General Chat

Hello all, beautiful poem Cynthia thank you :-)

I can't remember the Ministers first name who married us
53 years ago much to my shame as I knew him well, these
days I just call them Minister as am not what you would call
a member of any church these days.

Lovely to read all the posts which I find interesting. Also enjoy
reading about all your Church activities, as a Christian I believe
my prayers are as important and heard even in my own home as anywhere
else, as we all know there are many forms of prayer.

Enjoy your day and keep adding to this wonderful thread.

Emma :-)

Interesting postings these past few days and so good to see other joining in.
All are welcome here, as we all have different views and opinions, so adding our own experiences, for me is a joy to read. Thank you everyone.

John, In the past I enjoyed spiritual worship in a local Anglican "high" church where Father John (yes!) was respected and thought so fondly of by one and all. I used to take my Catholic sister-in-law occasionally and Pat used to tell me that this church was more "Catholic" than her own!. Fr John must have been doing something right because the church was always full and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Sadly he has retired but still lives locally and is happy to chat to the villagers and they love to spend time with him....... one of God's special ones and I feel privileged to have shared his journey if faith.

Cynthia, Our new lady Rector (or is she Rectoress?), announced herself as J and so we golden oldies call her by her first name to her face but we speak of
"the Rector" in conversation with one another...... old habits die hard ha ha.

Another beautiful poem by Virginia Ellis...... thank you Cynthia for your efforts, much appreciated as always.

Good morning and thank you for those very meaningful words kandj. :-)


I know that names don't make an iota of difference as to how a person behaves or affects whatever position they may hold - I think that it's because I am of the generation which is used to more traditional names that I find the thought of a Bishop Melissa to be very unusual. As time moves on, I realise that no one will bat an eyelid at what I consider to be the modern names. :-)


As for the Vicar of Dibley, I used to love it - apart from whenever any irreverence crept in. However, the PCC's and general parish antics reminded me of so many people I have known over the years. :-D

John, I'm surprised that you think that most Anglican clergy wish to be known as 'Father' these days. I find it is quite the opposite, with many churchgoers shaking their collective heads at the title. It mainly depends on their churchmanship of course.

If a church has a particular tradition of being rather 'high', then to address the parish priest as 'Father' is quite acceptable and the usual thing to do.

It tends to be the more evangelical wing of the church which finds the title difficult and they tend to address their clergy by their Christian names.

The middle wing of the church wobble from side to side - using anything from the incumbent's Christian name or, maybe, calling them Reverend. Our late vicar was known by his Christian name to the adults but the title Vicar was added to his name for use by the children.

Again, maybe I am of the old school where anyone in a position of respect was never addressed by their Christian name in formal circumstances.


Anyway....moving on...... a prayer for today:

My Friend

There was a time I searched in vain,
To find myself a friend.
I sought to find some caring soul,
Who'd love me without end.

I ached with need ... I was alone,
I looked so hard and long.
I felt such pain and emptiness,
What was I doing wrong?

I approached so many people,
I bared my soul to few;
Why they could never love me,
I never really knew.

I went to God and asked His help,
He gave this answer to me:
"That friend with everlasting love,
Can be only found through me."

"I'll be that friend you've sought so long,
I have such love for you;
In fact, I sacrificed my Son,
To show my love is true."

"I gave Him up at Calvary,
He bled and died in pain.
You'll have no greater love than this,
There's no greater to attain."

"My friendship and my love are yours,
Your search is finally done;
Your loneliness will disappear,
Your emptiness be gone."

"Since I also know your human needs,
You've another rule to learn ...
That in your quest for earthly love,
What you give is what's returned."

I closed my eyes to offer thanks,
A warm sun kissed my face;
A gentle breeze wafted over me,
And I received my Friend's embrace.

~ Virginia Ellis ~


Enjoy your day Cx :-)

Life is a constant Advent season: we are continually waiting to become, to discover, to complete, to fulfill. Hope, struggle, fear, expectation and fulfillment are all part of our Advent experience.

The world is not as just, not as loving, not as whole as we know it can or should be.
But the coming of Christ and His presence among us- as one of us- give us reason to live in hope: that light will shatter the darkness, that we can be liberated from our fears and prejudices, that we are never alone or abandoned.

May this Advent season be a time of bringing hope, transformation and fulfillment into the Advent of our lives.

A lot of Christians used to love Vicar of Dibley. I didn't. Not because she was a woman, but because it displayed a side of church that I was not familiar with at all.

However, I watched a snippet the other day and it was when the local big wig was waiting to welcome his new male Vicar and she bounced in! Quite funny. And I am sure they eventually got used to "Father Geraldine". (Now that all C of E male Vicars seem to want to be called father (which I hate), what do we call females in the Anglican priesthood?)

Just as New Westminster will get used to Bishop Melissa. Just as we might get used to King Wayne I or Queen Chelsea in a century's time. It is the role they perform, not the name or even the sex in my view. Or even the denomination. Mother Theresa still remains one of the most influential Christians in our generation.

Yes, this thread was started during advent last year. In the very week when traditionally (Anglicans and Methodists in particular) we look at the role of Mary in the advent story. We look at Mary, a very young virgin barely a teenager. And her saintly and quite elderly mother Anne in particular.

And perhaps we need to focus on their saintliness, their purity and their wonderful unquestioning faith. And be thankful that there are men and women in our day who are willing to take on some of their mantle.

:-) :-)

Good morning everyone........it's so nice to see friends popping in and sharing things. Well done on the stall kandj it sounds as though there was a good community spirit which is wonderful.


Please keep us informed of Bishop Melissa Sylvia - it is going to be interesting!


Susan, it's so heartening to know how much this thread means to some folk. Thank you.


Elizabeth, yes indeed....yesterday was Advent Sunday so this thread is almost a year old now. I do hope we can keep it going for as long as possible.


The Confirmation service went off very well. Our late vicar was sadly missed, and a few things went awry because of his absence, but they were only tiny things.

The children were excited and happy, the church was full to bursting and the Bishop, despite his age, did a grand job :-)


To add to Elizabeth's thoughts :

The Collect for Advent Sunday

Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.


Love to you all..... Cx :-)

Dear All

Hello


A simple prayer for Advent:


Dear Lord, please restore all that has been lost
through struggle and fear,
in sorrow and pain.


Dear Lord, please restore the balance of hope
for those oppressed and hungry for justice,
overlooked and counted as little worth.


Dear Lord, please restore to wholeness
the image that is tarnished
with sin and shame,
neglect and distraction.


Dear Lord, please look after us at this time.
Amen.

Take gentle care all
Best wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx

Congratulations to Bishop Melissa (didn't she do well!)

We have had a new lady Rector in our parish for a month and we feel blessed because she is so spiritual and genuine. This is the first time ever that there has been a woman Rector. A bit of a surprise but we are all more than happy and feel she will move our church forward and encourage the young ones to attend

Yesterday for the first time our church joined the Community Christmas Market and the village really came in large numbers to support the stall holders.
We were allowed two tables and made £400 from cake/tombola and raffle which pleased us faithful few this morning when the amount was announced. What we all agreed on was that it was good to all work together in fellowship for the financial good of our village church.( we are aged 70/80/90) and were all exhausted yesterday but have "bounced" back for church this morning.

I love this thread. Not a day goes by when there is not something of interest. I love the news, the poems, the prayers, the way in which we can all share without having to say a word or say just a few words. We can also share sorrow as well as joy. I look to this thread for inspiration and warmth.



Susan who is having a quiet moment of reflection :-)

OH said the news was received with pleasure at the church this morning.

The church representative to Synod reported back on how the day went.


Cyn ................. I'm not sure how she will sign herself

We do have other women Bishops in Canada, as well as in other parts of the world, so I suppose she will follow their example



But the best news of all was that 2 members of the Church committee had been to a meeting with the Dean, and Andrew, their Minister has been confirmed as permanent, instead of temporary ..................... much to the delight of the congregation.

Good morning everyone...... :-)


My word Sylvia....Bishop Melissa is going to have quite a job on her hands - not only because she is a woman, but because she is following someone who has been in office for so long!

Mind you, it's going to sound a bit 'odd' to many ears......."We welcome Bishop Melissa to our church this morning".........I imagine she will sign her self + Melissa New Westminster - in the usual format of a bishop's signature??? :-)

Today we have our annual Confirmation Day. There are 3 adults and 20+ children to be confirmed. I think there are also several children from neighbouring churches joining us. It will be extremely busy and, as we have no diocesan bishop at the moment and the suffragan is already booked elsewhere, the confirmation is being done by a retired bishop. These retired folk come in very useful!!


A prayer for today:


A PRAYER FOR LOVE

Teach me to love, Lord, as You love,
Make it unconditional, honest, and kind,
To ask nothing back in return, Lord,
To encompass the whole of mankind.

May I offer my love without speaking,
May it radiate as it shines forth from me,
May it be seen in my face and my eyes, Lord,
May it be simple, sincere, and shame free.

Show me how to forgive, Lord, as You do,
To not burden another with guilt,
To not play the role of the martyr,
To be a rock on which trust may be built.

Make my love for others be greater by far
Than any love that is offered to me,
Led by the Spirit, Inspired of God,
As forgiving as Jesus...and free.


by Virginia (Ginny) Ellis


I'll let you know how it all goes......if I manage to get into church that is! :-)

breaking news!!!!!


A female priest has been elected as the new bishop for the Anglican diocese of New Westminster that serves the Vancouver area and the Sunshine Coast.

Rev. Melissa Skelton from Seattle, Washington, US, was elected Saturday on the third ballot, with four nominees remaining.

She replaces the diocese's eighth bishop, Michael Ingham, who retired in August after 20 years at the helm.

Skelton is the first female bishop to head the diocese and will be ordained in March.


I never really expected that they would go for a female Bishop ................ and if they had, I was tipping another one of the 4 women in the running!


It will be interesting to hear what is said at OH's church later this morning

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone effected by the helicopter crash in Glasgow and all the services who are working so hard to deal with such a tragedy.

Good morning - lovely words from both kandj and John. Our prayers and thoughts are, indeed with those poor people in Glasgow.


I thought a prayer for Saint Andrew's Day would be apt today:


A Prayer for St Andrew’s Day

God, our loving Father,
St Andrew introduced Peter,
the Greek visitors,
& the little boy with loaves & fishes,
to your Son, Jesus Christ.
May we be like him
in sharing friendship and hospitality,
and in faithfulness to Jesus
and his Kingdom of justice,
love & peace.
May our country be a community
in which everyone matters,
everyone has an honoured place,
and the dignity of each is assured
by our faith in you as Father of us all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.



Cx :-)

Many thanks for those lovely words, kandj.

Our thoughts and prayers are needed this morning for the people in Glasgow. Last night, a police helicopter crashed down on a crowded pub apparently - not seen news yet this morning but saw it on another thread.

So may the Lord comfort and bless all those affected by this terrible accident.

There is nothing like serious illness or major surgery to bring us face to face with our living God..... imho.
God is good and after the initial shock and fear I was blessed to have the peace that comes only from Him.

Father's Word

Give me your hand
For pitfalls lie ahead,
Hold tight your grasp
To face the foes you dread.

Each step is new
Uncharted in your mind,
If I can guide
Then let me be your friend.

I travel too
Though slower in my pace,
For I have learned
Speed does not win the race.

Tread where I tread
If you see aught in me,
Let my example then
Your watchword be.

Beware of lies
That tell you black is white,
And be strong willed
When you know wrong from right.

Look for the weak,
So many need your hand,
This journey's not just yours
To seek the promised land.

It'll go so far
Then you are on your own,
Learn while you can
My journey soon is done.

Beware of fools
Who stop you on your way,
They are but sheep
And aimlessly they stray.

Your road is long,
It may be lonely too,
So mark my step
And may God walk with you. written by Terry Funnell.

kandj

What a coincidence. I have never read these lovely words that Cynthia gives us each morning before - so all fresh and new to me.

I got a shock the same time as you (2001). I was in a car accident on a remote country road late at night and car finished upside down in a ditch. I was fine, but I was trapped and I could smell the car burning. And I was so afraid of dying that way.

That really shook me - not the accident bu the fact that I was really scared of death. Not something for a Christian to admit to.

Fortunately, I came quite close to death again in 2003. And this time I was ready and happy, even though a long lists of jobs still to do (and only 57). I am quite well these days, but ever conscious our lives are suspended by a thin and rotting string.

When that string finally breaks, Christians fly back to the ark. We fly to the arms of Jesus. We are best prepared for church worship 24/7 at the feet of the lamb, which is what we are promised. Would that be "heaven" for an unbeliever? Not so sure it would appeal any more to them in the next world than it does in the very transitory "here and now".

I hope you are also well these days, and as thankful for your second chance as me. :-) :-)

Good morning all........... :-)


Oh my goodness kandj! I am certainly glad you made a full recovery - what a shock that must have been to you and your family. I am guilty of overdoing things at times but, I do try to pace myself. I will heed your warning - thank you. :-)


A lighter thought for today :

When ...?

When did you change the flowers, God,
And put more blossoms near my front door?
When did the weeds become flower-like, too,
And the pansies start smiling galore?

When did the clouds become fluffier
And the sky become bluer, too?
When did the stars become brighter at night,
And fresher ... the new morning dew?

When did street noises become music-like,
And night owls become Gabriel s horn?
When did the birds first sound like a choir?
And sing Hallelujah each morn?

When did my house turn into a home,
And my children's laughter ... a bell?
When did fresh air become sweetly perfumed,
And the daisies first start to tell?

When did my neighbors all start to smile,
And say, "Hi there! How are you?"
When did the mailman start petting my dog,
And my dog start liking him, too?

When did I see how handsome the man,
Who lived in the house next door?
Or how beautiful ... his lovely wife,
That I had not noticed before?

When did the old folk, who lived down the block,
Start smiling and waving to me?
When did the children from ‘cross the street,
First bring me their treasures to see?

When did heaven move into my grasp,
And my whole earthly world change, too?
I know! I know! Dear Lord ...
That's when ... I first met You!

~ Virginia Ellis ~


Enjoy your day my friends..... Cx :-)

Oh dear Cynthia. I presented this poem for our church monthly magazine. At the time I was feeling far from well and struggling to work and do the million and one jobs at home at the time (November 2001) The words "spoke to me" and I felt the need to share them with our church family. I used the words prayerfully too but I was unprepared to have a heart attack and needed triple bypass operation in Jan 2002.

On the Coronary Care Unit I felt God had heard my words and acted accordingly but not what I had expected or wanted! Be careful what you wish for,it just might come true.

Good morning everyone :-)


Thankfully, everything went off well yesterday at the funeral. Our granddaughter read a poem and she did it beautifully, with both expression and meaning. It took me back to when she was learning to read - how time flies!


Some words for many of us today:


Slow me down Lord

Slow me down,Lord!
Ease the pounding of my heart
By the quieting of my mind.
Steady my harried pace
With a vision of the eternal reach of time.
Give me, admidst the confusions of my day,
The calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves
With the soothing music of the sighing streams
That live in my memory.
Help me to know
The magical restoring power of sleep.

Teach me the art
Of taking minute vacations of slowing down to look at a flower;
To chat with an old friend or to make a new one;
To pat a stray dog,
To watch a spider build a web;
To smile at a child;
Or to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me each day
That the race is not always to the swift;
That there is more to life than increasing its speed.
Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord,
And inspire me to send my roots deep
Into the soil of life’s enduring values
That I may grow toward the stars
Of my great destiny.

Wilfred A. Peterson



Cx :-)