General Chat

Good morning :-)

A bit cooler today.

Jesus’ forty days in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas, during which multitudes saw him, is rarely disputed. The contemporary Jewish historian Josephus mentioned it, as did other writers. Two generations later, the writer Eusebius interviewed many individuals who had known people who saw Jesus during this time. These accounts included reports of miracles and even cited sermons and letters from the risen Jesus.

In other words, while some people may not have joined the followers of Christ, despite rapid growth in believers, even in the face of persecution, very few disputed that he rose from the dead.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

That was a very hot May Day!! :-D

Let not your heart be troubled
Let not your soul be sad
Easter is a time of joy
When all hearts should be glad
Glad to know that Jesus Christ
Made it possible for men
To have their sins forgiven
And, like Him, to love again
So at this joyous season
May the wondrous Easter Story
Renew our faith so we may be
Partakers of His glory.
- Helen Steiner Rice

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples over 40 days to confirm his resurrection and strengthen his teachings. These encounters were important for building the early Christian faith. During these visits, Jesus taught his disciples about the meaning of his death and resurrection and explained how the Scriptures pointed to him and his mission. This helped prepare them to share the message of salvation with others. It is also up to us to share this message.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It’s only been a short while since we celebrated Easter and the Resurrection of Christ. How bewildered those disciples were…until they realised the truth—Jesus was alive.


Today, this same Jesus is here with us, showing the marks of his suffering. He gets what we’re going through and knows our fears. Just like the disciples, we worry about the world’s powers—its armies, courts, prisons, and all their threats. We also feel our own weaknesses and insecurities. We’re scared of pain, suffering, and especially death. But Jesus wants us to understand the power of his resurrection, just like he wanted the disciples to. He wants us to remember his words: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Catching some of the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, it was interesting to see how many young people were present and actively taking part in the proceedings.

At the moment, several press articles are about how Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) are taking an active interest in Christianity. This is being welcomed as a positive sign that young people are seeking stability, purpose, and community in an increasingly uncertain and divided world.


“Who among us has not experienced insecurity, loss and even doubts on their journey of faith?… We’ve all experienced this, me too.” – Pope Francis

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, we heard about Doubting Thomas. Dear old Thomas – he certainly left a legacy behind him.

Who hasn’t had doubts at some time or other?

Doubts are natural and can be a good thing for Christians. They can cause us to look more closely at what we believe and why we believe it.

Rather than run away from doubts, we need to take them to God and find the answers. Doubts can lead to growth and be used to strengthen the faith of others. It’s important to remember that God cares for us in our moments of doubt.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I managed to catch some of it, and what a service! Seeing all the crowds and knowing that millions were watching on TV made me think about how many Christians there are in the world. The world would be a much better place if we all fulfilled our calling. We need to stand up and be counted! :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)
Almighty Father,
you have given your only Son to die for our sins
and to rise again for our justification:
grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness
that we may always serve you
in pureness of living and truth;
through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Today’s gospel tells the story of Doubting Thomas.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I watched the requiem mass for Pope Francis from St Peter's Square in the Vatican earlier today. More than 250,000 worshipers, religious and political people attended the funeral.

May the Holy Father, Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory. Amen.

Good morning :-)

James struggled with addiction and felt trapped in guilt.

On Easter Sunday, the minister spoke about the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb.
“The stone represents the burdens holding you back,” the pastor said.

James prayed, “Lord, roll away the stone in my life.”

With the church’s support, James overcame his addiction.
The next Easter, he shared his testimony. “Jesus rolled away my stone and gave me a new life.”

Conclusion
These Easter stories remind us that Easter is about more than just Jesus's resurrection—it’s about the renewal of faith, forgiveness, and hope.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Tom had lost everything—his job, home, and faith. He wandered the streets, feeling forgotten and alone.

On Easter morning, as Tom sat on a park bench, a woman approached him with a small bag. “Here,” she said kindly. Inside the bag were a sandwich, a bottle of water, and a small note that read, “Jesus loves you.”

Tom stared at the note, tears filling his eyes. It had been so long since someone showed him kindness.

Later that day, Tom walked past a church and decided to step inside. The minister welcomed him warmly and invited him to stay.
“You are not forgotten,” the minister said. “God’s love is for everyone.”

Tom began attending services regularly. He found a job and started rebuilding his life. That small Easter gift had reminded him that God’s love was still there, even in his lowest moment.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Michael was an energetic eight-year-old who couldn’t wait for Easter Sunday. But what excited him most was the chocolate eggs, not the idea of celebrating Christ's resurrection.

His grandmother, who was deeply rooted in her faith, decided to teach him the true meaning of Easter. A short while before Easter, she handed Michael a small brown bulb.

“Plant this in the garden,” she said. “Water it every day and take care of it.”
Michael wrinkled his nose. “But it’s just a boring bulb!”
“Trust me,” she smiled.

Michael followed her instructions, watering the bulb daily. A week passed, but nothing happened. Frustrated, he complained to his grandmother, “I think it’s broken!”
“Be patient,” she said. “Sometimes things happen beneath the surface before you can see them.”

On Easter morning, Michael ran to the garden and gasped. A beautiful white lily had bloomed where the bulb had been planted.
His grandmother knelt beside him. “This lily is a symbol of Easter. Just like Jesus’ resurrection, life can spring from what seems lifeless. The bulb had to be buried in the ground before growing into something beautiful.”

Michael’s eyes widened. “So Easter isn’t about chocolate—it’s about new life?”
“Exactly,” his grandmother replied. “Jesus gives us new life.”

That Easter, Michael understood the deeper meaning behind the holiday. He still enjoyed his chocolate eggs, but he also carried the lesson of the Easter lily in his heart. The flower became a symbol of faith and trust in God’s timing.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I hope you've all had a good St George's Day.

Just in from a meal out in the village hall to celebrate this special day for our country.

Good morning :-D

Happy St. George’s Day,

Here are some facts about England’s Patron Saint. Some you may already know but maybe some you don't!

1. St George’s Day is on 23 April, which is traditionally accepted as the date of his death in AD 303.

2. St George was beheaded for resigning his military post and protesting against his pagan leader, the Emperor Diocletian (245-313 AD), who led Rome’s persecution of Christians.

3. The Emperor’s wife was so inspired by St George’s bravery and loyalty to his religion that she too became a Christian and was subsequently executed for her faith.

4. Before the cult of St George was brought back from the Crusades, the top choice for England’s patron saint was Edmund the Martyr, one of the Whuffings, East Anglia’s ruling family. Edmund is also the patron saint of pandemics, torture victims, and wolves.

5. St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting, and on the Sunday nearest to 23 April, scouts and guides throughout England parade through the streets.

6. St George’s emblem, a red cross on a white background, was adopted by Richard the Lionheart and brought to England in the 12th century, when the king’s soldiers would wear it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

7. Aside from England, other countries that celebrate St George’s Day include Canada, Croatia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia.

8. Though celebrations are somewhat muted in modern times, Englishmen can still be seen to mark St George’s Day with quintessentially British traditions, such as Morris Dancing, eating fish and chips or watching a Punch and Judy puppet show.

9. The most famous legend of St George is of him slaying a dragon, with the dragon commonly used to represent the Devil in the Middle Ages. The slaying of the dragon by St George was first credited to him in the 12th century, long after his death, and it is therefore likely that the many stories connected with St George’s name are fictitious.

10. The date of 23 April was also the date of the death of the English playwright William Shakespeare. UNESCO marked this historic date by declaring it the International Day of the Book, and it is also traditionally when Shakespeare’s birthday is celebrated.

So there we have it!!! Enjoy your St. George's Day!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Empty Tomb and a Renewed Faith

Anna struggled with her faith after losing her mother to cancer, feeling abandoned by God. As Easter approached, she felt numb, but her grandmother encouraged her to attend the family service. Reluctantly, Anna joined them and listened as the minister spoke about the resurrection and the promise of hope. His words touched her heart, and she felt a flicker of warmth for the first time in months.

After the service, her grandmother reminded her that just as the tomb was empty, her heart could be filled with faith again. Grateful for the renewed sense of hope, Anna whispered a prayer and began attending church regularly. Though her grief remained, she found comfort in knowing that God was with her on her healing journey. Easter had shown her that hope is never truly lost.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I can't believe that I missed Easter Day! Mega apologies, and my only excuse is the pressure of duties. Not good enough though.
:-(


What news to begin the day! We give thanks to God for the life and witness of Pope Francis. For the enthusiasm for his calling and for his dedication to his faith. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

From an article in the Church Times a few years ago.
Dying “on time” is not such an unusual phenomenon. Many of us know of people who have “hung on” to see a grandchild born, or to celebrate an anniversary, and who have died shortly afterwards. To die in Holy Week or Eastertide is a blessing, and perhaps a consolation to those who are left.

Cx <3

Hello all

Happy Easter Sunday blessings.

A wonderful service in church this morning and I was able to meet and greet lots of newcomers.

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia,
Our triumphant Holy day
Who did once upon the cross
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia.

The old ones are the best ones.

Enjoy this joyous Easter weekend.

Easter blessings to you all

Holy Saturday: A Day of Sacred Silence

A day of silence, sorrow, and waiting, while Jesus descended to the realm of the dead. Hope is already on the move. In anticipation, Christians await the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


Cx


https://youtu.be/ZPeqBmXgSlk

A DAY OF SORROW AND REVERENCE
Good Friday is a day for reflection—a day of mourning. It isn't observed in celebration or joy but with reverence. It is a day to look within oneself and reflect on the values of selflessness, humility, and forgiveness.

Cx

Dear All

Hello

Hope you are all well.

A short prayer for Maundy Thursday:


BECAUSE HE LIVES

God sent his Son; they called Him Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

an empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow;

because He lives all fear is gone;

because I know He holds the future;

and life is worth living

just because He Lives.


By William J. Gaither

Be peaceful and God Bless you.

Take gentle care
Love EOS
xx