General Chat

Hello all

Loving this weeks postings. Thank you Cynthia.

Good morning :-)


As disciples of Jesus, these are things which most of us have said………but take heart….

We say: It's impossible
God says: All things are possible

We say: I'm too tired
God says: I will give you rest

We say: Nobody loves me
God says: I love you

We say: I can't go on
God says: My grace is sufficient

We say: I can't figure things out
God says: I will direct your steps

We say: I can't do it
God says: You can do all things

We say: It's not worth it
God says: It will be worth it

We say: I can't forgive myself
God says: I forgive you

We say: I can't manage
God says: I will supply all your needs

We say: I'm afraid
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear

We say: I'm always worried and frustrated
God says: Cast all your care on me

We say: I feel all alone
God says: I will never leave you nor forsake you


Thank you God. x

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A young lady named Sally remembers an experience she had in an RE class given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith was known for his quirky object lessons and, this particular day, as Sally walked into the class she knew they were in for something special.

On the wall was a big target and, nearby were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.

One by one, the students went up to the wall. Sally's friend drew a picture of a girl who had stolen her boyfriend. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. She was pleased with the result.

The class then lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was disappointed and a bit angry when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.

Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face, and His eyes were pierced.

Dr. Smith simply said 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:40)

No other words were necessary; tears filled eyes of the students who were focused only on the picture of Christ.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


It's been a bit hectic round here, so I hadn't caught the news about the heatwave in Canada, I spotted that Sylvia has put a thread up about it though.

However, I did see something the other day about the rise in Covid cases and the fact that, some youngsters have discovered that using lemon juice (don't ask me how), they can falsify a covid test by making it positive. Thus, they get time off school and, of course, their mates have to self isolate. This skews the figures completely.

Yesterday, the gospel told us Jesus sent his disciples out two by two to spread the Good News. I know we often feel that we are not capable of this, but…..the next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember......

Noah was a drunk.
Abraham was too old.
Isaac was a daydreamer.
Jacob was a liar.
Joseph was abused.
Moses had a stuttering problem.
Gideon was afraid.
Rahab was a prostitute.
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young.
David had an affair and was a murderer.
Elijah was suicidal.
Isaiah preached naked.
Jonah ran from God.
Naomi was a widow.
Job went bankrupt.
Peter denied Christ.
Martha worried about everything.
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once.
Zaccheus was too small.
Paul was too religious.
Timothy had an ulcer.
AND...
Lazarus was dead!

So, we have no more excuses left. God can use us to our full potential. Besides, we aren't the message; we are just the messengers!

Cx :-)

Hello all

Remembering in prayer all who are affected by the current heatwaves in Canada and Northern USA,

I do hope that Sylvia in Canada is well, also thinking of those caught up in the forest fires in Cyprus.
I'm also hoping that Pat is safe and that the fires aren't near to where Pat and her husband are living.

Keep safe all as the covid figures are rising again.

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry
they may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and 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 :-)

Good morning :-)

Dear God, I thank you for waking me up today. You have given me another sunrise to enjoy. Thank you for the wonderful sounds of nature and the cool breeze brushing through the trees making the birds sing beautiful melodies. I praise You, Father, for allowing me to live another beautiful day in Your Kingdom. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Almighty God,
you fill all things with your presence. In your great love, keep us near you this day. Grant that in all our ways and doings we may remember that you see us, and may always have grace to know and perceive what things you would have us do, and give us strength to do the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Cx :-)

Amen to your prayers this week Cynthia.

I hope you are all well and contented folks. Take care

Good morning :-)


God, help me love the life I live right now. Show me the good things I often overlook and help me be content with what I have. Forgive me when I compare myself to others, forgive me for longing for things outside of you and your kingdom. Thank you for loving me right where I am, right as I am. Help me keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

God, we give you sincere thanks for the rest of the past night and for the gift of a new day, with its opportunities to pleasing you. Grant that we may so pass its hours in the perfect freedom of your service, that at evening, we may again give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Petula Clark! That's a name from the past........Downtown............ :-D :-D


Dear God,
At the start of each day, help us to recognize you above all else. Enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see you, and notice how you're at work through our lives. Give us wisdom to make the best choices, fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

A dark and rainy day today. The bonus is that I won't have to water the garden and the tubs.

After reading today's post I've had the Petula Clark hit song from the 1970s going around in my head.

THANK YOU for waking me this morning
THANK YOU for giving me today
THANK YOU for every new day dawning
I'll be thanking you.

THANK YOU for every tree and flower
THANK YOU for every sky of blue
THANK YOU I should be every hour
Truly thanking you.

THANK YOU for every piece of music
THANK YOU for every song I sing
THANK YOU for giving me sweet music
Thanks for everything.

THANK YOU for everything you give me
THANK YOU for everything we share
THANK YOU for simply being with me
Thanks for being there.

THANK YOU for cheering me with laughter
THANK YOU for every smile you bring
THANK YOU for now and ever after
Thanks for everything.

Take care today and stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)


Good morning, Lord! Today's a new day, a chance for a new start. Yesterday is gone and with it any regrets, mistakes, or failures I may have experienced. It's a good day to be glad and give thanks, and I do, Lord. Thank you for today, a new opportunity to love, give, and be all that you want me to be. Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Ooooer! I know I was busy yesterday, but I didn't realised I hadn't popped on here - sorry about that. xx

This is what I should have posted :


TEAMWORK
It’s all very well to have courage and skill
And it’s fine to be counted a star,
But the single deed with its touch of thrill
Doesn’t tell the person you are;
For there’s no lone hand in the game we play,
We must work to a bigger scheme.
And the thing that counts in the world today
Is, How do you pull with the team?

They may sound your praise and call you great,
They may single you out for fame,
But you must work with your running mate
Or you’ll never win the game;
Oh, never the work of life is done
By the one with a selfish dream,
For the battle is lost or the battle is won
By the spirit of the team.

You may think it fine to be praised for skill,
But a greater thing to do
Is to set your mind and set your will
On the goal that’s just in view;
It’s helping your fellow friend to score
When their chances hopeless seem;
It’s forgetting self till the game is o’er
And fighting for the team.


Cx :-)

Hello all

No Cynthia?? I hope all is well with her and family.

Remembering today all who are ill, those who are close to them and care for sick family or friends.

Sending special thoughts and prayers for all in need

Hello all

Another interesting weeks postings. Thank you.

We have heavy rain and a cold breeze this morning. Not very Summery at all.

Keep well and stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)

Working towards teamwork in church

Management of mistakes

Everyone makes mistake - even righteous people make mistakes and stumble occasionally. Mistakes are not failures, because you’re never a failure until you give up. Mistakes teach us what doesn’t work. If we’re not making any mistakes, it means we’re playing it safe and not trying anything new. It’s okay to make mistakes– as long as it isn’t the same old one and we learn from them. Mistakes are how we learn and get better. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake.

Lord, when we make mistakes, may they be opportunities of learning and growth and not of embarrassment and shame. Help us to be more aware of what we are doing and to take notice of when something could be done better. If we are criticised, may it be used for us to do better and to move forward having learned a lesson. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Working towards good teamwork in church.

Affirmation

Most of us like to be affirmed in what we are doing occasionally. If we don’t think our efforts are being welcomed, we can get a bit cranky. In teamwork, it’s just the same and it’s amazing how a smile and a simple word of encouragement can lift a team’s spirits. Four practical ways we can affirm them would be by :

Valuing their ideas
Appreciating their uniqueness
Commending their efforts
Praising their loyalty

Father, we offer our grateful thanks and praise for the teams of volunteers who quietly yet faithfully work in our churches. We ask Your special blessing on each one, knowing that they are the unsung heroes who sometimes receive little thanks for their valuable contribution and may be taken for granted. Help us to love and respect them, in gratitude for all that they do. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Working towards good teamwork in church……Energy!

No one can keep going all of the time. All churches rely greatly on volunteers and, whilst volunteering is a ministry in itself, it needs to be remembered that these good people have a life outside of their involvement with their church. It’s always good to have a plan B or a backup scheme for illness, holidays etc.

We all work at different energy levels – there are those who can rush round tirelessly, and wear themelves out, whilst others take a slower pace and complete the work eventually. Unless it is an emergency, sure and steady outlasts fast and furious!

Good planning ensures that we know when there is to be some pressure on us and we can be ready for it, but we also need some flexibility and fun to help keep our spirits energised. And yes, church life can be fun……and fruitful.

Everlasting God, strengthen and sustain all those who volunteer in our churches;
that with patience and understanding they may love and care for your people;
and grant that together they may follow Jesus Christ,
offering to you their gifts and talents;
through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Cx :-)