General Chat

Good morning :-)

PASSIONTIDE

O Christ,
as the shadow of the cross lengthens,
teach us to walk the narrowing road with You.
Let our hearts not flee from the weight of sorrow,
but find in Your wounds the doorway to mercy.
When the world turns its face away,
fix our gaze upon Your steadfast love.
When our voices falter in the night,
let the Spirit breathe in us a deeper song—
one that rises from the garden’s anguish
to the dawn beyond the stone.
Hold us in the stillness between
betrayal and resurrection,
that we may learn the mystery
of life poured out,
and love that will not die.
Amen.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Passiontide is the final two weeks of Lent in the Christian calendar.
The period is intended as a time for Christians to reflect deeply on Christ’s Passion, his suffering, and his sacrificial death for humanity. It is a sombre, penitential season that encourages believers to accompany Jesus spiritually on his journey to Calvary, encouraging feelings of remorse for wrongdoings and thoughts on forgiveness.

Heavenly Father, as we follow our Lord Jesus Christ on the way to the cross, help us to pray in faith, sing your praise with gratitude, and listen to your word with eagerness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Today, Passiontide begins, and we remember the events leading up to Easter.
Collect (special prayer) for today:
Gracious Father,
you gave up your Son
out of love for the world:
lead us to ponder the mysteries of his passion,
that we may know eternal peace
through the shedding of our Saviour’s blood,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

In today's Gospel, we hear how Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Loving and merciful God,
You have blessed me with more than I could ever deserve.
Open my eyes to see the needs of others,
and open my hands to give freely, without hesitation.
May my offering be more than coins or possessions—
let it be an act of love,
a reflection of Your kindness,
and a seed of hope in someone’s life.
Teach me to give not from what is left over,
but from the fullness of my heart,
trusting that in Your abundance,
I will never lack what I truly need
Amen,

Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)


Almsgiving in Lent…… it doesn’t just mean giving financially. One way of giving is to donate food and other items to help those in need.

Christian food banks are often operated by churches and faith-based organisations, aiming to provide emergency food
assistance to individuals and families facing hardship. These
food banks are typically staffed by volunteers from the local
community, including many who are motivated by their faith to
help those in need.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


During Lent, almsgiving isn’t just about financial donations; it includes giving our time. Volunteering is a wonderful way to help others, whether it’s working in a charity shop or serving meals to those in need.

Churches, rely on volunteers for various tasks—cleaning, maintaining the building, caring for gardens, serving refreshments, and more. Every contribution, big or small, is valued, and we are grateful for the time and expertise shared so generously. Thank you to all our volunteers! ??


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Jesus. Yes Jesus. A name which has been heard for over 2,000 years. A global name. A name which is often used as a swear word. A name associated with Christmas and Easter. A name seen in art galleries all over the world. A name revered by many, loathed by some........but a name you cannot ignore.
Just one, 5-letter name.

One Solitary Life
By Rev. James Allan Francis

"He was born in an obscure village,
a child of a peasant woman.
He grew up in another obscure village
where he worked in a carpenter shop
until he was thirty.
Then for three years
he was an itinerant preacher.
He never had a family.
Or owned a home.
He never set foot inside a big city.
He never traveled two hundred miles
from the place he was born.
He never wrote a book
or held an office.
He did none of the things
that usually accompany greatness.
While he was still a young man,
the tide of popular opinion
turned against him.
His friends deserted him.
He was turned over to his enemies.
He went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross
between two thieves.
While he was dying
his executioners gambled
for the only piece of property he had,
his coat.
When he was dead,
he was taken down
and laid in a borrowed grave.
"Nineteen centuries have come and gone
and today he is still the central figure
for much of the human race.
All the armies that ever marched,
All the navies that ever sailed
And all the parliaments that ever sat
And all the kings that ever reigned
Put together
have not affect the life of man
Upon this earth
As powerfully as this
One Solitary Life.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Almsgiving.
Looking up the word ‘Alms’, one finds this:
The word alms comes from the Old English ælmesse, ælmes, which comes from Late Latin eleemosyna, from Greek ??e?µ?s??? eleemosyne ("pity, alms"), from ??e?µ??, eleemon ("merciful"), from ??e??, eleos, meaning "pity or mercy".

…….which is as clear as mud to most of us!

The core idea is simple: it's about helping those in need. If you've given up things like chocolate, biscuits, or alcohol for Lent, consider donating the money you save to a charity or your church instead of keeping it for yourself. Think about what you'd like to donate to once Lent is over.

The Salvation Army has the right idea. They call it ‘Self-Denial’.
"Self-Denial gives us a valuable opportunity to unite with Salvationists around the world, to share the love of Jesus and to care for disadvantaged people in need. "

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Almsgiving during Lent is the practice of giving to those in need as an expression of charity, justice, and spiritual growth.
During Lent, almsgiving reminds us of the need to look beyond ourselves and extend our hands to those in need. It’s not just about financial assistance; it’s about cultivating a spirit of generosity in every aspect of our lives. This practice serves as a cornerstone of Lent, inviting us to transform our hearts and actions.

There are many ways this can work……

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A very happy Mothering Sunday to all mothers and to all who have the responsibility for raising children. <3


God of compassion,
whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary,
shared the life of a home in Nazareth,
and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself:
strengthen us in our daily living
that in joy and in sorrow
we may know the power of your presence
to bind together and to heal;
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 :-)

Good morning :-)

Prayer for our Mother Church
Loving and Faithful God,
We thank You for the gift of our Mother Church —
the place where faith was nurtured,
where Your Word first touched our hearts,
and where we found a family in Christ.
Bless her leaders with wisdom and compassion,
her members with unity and love,
and her mission with courage and purpose.
May her doors always be open to the weary,
her arms wide for the lost,
and her voice bold in proclaiming Your truth.
Strengthen her foundations in grace,
fill her walls with praise,
and let her light shine brightly in the world,
so that all who enter may encounter
Your presence, peace, and everlasting love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A few days ago, we noted mothers in the Bible who left a lot to be desired – and that’s putting it politely!
Today, we’ll take a look at mothers who set a fine example for others to follow:

Mary:
The mother of Jesus, Mary, is often regarded as the epitome of a good mother. Her unwavering faith and acceptance of God's plan, despite the challenges she faced, highlight her strength and devotion. Mary's response to the angel Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant," reflects her trust in God.

Hannah:
Known for her deep faith and perseverance, Hannah prayed earnestly for a child and promised to dedicate him to the Lord. Her story illustrates the power of prayer and the sacrificial love of a mother, as she fulfilled her vow by raising Samuel to serve God.

Jochebed:
The mother of Moses, Jochebed displayed incredible courage by hiding her son from Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew boys. Her resourcefulness in protecting Moses and ensuring his future as a leader of Israel exemplifies a mother's fierce love.

Sarah:
As the wife of Abraham, Sarah's journey of motherhood was marked by faith and patience. Despite her initial doubts about bearing a child in her old age, she ultimately became the mother of Isaac, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for God.

These remarkable mothers demonstrate what it means to trust God in every season of motherhood. From patience to perseverance, the lives of these godly mothers in the Bible continue to encourage women today.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Going back to the lead up to Mothering Sunday……..

From the earliest days of Christianity, the Church has been seen by the faithful as both a mother who cares for, guides and protects, and also as a teacher who lights the way with the truth of Christ. This dual rule, being both mother and teacher, is important to understanding its mission in the world. The church not only offers spiritual comfort and refuge in difficult times, but it also gives us the wisdom on how to lead our lives.

Whilst we understand that the church is the people, how many of you have been grateful to be able to push open the doors of a church and find peace, comfort and friendship? During Covid, people came to our church when we were open for prayer and were grateful to sit and pray quietly, away from the hassle of what was going on in the world. It was as though the building opened its arms and welcomed us.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Half way through Lent and halfway through this week. Now for something a little different!

Simnel Cake
Simnel cake has a strong affiliation to Mothering Sunday as it is usually associated with spring and Easter. It resembles a Christmas fruit cake but should be slightly lighter in texture. The other difference is the two layers of marzipan. Simnel cake should have a layer of marzipan running through the middle like a Victoria sponge, and then another layer of marzipan on the top. Traditionally, you should also roll some marzipan into eleven eggs and place these on the top. The eggs are supposed to symbolise the disciples who followed Jesus – note that Judas is excluded. Mothering Sunday falls in the middle of Lent and it was traditional for people to relax their fasting on this day - hence making the cake.

Here is a recipe from Mary Berry’s Baking Bible

Ingredients
Butter: 175g, softened
Light muscovado sugar: 175g (or regular brown sugar)
Eggs: 3, beaten
Self-raising flour: 175g
Ground almonds: 30g
Mixed dried fruits: sultanas, currants, glace cherries (cut into quarters)
Candied peel: optional, finely chopped
Lemon zest: from 1 lemon
Mixed spice and ground ginger: to taste
Milk: enough to reach dropping consistency
Marzipan: 450g total (1/3 for middle layer, 1/2 for top and decoration)
Apricot jam: 2 tbsp, warmed
Egg: 1, beaten for brushing
Equipment
20cm (8in) round deep cake tin
Baking parchment
Wire rack

Method
Preheat and prepare tin: Preheat oven to 150°C (130°C fan) / 300°F / Gas 2. Grease and line the cake tin with parchment paper.
Mix cake batter: Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Sift in flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and ginger. Fold in ground almonds, lemon zest, dried fruits, candied peel, and milk until evenly combined.
Layer marzipan: Spoon half the batter into the tin. Roll 1/3 of the marzipan into a circle the size of the tin and place on top. Cover with remaining batter and level the surface.
Bake: Bake for 1¾–2½ hours until well risen, golden, and firm. Cover with foil after 1 hour if browning too quickly. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
Decorate: Brush the cooled cake with warmed apricot jam. Roll out half the remaining marzipan to cover the top, pressing edges to decorate. Form 11 marzipan balls and arrange around the edge. Brush with beaten egg and grill or use a blowtorch until golden.
Tips
Soak dried fruits if they appear dry for better texture.
Use golden marzipan for best colour and flavour.
Allow the cake to cool fully before decorating to prevent the marzipan from melting.
The cake improves in flavour after a day or two and keeps well for several days.
This classic Mary Berry Simnel Cake is moist, lightly spiced, and perfect for Easter celebrations or Mothering Sunday, offering a beautiful presentation with its marzipan layers and symbolic marzipan balls on top. It serves 8–10 people and can be enjoyed with tea or as a festive centrepiece

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

As for mothers…………………they get everywhere!!

There are over 60 mothers mentioned in the Bible, and they often play crucial roles, but whilst some are good, some are bad.
Whilst mothers are usually thought of as of good character, the Bible offers a selection of mothers who definitely fell short of the mark!
They show characteristics of: ungodliness, bad behaviour, negative influences, and cruelty. Let’s take a look….

Lot’s wife – mother to two daughters (she was disobedient to God)

The Cannibal Mothers of Samaria (This happens during a famine)

Queen Athaliah – mother to King Ahaziah ordered the massacre of all the royal descendants, including her grandchildren, to ensure her unchallenged rule over Judah.

Jezebel – mother of the above Athaliah. Jezebel, an evil queen, was the wife of King Ahab. She persecuted and tried to destroy God’s prophets, established Baal worship throughout Israel, and turned people away from the God who had rescued them from slavery in Egypt.

Herodias – mother to Salome. She prompted her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist.

Lord, we pray for those affected by unkind, unjust and hurtful mothers. Wrap your loving arms around them so that they may know your love and your peace. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We are on the countdown to a break in the solemness of Lent and looking forward to celebrating all things to do with ‘mothers’. Many will call it ‘Mother’s Day’, but the correct term is ‘Mothering Sunday’, and it’s a centuries-old tradition. It began long before Clintons (other card shops are available) started selling fancy cards and has nothing to do with the day celebrated in May in the US.

Mothering Sunday dates back to the 16th century in England, where it was originally a day for Christians to return to their "mother church"—the church where they were baptised or raised. This practice was part of a tradition known as "going a-mothering," which involved families reuniting and attending church services together.

The day coincides with Laetare Sunday, a mid-Lent celebration that provided a break from fasting, allowing families to gather and celebrate.

As for mothers…………………they get everywhere!!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)

Almighty God,
whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain,
and entered not into glory before he was crucified:
mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross,
may find it none other than the way of life and peace;
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.


In today's Gospel we hear the story of Jesus meeting the woman from Samaria at the well.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Teach me, Lord,
What I don't know.
Show me which way
And where to go.
Alone I stumble,
Alone I fall,
But your gentle voice
Leads through it all.
Take my hand,
Light my way,
Be my beacon
Night and day.
I am weak
And sometimes so low,
But you give me strength
And make me whole.
Teach me, Lord and Father.
Your child has become like new.
Empty me of myself
So I can live for you.
- Heather Flood.


Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)


Some people find praying difficult because they don’t know what they should do, or where they should start. There is no single right way to pray – praying is a personal thing, and it’s what suits each person best.

If someone finds thinking about prayer overwhelming, maybe buying a book of prayers would help. There are so many different styles and varieties to choose from – some offer a prayer a day, whilst others separate prayers into categories, so to speak. There will be something to suit everyone, and they are available from all good Christian bookshops.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Since the earliest of times, people have used pebbles or a string of knots or beads on a cord to keep track of prayers offered to God. Virtually every major religious tradition in the world uses some form of prayer beads.

Anglican Prayer Beads are a spiritual tool designed to aid in prayer, meditation, and connection with God. These beads offer a tactile way to focus the mind and enhance the practice of contemplative prayer. Rooted in Anglican tradition, they are often seen as a blend of the Orthodox prayer rope and the Roman Catholic rosary. Their structure, prayers, and flexibility make them popular for Christians seeking a deeper connection with their faith.

The structure of Anglican prayer beads is unique and deeply symbolic. They consist of 33 beads, representing the years of Christ’s life on Earth. These beads are divided into four groups to create a meaningful and organised prayer experience.

The beads are available in many different styles and colours.


Cx :-)