General Chat

Good morning :-)

Many thanks to kandji for covering for me while I went to a family gathering in Cambridge. It was a lovely break. :-D



When Jesus was taken to the Temple as an act of thanksgiving by his parents, it was two old people who recognised that this was, indeed, the Lord they had been waiting for. Both Simeon and Anna would have been well into their eighties.

Each generation of churchgoers moves through a state of ‘wanting to attract younger members to church’. It’s an age-old problem and yet, the church is still here. An article in a Mothers’ Union magazine stated that, if younger members could not be found, then the organisation would die out. That article was printed in the 1950’s and the MU. still has many thousands of members spread across 84 countries.

An article in a past copy of the Church Times states……“Too many of us in the Church apologise for our congregation with words such as "I am afraid we are all elderly here. Surely, we should celebrate our older members, not be ashamed of them”.

Yes, we should be grateful and thankful for our older members God bless them.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia is well and enjoying a family get together
this weekend. I'm sure she's loving the change.

I think this quote is appropriate.

Relax.... do nothing at all.
Take a moment for yourself.
Enjoy the moment.
Just..... because you deserve it!

Sending a hug for those who need one just now.

Hello all

Continuing Cynthia's Christian Unity theme.........

"Only humility will lead us to unity, and unity
will lead to peace." (Mother Teresa).

Take care everyone.

Good morning :-)


Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

God Bless All Churches
by Caleb Davis Bradlee

We have but one Leader, Christ Jesus, the Lord,
We’ll join in his praises with gracious accord;
May all Churches love the one Guide to proclaim,
And write on their banners the Saviour’s blest name.

With Jesus as Leader, Defender, and Guide,
The other great doctrines we will not decide;
But we’ll leave to each Church its own special plea,
And each one shall speak it as each one shall see.

We’ll all look to Heaven as a right blessed home,
We’ll all do our best whilst on earth we shall roam;
We’ll love one another forever and aye;
And “God bless all Churches” we daily will pray.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

God of life, You have created us to have life, and life in all its fullness. Help your wounded Church to be a source of hope and healing. As we follow Jesus’ way with determination, may we lead others to you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

God of love, who writes love in our hearts, instil in us the courage to look beyond ourselves and see the neighbour in those different from ourselves and to be the unexpected neighbour, that we may truly follow Jesus Christ our brother and our friend, who is Lord, for ever and ever. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It’s been interesting for me to read that our Bishop, is very involved in the work of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

This organisation acknowledges that the churches are of different traditions and theologies, but are, nonetheless, committing themselves to a journey towards full visible unity. How lovely that our traditions and differences are respected whilst we are all travelling the same road.

Lord, give us the grace to know you deeply, in order to love you entirely. May the gift of your Holy Spirit enable our eyes, ears and minds to receive the unconditional love with which you love us. Purify our hearts that we may always be ready to love our neighbour, however different, as ourselves. Through the self-giving life of Christ our Lord. Amen

Cx :-)

Hello all

I'm blessed to have friends who hold Atheist, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal views.

In this week of Christian Unity it's good to come together in prayer. Unity doesn't mean sameness, it means a oneness of purpose in our chosen faith.

"Whatever our age, capacity,
church calling or location,
We are as one,
Called to the work to help Him
In His salvation of Souls,
Until He comes again."
(President Henry B. Eyring."

Stay safe during the strong winds everyone.

Good morning :-)


Many of us have friends who belong to other denominations -Methodist, Roman Catholic, Baptist etc. and we get on well. There are many different Christian churches and denominations throughout the world, but all have the same basic calling – to worship God, to share the good news about Jesus Christ and to work for the good of all people.

This week is known as the Week of Christian Unity, so churches have the opportunity to work together in all ways, maybe sharing and explaining worship traditions, organising events for the community and simply loving each other.

What a fantastic witness this could be and all to the glory of God.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
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 :-)

Thank you for another interesting week Cynthia <3

Good morning :-)

Church looks brilliant!!!!! We have some very willing workers thank God. <3

Vestments add colour and atmosphere to a service and their history is a fascinating part of our heritage. Many churches have a history where there was once a tradition of the clergy to wear vestments and were probably fortunate and blessed to have so many that have been donated, in gratitude for some person's life or event, by faithful parishioners.

In recent years. however, rules have been relaxed about what the clergy should wear. We thank God for the spirit of generosity in which the vestments were given and for what they represent within our faith.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Been busy cleaning church this week.........brrrrrrrr

In answer to a question asked last week, we continue:
What are vestments? ‘Behind every detail in what the clergy wear is reasoning and wisdom’.

The Christian Year celebrates different parts of the Christian faith during the course of twelve months - dividing the year into a series of seasons. Each season has its own theological significance and colour and the vestments change accordingly.

White symbolises purity and joy. It is used during the most joyful times in the Church calendar, such as Christmas and Easter. It is also worn at baptisms, weddings, and funerals to symbolize the Resurrection.

Green is the default colour and symbolises growth and maturation in our faith, much like a plant grows in the natural world. Green signifies this hopeful, unfolding journey of discipleship.

Purple is used during Advent and Lent, seasons of waiting and preparation for the celebrations of Christmas and Easter, respectively. The colour is traditionally associated with penitence and fasting, as well as royalty, reminding us that we are preparing for the coming of the King.

Red symbolises The Holy Spirit and Martyrdom Red is the colour of fire and blood. It is used on Pentecost, when we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It is also used for the feasts of martyrs, who shed their blood for the faith. Red brings to mind the Holy Spirit, who gives us the courage to witness to our faith, even to the point of sacrificing our lives.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


In answer to a question asked last week, we continue:

What are vestments? ‘Behind every detail in what the clergy wear is reasoning and wisdom’.

Today: The Cope
The cope, like the chasuble, was originally an outdoor garment worn by laymen, monks, and clergy. Its history is quite fascinating. Isidore of Seville is the first person that mentions it, in A.D. 620. In A.D, 1250 Durandus, a French Bishop, gave an account of its symbolical meaning as follows: “It is embroidered with fringes, which are labours and cares of this world. It has a hood, which is heavenly delight. It is long, reaching to the feet, which signifies perseverance to the end. In front it is open, to denote that eternal life is open to men of holy life, and that the wearer’s life ought to be an open example to others.”

Copes are usually worn in processions and on ceremonial occasions.

A cope may be worn by any rank of the clergy and can be used for special occasions and add that little bit of eye-catching wonder to the proceedings. Think of the recent Coronation with all the splendour that it entailed. The clergy robes added to the whole scenario, they caught the eye, lifted the spirits and reminded us of the Glory of God. How disappointing and boring it would have been if the clergy had worn suits or casual wear.

The work and craftsmanship which go into these vestments is amazing – the designs, the sewing, and the sheer skill of making these garments is, indeed, a God-given talent.

Cx :-)

Good morning :)

‘Behind every detail in what the clergy wear is reasoning and wisdom’.

Today: The Chasuble. This is used at Holy Communion and symbolizes the "seamless garment" worn by Christ when he was led to his crucifixion. It is sometimes referred to as the “yoke of Christ”.

This poncho-like cloak began life as protection against the weather. Over time this simple garment took on greater liturgical significance, and by the ninth century, its use was restricted to priests. Again, chasubles come in all the liturgical colours and can be quite plain or more elaborate.

They are often given in memory of a loved one.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I love all of the vestments worn by various visiting Priests during our ongoing vacancy. I especially love the fancy lace ones, which are really beautiful.

It's bitterly cold with snow forecast tomorrow.

Keep safe, stay warm everyone and take care.

Good morning everyone :-)

If you have snow........do take care. Stay warm, stay safe. <3

‘Behind every detail in what the clergy wear is reasoning and wisdom’.

Today: The stole is a scarf-like cloth worn by ordained clergy around the neck. Deacons wear it over the left shoulder and tie it at the waist on the right side, while priests wear it straight. It can be worn over a robe, an alb, or a cassock.

The stole was adopted by bishops and priests in the early Christian church as a vestment signifying their authority to lead worship. It may have been intended for wiping the mouth - not any more! Its colour varies due to liturgical seasons and occasions.

Lay Readers wear a blue scarf, which is not a stole.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A question asked at a recent meeting was “What are vestments?”

Vestments are garments worn by clergy at certain times and for certain occasions. Many watched the Coronation last year and, maybe, wondered what the clergy were wearing. It all has significance.

The word ‘vestment’ refers to a formal piece of clothing reserved for conducting a worship service and is generally simple in design. The idea of vestments is to avoid any distraction from what the cleric is doing and to provide uniformity for all ministers. It is also a means of reminding the congregation of the clergy’s reverence and duty towards God.

It is said that white robes have long signified the holiness of Christ – holiness worn as a garment. The two main white vestments are the Cassock-Alb and the Surplice.

The Cassock-Alb is a single garment worn as a coat over everyday clothing. The surplice is a loose-fitting, broad-sleeved white garment which is placed over the head and is only worn with a cassock which is the long dark coat worn by clergy and choir.

The cassock can be various colours, generally black, but bishops wear purple and choristers have varied colours. These too, are worn to both signify a position and to provide uniformity.

There are prayers which may be said when the priest is putting the vestments on.

For the Alb. 'Wash me, O Lord, and cleanse my heart, that with them that have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, I may eternally rejoice.'

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 about Jesus calling Philip and Nathanael to follow him.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Ooops missed a day - sorry!

They lie on the table side by side
The Holy Bible and the TV Guide.
One is well-worn and cherished with pride.
Not the Bible, but the TV Guide.

One is used daily to help folks decide.
No, not the Bible, But the TV Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see,
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the TV

So they open the book in which they confide,
No, not the Bible, but the TV Guide.
The Word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.

Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching TV
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the TV Guide.

No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not on TV

Cx :-)