General Chat

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.

Good morning :-)

James Hudson Taylor………continued

In 1858, Taylor married Maria Jane Dyer, the orphaned daughter of the Rev. Samuel Dyer of the London Missionary Society, who had been a pioneer missionary to the Chinese in Penang, Malaysia. Hudson met Maria in Ningbo where she lived and worked at a school for girls which was run by one of the first female missionaries to the Chinese, Mary Ann Aldersey.

As a married couple, the Taylors cared for an adopted boy named Tianxi while living in Ningbo. They had a baby of their own that died late in 1858. Their first surviving child, Grace, was born in 1859. Shortly after she was born, the Taylors took over all of the operations at the hospital in Ningbo that had been run by William Parker. In a letter to his sister Amelia Hudson Taylor, he wrote on 14 February 1860,

“If I had a thousand pounds China should have it—if I had a thousand lives, China should have them. No! Not China, but Christ. Can we do too much for Him? Can we do enough for such a precious Saviour?


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Having seen what Wiki tells the world about Jesus, the question remains – what do WE think about Jesus?

With Jesus, there is no middle ground or halfway. Jesus is either Lord of all in our lives or not at all.

Someone who used this quote was James Hudson Taylor who was born in 1832 and founder of the China Inland Mission (CIM), one of the largest Christian movements in the world. This organisation, which became the Overseas Missionary Fellowship and which continues today as OMF International, was responsible for taking over 800 missionaries to China.

Hudson Taylor spent his early years in Barnsley, the son of a pharmacist and lay preacher. He lost his faith for a time during his youth, but by 1849 had not only re-found his faith but had also decided he would travel to China as a missionary.
To be continued…………………

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

In church yesterday, we were asked an interesting question

Who do you think Jesus is?

Wiki is good at telling us things like this……..

Jesus, also known as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure of Christianity, regarded by most Christians as the Incarnation of God. His life, message, and ministry are chronicled in the four Gospels of the New Testament. According to the Bible, Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth, lived a sinless life, died for the sins of humanity, and rose again, accomplishing salvation for those who believe in him.

The thing is, who do WE think that he is?

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Today, we hear readings about the Throne of God and also of how Jesus calmed the storm.


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 :-)

Dear God, we come before You asking for wisdom for all those in leadership positions.. Grant them the understanding to make decisions that benefit the people they lead.

May they seek Your guidance in every step they take and listen to Your voice in all matters of leadership. Let their hearts be open to Your truth and may they lead with integrity, clarity and truth. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Leadership in the Bible.

Not all the leaders in the Bible were male, several women held a position of influence in their society.

Deborah
The Bible mentions one female judge - Deborah. We read Deborah’s story in Judges 4-5. Deborah’s assignment was to instruct Barak to go into battle against Sisera, commander of the Canaanite army. For whatever reason, Barak wasn’t willing to answer the call unless Deborah was by his side.

She accepted his challenge and went to battle with him. And her work wasn’t done. In the battle, she had to encourage Barak to do the work God had called him to do.

From Deborah, we learn to go boldly into the battle to do God’s work. We learn to walk beside those we lead and to encourage them when they falter.

Cx :-)