General Chat

Good morning :-)

HALLOWEEN YES OR NO?

Two workers from Scripture Union try to answer some questions.
Why do some people celebrate Halloween and others don’t? What’s wrong with Halloween anyway? Why is it bad, or evil, or dark?

Some people don’t celebrate it because they don’t want their children dressing up as ghosts and walking around the streets, knocking on people’s doors. Some don’t want their children getting involved in things they think might be harmful, or at least annoying or intimidating. Some Christian families don’t get involved because they believe the celebrations have something to do with the devil, and they definitely don’t want to get involved with him. Jesus is about light and life, not darkness and death.

Most people do it for a bit of fun, though it has its origins in an old Gaelic festival about the spirits of the dead wandering around. Some children and young people love to do things on this night that they can’t on any other – like ringing people’s doorbells, asking for sweets and scaring people. These aren’t necessarily appropriate or helpful things to do!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HALLOWEEN - YES OR NO?

Two workers from Scripture Union try to find answers for us.

Halloween and the devil
Is Halloween the devil’s (Satan’s) birthday?

Well, Satan was never born – he is an angel that rebelled against God. Since he wasn’t born, he can’t really have a birthday. Even so, some people (not Christians) say that 31st October is the devil’s birthday.

Is the devil real?

Yes, definitely. When he was on earth Jesus spoke about the devil and was tempted by him, so he must be real. Find a Bible, if you can, and look up Luke 22:31 and John 12:31.

Where did the devil come from?

The Bible suggests that the devil, Satan, was one of God’s chief angels, but he wanted to be greater than God. Some people think that this is what Isaiah 14:12–21 is about. Then in Revelation 12, we read about the dragon, called the devil. He and his angels fought against Michael and his angels and were defeated, and thrown out of heaven.

Does the devil have horns and a tail?

No, the Bible doesn’t exactly say anything about the devil having horns and a tail. Revelation 13:1 is a symbol of the devil, or a physical form that the devil takes on, but it’s not a description of the devil. This is picture language – the devil isn’t a physical being.
Back in Revelation 12:3 we read that the dragon, called the devil, has seven heads, ten horns, and a tail. That may be where it comes from. The problem with all this is it makes people think the devil is just a bit of a laugh, and not real. But let’s remember that Jesus is so much stronger than the devil. In fact, Jesus has already won the battle against the devil, and we’re safe with Jesus.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thanks kandj, I appreciate the concern and, hopefully, a quieter week this week. <3

10 new people - that's brilliant and I'm sure that your warm welcome would help to make them feel at home.

It’s the time of year when you are offered a ‘pumpkin'–flavoured coffee—so that means it’s ‘spooky’ season, which, in turn, means Halloween. How do we, as Christians, deal with this?

Scripture Union workers Steve Hutchinson and Terry Clutterham have a go at answering some questions.


What is Halloween basically all about? What does Halloween symbolise and why?

Most families think of Halloween as just a bit of fun, though many Christians feel uneasy about the celebration of the dark side of life. They believe it’s not what Jesus wants them to do. But actually Halloween offers the opportunity to celebrate light. All Saints Day – 1st November – helps people remember that death isn’t the end and that our life with God stretches beyond the grave.


Does Halloween represent death or dead people? Is Halloween real or fake?

If we're not careful, black can represent the dark side of life. Some people dress up in black to pretend that they’re bad or evil spirits. Of course, they aren’t really bad or evil spirits, so in that way, it’s fake.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, absolutely no need ever to apologise as you're clearly spinning such a lot of plates. Good to know that you and yours are well.

10 newcomers in church this morning, perhaps it was the bright sunshine or the extra hour that brought them in.... all were warmly welcomed (by me) and I really hope that they will come again.

"Therefore welcome one anothe, just as Christ has welcomed you...." Romans 15 v 7.

Good morning :-)


Good grief, I am so sorry to have missed the last 2 days - and yes, I am fine thank you, simply a case of being busy with my mind elsewhere. Apologies.


TODAY IS BIBLE SUNDAY

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

I too hope all is well with Cynthia and her family. I hope it is just that she is extra busy though it is unusual for her to miss more than 1 day .

One kind word can warm three winter months (Japanese proverb)

Hello all

It's very odd that Cynthia hasn't posted again,I just hope that all is well with her and her family.

A reminder that the clocks go back an hour to mark the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter.

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and for
warmth." Author unknown.

Hello all

Heavenly Father

Grant us all a peaceful rest,
Quiet our minds, still our thoughts, and fill our hearts with your love this night.
Protect us as we sleep and in the morning wake us all feeling refreshed to face the day,
In Jesus name
Amen.

Sweet dreams everyone.

Good morning :-)

Still with God


In a precious moment
where, as the world
outside my window
continues on its way,
I have found space
to be alone with you,
and ask, in all humility
to feel your presence
within this quietness,
however temporary,
and hear your voice
as, with open heart
I bring my offering
of prayer and praise.


Speak to me, Lord,
in this quiet moment,
a precious oasis
within a busy day.
Speak to me, Lord,
that I might find
refreshment
in its clear water,
strength for my soul


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Still with God


In your daily search for peace
may you find space within
your aloneness and busyness
where all else fades away
and grants to you and God
such precious time together,
in the simplicity of worship
within the everyday of life


That you think of me,
know me by name,
guide and call me
within the vastness
of this world and
the universe beyond,
is a thing of wonder.
That I hear your voice,
feel your presence
in a moment of time,
in a whispered prayer,
speaks of your love
and my true worth,
draws me ever closer,
Creator God, to you.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yes, kandj, it happens in most churches I think. The Communion begins and people sit back to discuss anything and everything. So annoying! :-)

.
May there always be space
within each day, time out
from whatever is going on
to make that important
and prayerful connection
with you, our loving God,
who always has time for us
within those ever-open arms.


Living LORD
lead us
to those streams
of living water
that we
might rest awhile
drink
and be refreshed


Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, I'm fully in agreement with your Lay Reader for a quiet reflective time during Holy Communion. We have two or three in the congregation who think this is the time to chatter loudly and it really annoys me so much.

Thank you so much for another very interesting week of postings.

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, our Lay Reader talked about quietness and reverence during worship, especially during Holy Communion. To be honest, quietness is something we all need at times, so in your often busy days, do take time out to be quiet, to hear that gentle whisper of God's Spirit, to be both blessed and strengthened.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters..."
(Psalm 23:2 NIV)
________________________________________

In the quiet of a moment,
snatched from the busyness
of this day, I shall be still.
Listening to the sounds
of the world around me.
Listening to the voices
of its people passing by.
Listening to my soul
and the prayers within.
Listening, and knowing
You are listening also,
that unbreakable bond
between Heavenly Father
and me, your earthly child.
In the quiet of a moment,
in the presence of my God,
I shall listen, and be still.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)
Grant, we beseech you, merciful Lord,
to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that they may be cleansed from all their sins
and serve you with a quiet mind;
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

In today's Gospel reading, we hear that Jesus came to be the servant of all.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SAINT FRANCIS

Continuously pushing himself in the quest for spiritual perfection, Francis was soon preaching in up to five villages per day, teaching a new kind of emotional and personal Christian religion that everyday people could understand.

His health began to suffer and as Francis approached his death, many predicted that he was a saint in the making. When his health began to decline more rapidly, Francis went home. Knights were sent from Assisi to guard him and to make sure that no one from neighbouring towns would carry him off (the body of a saint was viewed, at the time, as an extremely valuable relic that would bring, among many things, glory to the town where it rested).

Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226, at the age of 44, in Assisi, Italy. Today, Francis has a lasting resonance with millions of followers across the globe. He was canonized as a saint just two years after his death, on July 16, 1228, by his former protector, Pope Gregory IX. Today, Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint for ecologists — a title honouring his boundless love for animals and nature.

In 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose to honour Saint Francis by taking his name, becoming Pope Francis.

We thank God for the life and example of this amazing young man.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

ST FRANCIS

Francis preached to townspeople—even though as a layperson he was without license to do so—and he soon attracted followers. In 1209 he composed a simple rule - “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” He then led the group of 12 disciples to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III.
At first Innocent was hesitant, but, following a dream in which he saw Francis holding up the church of San Giovanni in Laterano, he gave oral approbation to the Franciscan rule of life. This event, which according to tradition, occurred on April 16, 1210, marked the official founding of the Franciscan order

Francis considered all nature as the mirror of God and as so many steps to God. He called all creatures his “brothers” and “sisters,” and, in the most endearing stories about him, preached to the birds and persuaded a wolf to stop attacking the people of the town of Gubbio and their livestock if the townspeople agreed to feed the wolf.

Above all, his deep sense of brotherhood under God embraced his fellow men, for “he considered himself no friend of Christ if he did not cherish those for whom Christ died.”

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


ST FRANCIS

Francis renounced worldly goods and family ties to embrace a life of poverty. He repaired the church of San Damiano, refurbished a chapel dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle, and then restored the now-famous little chapel of St. Mary of the Angels on the plain below Assisi.

There, on the feast of St. Matthias, February 24, 1208, he listened at mass to the account of the mission of Christ to the Apostles from the Gospel According to Matthew “And as you go, preach the message, ‘The kingdom is at hand! Take no gold, nor silver, nor money in your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the labourer deserves his food. And whatever town or villa you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart.”

According to Thomas of Celano, this was the decisive moment for Francis, who declared, “This is what I wish; this is what I am seeking. This is what I want to do from the bottom of my heart.” He then removed his shoes, discarded his staff, put on a rough tunic, and began to preach repentance.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

ST. FRANCIS

In 1202, he took part in a war between Assisi and Perugia, was held prisoner for almost a year, and on his release fell seriously ill. After his recovery, he dedicated himself to solitude and prayer, seeking God’s will.

Several episodes led to his conversion to the apostolic life, including a vision of Christ, an experience of poverty during a pilgrimage to Rome, and an incident with a leper. He had a fear of lepers

One day, however, he met a man afflicted with leprosy while riding his horse near Assisi. Though the sight of the leper filled him with horror and disgust, Francis got off his horse and kissed the leper. Then the leper put out his hand, hoping to receive something. Out of compassion, Francis gave money to the leper. But when Francis mounted his horse again and looked all around, he could not see the leper anywhere. It dawned on him that it was Jesus whom he had just kissed.

The most significant episode occurred at the ruined chapel of San Damiano outside the gate of Assisi, where Francis heard a command from the crucifix to "Go, Francis, and repair my house." This led him to give away his possessions and embrace a life of poverty and service.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

St. Francis was born in 1182 in the small town of Assisi. His parents were Peter Bernadone, a merchant, and his mother was named Pica.

Francis was originally named John by his mother, but his name was changed to Francis after his father, who had been in France, returned. His father wanted him to learn French to help in the family business. The local kids in Assisi made fun of him for speaking French and nicknamed him "Franciscus," meaning "Frenchman."

He liked to speak French (although he never did so perfectly) and even attempted to sing in the language. His youth was most likely without serious moral lapses, and his exuberant love of life and a general spirit of worldliness made him a recognized leader of the young men of the town.

In Assisi, there are now 2 bronze statues of the parents of St. Francis.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yesterday, in church, we heard the story of a young boy whom the vicar called Frankie.
Frankie came from a wealthy family but felt God was calling him to give away all the family’s riches and live in poverty. (That’s the nutshell version).

It turns out that this young lad was, in fact, St. Francis who is now famous for his love of animals and many other things. It’s been said that due to the number of animals seeking shelter at my church, we should be renamed St. Francis!!

Francis led an interesting life from an early age. We’ll take it slowly this week. :-D

Cx :-)