembering all ambulance drivers and the important work they do so well. xxx

Good morning :-)

The pictures of that young widow with her children were so poignant bless her....



It was baptism prep last night with three lovely young families. All was going well - the little ones had gone into church with some of our team to help get them used to the building whilst I was going through the powerpoint re baptism and it's meaning.

Suddenly, hysterical laughter erupted into the room......everyone looked round very startled and then I realised.......it was coming from my pocket and my mobile phone. Someone had sent me a text and the tone I have is ....... hysterical laughter. Ooops......it certainly broke the ice! :-D


We resume our little tour of the 10 Commandments.

5) Honour your father and mother.
Response: Live as servants of God; honour all men; love the brotherhood.

6)You shall not commit murder.
Response: Be reconciled to your brother; overcome evil with good.

Thought: Our parents are to be treated with respect and obedience. We should not deliberately kill a fellow human being.

Lord, help us to love others as we wish to be loved.


Remembering all who are going through difficult times with their marriage. Cx :-)

Just so unbelievable and heartbreaking. A beautiful picture in newspaper of the happy smiling family........ now Mummy and little girls left to face the future alone. Tragic!

Eternal rest, grant unto him O lord, and left perpetual light shine upon him.
May the soul of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God.. Rest In Peace.
Amen.

Such a beautiful prayer Cynthia, thank you
for sharing x

RIP

Good morning :-)


In the light of the recent killing of PC David Phillips in Liverpool, a brief pause in our wander through the 10 Commandments, as we think of him, his wife and his children.


A Policeman's Prayer

When I start my tour of duty God,
Wherever crime may be,
as I walk the darkened streets alone,
Let me be close to thee.

Please give me understanding with both the young and old.
Let me listen with attention until their story's told.
Let me never make a judgment in a rash or callous way,
but let me hold my patience let each man have his say.

Lord if some dark and dreary night,
I must give my life,
Lord, with your everlasting love
protect my children and my wife.




Cx :-)

Amen to your words Cynthia. What a blessing to have your family near yesterday.

Remembering October of the farmers and Harvest gatherings for all.

May God
who clothes the lilies and feeds the birds in the sky,
who leads the lambs to pasture and all animals to water,
who multiplied the loaves and fishes
and turned water into wine,
help us, lead us , feed us,
and change us to reflect the glory of our Creator
now and throughout all eternity.
Amen.

Good morning :-)

I love rainbows............ :-D

Yesterday afternoon was wonderful......both our grandchildren have Mondays off from college, so I picked them up and went into town with them. Then we came back to ours for a meal with their dad and our daughter joined us too. Lovely family time.


Continuing our wander through the 10 Commandments......


3) You shall not dishonour the name of the Lord your God.
Response: You shall worship him with awe and reverence

4) Remember the Lord’s Day and keep it holy.
Response: Christ is risen from the dead: set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.

Thought: We should not treat God’s name lightly or with disrespect. Because of his importance, he should always be spoken about with honour. We should underline Sunday as a day of rest and worship.

Lord, help us to respect you at all times.



Love to all Cx :-)