General Chat

Good morning :-D


This week we are thinking about those whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus.

Those made homeless

More than 70,000 households have been made homeless since the start of the pandemic, with tens of thousands more threatened with homelessness, despite government pledges to protect tenants and prevent evictions, according to figures compiled by the Observer.

Father, hear our prayer today for all women and men, boys and girls who are homeless this day.
For those sleeping under bridges, on park benches, in doorways or bus stations.
For those who can only find shelter for the night but must wander in the daytime.
For families broken because they could not afford to pay the rent.
For those who have no relatives or friends who can take them in.
For those who have no place to keep possessions that remind them who they are.
For those who are afraid and hopeless.
For those who have been let down by our social safety net.
For all these people, we pray that you will provide shelter, security and hope.

We pray that those of us with warm houses not be lulled into complacency and
forgetfulness. Jesus, help us to see your face in the eyes of every homeless person we meet so that we may be empowered through word and deed, and through all the means we have, to bring justice and peace to those who are homeless. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It's good to know that all went well for you on Monday Vera and yes, you are blessed to have such a supportive family around you. <3

Dermot, the RC churches are still open in my area and getting reasonable congregations too. All safety measures are in place of course. Personally, I feel all churches should still be open and I feel we have let people down badly by closing the places where many feel safe and loved. I understand the logical nature of it but my thoughts go to the spiritual and emotional needs of people in these difficult times. I would happily be part of a team of volunteers to keep the doors open.

As for Zoom - a mixed blessing. You only have to download the app which is free and off you go but, it isn't the same as meeting in person obviously.

The injection was fine and I am fine. :-D :-D Thanks for your good wishes.

Today we pray for those who have lost their jobs and financial security due to the pandemic.

Lord, we pray for those who are struggling with the loss of income at the moment – for those who are fearful, anxious and feel worthless. Help them to remember that you are in control and know the past, the present and the future.

Help them to trust in you as they look for new work. Please watch over them and their families in this time of waiting. Though times are uncertain, remind us to be generous. Help us share what we have and support each other the best way we can. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good evening
Thank you for your kind wishes for the day of my brother's funeral. They are much appreciated. It is good to know others are thinking of you when you are going through a difficult time.

Even though I knew exactly what was coming at every point in the service, (which was totally non-religious according to my brother's wishes), it just seemed unreal to me. However I have since watched it online and it was a really lovely service and we have received many kind comments.

As the crematorium was large and people could be distanced we were allowed the full 30 people, joined online by friends and family worldwide. Many people travelled quite long distances in quite nasty conditions which is a measure of the love my brother inspired in people. My son and dil had a 500 mile round trip for the 25 minute service but my son's comment was "I couldn't not be there".

I am very blessed to have such a loving and supportive family.

Amen to all your prayers this week Cynthia.

Dermot, it you are a regular churchgoer you might even enjoy joining in with the online congregation. Go on, give it a Zoom :-)

EDIT I hope the vaccination went well Cynthia and you have no after effects.

Church doors still under 'lockdown'.

The reason is well known & logical. What else can be done?

Nevertheless, very unsettling.

Received an e-mail this morning from our local establishment wondering if I would consider joining the congregation through 'Zoom' - whatever that is. :-D

Hello all

Snow again throughout the night, pretty but COLD!

Cynthia the vaccination doesn't hurt, so be brave.

Vera I hope your brother's funeral service went as well as can be and that everyone had safe travels.

Heavenly Lord
We pray for children, students and all teachers as they cope daily with the emotional impact of Covid.
Empower teachers and all who work in education with wisdom and stamina to face the days ahead.
Amen.

Good morning :-)


Vaccination day today!! :-D


This week we will think about some of those whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus.


TEACHERS: Teachers have been tasked with a job they never expected. They have spent countless hours learning new teaching strategies and technology tools, all in the name of doing the very best job they can for the children in their care.

In the near future they may be returning to a classroom with anxiety in their hearts. Or maybe their new “classroom management” includes trying to keep the children 6 feet apart.

Pray for teachers to have peace about this year, to develop effective strategies for whatever modality they’re teaching in, and to have patience when things don’t go well. And while you’re praying – say a prayer of immense gratitude for the teachers in your life.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


We continue to pray for those whose lives have been turned upside down during the last months......

STUDENTS: Pray for students enduing a year they never imagined. Pray for peace, pray for health, and pray for patience.

Pray for the children for whom home is not a safe or peaceful place, and the students who struggle with online learning. Pray that they find way to make social connections despite the distance, and that they feel like they’re a part of their school community – whatever that looks like.

SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN: Pray for the children with special needs, the ones who can’t understand why things are so different, and who miss the routine of school.

Pray for the ones who have regressed, that they can regain the progress they’d made. Pray for their parents who are weary and miss the team that surrounds and loves their child.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thinking of Vera on this sad day and sending lots of love. <3

This week we will think about some of those whose lives have been turned upside down by the virus. A touch of occasional humour may be added to brighten the day!

PARENTS: Pray for the parents who are schooling their children at home. Pray for those on the front line whose children are at school and who are worried about their safety.

Pray for the working parents who are trying to navigate work-at-home and school-at-home; the parents who work out the of home and worry about whether their child will be safe, healthy, and learning at school/home/childcare.

Pray for the single parents who are carrying this year’s burden alone, and who worry about a loss of income if they or their children get sick or have to quarantine due to exposure. We lift them to you Lord.


If your day needs brightening, then click on this link! ??

https://youtu.be/gpN9CGrK6IQ



Cx :-)

Hello all

Snow here overnight. I'm lucky not to have to go outside and plan to stay inside where it's warm.

Vera, I'm thinking of you and all your family travelling in snowy/icy road conditions to be together for your brother's funeral service today.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all on a very sad day.

Take care everyone and stay safe too.

Hello all

It's bitterly cold and trying to snow here. No church, so I'm not planning on going out at all today.

Candlemas Day has passed and I missed being in church and singing Shine Jesus Shine this year.

Snow and ice is forecast for the next few day. I'll be thinking about Vera and her family as they meet together for her brother's funeral service tomorrow.

Vera, I hope your journey and your son's isn't too stressful for you all. Travel carefully, stay safe

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 :-)


Praying that all goes for your brother's funeral on Monday Vera. It will be a difficult day, but you will be surrounded by love. <3

A prayer reminding us of Candlemas and that Christ is the Light of the World.

Lord Jesus Christ, the length, breadth, depth and height of your love is beyond our understanding: grant that this love may so transform us through Your suffering as to make us reach out to the despairing and the desperate, and work for justice, reconciliation and peace among all people; for Your Name's sake. Amen.

Cx :-)

I am so sorry to hear that you have had another bereavement kandj. Please accept my sympathy and good wishes for you and your family. You have had so many losses in the last year or two and Covid restrictions make our normal grieving processes so much more difficult. I am thinking of you <3

My brother’s funeral is on Monday and has been arranged according to his wishes. My big worry now is the weather and possible poor road conditions.

It’s been interesting reading about Candlemas and I also enjoyed reading about the more obscure saints before that. By doing a bit of googling I see that there is a saint for just about everything you can think of. I definitely feel a connection with the patron saint of ice cream :-D (Saint Lidwina, also patron saint of ice skaters)

Good morning :-)

So sorry to hear that kandj - this week I watched my umpteenth online funeral. Such a different and difficult situation all round sadly. <3


On Candlemas night, many people place lighted candles in their windows at home.
Like some other Christian festivals, Candlemas draws some of its elements from Paganism.

In pre-Christian times, it was the festival of light. This ancient festival marked the mid point of winter, half way between the winter solstice (shortest day) and the spring equinox.

People believed that Candlemas predicted the weather for the rest of the winter.

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Yet another family death to get our heads around.
Strange times too for arranging funeral with Covid.

On a more positive note I had my first Covid 19 vaccination yesterday. All good this morning so far.

Thinking of Vera and her family at a grieving time.

Keep safe and stay well everyone.

Good morning :-)

We mentioned Simeon earlier in the week and it is from his prayer that we have the Nunc Dimittis which is often recited at funerals as the coffin is led out of church.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace :
according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen :
thy salvation;
Which thou hast prepared :
before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles :
and to be the glory of thy people Israel
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Yesterday was Candlemas, so called because this was the day that all the Church's candles for the year were blessed and it was sometimes known as the Festival of Light.

Candles were important not only because there was no electricity, but because some people thought they gave protection again plague and illness and famine. For Christians, candles are a reminder of something even more important – the light is Christ himself, our salvation and life - Jesus the Light of the World


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Today we celebrate Candlemas, when we remember Mary and Joseph taking baby Jesus to the Temple as was the custom. It was Anna and Simeon who received the baby Jesus in the temple – both were what we would call Senior citizens and they had been waiting many years to see the promised Messiah.
The church has a habit of wanting to desperately appeal to the younger generation but, in an article from the Church Times a while ago, I read…….

“Too many of us in the Church apologise for our congregation with words such as "I am afraid we are all elderly here”. We ought to see those in their second half of life as our natural spiritual constituency - people who have travelled further in life and have become more open to God. We should celebrate our older members, not be ashamed of them.”

It went on…
“Churches should listen more imaginatively to older people's experience and be ready to learn from them. Older people can provide a longer perspective in a time of change. They know about making mistakes, and understand human nature, work, and faith. Some older people are natural evangelists. They have time for people and for spiritual friendship. Their lives often reflect many of the virtues of discipleship: empathy, patience, and compassion. These are attractive resources for mission.”

We give thanks for our older, faithful Christian friends.

Cx :-)

Hello all

More concerns about the new SA variant now.

I continue to pray for the NHS workers, for care workers and for all those who work in schools.

I have an appointment for a Covid vaccination on Wednesday morning and I can't wait to get it done.

Stay well and keep safe everyone.

Good evening :-)

I remembered and then forgot again this morning. Sorry folks.

O God of steadfast love ,trusting you, we devote our hearts to learning and our lives to walking.
Teach us truth, that we may walk with courage.
Teach us mercy, that we may walk with humility.
Teach us forgiveness, that we may walk with compassion.
Teach us grace, that we may walk with strength.
Teach us wonder, that we may walk with praise.
Teach us goodness, that we may walk with those in need.
O God of steadfast love, learning from you, may we walk well.
Amen.


Cx :-)