General Chat

Thinking of kandj and her husband and Vera at this time <3

Thank you Cynthia. I generally enjoy the hymns of Graham Kendrick and also Stuart Townend.

I am pleased your husband made it to church with you on Sunday.

I was sorry to hear that Kandji's OH is not too well. They are in my thoughts.

I've been "counting my blessings" this morning (my birthday) and realising just how much I have to be thankful for. This is never a good time of year for me. This week is the anniversary of the deaths of both my parents and I think also of a lovely aunt and dear uncle whose funerals I have attended during this week in past years. But this morning I have decided I must be more positive. So I am now going to pack up a couple of tea services and other china that I have kept since my mother's death 41 years ago, but have never used. I shall take them to the Salvation Army who can sell them in their shop, give to someone In need or make use of in their cafe as they think fit.

Thinking today particularly of those who might be grieving for a loved one and those who do not have the good life that I enjoy

Good morning :-)


Thank you Emma, it was good for him to be able to be there and to take part in what was going on.

I've had a message from kandj to say that she may not be around for a little while as her husband is going through another bad patch bless him. We send our love and prayers to them both. <3


For today, a hymn which is very appropriate to the season of Lent.


From heaven you came helpless babe
Entered our world, your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve
And give Your life that we might live

This is our God, The Servant King
He calls us now to follow Him
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to The Servant King

There in the garden of tears
My heavy load he chose to bear
His heart with sorrow was torn
'Yet not My will but Yours,' He said

Come see His hands and His feet
The scars that speak of sacrifice
Hands that flung stars into space
To cruel nails surrendered

So let us learn how to serve
And in our lives enthrone Him
Each other's needs to prefer
For it is Christ we're serving

- Graham Kendrick


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrQiLEO4D5s


With love and prayers to all.................Cx :-)

Pleased to here that your husband was able to attend
your church yesterday Cynthia. x

Good morning :-)


At 6.30am yesterday, my husband could hardly move - by 9.30am he was dressed and ready for church!!! :-D

There was an bsolutely full house for the Thinking Day Service as we have thriving guiding units attached to church. In fact, the waiting list for Brownies is so long that by the time their turn comes round, some girls will be far too old to join!

The service was well presented and well led with a 30 years of service presentation made, two birthdays celebrated and a Diamond Wedding anniversary applauded, with flowers given. A truly family orientated morning of worship and praise.


For today:

Praise to Jesus, our Savior; by his death he has opened for us the way of salvation. Let us ask him: Lord, guide your people to walk in your ways.

God of mercy, you gave us new life through baptism, – make us grow day by day in your likeness.

May our generosity today bring joy to those in need, – in helping them may we find you.

Help us to do what is good, right and true in your sight, – and to seek you always with undivided hearts.

Forgive our sins against the unity of your family, – make us one in heart and spirit.

Amen.



Cx :-)

Thanks to Cynthia and to Emma

The first Sunday in Lent today and there will have been a time of excitement and anticipation for a shared journey in faith with church family and Christian friends.

First Sunday in Lent today and it is a very important time in the church calendar because it gives us an opportunity to refocus on God . It is traditionally a period when we set aside time to spend in prayer, meditation or Bible reading with ourselves of with others.

Beloved friends, in this season of repentance and healing
We accept God's invitation to be ever mindful to the needs of others.
Offering our prayers on behalf of local community in the church and in the world.
Amen

Remembering all in need of comfort and support.x

Good morning :-)

Thank you for those words kandj - you and your husband are still being remembered in prayer. <3


The Collect for today, the First Sunday in Lent :



Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save;
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.


Today, our Rainbows, Brownies and Guides are leading the service in commemoration of Thinking Day. I hope to be there, but my husband is rather slow at the moment, so I will have to wait and see.


Love to all. Cx :-)

Thank you Cynthia and Good Afternoon to one and all.

Lent...... a time of fasting and reflection and a Christian preparation before Easter.

By observing the 40 days of Lent and remembering the testing 40 days Jesus endured in the wilderness, we can become stronger in our faith.

It is usual to give up something for Lent. This may be chocolate, bread, biscuits,
tea/coffee, I have done all that many times over the years. Now I choose to take on a commitment rather than giving something up. Many local churches organize frugal Lent lunches and bible study courses and Lent talks which I have eagerly taken part in, but not this year as my husband's ill health has become my priority.

This year I plan to increase my daily reading of Scripture throughout the 40 day period of Lent. I know this won't be easy as I have very little "me time" right now, but I will do my very best to read and focus on the true meaning of Lent and journey in faith this way for now.

Living Lord, help me to be aware of
the many ways that You reach out
to help me today.
I stand in awe of the power
that You use in so loving a way.
I thank you heavenly Father
and give you the praise and the glory
you so rightly deserve. Amen.

Good morning... :-)


Continuing our Lenten journey :




The Israelite prophet Micah said:
"What does the Lord require of you? Only to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

God of mercy and source of justice,
pour on your people such love and compassion that

we cannot remain silent,
we cannot tolerate injustice and poverty.

As your grace fills our hearts
so may we be stirred into action
to demonstrate your love for all the world
and for all creatures that live and move on this earth.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


As we begin our tentative Lenten steps..............


Each Day Brings a Chance to Do Better

How often we wish for another chance
To make a fresh beginning,
A chance to blot out our mistakes
And change failure into winning—
And it does not take a special time
To make a brand-new start,
It only takes the deep desire
To try with all our heart
To live a little better
And to always be forgiving
And to add a little “sunshine”
To the world in which we’re living—
So never give up in despair
And think that you are through,
For there’s always a tomorrow
And a chance to start anew.

- Helen Steiner Rice.



Remembering friends in prayer. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thank you for that prayer kandj. I didn't make the service last night despite being full of good intentions :(

The church where we worship does not follow the tradition of using ashes but our previous one did and I was happy to wear the sign of cross with humility but also with pride.


For today:

Lord, Let everything I do this day and in this season of Lent come from you, be inspired by you.

I long to be closer to you. Help me to remember that nothing is important in my life unless it glorifies you in some way.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of my life and keep saying, “Tomorrow, I will spend more time in prayer,” but now my longing meets your love and I want to do it now. Help me to rely on you for help.

The prayer asks you that I reach perfection. Please, Lord, remind me that “perfection” isn’t the crazy, “successful” way I try to live my life, but a perfection of my most authentic, real self.

My “perfection” might be holding my many flaws in my open hands, asking you to help me accept them.

Heal me, Lord, and help me to find you in the darkness of my life. Let me reach out in this darkness and feel your hand and love there to guide me.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen.



Cx :-)

It's good to know young and young in heart sharing traditional pancakes Cynthia.

Ash Wednesday today and the first day of Lent, preparing for the 40 days when Jesus was tempted by Satan. Many Christians will have taken part in the traditional Ashing Service today when last years Palm Sunday palm branches are burned and mixed with holy oil. The Priest makes a sign of the cross in ashes on the forehead of the congregation saying the words "Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return" A very important and humbling act for Priest and worshippers who take part.

Sign us with ashes
the sign of your cross
Give us the grace to know
your mercy, Lord.
Renew our spirits
and open our hearts.
Help us to remember
the love you gave us.

Special thoughts and prayers for those in need this night.

Good morning... :-)


I had such a good day yesterday with the grandchildren....they may be young adults, but they can still get excited by the thought of pancakes as they did when they were small! There was so much fun and laughter - I am truly blessed :-D


And so to Ash Wednesday.

Today God our Father brings us to the beginning of Lent. We pray that in this time of salvation he will fill us with the Holy Spirit, purify our hearts, and strengthen us in love. Let us humbly ask him: Lord, give us your Holy Spirit.

May we be filled and satisfied, - by the word which you give us.

Teach us to be loving not only in great and exceptional moments, - but above all in the ordinary events of daily life.

May we abstain from what we do not really need, - and help our brothers and sisters in distress.

May we bear the wounds of your Son in our bodies, - for through his body he gave us life.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Thanks to Cynthia for the Butterfly poem. I am like Emma and haven't heard this before

Shrove Tuesday today and traditionally a day of feasting before the fasting tomorrow Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar.

Tonight I am thinking and praying for all who are hungry and also for the churches who provide foodbanks and pray I that their resources will not run out for the people in need.

For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat. I was thirsty and your gave Me something to drink: I was a stranger, and you invited Me in. Matthew 25 v 35.

Good morning :-)


So Lent is almost upon us..... a time of abstinence, of giving things up.


Why do Christians call the day 'Shrove Tuesday'?

The name Shrove comes from the old word "shrive" which means to confess. On Shrove Tuesday, in the Middle Ages, people used to confess their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

What is Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it's the last day before Lent. Throughout the United Kingdom, and in other countries too, people indulge themselves on foods that traditionally aren't allowed during Lent. Pancakes are eaten on this day because they contain fat, butter and eggs which were forbidden during Lent


A prayer for Shrove Tuesday

On this Shrove Tuesday, Lord help us to enjoy and give thanks to you for the bounty you provide for us and remind us to share your gifts with others. And as Lent begins tomorrow, prepare our hearts and minds to reflect upon the temptation of Jesus for 40 days and nights and what that means for us. Amen


Remembering those who have asked for prayer....... Cx :-)

Thank you Cynthia, had never seen that poem
before. :-)

My thoughts to all in need.x

Good morning... :-)


Church can be a funny place at times.....in many ways. For those who don't attend and think that they are places where folk are dreadfully solemn and no laughter is heard, they couldn't be further from the truth.

When our late vicar was around, there was always laughter to be heard and big smiles to be seen. Things have been a bit downhearted since his death but, I feel we are on the 'up' again as I heard the laughter and happy chatter once more yesterday.

My husband made it to church thankfully and, when I sat down after talking to someone, I was startled to see that he had lipstick all over his cheek!!!! Obviously, one of his lady friends had been talking to him..... :-D

For today:


BUTTERFLIES

I think that I shall never spy
A poem quite like a butterfly.

A butterfly whose wings are spread
So prettily above its head;

A butterfly that flies all day,
And lifts its tiny wings to pray;

Whose wings that may in Summer wear
Rainbows of colours in mid-air;

Come Winter's snow, they disappear;
Come Summer's warmth, they reappear.

Poems are made by fools like I,
But only God makes butterflies.


- Virginia Ellis


Love to all. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I have to say that the red roses and chocolates were purely symbolic on my part... :-)

Our Valentine's day was made by the fact that my husband managed quite a good walk in the morning......priceless. <3


The Collect for today:

The Collect

Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness,
from glory to glory; who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Cx :-)

Dear Cynthia and Kandji

Hello to you ladies,

I am very pleased you liked the two poems.

May the special magic of St Valentines Day be with you and your family.


Take gentle care
Lots of love
Elizabeth, EOS
xx