General Chat

It's certainly a matter of personal choice. I grew up with parents who wore Salvation Army uniforms - moved on to getting used to clergy wearing a plain preaching gown and ended up admiring Anglican vestments, which I find very meaningful.

By the way, I have an ichthus on the back window of my car and am rarely without the gold cross around my neck .... :-D

From what I have read, Jesus wore what any humble rabbi of his day would have worn. His cousin J the B perhaps went a bit too street and folksy, but certainly neither of them ever appear to have dressed up in the finery to which their rabbinical priesthood entitled them.

That was why John Wesley wore the Geneva cloak. It was so as to draw attention to Jesus, and not to distract worshippers by looking at his vestments and appendages. He didn't need to put an ichthus (fish) on his horse or a cross dangling round his neck to persuade people he walked closely with his Lord.

I don't think it is a big issue. People today can shop round and choose a church that they can settle into. A lot depends on where (if anywhere) your parents went, what type of Sunday school you attended, what church clubs or youth club you attended, where your fiends (Edit - friends :-D) attend. When I am on holiday in Spain or India, I often out of necessity attend an RC Church. I worry about the priests and their knowledge of Jesus, but I look into the faces of the ordinary people worshipping round me and often clearly see Jesus.

So prefer low church, but quite happy with high church. Vive la difference. :-)

You're right John, Jesus didn't wear a frock but then, neither did he wear a suit or jeans.

He would, however, have worn an ankle length garment. A cassock (often irreverently often referred to as a 'frock') has it's origins in the garment which was worn under a toga at the time of Christ. The word simply means 'long coat' - not a frock to be seen!

'A simple hug, even in a nation of 'non-huggers', can be more effective than any amount of eloquent language'. (Today's Times)

Good morning all on this bright, sunny, cold, snow covered
start to the day and ((((hugs)))) all round.

Have a lovely happy day and stay warm.

Emma :-)

Group hugs are lovely. Reaching across the ether to Scotland, Canada and beyond to hug this morning.

Talking of church tradition, we have one almost every week in our church which I love. At end of service we all get up and hold hands with someone. Then all look round the circle of 20 to 30 faces, smile at each one and say the grace together.

The Minister that has probably influenced me more than any other was a very funny and cantankerous old man called Rev Charles Lawrence of Harold in Beds. He had a brother called Sidney who led a large independent church in Knighton, Leicester. Sidney was an army officer, Cambridge educated. Methodist Minister. Charles was a local farmer till his 50's and a Methodist local preacher. Their dad Leeson Lawrence (who owned a threshing machine) was asked once which was the better preacher - well, he said after due reflection "Them both good in ther way. Sid woos 'em to heaven, Charlie kicks 'em there".

Two of Charlie's expressions that have influenced me are "the more candles in church, the less light, boy" and "dress up for church out of respect, but wear what everyone else wears. Jesus never wore a frock". So I guess our background in Christian things and life generally make us like different strings in an orchestra - one a viola, another a double bass. :-) :-)

Vive la difference :-)

Good morning everyone and it's lovely to see such friendly discussions and thoughts on here. :-)

I heard on the news that General Synod is, once again, about to have a discussion on the possibility of women bishops in this country. I never hold my breath when Synod is discussing anything as they can be so long-winded. :-D


Last night I had to nip back to church to pick up something which had been forgotten on Sunday. Monday night is 'Vestry Hour' between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. and is the time when folk can come to book baptisms, weddings etc. Since the death of our vicar, who used to hold VH in the Vicarage, it has been moved to our meeting room which is off the main body of the church.

When I went into the room, it was buzzing with life. There were three families wanting to book in for a baptism and a young couple arranging their marriage.

On the other side of the door into church, our young church treasurer was chatting to our lovely handyman who was on his hands and knees, measuring out a piece of wood to make a shelf for the kitchen. He is an acknowledged atheist but a great fan of our late vicar and I can remember his wife's words recently......."He was the only vicar who could ever get my husband to come to a church service".
All in all, I hope it gave a friendly and happy signal to these new young folk. :-D


I can feel a hug coming on........


There are hugs that say I like you . . .
And I hold your friendship dear.

There are hugs that say "Good Going,"
You deserve a great big cheer!

There are hugs that say "Goodbye,"
Good luck in all that lies ahead.

There are hugs that say "I love you"
When no other words are said.

There are hugs that soothe and say to us . . .
"You're free from cares and harms."

The kind of hug we feel
When God holds us within His arms.

~ Anonymous ~



Cx :-)

Hi John

do you know, we hear very little about the Diocese of British Columbia!

It is actually only concerned with Vancouver Island and adjacent islands in the Gulf between the Mainland and Vancouver Island.

It hadn't even dawned on me that they were also electing a new Bishop.

There are actually 5 dioceses in the British Columbia and Yukon region ..........

1. Diocese of British Columbia

2. Diocese of Caledonia

3. Diocese of Kootenay

4. Diocese of New Westminster

5. Diocese of Yukon

Plus ................ "Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior" which were previously included in the Diocese of Cariboo until that Diocese was closed down in 2001.


We're in the Diocese of New Westminster ........ and that's the one having the election later this month.

My sister-in-law was a minister in the Diocese of New Caledonia until she retired last month.

Wendy, I hope that Cynthia's words brought a little comfort to you. Be assured of prayerful support from many who pop in and out of this Christian thread.

Thanks to Sylvia and John, an interesting topic.

Cynthia. I do love all the ceremony of special church occasions and your thread today reminded me of much of the tradition I was brought up with,, many thanks.

Kandj, thank you so much for thinking of me. I know many others will have experienced the same feelings as I have and my heart goes out to them xx

Very interesting post, Sylvia. It seems there is another Bishop (of British Columbia diocese - all male cast there) being elected on 7th December.

As far as diocese of New Westminster is concerned, there are some excellent candidates. I suspect Ellen Clark-King is one of the favourites. She ticks a lot of boxes for me.

Two new Bishops in such a short period should prove a major change for the church in that part of Canada. And a major challenge for all members.

Edit. Cynthia. We posted at same time. I am not against "fancy dress" per se. And my Minister is very much one for dressing up - and so was my last but one Methodist Minister. And my friend who is a Bishop out in the Far East walks round town shopping (in a Midlands town) in full regalia - with his hat on, with his crook and hsi Asda carrier bag:-)

But I believe the best type of Eucharist can be when a simple group of Christians quietly bless each other and pass round the elements. I have experienced more spirituality from that than any of the very well orchestrated Eucharists I have attended in Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism. I am sure we should all try to experience different styles of worship whenever we have the opportunity.

Good morning everyone and I hope you are all well. :-)


We didn't have baptisms yesterday John, we simply welcomed the newly baptised back to give them their baptism certificates. We don't actually have another baptism until January, but we are already having them booked in for February and March. :-)


Our church is a Eucharistic based church which means that we have a service of Holy Communion at least once each Sunday. We normally have two - one at 9am and one at 11am. During these services we are reminded of the great sacrifice which Christ made on our behalf and the words used are poignant and wonderful.


Presumably John, by the words 'fancy dress', you are referring to the vestments worn by the clergy in Anglican and Roman Catholic churches? Many folk from the non-conformist tradition often wonder what the colourful robes are all about and if they are necessary.

The symbolism of the vestments is both significant and interesting. They are not just colourful garments worn to parade around in as each item conveys a certain understanding of the faith. Not only that, but they also add dignity to the worship and stop the possibility of worshippers being distracted by the the latest fashions being worn.

Each of the priest's garments worn at the Eucharist, have a relevance to the crucifixion of Christ.

The long white garment (alb) represents the purple robe put on Christ but it is white to signify his purity.

The long scarf (stole), which is crossed over the chest and held in place by a white girdle, signifies the ropes which held Christ in place as he was whipped.

The colourful garment (chasuble) is large and made of linen or silk. It is oval, seamless and sleeveless and has a hole in the centre to slip over the priest 's head. It signifies the 'seamless garment' which was put on Christ before he was led away to be crucified and is a sign of God's love for us - "above all things, put on love".

The colour of the chasuble depends on the season of the church's year - Lent - Pentecost - Advent - Saint's Days etc. It all helps to bring the faith alive.

All of the items worn by clergy have a meaning and I find it truly fascinating to read about. It helps me to understand that bit more.


Wendy, it was lovely to know that you felt you could share your sorrow with us. I send my love and prayers and a (hug) and hope that the following words are helpful to you. :-)

You can shed tears that he is gone ...
Or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes ...
And pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes ...
And see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty ...
Because you can't see him,
Or you can be full of the love ...
That you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow ...
And live in yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow ...
Because of yesterday.

You can remember him ...
And only that he is gone,
Or you can cherish his memory ...
And let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind ...
Be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want ...
Smile, open your eyes, love, and go on!

~ Author Unknown ~



Cx :-)

I have looked in just now and hope it's not too late to offer support in thought and prayer for Wendy. I hope that you will be able to sleep well and find tomorrow is better for you than today has been.

as you know, I don't often post on here, although I often read it.

But I thought you might be interested in the interesting possible situation here in Vancouver ..............

the Anglican Bishop retired a couple of months ago.

there are 8 candidates for the position ......... voting to be done by diocese members at a Synod on November 30th

there are 4 women and 4 men .............................



......... and 3 of the women are being tipped as front-runners by several "people in the know"


We do have other women bishops in Canada already, so we won't be leading the way!


Interestingly, only 1 candidate (a man) has apparently stated that he is against blessing of gay couples in church.

and only 2 are from outside Canada ........... a woman form Seattle, and a man from New Zealand

It is often said that candidates from outside the Diocese have a hard time amking it through the first round of voting. I'm not sure whether that is a peculiarity of this Diocese or whether ti occurs elsewhere.

Whatever ........ the 3 candidates being tipped to top the first round of voting are all women, including the one from Seattle.


Take care everyone




sylvia

Cynthia as always the words of Helen Steiner Rice touch the heart <3

Thank you also John.

Wendy I send my prayers and thoughts to you at this time <3

Emma :-)

Thank you John I appreciate your thoughts

Wendy

Wendy. Today is bound to bring back so many mixed remembrances - happy and sad. Hope you have laughter in the rain, and I am sure we will think of you in our private prayers today.

We usually have a moment in our prayers at church when we are left to pray for what we want to pray for and I shall take a moment to include you.

Once again, Cynthia, you are out with your watering can today :-) ;-) You will get a chance to smile and chat to these babies - perhaps hold one or two. They are so lovely to cuddle (cwtch, we say) - can't wait to get my hands on my first grandchild in May and have a little dandle. Dandle is a lovely old word which I once saw in History of Mr Polly by HG Wells, and only applies to small babies.

I pray that whatever concerns and happinesses, sadness or joy that you start today with, that you are all truly blessed. We have communion (Eucharist) today and, to be honest, make a bit of a fuss. The first meal that we commemorate was just a group of close friends sharing bread and wine. And I am sure the bread was not the frothy and chemical implanted stuff we will be given later. And the wine would have had more of a kick to it. And none of us would have had to wear fancy dress. ;-) But it is a very special remembrance, and a sincere thanks for what the Lord did for his undeserving flock. :-)

Today is the second anniversary of my lovely husbands death and I miss him more than ever <3

Wendy

Good morning everyone. It's very misty here this morning and I have a feeling that it isn't a heat mist!! :-)


At this morning's service, we will be giving out Baptism cards to those who were baptised last week. The babies and their parents are invited back to church to receive the cards so that they can be welcomed into the church by the regular congregation. It's lovely to see a group of young couples proudly holding their infants for everyone to see. :-)


A few words for today:



Old Chinese Proverb

"Flowers Leave Their Fragrance
On The Hand That Bestows Them"

This old Chinese proverb,
If practiced each day,
Would change the whole world
In a wonderful way.

Its truth is so simple,
It's so easy to do,
And it works every time
And successfully, too.

For you can't do a kindness
Without a reward,
Not in silver nor gold
But in joy from the Lord.

You can't light a candle
To show others the way
Without feeling the warmth
Of that bright little ray.

And you can't pluck a rose,
All fragrant with dew,
Without part of its fragrance
Remaining with you.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~



I hope you all have a pleasant day.... Cx :-)

Thank you kandj, John and Cynthia,
loved reading all.

Emma :-)