General Chat

Good morning :-)

SERENDIPITY

One day, Rev. Williams was visiting 6-year-old Terry and his mother, Tracey. He was surprised when Terry told him Mummy had just baked cupcakes and had let him put the frosting on.
Using his best manners, Terry offered the minister a cupcake while Tracey poured him a cup of coffee. "They all look beautiful, Terry," he said. As he took a large bite, he asked "How did you get them iced so evenly Terry?" Trevor replied, "I licked them."


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SERENDIPITY - Things to ponder :

*How come wrong numbers are never busy?
*Do people in Australia call the rest of the world "up over"?
*Does that screwdriver belong to Philip?
*Does killing time damage eternity?
*Why is it called lipstick if you can still move your lips?
*Why is it that night falls but day breaks?
*Did Noah keep his bees in archives?
Have you ever seen a toad on a toadstool?
If tin whistles are made out of tin, what do they make fog horns out of?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?


Heavenly Father, teach me the art of pondering on you, to treasure Your promises in my heart with patience and faith. May my reflection on Your word encourage and strengthen my trust in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Almighty God,
who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help
we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen 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 we are reminded of the command of Jesus 'To love one another'.

Cx :-)

Good evening! Just scraping in by the skin of my teeth!


Vocations

So, what about those who DO feel called to religious ministry and, perhaps, ordination? What exactly does a vicar do?

• Lead Worship Services: Vicars conduct Sunday services, including Eucharist (Holy Communion), baptism, weddings, and funerals.
• Provide Pastoral Care: They offer spiritual guidance, counselling, and support during times of crisis, illness, or grief.
• Community Involvement: Engaging with local organisations and charities to support social causes is fundamental to a vicar’s mission.
• Teaching and Preaching: Through sermons and classes, vicars educate their congregations about scripture, ethics, and community values.

At one stage, only men became vicars, but things have changed. Across the country, women are serving God as priests, deacons, bishops, and lay ministers.

You do not have to have a degree to be ordained. There is constant support during training and financial help is available. There is an opportunity to continue in your current employment whilst studying for ordination. Many clergy work part-time.

Lord of all, we give thanks that you call some to be pastors.
We pray for all whom you have called to care for others through prayer and service: for those who take care of any who are young or old, who are sick or struggling, for those whose work supports medical, social and community services, may their lives be channels of your love and grace. Amen

Cx -)

Good morning :-)

Vocations

Not everyone is called to be a cleric, but music is a vocation for many people. Music in the Bible plays a significant role in worship and as an expression of faith. It is a powerful tool for glorifying God and bringing people together.

Many churches struggle to get both an organist and a choir together, whilst cathedrals attract people with amazing talents and voices. We thank God for those who are called to offer their musical gifts.

The Royal School of Church Music prayer for choristers.

Bless, O Lord, us thy servants,
who minister in thy temple.
Grant that what we sing with our lips,
we may believe in our hearts,
and what we believe in our hearts,
we may show forth in our lives.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Vocations.
Not everyone is called to be a cleric, but every church needs a Treasurer, and there are those who give freely of their time to work with church finances. While being an accountant isn't necessary, a treasurer must be honest, enthusiastic, financially competent, and understand the parish's needs.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for all those who work with figures to support church life. We appreciate their enthusiasm and skills, and we ask for your blessings on their efforts. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Vocations

We can’t all be clergy, but each of us has a gift we can use to the glory of God.

For example, many church members are very skilled at sewing and embroidery and are largely responsible for the beautiful banners and drapes that you see in churches.

Some of us can’t even thread a needle, so those who can produce such beautiful items are to be admired and thanked, and we thank God for them.

This is a quilter’s prayer
Heavenly Father,
Today, I want to pray on behalf of all the quilters in the world. May these petitions cover all the talented brothers and sisters who create unique works of art.
I come with a heart full of gratitude for the talent and resources You have blessed me with to create quilts. Your Word says in Exodus 35:35, “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers… and as makers of every kind of craft.” I praise You, Lord, for creating me with creativity and the skill to work with my hands in this way. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I love that idea of naming the new streets from the War Memorial.

After a manic 6 days, I am now off to my 2nd funeral this week - and it's only Tuesday!. We have 3 more booked in at the moment - several of them were old enough to remember VE Day , bless them.

On Sunday, we were told that it was Vocation Sunday. A vocation describes an occupation someone feels drawn to or is well-suited for. Originally derived from Christianity, it referred to a divine call to serve God.

The church believes we are all called to serve God according to our given gifts and talents. This doesn’t mean we are all good at everything, obviously, and within church life, there are some amazing talents to be found.

Risen Master, you called fishermen and tax-collectors, women and foreigners to be your disciples and to carry the good news to a broken humanity: call many in this generation to continue your work of reconciliation, that wounds may be healed, sins forgiven, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven; for your love’s sake. (Canon Nicholas Thistlethwaite)

Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your morning prayer Cynthia.

Vera, nice to see your post. Your OH's ancestor was certainly a very special lady to do what she did.

There are new houses being built at the edge of my village and the streets and road names have been taken from villagers names listed on the War Memorial at the church Lychgate. How good is that?
We will remember them!

Good morning :-)

Hectic few days gone and a hectic few days to come. Hopefully, I will be able to get some housework done soon :-D :-D

Heavenly Father,
As the sun rises on this brand new week, we come before you with hearts full of anticipation and hope. We thank you for the gift of this day and for the opportunity to start afresh.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him,
from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above,
where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Cx :-)

I am just catching up on iPlayer with the VE day events of the last few days. There are so many moving and inspiring stories of bravery and everyday "just getting on with it" that it is quite humbling.

In OH's family we have an example from WW1. One of his ancestors volunteered to work on the railway to release a man for military service. She worked at Victoria Station, London and became a foreman in 1916, apparently carrying out her duties capably and efficiently. She is listed in the National Roll of the Great War as a Special War Worker.

We must never forget . I pray for peace in our troubled world.

Good morning :-)


God of light,
who helped to keep the home fires burning
during the dark days of war in Europe,
set our lives alight today in a time of peace,
so that we shine as lamplights,
keeping the darkness at bay
and holding onto that precious peace
that was won for us in history,
and supremely on the cross for eternity.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It was lovely to see the veterans being respected and honoured yesterday - so much to watch and share.

I am in the middle of organising an exhibition of life in the 1940s and am going in ever-decreasing circles!!!

God of peace,
who raised Christ Jesus
to victory over death,
keep us ever mindful
of the cost of making peace,
of the call to be peacemakers,
and of the carefulness needed
to keep the peace,
in our lives, in our land
and in our world.
Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

V E DAY 8th May 1945

Many people were extremely happy that the fighting had stopped, and there were big celebrations and street parties. People also attended church services to thank God for the victory.

The Royal family appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony to wave to the heaving London crowds, and families gathered around their radios to hear the prime minister, Winston Churchill, address the nation.

But, for many, VE Day was bittersweet. A time of sorrow, as well as joy, as millions of people had lost their lives or lost loved ones in the conflict. Many had to continue fighting battles in other parts of the world, away from Europe, where the war continued. Many people were also being kept as prisoners of war abroad.

In his VE Day announcement, Winston Churchill said: "We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead."


We honour the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the unity that brought an end to tyranny. May their legacy inspire us to stand for justice, to seek peace with humility, and to cherish the freedoms we now enjoy. Guide us to be peacemakers in our own time, with hearts full of gratitude and hope. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

CHAPLAINS IN THE WAR

They carried no weapons, only holy books and simple vestments, yet they were towering figures on the battlefield, symbols of goodness in a harsh world. American and British military chaplains provided peace and security amidst chaos during the War. British clergy showed extraordinary heroism, with many chaplains continuing their ministries even after being captured by the Nazis.

Chaplains, by their professions of 'faith, hope, and charity' (and the Geneva Conventions), were also called upon to minister to enemy wounded and prisoners of war, and to render to the enemy dead the same care they gave to our soldiers.

Field Marshal Montgomery recognised the significance of spiritual support, stating that battles are won in the hearts of men, emphasising the crucial roles of nursing sisters and chaplains in caring for soldiers.

During World War II, 96 British Army Chaplains of all denominations lost their lives. A further 38 Commonwealth chaplains and 182 US Chaplains were also killed. Many were killed whilst tending to the wounded.

We thank God for these brave men. We will remember them.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I saw the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace watching the Red Arrows flypast to mark the 80th anniversary of
VE Day.

Great excitement in my village with several events planned to celebrate such an iconic day in history.

Good morning :-)

Women in the War

From 1939, many women, primarily older women, joined the Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS). They knitted for servicemen, provided refreshments for those in shelters, assisted people who lost homes due to bombings, and collected scrap metal for the war effort.

From December 1941, women aged 19-30 were conscripted for war work, and by 1943, 17 million women were involved in military or war-related jobs. They played an important role in munition factories, and many also joined the military, including the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS).

Women worked as nurses and codebreakers but were often paid less than men. The Women’s Land Army was created to help with farm labour shortages and ensure food production.

Government propaganda promoted the message: "There’s Not Much Women Can’t Do."

We know that!! :-D :-D

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We are approaching an important date in the history of this country

VE Day - or Victory in Europe Day - marks the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.

On 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced on the radio at 3 p.m. that the war in Europe had ended following Germany's surrender the day before.

VE Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for those who fought, sacrificed, and worked tirelessly to bring peace to a war-torn continent. This day is an opportunity to honour the bravery of soldiers, nurses, civilians, and countless others who played a role in the victory and recovery.

We thank God for these people. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer for today)
Almighty Father,
who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples
with the sight of the risen Lord:
give us such knowledge of his presence with us,
that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life
and serve you continually in righteousness and truth;
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 the Gospel reading is where Jesus says "Follow me".

Cx :-)