General Chat

Hello all

I hope that followers of St Patrick have had a very happy day today.

"May your troubles be less your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door"

Take care everyone.

Another week of interesting posts. You always manage to give us plenty to think about Cynthia. Thank you.

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Gracious Lord, You call us to love one another as You have loved us. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me and give me a heart that is quick to serve. Whether through giving, encouraging, or simply being present for someone who is hurting, help me to reflect Your kindness and compassion. May my acts of charity be done not for recognition but as a response to Your love. Use me, Lord, to be Your hands and feet in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

For the season of Lent, many people make an intentional shift away from eating things they enjoy. Some explain it like this….. “During Lent, we give things up, to show that we love God more than we love things, and more than we love getting our own way. We make sacrifices, like not eating (whatever).

It's good to remind ourselves that God is more important to us than anything else. Lent is a season of repentance, of turning away from our sin and from the idols that we have made of things and focusing on God with intention. Because food is a central part of our lives, we give some of that up, and it reminds us three (or more) times a day that God is bigger than our own wants, but that God provides for all of our needs.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

When he was in the desert, Jesus was severely tempted by the devil. How easy is it for us to be tempted to do something which is not right? Do we have the strength of character to resist temptations which are wrong? Only last night, on the news, there was an article about drug abuse – it was truly shocking.

There is an old hymn which says it all……

1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

Refrain:
Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]

3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXBui52qEzo


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

Being in the desert for 40 days, there would have been times when Jesus would have felt very lonely. In today’s world, people still crave friendship and company. Maybe this prayer will help if you are feeling lonely today.

Dear God, I humbly come before You seeking solace and peace in this moment of loneliness. You are the source of all comfort, and I ask for Your presence to surround me.

Fill the void in my heart with Your unwavering love and understanding. Grant me the strength to face my solitude with grace, knowing that You are with me always.

Help me to find peace within myself and to trust in Your divine plan for my life. May Your comforting embrace remind me that I am never truly alone. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT.

There would have been a lot of silence for Jesus in the desert and silence isn’t always something we are comfortable with.

Practising silence has been a way for Christians to connect with God since the early church. God wants to be present with us, and setting aside time for silence can create a space where we become aware of God in a particular way. This can help us start to notice God throughout our day, no matter how busy or noisy it may be.
Here is something we can try.

1. Start small. Sitting in silence for just five minutes at a time is enough.
2. Have a physical way to let yourself know that it’s time for silence. A specific place, action, scent, or sound can help you to acknowledge the beginning of your practice.
3. Focus on your breathing or your heartbeat, or the feeling of your hands touching your chair. This can help you to stop focusing on your thoughts and be still.
4. Give yourself grace and keep going. You’ll get distracted. You’ll miss a day. Your phone will ring. Things happen, and it’s okay. Start again later, or tomorrow.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Yesterday, we reflected on the Gospel reading about Jesus in the desert and the temptations he faced. When we take time alone, various thoughts and feelings can surface, especially those we’d rather avoid. This is significant because it’s easy to miss negative influences when we’re busy.

Jesus went to the desert after his baptism to show he could resist temptation. He faced three challenges: turning stones into bread, testing God’s faithfulness, and worshipping the devil for power.

During Lent, let’s take time to recognize and reject these inner temptations, reminding ourselves to stay strong and tell the devil to back off!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:
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's gospel tells of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT

During Lent, almsgiving reminds us to think of others and help those in need. It's not just about giving money; it's about being generous in all areas of our lives. This practice is an important part of Lent, encouraging us to change our hearts and actions. We can find many charity shops nearby where we can donate at least three items that we no longer use or enjoy.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yes they will Gwyn :-) There is one arranged fairly locally but I don't think I can make it due to other pressures. xx

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT.

What is Fasting? Fasting is a spiritual practice that, paired with prayer, can transform our lives. Jesus fasted and encouraged his followers to do the same. Fasting usually means giving up food for a period, but there are many ways to fast that support spiritual growth.

We need to listen to the Holy Spirit and our bodies when we fast.
Instead of giving up all food, we could avoid certain foods or forgo activities like social media. We can also decide to fast until a specific time or skip a meal. This way, we can gain spiritual benefits while still getting the physical nourishment we need.

Cx :-)

Many areas will be holding a service today for World Day of Prayer, this year arranged by the women of the Cook Islands.

https://worlddayofprayer.net/index.html

Good morning :-)

Yes, we had a service with the Imposition of Ashes last night. Very quiet, reverent and meaningful. <3

IDEAS FOR TRAVELLING THROUGH LENT.

Practice Listening Prayer; invite God to speak to you in prayer and listen to what the Holy Spirit reveals.

Throughout history, prophets have listened to God and confidently shared His messages. We believe God still speaks to us today.

However, it can be hard to hear His voice among all the noise in our lives. We face many distractions, and different opinions can make it tough to know what to do. When we feel confused about our choices, we can find guidance through Listening Prayer. This practice helps us focus on what God is saying and shows us the best way forward.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Ash Wednesday and I had the traditional ash cross put on my forehead along with others today.

"You are dust, and to dust you shall return", a poignant reminder of our own mortality.

Good morning :-)

ASH WEDNESDAY

Today, many Christians will arrive at work with a black cross smudged on their foreheads; countless more will slip into a church or a chapel during their lunch break or after work or tonight, to receive the sign that tells the arrival of the traditional start of the Christian season Lent.

Lent. That 40-day period of reflection and preparation that leads up to Easter. Christians observe Lent by fasting, praying, donating, and reflecting on their actions.

People talk about ‘giving something up’ for Lent and one of the most common things is……..chocolate and sweets, but Lent is about more than that.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


It's Pancake Day!
The thing is, many people tend to either overlook or simply don’t know that many of our traditions have a religious background.

Take Pancake Day or, as Christians know it, Shrove Tuesday. On that day, according to tradition, people would use up all their rich, fatty foods in preparation for Lent, the season which prepares us for Easter. During Lent, they would fast, pray and give.

The word ‘Shrove’ comes from ‘Shrive’, meaning ‘absolution from sin’. People would go to church on the day before Ash Wednesday to confess their sins and be absolved, ready to begin Lent and so prepare for Easter.

These are traditions which are still carried on by many people today.

When we are enjoying our pancakes, let’s remember these traditions and what they symbolise. ??

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

This week we begin our journey through Lent – 40 days of prayer, fasting and giving. A solemn time, when we remember Jesus spending time in the desert, leading up to Holy Week with His trial and crucifixion. However, before we embark on that journey on Wednesday…………………….

Everyone loves to laugh… even in church! The Lord created humour, so the church should be a place that is full of joy and laughter. Hopefully, a smile for today……


What did the classmate say when asked why they kept walking next to the same person at school?
“I was told I’m supposed to walk by Faith!”

Which Bible character was super-fit?
ABSalom.

Why didn’t Noah go fishing?
He only had two worms.

What is the best way to study the Bible?
You Luke into it.

What do you call a priest who becomes a lawyer?
A father-in-law.

Why did the sponge go to church?
It was hole-y.

Why didn’t anyone want to fight Goliath?
It seemed like a giant ordeal.

What do you call a prophet who’s also a chef?
HabakKUK

How do clergy make orange juice?
They PULPit.


Cx :-)

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 :-)


A very Happy St. David's Day to all those from that glorious country. <3


The Lord of All
by Samuel Longfellow

Sing forth his high eternal name
Who holds all powers in thrall,
Through endless ages still the same,—
The mighty Lord of all.

His goodness, strong and measureless,
Upholds us lest we fall,
His hand is still outstretched to bless,—
The loving Lord of all.

His perfect law sets metes and bounds,
Our strong defense and wall;
His providence our life surrounds,—
The saving Lord of all.

He every thought and every deed
Doth to his judgment call;
Oh, may our hearts obedient heed
The righteous God of all.

When, turning from forbidden ways,
Low at his feet we fall,
His strong and tender arms upraise,—
The pardoning Lord of all.

Unwearied he is working still,
Unspent his blessings fall,
Almighty, Loving, Righteous One,
The only Lord of all.



Cx :-)

Hello all


Once again thank you Cynthia, this week's posting has been interesting and thought provoking.

It's hard to think that it's the first day of March tomorrow.The was a hard frost overnight, but at least the days are getting longer.