General Chat

Hello all

I hope Cynthia is well and just having a day off.

Shrove Tuesday.... have you had pancakes today?

I'm finding it hard to think that it will be Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent tomorrow.

Village church still closed so there will be no annual Ashing Service. No Lent courses and no Lent lunches either. I'll miss helping out with these and with meeting up with friends from nearby churches this year. I plan to follow the service tomorrow evening but it will still feel very strange.

Stay safe everyone.

Hello all

We have sunshine here. A blessing after the snow.

Thank you Lord for waking me up this morning.
Without You I wouldn't be alive!
Thank You Lord for protecting me, loving me and
walking beside me, always.
Thank You heavenly Father.
I gratefully await all that you have in store for
me today. Amen.

Sending gentle ((hugs)) to all who need them.

Good morning :-)



May you find a gift this morning
Laid out for you in the sky.
A beautiful reminder
That sets your hope in flight.

May you notice birds above you
That soar and ride the winds.
And know that as you lift your prayer.
God lifts your heart and sings.

May you hear the sweet birds chirping
May you smell the fresh cool air
And know that God's love is all around.
Holding you so dear.

May this day be like a present
That fills your heart with awe.
And takes your world from grey to gold.
And soothes your very soul.


Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)


Sorry but have been busy what with one thing and another....... :-D


Today is not only St. Valentine's Day, its the day when we remember The Transfiguration of Jesus. This was when he took three disciples up to a mountain and they saw him meet with Moses and Elijah and his whole appearance changed to a dazzling bright light.

The Collect (special prayer) for today

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 liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello and a Happy St.Valentine's Day to everyone.

No Cynthia as yet? I hope all is ok with her today.

I woke up this morning with the Love Divine hymn in my mind and I'm still singing the words even now. This lovely traditional John Wesley hymn was sung at our wedding, and I feel it's appropriate for today.

Love divine, all loves excelling
Joy of heaven to earth come down
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion
Pure unbounded love Thou art
Visit us with Thy salvation
Enter every trembling heart.

Hello all

Dry but still have snow around and it's -2 outside.

Vera, I'm still upholding you and your family in prayer as you all come to terms with the loss of your brother.

Heavenly Father
Help those who are coping with mental ill-health, give them your peace during troubled Covid times.
Comfort those who have lost a loved one and help strengthen them on their grieving path.
Amen.

Keep warm and stay safe everyone.x

Good morning :-)

Just nipped out to the garage and oh, my word, it is SO cold outside. Brrrr

To end our week of thinking of those whose lives have been turned upside down by the pandemic, we think of those with mental health issues.


The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Those already living with mental health problems are facing extra challenges too.

Lord, we pray for those who wrestle with mental health issues. Grant them support, care, understanding and love.

We pray for families trying to give support. Lord, supply energy, rest, patience and others to help.

We pray for the wider support network, medical professionals, support staff and volunteers.

Protect them from being overwhelmed. Encourage them and give wisdom.
In Jesus' name

Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-D


This week we are thinking about those whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus.

Those made homeless

More than 70,000 households have been made homeless since the start of the pandemic, with tens of thousands more threatened with homelessness, despite government pledges to protect tenants and prevent evictions, according to figures compiled by the Observer.

Father, hear our prayer today for all women and men, boys and girls who are homeless this day.
For those sleeping under bridges, on park benches, in doorways or bus stations.
For those who can only find shelter for the night but must wander in the daytime.
For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.
For those who have no relatives or friends who can take them in.
For those who have no place to keep possessions that remind them who they are.
For those who are afraid and hopeless.
For those who have been let down by our social safety net.
For all these people, we pray that you will provide shelter, security and hope.

We pray that those of us with warm houses not be lulled into complacency and
forgetfulness. Jesus, help us to see your face in the eyes of every homeless person we meet so that we may be empowered through word and deed, and through all the means we have, to bring justice and peace to those who are homeless. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It's good to know that all went well for you on Monday Vera and yes, you are blessed to have such a supportive family around you. <3

Dermot, the RC churches are still open in my area and getting reasonable congregations too. All safety measures are in place of course. Personally, I feel all churches should still be open and I feel we have let people down badly by closing the places where many feel safe and loved. I understand the logical nature of it but my thoughts go to the spiritual and emotional needs of people in these difficult times. I would happily be part of a team of volunteers to keep the doors open.

As for Zoom - a mixed blessing. You only have to download the app which is free and off you go but, it isn't the same as meeting in person obviously.

The injection was fine and I am fine. :-D :-D Thanks for your good wishes.

Today we pray for those who have lost their jobs and financial security due to the pandemic.

Lord, we pray for those who are struggling with the loss of income at the moment – for those who are fearful, anxious and feel worthless. Help them to remember that you are in control and know the past, the present and the future.

Help them to trust in you as they look for new work. Please watch over them and their families in this time of waiting. Though times are uncertain, remind us to be generous. Help us share what we have and support each other the best way we can. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good evening
Thank you for your kind wishes for the day of my brother's funeral. They are much appreciated. It is good to know others are thinking of you when you are going through a difficult time.

Even though I knew exactly what was coming at every point in the service, (which was totally non-religious according to my brother's wishes), it just seemed unreal to me. However I have since watched it online and it was a really lovely service and we have received many kind comments.

As the crematorium was large and people could be distanced we were allowed the full 30 people, joined online by friends and family worldwide. Many people travelled quite long distances in quite nasty conditions which is a measure of the love my brother inspired in people. My son and dil had a 500 mile round trip for the 25 minute service but my son's comment was "I couldn't not be there".

I am very blessed to have such a loving and supportive family.

Amen to all your prayers this week Cynthia.

Dermot, it you are a regular churchgoer you might even enjoy joining in with the online congregation. Go on, give it a Zoom :-)

EDIT I hope the vaccination went well Cynthia and you have no after effects.

Church doors still under 'lockdown'.

The reason is well known & logical. What else can be done?

Nevertheless, very unsettling.

Received an e-mail this morning from our local establishment wondering if I would consider joining the congregation through 'Zoom' - whatever that is. :-D

Hello all

Snow again throughout the night, pretty but COLD!

Cynthia the vaccination doesn't hurt, so be brave.

Vera I hope your brother's funeral service went as well as can be and that everyone had safe travels.

Heavenly Lord
We pray for children, students and all teachers as they cope daily with the emotional impact of Covid.
Empower teachers and all who work in education with wisdom and stamina to face the days ahead.
Amen.

Good morning :-)


Vaccination day today!! :-D


This week we will think about some of those whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus.


TEACHERS: Teachers have been tasked with a job they never expected. They have spent countless hours learning new teaching strategies and technology tools, all in the name of doing the very best job they can for the children in their care.

In the near future they may be returning to a classroom with anxiety in their hearts. Or maybe their new “classroom management” includes trying to keep the children 6 feet apart.

Pray for teachers to have peace about this year, to develop effective strategies for whatever modality they’re teaching in, and to have patience when things don’t go well. And while you’re praying – say a prayer of immense gratitude for the teachers in your life.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


We continue to pray for those whose lives have been turned upside down during the last months......

STUDENTS: Pray for students enduing a year they never imagined. Pray for peace, pray for health, and pray for patience.

Pray for the children for whom home is not a safe or peaceful place, and the students who struggle with online learning. Pray that they find way to make social connections despite the distance, and that they feel like they’re a part of their school community – whatever that looks like.

SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN: Pray for the children with special needs, the ones who can’t understand why things are so different, and who miss the routine of school.

Pray for the ones who have regressed, that they can regain the progress they’d made. Pray for their parents who are weary and miss the team that surrounds and loves their child.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thinking of Vera on this sad day and sending lots of love. <3

This week we will think about some of those whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus. A touch of occasional humour may be added to brighten the day!

PARENTS: Pray for the parents who are schooling their children at home. Pray for those on the front line whose children are at school and who are worried about their safety.

Pray for the working parents who are trying to navigate work-at-home and school-at-home; the parents who work out the of home and worry about whether their child will be safe, healthy, and learning at school/home/childcare.

Pray for the single parents who are carrying this year’s burden alone, and who worry about a loss of income if they or their children get sick or have to quarantine due to exposure. We lift them to you Lord.


If your day needs brightening, then click on this link! ??

https://youtu.be/gpN9CGrK6IQ



Cx :-)

Hello all

Snow here overnight. I'm lucky not to have to go outside and plan to stay inside where it's warm.

Vera, I'm thinking of you and all your family travelling in snowy/icy road conditions to be together for your brother's funeral service today.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all on a very sad day.

Take care everyone and stay safe too.

Hello all

It's bitterly cold and trying to snow here. No church, so I'm not planning on going out at all today.

Candlemas Day has passed and I missed being in church and singing Shine Jesus Shine this year.

Snow and ice is forecast for the next few day. I'll be thinking about Vera and her family as they meet together for her brother's funeral service tomorrow.

Vera, I hope your journey and your son's isn't too stressful for you all. Travel carefully, stay safe

Good morning :-)



The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Praying that all goes for your brother's funeral on Monday Vera. It will be a difficult day, but you will be surrounded by love. <3

A prayer reminding us of Candlemas and that Christ is the Light of the World.

Lord Jesus Christ, the length, breadth, depth and height of your love is beyond our understanding: grant that this love may so transform us through Your suffering as to make us reach out to the despairing and the desperate, and work for justice, reconciliation and peace among all people; for Your Name's sake. Amen.

Cx :-)

I am so sorry to hear that you have had another bereavement kandj. Please accept my sympathy and good wishes for you and your family. You have had so many losses in the last year or two and Covid restrictions make our normal grieving processes so much more difficult. I am thinking of you <3

My brother’s funeral is on Monday and has been arranged according to his wishes. My big worry now is the weather and possible poor road conditions.

It’s been interesting reading about Candlemas and I also enjoyed reading about the more obscure saints before that. By doing a bit of googling I see that there is a saint for just about everything you can think of. I definitely feel a connection with the patron saint of ice cream :-D (Saint Lidwina, also patron saint of ice skaters)