General Chat

Good morning :-)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

One body in Christ, united by grace,
Joined by His love, with one heart and one face.
Though different our gifts, and diverse we may be,
Together we're strong, as His love sets us free.

Bound by His Spirit, we're one in His name,
His love is the tie that no power can tame.
For we are His children, He's called us His own,
And in unity, His light will be shown.

Through trials we'll stand, hand in hand we'll endure,
Our faith will remain, and His truth will secure.
For as one body in Christ, we're stronger than ever,
United in love, we'll face storms together.

Cx :-)

Hello all

What an uplifting spiritual experience Tracy Collis has had and one that she will remember forever.

The Bishop officiated at yesterday's service, a very special time of worship in our small village church.

It's another chilly day, take care and stay safe.

Good morning :-)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

This is a bit of a long read, but worth it. Grab a coffee!! :-D

Divisional Ecumenical Officer Captain Tracy Collis (Lancashire) reflects on a visit to a Romanian Orthodox church.

It was with a sense of the unknown that I drew up to a building that looked nothing like I expected a church to look. I had been invited with my fellow ecumenical representatives to share in the annual Advent Paraklesis service at a Romanian Orthodox church.

The plain exterior hid a beautifully decorated interior, with portraits of Jesus, Mary, disciples and saints. There were gold stands and ornate Bibles, which the worshippers bowed to and kissed as they entered. A gated entrance hid the entrance to the Holy of Holies and to the side was a four-sided lectern used for leading the service.

We were warmly welcomed by congregants preparing food and drink with smiles and hugs, which replaced a common language. Many women reverently had their heads covered and children in national dress were practising singing for the celebration of Great Union Day (1 December), the national day of Romania.
It was a privilege to share such a sacred time and space.

People were chatting and busying themselves getting ready for worship, but the laid-out chairs were mostly empty. We were called to worship with a swinging silver incense receptacle. There were no announcements, songbooks or PowerPoint slides, but a seamless hour of fast-paced sung liturgy by the two fathers and male attendants.

A few people sat in the chairs; most stood or knelt the entire time. Children played comfortably and worshippers sang purposefully, and the sign of the cross was used frequently, including touching the floor. The sense of spirituality was almost hypnotic. The barrier of language did not detract from the presence of God, as I was drawn into the worship.

These were Christian disciples worshipping with all their hearts and it was a privilege to share such a sacred time and space.

As part of the celebrations, we were treated to the children singing some Romanian songs, before being invited to the traditional ‘fasting’ feast of Advent. As we were greeted with plates of fish, rice, polenta, garlicky and herby potato fishcakes, hummus and bread, one might wonder what a non-fasting feast consists of. This was my first delicious taste of Romanian cuisine – I passed, though, on the wine!

Each differing expression of worship can give us a unique glimpse into the many differing facets of God’s character.
It was a truly memorable experience of Christian hospitality, where Jesus was evident in both actions and words. It was so far away from any Christian worship I had previously been part of, it left me with so many questions, yet it was truly time spent with Christian brothers and sisters.

I greatly admired the devotion and stamina of these Christians, who perhaps truly take to heart God’s command to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’ (Mark 12:30), having either stood or knelt for the entire service. This was closely followed with ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Mark 12:31) in their generous hospitality. There was a genuine desire to engender ecumenical understanding.

The universal Church may have many theological differences in its expression and interpretation of worship, yet at the heart of this – and all Christian worship – is our love towards God. Each differing expression of worship can give us a unique glimpse into the many differing facets of God’s character. A sung liturgical worship must surely delight God as much as communion, Quaker silence or Charismatic hand-lifting.

Worship is a kaleidoscope of human expressions as individual as people, but each serves equally to draw us closer as disciples to our Creator.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

This week, many churches will be taking part in events to mark the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Most of us have friends who are Christian but who worship in a slightly different way from us. There are various denominations underneath the umbrella of Christianity and each one is to be respected.

Two of the most famous characters within living memory were Bishop David Sheppard and Archbishop Derek Worlock – both of Liverpool. David Sheppard was also a famous cricketer, and this earned him a certain amount of respect within the sporting community of this great city.

These two men, one Anglican and the other a Roman Catholic, worked tirelessly in the 1970’s and 80’s to bring calm to a city torn apart with deep religious divisions. They became icons of hope and were affectionately known as ‘fish and chips’ as they were always together and rarely out of the paper!!

In 2005 a statue (comprising of two doors) was commissioned by the Liverpool Echo and paid for by the people of Liverpool. This statue commemorates the work done by these men during dark days. They were truly Brothers in Christ and a great example of Christian unity.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



The Collect (special prayer for today)
Almighty God,
in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
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 we hear the story of how Jesus changed water into wine.

Cx :-)

Thank you, Cynthia, for all your recent posts. I especially enjoyed learning about some of the epiphany customs, some new to me and some not. I first came across the chalking on doors of C + M + B in Germany in 1957 and had to ask my German penfriend what it meant. I know I have mentioned before that this is the time of year when I always reread T S Eliot's poem Journey of the Magi, a piece of work that really speaks to me.

Thinking of all the people facing winter in war zones and those who have lost everything through natural or man-made disasters and giving thanks that we can be warm and safe. Take care everyone.

Good morning :-)


A simple prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, I give thanks in all circumstances this Saturday morning. Help me to have a grateful heart, recognizing Your goodness and blessings in my life. Let gratitude fill my thoughts and words, transforming my perspective and actions. Thank You for Your constant love and provision. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

I'm loving reading this week's daily posts Cynthia, each one has given me food for thought, thank you so much.

There are lots of nasty germs around. Take care, keep warm and stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)

Things God won’t ask

God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask how many people you took to church.

God won't ask the cost of your house; He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the fashionable clothes you had in your wardrobe; He'll ask how many people you helped to clothe.

God won't ask how much you earned; He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

God won't ask what your job title was; He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

God won't ask how many friends you had; He'll ask how many people you were a friend to.

God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived; He'll ask how you treated your neighbours.

God won't ask about the colour of your skin; He'll ask about the content of your character.

God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation; He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven and not to the gates of Hell.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

When a farmer's donkey fell into a well, the farmer initially felt despair, deciding that the animal was old and the well needed to be covered anyway. He called on his neighbours for help, and they began shovelling dirt into the well. At first, the donkey cried out, but then something incredible happened: he started to shake off the dirt and take a step up with each shovel full. The farmer and his neighbours watched in astonishment as the donkey persevered, eventually stepping over the edge of the well and trotting away.

MORAL: Life will inevitably throw challenges your way, but the key is to shake them off and rise above. Each struggle can be a stepping stone to a brighter outcome. Keep moving forward and never give up!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Sometimes, we all need a 'pick me up' in life, especially when we are going through trying times.

Enduring Faith

I've dreamed many dreams that never came true,
I've seen them vanish at dawn,
But I've realized enough of my dreams, thank God,
To make me to want to dream on.

I've prayed many prayers when no answer came
Though I waited patient and long,
But answers have come to enough of my prayers
To make me keep praying on.

I've trusted many a friend who failed,
And left me to weep alone,
But I've found enough of my friends true blue,
To make me keep trusting on.

I've sown many a seed that fell by the way
For the birds to feed upon,
But I've held enough golden sheaves in my hands
To make me keep sowing on.

I've drained the cup of disappointment and pain
And gone many days without song,
But I have enough faith in our wonderful God
To make me want to keep on.

Sending love to all going through trying times at the moment.
<3

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Epiphany celebrates not only the visit of the Wise Men and Jesus' baptism but also Jesus’ first miracle when he changed water into wine at the wedding at Cana in Galilee.

Imagine catering for a party and not having enough to go round – you would be so embarrassed. The host at Cana would have been deeply ashamed at running out of wine – and then Jesus performs this significant miracle. Amazing – it was even better than the wine that had been served at the beginning and there was plenty of it!

All weddings are important events and this one in Cana was very special as it marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and showed His divine authority. It wasn’t just a display of power it showed His ability to bring joy and abundance to our lives.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Oh dear! I hadn't realised I had missed yesterday but it was a difficult day. No central heating and no water! Not recommended in this weather. All sorted now :-D


The Baptism of Christ

Beginning here we glimpse the Three-in-one;
The river runs, the clouds are torn apart,
The Father speaks, the Spirit and the Son
Reveal to us the single loving heart
That beats behind the being of all things
And calls and keeps and kindles us to light.
The dove descends, the spirit soars and sings
'You are belovèd, you are my delight!'
In that swift light and life, as water spills
And streams around the Man like quickening rain,
The voice that made the universe reveals
The God in Man who makes it new again.
He calls us too, to step into that river,
To die and rise and live and love forever.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Another cold icy morning and not many folk in church this morning. Hopefully it will get a little warmer soon and our numbers will increase.

Take care and stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)


EPIPHANY

We tend to concentrate on the arrival of the Three Kings in this season of Epiphany but, in fact, the season also covers Jesus’ baptism and His first miracle at Cana where He turned water into wine. These were all manifestations of Jesus – where He was revealed to mankind.

The visit of the Magi revealed Jesus to the Gentiles.
The Holy Spirit descended at His baptism, and God declared Jesus’ identity as God’s son.
The first miracle at the Wedding in Cana revealed Jesus’ divinity over nature.

God disclosed himself to mankind through the person of Jesus. He made himself known so we might know him.

Tomorrow, church congregations will hear about the Baptism of Jesus.

Cx :)

Good morning :-)

My word, it's cold!! :-(


EPIPHANY
Chalking of doors - still done today.

This picks up Old Testament traditions of marking the doorposts of the house with biblical texts (Deuteronomy 6:9), the theme of the Holy Family welcoming visitors to their home to visit the Christ-child, and a reminder of the importance of hospitality throughout the Scriptures. Because Epiphany occurs at the start of the year, it also offers a chance to pray for God’s blessing at the start of the new year.

The letters and numbers that people chalk on their doors pick up the new year, the Epiphany story, and the prayer for blessing in a simple formula, written like this 20 + C + M + B + 25. The 20 and 25 are the beginning and end of the year’s date. The middle three letters represent the traditional names of the three Wise Men - Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They also represent the initials of the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat” – “Christ bless the house.”

Together they represent our prayer at the start of the year that our homes, too, may be places blessed by the love and light of Christ.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We pray for all those affected by the dreadful fires in California - for the people and for the emergency services as they struggle to put out the flames. A dreadful situation.

EPIPHANY

Anyone for a slice of cake?

In France, Epiphany used to be a day of celebration of banquets and celebration. Since the French are now attempting to recover from the excess eating and celebrations of Christmas and New Year, currently there is less feasting. However, eating the Kings’ Cake, called Galette des Rois is still common. It is a puff pastry cake stuffed with almond and sugar paste. Inserted in the Kings’ Cake is a small porcelain bean or figurine. The person who finds the bean typically wears a gold paper crown.

The tradition of eating a King's Cake dates back to the Middle Ages. On Epiphany, a large collection was taken at church. The parishioners in charge of the collection received a galette to be divided into equal portions. Eventually, the tradition spread and each household shared a cake to share with all family members and servants. The first slice was reserved for the first poor who would knock at the door. This slice was known as the “Good Lord’s slice.”

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


EPIPHANY
Reindeer food is one thing - but camel food?!

In Peru, La Bajada de Los Reyes officially ends Christmas. In some households, it is the day to take down the pesebre, or Christmas nativity scene. A clever tradition has it that each piece of the scene must be replaced by money: this pays for the pesebre and the celebratory food and drink for next year’s festivities. Lima itself is known as the City of Kings because it was founded on “Three Kings’ Day” in 1535.

Many Peruvian children write to the Three Kings instead of Santa Claus. On January 5th, the children write down their desired gifts, and families leave grass and water outside their front doors to provide for the hungry camels that the kings will be riding. This is also the night when children may leave their shoes outside the door expecting to find presents inside them in the morning.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Imagine the scene............temperatures much lower than ours, icy water ahead of you, and in you plunge! Really? Maybe not for everyone!

But in Bulgaria.................
Thousands of Orthodox Christian worshippers on Monday braved the freezing winter weather to plunge into icy waters as they observed centuries-old Epiphany traditions.

Young men plunged into rivers and lakes across the Balkan country, which is primarily Orthodox, to retrieve crucifixes tossed by priests in ceremonies commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ.
It is believed that the person who retrieves the wooden cross will be freed from evil spirits and will be healthy throughout the year. After the cross is fished out, the priest sprinkles believers with water using a bunch of basil.

Now that is something else!

Cx :-)

Hello all

I still have arc candles and pretty stars shining in both front windows but these will come down tonight and be put away and brought out again in December for Christmas 2025.
Epiphany is a very special date in our church calendar.

The snow has almost cleared but it's bitterly cold, stay safe and keep warm everyone.