General Chat

Good morning :-)

WHY WEAR A POPPY?
“Please wear a poppy”, the lady said
and held one forth but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched to see how she’d fare
her face was old and lined with care.
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade

A boy came whistling down the street
bouncing along on carefree feet
his smile was full of joy and fun
“lady” he said, “may I have one”?
As she pinned it on I heard him say
“why do we wear a poppy today”?

The lady smiled in her wistful way
and answered “This is remembrance day,
the poppy there is a symbol for
the gallant men who died in war
and because they did, you and I are free
that’s why we wear a poppy you see”

“I had a boy about your size
with golden hair and big blue eyes
he loved to play and jump and shout
free as a bird he would race about.
As years went on he learned, and grew
and became a man, as you will too.

He was fine and strong with a boyish smile
but he seemed with us such a little while.
When war broke out he went away,
I still remember his face that day,
when he smiled at me an said ‘goodbye,
I’ll be back soon so please don’t cry’.

But the war went on and he had to stay
all I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight
I can see it still in my dreams at night.
With tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire
and mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

‘Till at last the war was won
And that’s why we wear a poppy son”.
The small boy turned as if to go
then said “thanks lady, I’m glad I know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight
but your son, did he come home alright?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek
She shook her head but didn’t speak
I slunk away, head bowed in shame
and if you were me you’d have done the same
for our thanks in giving is oft delayed
though our freedom was bought and thousands paid

And so when you see a poppy worn
let us reflect on the burden borne
by those who gave their very all
when asked to answer their country’s call
that we at home in peace may live.
Then wear a poppy – remember, and give.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Just a simple poppy.............


Just a simple poppy

Throughout history, the poppy flower has captivated human imagination and generated stories that span different civilizations and epochs.

In Roman mythology, poppies were linked to Somnus, the god of sleep. Its connection to sleep comes from its narcotic properties that induce sleep and relaxation. The image of poppies lulling people into slumber intertwined with the concept of dreams and the realm of the subconscious.

In ancient Chinese culture, the poppy was seen as a symbol of resilience and the ability to thrive under adverse conditions. The opium poppy, with its tenacious growth even in war-torn landscapes, was admired for its ability to persevere and flourish despite challenging circumstances.

In medieval Europe, poppies appeared in folklore and stories. Carrying a red poppy was believed to bring love and romance into one’s life. The poppy’s association with sleep and dreams also persisted, often representing a bridge between the waking world and the mysterious realm of dreams.


Just a simple poppy................

Cx :-)

Hello all

The Flanders Field words are so emotional.

Respect.... We Will Remember them.

Sadly, no poppy put up from GR yet??

Good morning :-)


............and the poppies

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


In our prayers, we think of the dreadful floods in Spain and for all the people who have been so badly affected. We also think of the people in the USA as they vote for their President today - a decision which will have worldwide consequences.


Round and about our various towns and cities, there is a clear message – it’s almost Remembrance Day, and poppies are on full show.
It’s a delicate little flower with an interesting history of how it came to be associated with Remembrance Day.

Scarlet corn poppies thrive in disturbed soils across Western Europe. The devastation from the early 19th-century Napoleonic wars turned lands into fields of blood-red poppies, blooming among fallen soldiers. By late 1914, World War One devastated Northern France and Flanders, leaving poppies as one of the few plants to flourish in the aftermath.

Today, the poppy symbolizes remembrance for those lost in conflicts and acts of terrorism, honouring the contributions of families and emergency services.

And it all started with a poem……………………………….to be continued.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We had that hymn too kandj :-D One problem though - it's associated with local rugby teams and causes much rivalry when sung!! :-D :-D :-D



Interesting!
Christianity is the largest world religion, with over 2 billion followers worldwide – 1/3 of the world’s population.

There are thousands of denominations, or branches, of Christianity. The common thread is the belief in just one God who exists as three distinct persons and the belief that Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Christians believe he was sacrificed so that mankind can be forgiven for their sins.

Christianity spread rapidly because it offered the promise of salvation and eternal life, and because stories of miracles and healings made the Christian God seem more powerful than the Roman gods.


Cx :-)

Hello all

The first hymn this morning was Oh When the Saints Go Marching In ..... very catchy.

A short prayer for All Saints Day

Thank you God, for all the sacrifices made by those gone before us. Bless the memories of your Saints, may we learn how to walk wisely from their example
of faith, dedication, worship and love.
Amen.

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer for today)

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
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 about Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Today is All Souls Day


O God our Maker, we give you thanks for the gift of our earthly life and the rich blessings you gave to those we remember today. Thank you for the years we shared with them and the love we received from them. For every memory of love and joy, every memory of life well lived and every sorrow shared with us, we give thanks.

May peace flow
as a gentle stream
through your soul,
love’s pure warmth
soften your heart,
and joy in the Lord
shine in your face
and all your words.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Today is All Saints' Day

God of holiness,

your glory is proclaimed in every age:

as we rejoice in the faith of your saints,

inspire us to follow their example

with boldness and joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Halloween’s with us and, before we know
The moon will be casting its golden glow.
The air is crisp with much cooler days
The leaves full of colour to brighten the way.

The fields are all full and ready to glean,
Children laugh at the pumpkins they’ve seen!
Apples are ready to pick from the trees
Then cider will promptly be made from these.

The Lord looks down on our fun autumn days
And watches us as we go on our way.
The harvest is ripe in the fields of the soul
Make sure “to glorify Him” is our goal!

Witches and monsters we close our eyes to
But Lord, open our eyes to those who need You!
Send the workers far out in the field
Glean from their work what You’d have them yield.

Halloween is a time of trick or of treat
But do things that honour God on the street.
Hand out prayers with your goodies this year
You never know what seeds will fall near!

A seed that will sprout and soon grow to be
Lord, another ripe harvest for Thee!
Give us words and deeds on this night
That give others peace, not fear and fright.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HALLOWEEN YES OR NO?

Two workers from Scripture Union try to answer some questions.
Why do some people celebrate Halloween and others don’t? What’s wrong with Halloween anyway? Why is it bad, or evil, or dark?

Some people don’t celebrate it because they don’t want their children dressing up as ghosts and walking around the streets, knocking on people’s doors. Some don’t want their children getting involved in things they think might be harmful, or at least annoying or intimidating. Some Christian families don’t get involved because they believe the celebrations have something to do with the devil, and they definitely don’t want to get involved with him. Jesus is about light and life, not darkness and death.

Most people do it for a bit of fun, though it has its origins in an old Gaelic festival about the spirits of the dead wandering around. Some children and young people love to do things on this night that they can’t on any other – like ringing people’s doorbells, asking for sweets and scaring people. These aren’t necessarily appropriate or helpful things to do!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HALLOWEEN - YES OR NO?

Two workers from Scripture Union try to find answers for us.

Halloween and the devil
Is Halloween the devil’s (Satan’s) birthday?

Well, Satan was never born – he is an angel that rebelled against God. Since he wasn’t born, he can’t really have a birthday. Even so, some people (not Christians) say that 31st October is the devil’s birthday.

Is the devil real?

Yes, definitely. When he was on earth Jesus spoke about the devil and was tempted by him, so he must be real. Find a Bible, if you can, and look up Luke 22:31 and John 12:31.

Where did the devil come from?

The Bible suggests that the devil, Satan, was one of God’s chief angels, but he wanted to be greater than God. Some people think that this is what Isaiah 14:12–21 is about. Then in Revelation 12, we read about the dragon, called the devil. He and his angels fought against Michael and his angels and were defeated, and thrown out of heaven.

Does the devil have horns and a tail?

No, the Bible doesn’t exactly say anything about the devil having horns and a tail. Revelation 13:1 is a symbol of the devil, or a physical form that the devil takes on, but it’s not a description of the devil. This is picture language – the devil isn’t a physical being.
Back in Revelation 12:3 we read that the dragon, called the devil, has seven heads, ten horns, and a tail. That may be where it comes from. The problem with all this is it makes people think the devil is just a bit of a laugh, and not real. But let’s remember that Jesus is so much stronger than the devil. In fact, Jesus has already won the battle against the devil, and we’re safe with Jesus.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thanks kandj, I appreciate the concern and, hopefully, a quieter week this week. <3

10 new people - that's brilliant and I'm sure that your warm welcome would help to make them feel at home.

It’s the time of year when you are offered a ‘pumpkin'–flavoured coffee—so that means it’s ‘spooky’ season, which, in turn, means Halloween. How do we, as Christians, deal with this?

Scripture Union workers Steve Hutchinson and Terry Clutterham have a go at answering some questions.


What is Halloween basically all about? What does Halloween symbolise and why?

Most families think of Halloween as just a bit of fun, though many Christians feel uneasy about the celebration of the dark side of life. They believe it’s not what Jesus wants them to do. But actually Halloween offers the opportunity to celebrate light. All Saints Day – 1st November – helps people remember that death isn’t the end and that our life with God stretches beyond the grave.


Does Halloween represent death or dead people? Is Halloween real or fake?

If we're not careful, black can represent the dark side of life. Some people dress up in black to pretend that they’re bad or evil spirits. Of course, they aren’t really bad or evil spirits, so in that way, it’s fake.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, absolutely no need ever to apologise as you're clearly spinning such a lot of plates. Good to know that you and yours are well.

10 newcomers in church this morning, perhaps it was the bright sunshine or the extra hour that brought them in.... all were warmly welcomed (by me) and I really hope that they will come again.

"Therefore welcome one anothe, just as Christ has welcomed you...." Romans 15 v 7.

Good morning :-)


Good grief, I am so sorry to have missed the last 2 days - and yes, I am fine thank you, simply a case of being busy with my mind elsewhere. Apologies.


TODAY IS BIBLE SUNDAY

Collect (special prayer) for today:
Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our 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 :-)

I too hope all is well with Cynthia and her family. I hope it is just that she is extra busy though it is unusual for her to miss more than 1 day .

One kind word can warm three winter months (Japanese proverb)

Hello all

It's very odd that Cynthia hasn't posted again,I just hope that all is well with her and her family.

A reminder that the clocks go back an hour to mark the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter.

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and for
warmth." Author unknown.

Hello all

Heavenly Father

Grant us all a peaceful rest,
Quiet our minds, still our thoughts, and fill our hearts with your love this night.
Protect us as we sleep and in the morning wake us all feeling refreshed to face the day,
In Jesus name
Amen.

Sweet dreams everyone.

Good morning :-)

Still with God


In a precious moment
where, as the world
outside my window
continues on its way,
I have found space
to be alone with you,
and ask, in all humility
to feel your presence
within this quietness,
however temporary,
and hear your voice
as, with open heart
I bring my offering
of prayer and praise.


Speak to me, Lord,
in this quiet moment,
a precious oasis
within a busy day.
Speak to me, Lord,
that I might find
refreshment
in its clear water,
strength for my soul


Cx :-)