General Chat

I'm with you Cynthia and Emma. I don't wait in line for bargains I might not get but it's very nice when a bargain comes my way. I was lucky yesterday as well. I have had my eye on a lovely rug for my hall but I didn't feel I could justify the cost (it was expensive). Yesterday we were in the store and I got it nearly 50% cheaper :-). I also got a good bargain online with the present I wanted for our 1 year old great niece.

Interesting prayers this week Cynthia, they have made me think. Thank you.

Thinking of all in need of strength and support today.

Kandj and hubby <3

Good morning :-)


I'm so pleased that you both managed to get a bargain over the weekend - to be honest I haven't had time to go looking for anything else - I am trying to get the parish magazine typed up :-D

Today is the First Sunday of Advent.....

Collect (special prayer) for today.

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Gospel reading tells the story of The Good Shepherd.

This morning we will see the lighting of the first Advent Candle in our Advent wreath and, during the service, we will be remembering by name, those who have died during the last year. We usually do this earlier but, shortage of clergy etc has thrown things a bit haywire.


Love to all. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lots of folk turned up for our Annual Service of Remembrance yesterday......and it all went really well considering the circumstances. There were tears and hugs and smiles as people listened to the sermon and then moved forward to light a candle in memory of their loved one and receive a lovely bookmark with comforting words. It all took place within the context of our Holy Communion service and was very fitting.

Today we enter the church season of Advent where we wait for the Coming of Christ...

Loving God,
I sense that all is your creation
and everything, and all of us,
are being drawn back toward your loving heart.
Help me to be a person of peace,
To speak about it in an uneasy world,
And to live it among the people
you have put into my life every day.
Light in me a desire to prepare for your coming
to stand in the darkness, waiting, eager and filled with joy.
Amen.

Cx :-)

I think that is a lovely idea Cynthia and what a comfort
for all x

Good morning :-)


Hopefully it was a comfort Emma - people certainly looked relaxed as they left the service. There was also tea and coffee for anyone who needed it.

I am just coming round after another fidgety night for my husband....that's two on the trot...........matchsticks needed please :-D


Continuing our walk through Advent...

God of forgiveness,
I turn to you in my great weakness
and beg for your help.
Let me feel the joy growing in my heart
as I anticipate your coming.

I hear the message of the prophets of old and know that the Messiah will bring new life and new ways of living.

From the humbleness of my life,
help me to grow and bloom
and hear the words
that will change the world. Amen.

Cx :-)

I always desired to become a saint, but in comparing myself with the saints, I have always felt that I am as far removed from them as a grain of sand, trampled underfoot by the passer-by, is from the mountain whose summit is lost in the clouds.

Instead of feeling discouraged by such reflections, I concluded that God would not inspire a wish which could not be realised and, in spite of my littleness, I might aim at being a saint. “It’s impossible”, I said, “for me to become great, so I must bear with myself and my many imperfections”.

But I will seek out a means of reaching heaven by a little way - very short, very straight and entirely new. We live in an age of inventions. There are lifts which save us the trouble of climbing stairs. I will try to find a lift by which I may be raised to God, for I am too small to climb the steep stairway of perfection.

St Thérèse of Lisieux.

Good morning :-)


When I first started to read that Dermot, I thought you were referring to yourself :-D


Our Advent journey.......day 3

Lord of all,
you are a God of plenty, a Lord who provides
for us in our need.
As I begin these early days of Advent
help me to believe that you know what I need.
Give me the courage to listen to your voice
and the freedom
to open my heart to the graces you are
offering me to place my trust in you.
Amen.



Today is also St. Andrew's Day.

Andrew was one of the original 12 apostles of Christ, and the brother of another apostle, Simon Peter. Both lived and worked as fishermen in Galilee. Very little else is known about Andrew's life.

He is said to have travelled to Greece to preach Christianity, where he was crucified at Patras on an X-shaped cross. This is represented by the diagonal cross, or 'saltire', on Scotland's flag.

Andrew's connection with Scotland relates to the legend that some of his remains were kept at the site that is now the town of St Andrews. A chapel was built to house the remains and became a place of pilgrimage.

St Andrew is also the patron saint of Greece and Russia.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Has anyone realised that this thread has been going for almost 4 years. I have just had a quick look back at how it was first received - it makes for interesting reading :-D

Haven't heard for JustJohn for a long time - I do hope he is okay. The boards have certainly been quieter since he (and a couple of others ) have gone.


Our Advent journey day 4


God of strength and protection,
I turn to you because I need help.
I long to be free enough
to trust that I can lean on you.
But I become afraid.
Help me to trust in you, Lord.
Your strength and power
are a gentle place of protection.
Be a safe refuge when I am being trampled.
I long for your help, your protecting care.
Help to deliver me from the cold
loneliness of these dark nights.
Amen.


Love to all Cx :-)

Secular groups said it was “nonsense” that people can’t celebrate Christmas.

Christians must feel free to talk openly about their faith and about Christmas without fearing a negative reaction, the prime minister has said.

Theresa May said in the Commons that people of faith had the right to speak freely, but also “respectfully and responsibly”, about their religion.

(The Times 01.12.16).

Good morning :-)


Its all very well people being encouraged to talk about their faith, but many are caught between the trap of receiving negative reaction and being accused of ramming the faith down people's throats. The latter can, quite often, put people off the faith and that is the last thing a Christian wants to do. Hope that makes sense. :-)

Continuing our Advent journey...

Jesus, protector,
I long for your coming.
The promise of new light is there
if only I can believe.
Protect me from dangers
and lead me through the gloom and darkness
to the joy I so long to find in you.
Lift me from my lowly sins
and give me the promise of salvation
with no more shame,
only the light and saving grace of your love.
Let the ancient dream be fulfilled in you
and peace come to this life and world.
Amen.


Cx :-)

I agree with you Cynthia on the subject of talking about
ones beliefs.
I find this personal to me and feel I do not need to explain
it to anyone.
What you say makes sense to me :-)

Good morning :-)

Talking about one's faith is often difficult for the reasons I mentioned yesterday. I love the quote often contributed to St. Francis......"Preach the gospel, use words if you must". For the Christian, their lifestyle and behaviour should really indicate their faith.

We continue along the Advent road...

Lord,
You challenge us this Advent time
This season of preparation
To put aside our pride
And understand our need
For repentance
Forgiveness
And mercy
Less of self
More of you
Preparation for our journey
To the stable and beyond
Purify our hearts
Sanctify our lives
That we might serve you
Faithfully this day and all days. Amen


Today is our church Christmas Fair. Many willing volunteers have been busy setting up stalls, baking, making goods and generally preparing for this day. We pray that it will be successful and that everyone has a good time.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Just popping in to hope you all are well and warm today. Very many thanks for all your
kind thoughts and prayers. Hubby has a hospital routine appointment and we both hope and pray for a good visit for us on Monday.

Our village church joined in last Saturday's Christmas Market and although we weren't able to go along, I sent my usual goody donations for the cake stall. Every little helps.
I hope all goes well today Cynthia and that folk come along and spend generously.

Lovely to see you posting kandj. Hope all goes well
on Monday <3

Good morning :-)


Lovely to see you kandj <3


Our Fair went very well yesterday and we raised £2,200 for church funds, so a very worthwhile day. People work so hard for this sort of event and we are grateful for their support. I was selling reindeer food and reindeer noses (!) along side my speciality coffees and we were all 'reindeer-ed' out :-D

The Collect (special prayer) for today....

O Lord, raise up, we pray, your power
and come among us,
and with great might succour us;
that whereas, through our sins and wickedness
we are grievously hindered
in running the race that is set before us,
your bountiful grace and mercy
may speedily help and deliver us;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.


The Gospel is part of the story of St. John the Baptist.


Love to all Cx :-)

Well done Cynthia and all on your fund raising. :-)

Anger in France as locals are forced to take down a statue of the Virgin Mary that stands over their town because of a ban on displaying religious images.

The statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in 2011 despite the national ban. An order to have it removed was made in January 2015 but was ignored. Now a judge has threatened Publier with a daily fine if they do not comply.

Publier's mayor said it will be moved to private land within three months.

Good morning :-)

Such a tiring weekend and I am hoping to catch up with things this week - I can but hope :-D


Yes Dermot, I heard about that statue. It seem as though it has caused controversy from day one. Hopefully, a peaceful conclusion may be reached.

As we continue our Advent journey, we thank God for each day

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of light and the morning sunrise that stirs the heart and awakens our souls to the possibilities of each new day;

Thank You, Lord, for bringing light into our darkness, and for the gifts of hope, love and happiness;

We ask for strength, wisdom and courage—so that we may be worthy of your gifts. And we pray that we will forever show our gratitude through service to you and your creation. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lots of fog around this morning - take care everyone........ <3



Why do I find it so difficult to offer an Advent prayer?
So many other things crowd out God’s message?

I know I need to slow down—take a deep breath and clear my head.
But so much gets in the way. So many solicitations for time—and money,
The endless computer messages, Gift catalogues overflowing my mailbox.

What do I do to hear the good tidings of Advent? First, I need to open myself to the Advent message.

This means shutting out much of the daily noise. I need to experience my personal Advent. And prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. So I may celebrate in my soul.

Peace on Earth, good will toward all.


Cx :-)

Good morning :)

We continue our Advent journey.........


Loving and powerful God,
Some days I can only be in awe of your power and love.

You never tire of supporting me.
I constantly ask for help
knowing you will always be there.

From some place deep in my soul,
I hear you calling me by name
and I prepare with a joyful heart for your coming.

Grant me the gift of hope, patience and waiting in these Advent days
because I want the focus of my waiting to be on you.

I want to praise and glorify you with my life.
Let me live my gratitude to you, rejoicing!


Cx :-)