General Chat

Good morning :-)


No church for me yesterday either kandj - it's not the same is it? :-(


We are now in the season of Epiphany, and many know it as the day marking 12 days after Christmas and the time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations, it is also remembered as the time that the Three Kings visited Jesus. This visit showed how God’s gift of the Good News is for everyone. Epiphany is a great way to bring Christmas to a close and to help us keep Jesus as our focus.

Father God, the star that led the Magi to the stable announced to the world that its Saviour was born. Today we live in a world that is still covered by darkness, and still needing to make that journey to the stable door. May our lives reflect your light day by day, as we seek to serve where you have placed us. That we might be the means through which others can encounter Jesus Christ. Amen

Cx :-)

Hello all

Heavy snowfall overnight so I didn't risk going to church this morning, but listened to the radio 4 service and then watched Songs of Praise on tv, certainly not what I would choose, but needs must.

Keep warm, stay well and keep safe everyone x

Good morning :-)

Today, we celebrate the Epiphany, also known as King's Day—the day when the Wise Men visited the young Jesus and acknowledged Him as King.

The Collect (special prayer) for today:
O God,
who by the leading of a star
manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:
mercifully grant that we,
who know you now by faith,
may at last behold your glory face to face;
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.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Thank you Cynthia, your words have really spoken to me today.

Mega cold but dry, take care and stay safe all.

Good morning :-)

New Year Resolution thoughts – Be a peacemaker.

It is so easy to get worked up about things; world politics, community politics, people who wrong us, family drama, church drama, etc. But resolve to be the one who brings peace. Don’t spread the rumours, don’t listen to the stories, don’t join the clique. Be the one who initiates peace and unity.

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”
Amen

Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your prayer today Cynthia.

I'm very happy and feel privileged to "Meet and Greet" newcomers coming into church on Sunday mornings and I feel really blessed to have the love and support of my church family.

Take care everyone, stay safe and keep warm during this mega cold/icy spell. x

Good morning :-)

New Year Resolution thoughts – going to church.

“You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian” and “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian” - are old quotes and only partially true.

Going to church isn’t just about meeting people and sitting and listening to the sermon for an hour, then going home. It’s about connecting with people, sharing the word of God and living it for the rest of the week.

Church should be about meeting to pray together, learn together and yes, have fun together. It’s pretty impossible to be a Christian on your own because that isn’t what Jesus wants.

If you haven’t been to church at all – give it a go. If you haven’t been for a while, come on back. If you only go infrequently, try going more often.

God, we pray for those who visit our church for the first time. May they feel Your presence and see Your love in us. Help us to be hospitable and welcoming to all who come through our doors. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Another Resolution thought : Pray more often.

Sometimes, we risk filling our brains with so much noise that we crowd out the space for quiet reflection and prayer.
We can pray as we work, play, rest, and drive (as long as we keep our eyes open!). Instead of talking to ourselves, we can talk to God. Instead of fretting about a situation, we can talk to God. Really, the possibilities are endless!

Heavenly Father, help me to be consistent in my prayer life. Grant me the discipline to come before You daily, seeking Your guidance, wisdom, and peace. May my commitment to prayer grow stronger with each passing day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning and a very happy New Year to you all. <3

Okay, so here we are in a brand new year – what will we do about it? Go on a diet? Stop drinking/smoking or whatever? Be nicer to people?

As Christians or people trying to be Christians, one of the best things we can do is to read our bibles more often. So much to work on but even just reading a chapter a day, is better than not getting into God’s word at all!

Dear Father, help me trust in You with all my heart this year. Teach me not to rely on my understanding but to seek Your wisdom in everything I do. Guide me through the uncertainties ahead and help me remain steadfast in faith, knowing You hold my future. Amen

Cx :-)

Hello all

Wishing everyone a Happy and a Healthy 2025 x

New Year resolutions? At the start of every year I resolve to be a bit more patient, a bit less grumpy and just a generally kinder person. At the end of each year my report probably says “Could do better. Must try harder”. So I guess my resolution this year is to keep trying to be the person I should be.

I wish Cynthia, kandj and everyone else who looks in every blessing for the New Year. <3

Good morning :-)

New Year’s Eve………and 2025 is nearly with us.

So, what about those New Year's Resolutions?

The start of a new year always brings the urge to review the past year and plan for the year ahead. Many people focus on things like health, wealth, and growth, but if we truly want a change, it should start with our spiritual lives.

The Bible has lots of advice on how to live a good and meaningful life, including a few resolutions that could make a real difference in our walk with the Lord this year.
By making our relationship with God the most important thing we can do, we set the foundation for growth in every other area of life.

Let 2025 be the year we focus on aligning our hearts with His will and seeking His guidance in all we do.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We are moving steadily towards a brand New Year. 2025 is almost upon us. How come? It doesn’t seem 2 minutes since there was all the fuss about the new millennium and some people being so scared that they took to the hills, literally! And yet, here we are………a quarter of a century later. It’s the time when some people start planning New Year Resolutions – which last a day at best.

We could consider making new resolutions, though….as Christians. There are quite a few suggestions we could try. Do you have any ideas? If so, please share them on here.

Lord, as we approach a brand new year, help us to consider how we may serve you better in our lives and in our church. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
who wonderfully created us in your own image
and yet more wonderfully restored us
through your Son Jesus Christ:
grant that, as he came to share in our humanity,
so we may share the life of his divinity;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Gospel reading for today is from St. Luke chap.2 vs 41-end. It tells the story of Jesus being lost in the crowd and his parents find him preaching in the Temple.

Cx :-)

Good morning and I see that I missed a day!!! Sorry!


Have you ever noticed how some people put their Christmas tree up in November? Christmas trees are very, very popular.

But what is the religious significance? Is there a religious significance to this popular tree? While there is no actual reference to an evergreen tree in relation to Christ's birth, there are some interesting aspects.

The evergreen tree maintains its colour throughout the year. Even in the depths of winter, it shows its life. This characteristic of everlasting life represents the life we have in Christ.

The triangular shape of the Christmas tree has often been used to reference the Holy Trinity. The upward pointing branches often symbolize our praise to God.

For many Christians, candles or lights on the tree signify how Jesus came as the light into the world. The star placed on top of the tree represents the star the wise men followed to Bethlehem.

For some, presents under the tree represent the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus. For others, the presents represent the gift of salvation we have through Jesus.

When the evergreen tree is cut, it is struck down to its death, only to be raised to glory in splendour as a decorated Christmas tree. This transformation of the tree symbolizes how Jesus died on a tree and was raised to new life on the third day.

Interesting!


And now for those Christmas crackers!!!

What do snowmen wear on their heads?
Ice caps

Why can’t penguins play football?
There’s snowball

What does Father Christmas do when his elves misbehave?
He gives them the sack

Why are Christmas trees very bad at knitting?
Because they always drop their needles

How does a penguin build its house?
Igloos it together

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas?
A mince spy

What goes “Oh, oh, oh”?
Santa walking backwards

What do you call a reindeer with bad manners?
Rude-olph

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you LaGooner - I hope you enjoyed the day! <3

'The day' has gone and, hopefully, it passed peacefully and cheerfully for most people. Sending lots of love to those who may have struggled or been unhappy. ??

For anyone who missed out on the Christmas cracker jokes, see below! Firstly, however..............

It's Boxing Day……. a day to eat up any leftovers, watch TV, and generally relax after all yesterday's activity. Make the most of it!
It’s thought the name ‘Boxing Day’ came from when Queen Victoria was on the throne.
In Victorian times, the wealthy would box up items they no longer needed to give to the poor. On this day, servants were given time off and thanked for their hard work with a 'special box' of treats.

The servants would then head home and use the 26th to spend with their own families — and share the presents they had just received. Boxing Day became an official bank holiday in the UK back in 1871.

Of course, it is also St. Stephen’s Day. This brave man, a model of charity and courage, became the first Christian martyr.

Gracious God, on this Boxing Day, I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Thank You for the blessings, both big and small, that fill my life. May an attitude of thankfulness shape my perspective and actions in the days ahead. Amen.

And now.......those jokes - please groan quietly!

1. What do you call a bear with no teeth?
A gummy bear!

2. How did the torch feel when its batteries ran out?
De-lighted!

3. Why shouldn’t you barbecue on your roof?
The steaks are too high!

4. What do you call a vicar on a moped?
Rev!

5. What do you do if you're scared of lifts?
Take steps to avoid them!

6. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a computer?
Lots of memory!

7. What's a goalkeeper's favourite snack?
Beans on post!

8. What do cats call an aquarium?
A sushi bar!

9. What did the pineapple say to the salad?
Lettuce be friends!

10. When is a turkey dinner bad for your health?
When you're the turkey!



Cx :-)

A very happy and blessed Christmas to you all. <3

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
As we celebrate His birth, may our hearts overflow with joy, peace, and gratitude.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).
Fill this day with love and unity, Lord.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Blessings to you all this Christmas <3 <3

Good morning :-)


Christmas Eve—the night before Christmas—may include happy laughter or quiet reflection, but above all, it’s the perfect time to prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth. We make other holiday preparations, like shopping lists, food plans, and travel arrangements. But we also need to prepare our hearts as we reflect on the true reason for the season—the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
May this preparation night be a holy night as we once again receive and celebrate Your great gift to us this Christmas.

Bless each member of our families and fill our homes with warmth and joy. May the spirit of Christmas bring us closer to you and to one another. We ask for your guidance and protection in the coming year. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Cx :-)

I am sorry to hear of your loss kandj. You and your family are in my thoughts as are the families of Cynthia's church members <3