General Chat

Good morning :-)


That's odd, I distinctly remember posting here yesterday....! Mind you, my internet was coming and going so maybe I posted when I wasn't on line and didn't realise. Apologies for that.

Yes a different Remembrance Sunday - but at least it was still remembered ....the Saturday night Remembrance Service was good - small in numbers but very well produced as was Sunday from the Cenotaph. Lots of churches did online services - which were mixed. Some of the services online are good, whilst others are dire I have found.

Anyway......taking a look at some brave chaplains through the wars...

Woodbine Willie was one of the best-loved chaplains of WW1. His real name was Father Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy. In 1914 he was vicar of St Paul’s Church in Worcester. He was known as a high churchman who ‘loved ritual as an aid to worship’. He also had a real way with people, and it is said that ‘scores of worshippers would queue to speak with him about what he had been saying’.

This ability to communicate with people was to stand him in good stead during the War. He had no time for conscientious objectors writing that ‘every able-bodied man ought to volunteer for service anywhere’ and on 21 December 1915, he was among them.

Four days later he was conducting a Christmas Day service in a village square in France. In Rouen he spent time seeing troops off to the front, giving them New Testaments from one bag and Woodbine cigarettes from another. That’s how he got his nickname of Woodbine Willie.

In 1916 he was at the Somme among the troops on a day when 21,000 were killed and 35,000 injured. In his diary, he wrote about accompanying the men digging trenches into No Man’s Land. He wrote,

‘Fear came. There was a pain underneath my belt. Of course, I had to go. It was the parish. We crept out. We could not get out into the two-foot ditch that they had made, it was crowded with men. We went along the edge. I whispered some inane remark as I passed by and was rewarded with a grin which even darkness could not hide and often when I passed with the muttered comment, “Gaw blyme if it ain’t the padre!” Vaguely I felt that this journey was worthwhile.’

As well as being with the troops at the front line, he marched with them, dug tunnels and trenches, shared jokes, led singing and held services. He sought out the wounded and dying in No Man’s Land, often dragging them back to the trenches for treatment and prayer. He spent time at makeshift hospitals and often went for 24 hours without sleep.

In 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross, and by the end of that year, he had visited and preached at all the British bases in France. His ability to get alongside ordinary soldiers was frowned upon by many of the senior ranks in the Army, but his biographer says ‘the ordinary soldiers heard him gladly.’

In 1929 'Woodbine Willie' was taken ill at a vicarage in Liverpool whilst he was delivering some Lenten addresses. He died at the age of 45 and his body was taken back to Worcester. His body lay in state and thousands came to pay homage - old soldiers kept a vigil. Many packets of Woodbines were placed on his coffin and in his grave.

o Archbishop William Temple, Studdert Kennedy was “One of God’s greatest gifts to our generation”, and, quite simply, “the finest priest I have ever known”. T

We give thanks for this extraordinary man.

Cx :-)

Yes, a very different Remembrance Day all over the world.

Today, churches held small services, those that have been able to re-open or to stay open. November 11 is still the day that Canada celebrates and remembers .............. the day for all parades and services at Cenotaphs across the country, free travel on transit and free parking for veterans from about 9 am to 6 or 8 pm in many places, and a Statutory Holiday, with many people getting the day off.

Places where people are working, stores, shops, etc etc usually stop for 2 minutes at 11 am.

Much will not happen this year .............. no large services at the Cenotaphs, no parades to and from the Cenotaphs, although many Legion Halls will be open for spacially distanced and no more than the maximum number of attendees allowed for that venue (usually 50, but can be smaller or larger depending on the size of the inside space).


Yesterday, we had a crack down in BC on some of our "freedom" as a result of record numbers of positive covid cases. Two adjoining health regions in southern BC, including the one where I live, have had to close large halls, only the residents of the house allowed (no visitors, even of family), immediate cancelling of limousines and party buses. This was announced at 3:00 pm yesterday and took effect at 10 pm last night ............ so immediately, no dallying round. The bans will last for 2 weeks, until November 23, and can be extended.

Churches are still allowed to have services as long as attendees can maintain spatial distancing of 6'or more and there are fewer than 50 inside the church.

OH went to church this morning, he said there were about 22 people at the Anglican church. No-one attended to Baptist church across the street, although the Filipeno members have been attending for several weeks.

No veterans, Scouts/Guides. or Cadets have been out selling poppies as they usually do, but boxes of poppies have been put near the check-outs of places that have been willing to have them previously.

OH bought 2 from the box at our coffee shop when he went down there this afternoon, as we have for the last 3 or 4 years


Stay safe

Hello all

A very different Remembrance Day this year, but still as emotional and humbling as ever.

"When you go home
Tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow
We gave our today."

We will remember them.

Go0d morning :-D



We remember today O Lord all those who have died in any kind of war throughout your world,
soldiers who perished in the horror of battle,
innocent people buried beneath the rubble from bomb attacks, men women and children brutally attacked and murdered in their homes, towns and villages.

Today we remember especially those victims of the two world wars including those close to us, or to our family, parents and grandparents and for all service men and women who have died in the violence of war.

We remember and pray for those who came home with terrible injuries, both physical and psychological and those whose loved ones never returned.

May God give Peace
God give Peace.


Amen.



Cx

Hello all

Another foggy and damp start to the morning again.

Remembrance weekend and so very different now.

Church is closed yet again and so our village Service of Remembrance and laying of wreaths won't take place. Such a sad state of affairs imho.

I plan to watch tonight's Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on TV and tomorrow the Remembrance Service from the Cenotaph and the Songs of Praise Remembrance Day special later.

Great respect and admiration for all taking part.

Good morning :-)

As we remember the gallant men who fought in the wars....we also remember the clergy.

Clergy have also been involved in serving in warfare as chaplains, and from before 1066 armies have taken clergy with them to war. The roles of chaplains within the military have changed significantly but their presence has remained as important as ever.

Priests exchanged their normal routine for theatres of war. All chaplains lived in the same conditions, experienced the same dangers, and witnessed the same carnage as the men they served.

Chaplains celebrated Mass, administered the sacraments, tended the wounded, buried the dead and brought spiritual comfort to men in need. Chaplains were also charged with strengthening regimental unity, maintaining high morale, encouraging and assisting soldiers to write to their families, censoring letters, actively participating in mess duties.

Their commitment earned them respect and admiration. Some chaplains were killed, others were wounded, gassed or died of natural causes. Many were decorated for bravery - it was not a ministry for the faint hearted. 179 chaplains died in WW1 and 134 in WW2.

The conflicts may change but the call, care, compassion and prayer remains constant.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lord God, we pray for the leaders of the nations at this time and especially for the United States. Give them a longing to bring freedom from fear and freedom from want for all peoples.
Give strength and courage to those who bear heavy responsibilities for the peace of the world. We pray also for the Christian Church, called to witness to your love in this generation.
May Christians work with all men of goodwill to break down the barriers which divide people. May those who profess one faith respect those who sincerely hold another faith and build a community where there is harmony and understanding.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Remembering....


As with our Roman Catholic friends, many Anglican churches have an aumbry. This is a small cupboard where the ‘reserved Sacrament’ is kept – wafers and wine which have been consecrated and are ready to take out to those who are housebound, sick or near death. The ancient custom of Christians has been to keep a lamp burning in front of the aumbry to mark it out, to give honour to the Sacrament and to remind us of the Presence of Christ.

This little story is very relevant …..

In 1995, on the last day of his visit to the US, Pope John Paul II was due to visit a Seminary in Baltimore. His schedule was tight so the plan was for him to greet the seminarians outside on the steps. Instead, he made his way through their ranks and into the building. He wanted to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

When his wishes were made known, security flew into action. They swept the building paying close attention to the chapel where the Pope would be praying. For this purpose, highly trained dogs were used to detect any person who might be present.

The dogs are trained to locate survivors in collapsed buildings after earthquakes and other disasters. These highly intelligent and eager dogs quickly went through the halls, offices and classrooms and were then sent to the chapel. They went up and down the aisle, past the pews and finally into the side chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.

Upon reaching the tabernacle, the dogs sniffed, whined, pointed, and refused to leave, their attention riveted on the tabernacle, until called by their handlers. They were convinced that they discovered someone there.

Of course, they were right — they found a real, living Person in the tabernacle!”
— Fr. Arthur Byrne

Cx :-)

Hello all

Thoughts and prayers for Jane's family and friends as they have said their goodbye to this lovely lady.

Remembering David and his wife Ellen coping now without him.

Four members of my own family have died since March. Life throws daily challenges but God is good
and provides strength to get through each new day.

Stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)

I don't know Jane as I rarely move around the boards these days but it sounds as though she was a lovely person who will be much missed. Praying all goes well for her funeral and for her family at this sad time. <3


As we approach Remembrance Day.......

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Eternal+Father+Strong+to+Save+Hymn&&view=detail&mid=
779B2140B59F52AFE4C5779B2140B59F52AFE4C5&&FORM=VRDGAR

Cx :-)

Praying for Jane's family and friends for tomorrow. May God keep them strong as they say their farewells to this lovely brave lady. May she rest in peace in the arms of our Lord <3

Thank you Cynthia for your words of remembrance this week. I am sure we all have lost loved ones who somehow remain a part of us.

My thoughts are with all those who are newly grieving, particularly the family of our lovely GR friend Jane, whose funeral is tomorrow (4th) <3

Good morning :-)

As we near Remembrance Day ..


O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you the men and women
who have died in active service throughout the world.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Another lockdown yes kandj, hopefully it will help. We are in this together and must keep our spirits up albeit that this week is quite a sombre week given Remembrance Sunday is looming.

Yesterday we celebrated All Saints’ Day and gave thanks for those in whose lives, the Church as a whole, has seen the grace of God powerfully at work.

Today is All Souls’ Day which celebrates the saints in a more local and intimate key. It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith.

‘A Time to Remember Those we Love but See no Longer’.

You are very welcome to add names on this post……

Rest eternal grant to them O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them:
May their souls, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen


Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Remembering :

My husband and all family members who have gone before.

Our friend David

Cx :-)

Hello all

Not liking the idea of another lockdown and I do hope that people will keep to the rules and get the infection rate lowered considerably during that time.

The Sermon today was about the Beatitudes for
for All Saint's Day service.

No church services for the next four weeks.... or maybe even after that time..... who knows??

Stay well and keep safe everyone.

Good morning :-)

Gloomy weather and gloomy news. We pray for all those for whom news of a further lockdown seems like the end of the world. May we always be are of our friends who are lonely and lost.


Today is All Saints' Day - the day when we remember ...... the saints!

The Collect for All Saints’ Day

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



St. Matthew 5.1-12

JESUS, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him. And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peace-makers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Halloween is All Hallows Eve which falls on 31st October and refers to the day before All Saints Day (November 1st). For many years in the northern hemisphere, many different festivals have been associated with gathering in the harvest, preparing for winter, remembering loved ones who have died, and preparing for the time of longer nights and winter cold. From a Christian perspective, Halloween is the first chapter in the story that ends with All Saints’ Day.

At Halloween, we unpack all the standard bogeymen of childhood fairy tales – witches, ghosts, skeletons and vampires – and confront them. We can acknowledge that, yes, evil exists and the world is scary and dangerous, and, yes, someday we will all die. And then, on All Saints’ Day, we hear the second half of the story – that death is not the end, that on the other side of fear is victory and that we do not become ghosts or skeletons when we die but spend eternity with Jesus, with new life stronger than death.

Pray about Halloween and for those who get involved that they might find something of the light of Jesus.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Yes indeed kandj, another dreadful event - what a year this has been :-(


A college student was in a philosophy class which had a discussion about God's existence. The professor presented the following logic:

"Has anyone in this class heard God?"
Nobody spoke.
"Has anyone in this class touched God?"
Again, nobody spoke.
"Has anyone in this class seen God?"
When nobody spoke for the third time, he simply stated, "Then there is no God."

One student thought for a second, and then asked for permission to reply. Curious to hear this bold student's response, the professor granted it, and the student stood up and asked the following questions of his classmates:

"Has anyone in this class heard our professor's brain?"
Silence.
"Has anyone in this class touched our professor's brain?"
Absolute silence.
"Has anyone in this class seen our professor's brain?"
When nobody in the class dared to speak, the student concluded, "Then, according to our professor's logic, it must be true that our professor has no brain!"

(The student received an "A" in the class.)


Cx :-)

Hello all

Shocked to read of the terrorist attacks in France!!

Thoughts and prayers for all who are affected. RIP

Good morning :-)



There is a story about the schoolboy who attended a cathedral service with his parents and was amazed at the stained-glass windows above him. The east window took his eye as it was full images of people. He was enthusiastic about the many colourful glass figures that the sun traced through the stained-glass windows onto the floor and he excitedly asked his mother what this and that meant. She whispered that this was ‘such and such’ a saint, and that was another.

Sometime later the bishop visiting the child's school and, seeking to give the children a challenge, asked if anybody knew what a saint was. He looked round not really expecting anything more than a name, perhaps St Peter or St Mary. The excited boy, raising his hand, said, “I do”.

“A saint is someone that the light shines through!”

The bishop was dumbstruck for a moment, then a huge smile lit up his face. “You have preached my sermon young man! May we all become saints!”


Cx :-)