General Chat

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer for today)

God our redeemer,
you have delivered us from the power of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of your Son:
grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life,
so by his continual presence in us he may raise us
to eternal joy;
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 remember how Jesus taught us to love one another.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Bearing fruit:

A Christian is: a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps. — Saint Augustine


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Bearing fruit

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. — St. Basil


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Bearing fruit.

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand”.
Mother Teresa

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Bearing Fruit

“I carry fast food gift cards in case I happen to see someone who might need a meal. One winter day I walked out of a store and saw a homeless man. I asked him if I could give him a gift card, and he asked me if I would give it instead to an old lady who was at the bus stop.. Here was a man who clearly could use this gift but he thought of someone else before himself. ‘What you do for the least of my brethren you do for me.”
- Janie A.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The reading on Sunday was about Jesus being the true vine, us being the branches and how we should be bearing fruit. There are plenty of examples of Christians who are bearing fruit in the world.

Kerry Davidson: Liberia
In Liberia, most people spend their time outside of their homes. They cook, do laundry, and wash dishes in their yards. When we first moved here, we often saw our neighbors fighting in the street. These fights ranged from shouting matches to physical altercations. Sometimes the police had to be called to resolve the situation.

Feeling troubled by the situation, I decided to pray for peace and reconciliation between our neighbors. I asked Jesus to intervene and transform their hearts. Miraculously, since I started praying, there hasn't been a single fight in our community. I believe that this is a result of God's grace and His ability to bring peace where there was once conflict.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Please indulge me........... yesterday, we had the wonderful news that our church is not to be closed! We are considered viable, active and effective. The relief is overwhelming. However, at least 2 closures were announced so, whilst we rejoice, our heartfelt sympathies go out to those who are to lose their churches <3

We love the place, O God,
wherein thine honour dwells;
the joy of thine abode
all earthly joy excels.

We love the house of prayer,
wherein thy servants meet;
and thou, O Lord, art there
thy chosen flock to greet.

We love the sacred font;
for there the holy Dove
to pour is ever wont
his blessing from above.

We love thine altar, Lord;
O what on earth so dear?
for there, in faith adored,
we find thy presence near.

We love the word of life,
the word that tells of peace,
of comfort in the strife,
and joys that never cease.

We love to sing below
for mercies freely given;
but O we long to know
the triumph-song of heaven.

Lord Jesus, give us grace
on earth to love thee more,
in heaven to see thy face,
and with thy saints adore.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today.
Almighty God,
who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ
have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:
grant that, as by your grace going before us
you put into our minds good desires,
so by your continual help
we may bring them to good effect;
through Jesus Christ our risen 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 Jesus explaining that His father is the gardener!
Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Good Shepherd
Psalm 23 - familiar, traditional and comforting words, especially at times of grief.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
<3 <3 <3

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Good Shepherd
An odd choice for a morning post but relevant nonetheless……..a lovely hymn, rarely sung these days.

ALL IN AN APRIL EVENING


All in the April evening
April airs were abroad;
The sheep with their little lambs
Pass'd me by on the road.
The sheep with their little lambs
Pass'd me by on the road;
All in an April evening
I thought on the Lamb of God.

The lambs were weary, and crying
With a weak human cry;
I thought on the Lamb of God
Going meekly to die.
Up in the blue, blue mountains
Dewy pastures are sweet:
Rest for the little bodies,
Rest for the little feet.

Rest for the Lamb of God
Up on the hill-top green;
Only a cross of shame
Two stark crosses between.
All in the April evening,
April airs were abroad;
I saw the sheep with their lambs,
And thought on the Lamb of God.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Good Shepherd

As Christians, we have to wonder if God was smiling when he formed these fluffy balls of wool we call sheep. Perhaps he made them just so we would see ourselves in a non-threatening way and realise that we too, can’t make it without a shepherd.

1. Sheep follow others blindly. We are compared to sheep because we can often follow anyone without thinking and cannot defend ourselves in times of trouble.

2. Sheep are emotional and recognise the shepherd’s voice but run when they hear a stranger’s voice. We get anxious and distressed and feel sadness. We must listen for our Shepherd’s voice to keep us calm in times of trouble.

3. Sheep are not meant to carry burdens. You will never see a sheep with a pack on its back as they would be crushed by the weight. We are told to give our heavy loads to Jesus so that He can carry them for us.

4. Sheep will settle for less. When they're thirsty they will stop at a dirty puddle right in front of them instead of moving forward to the clean water just a little ahead. They lack discernment and don’t know what is good for them. How often have we settled for less? This is why we need a Shepherd to guide us to better things.

5. Sheep are valuable. You were counted as a wealthy person in bible times if you had a large flock of sheep – they provided meat, milk and wool and they had offspring to carry this on. How much more precious are we? God thought us so valuable that He was willing to die for us.
Things to think about.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Good Shepherd
A young vicar was leading a Sunday School class and telling the children about Jesus being the Good Shepherd. He explained that sheep weren't very smart and needed lots of guidance. He told them that the shepherd’s job was to stay close to the sheep, protect them from wild animals and keep them from wandering off and doing stupid things that would get them hurt or killed.

He pointed to the little children in the room and said that they were like sheep and needed lots of guidance.

Then, he lifted his arms in a dramatic gesture, and with raised eyebrows said to the children, "If you are the sheep then who is the shepherd?" He was obviously indicating himself.

A silence of a few seconds followed. Then a young lad said, " Jesus, Jesus is the shepherd."

The young vicar, obviously caught by surprise, said to the boy, "Well, then, who am I?"

The little boy frowned thoughtfully and then said with a shrug, "I guess you must be a sheepdog."


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A famous Shakespearean actor used to end his performances with a dramatic recitation of Psalm 23, which always left the audience in awe. However, one day a young man from the crowd asked if he could recite the Psalm instead. The actor, taken aback but confident in his own abilities, agreed to let the young man take the stage.

The young man recited the Psalm with a gentle voice, and when he finished, there was no applause or ovation, only tears from the audience. The actor was astonished and asked the young man how he did what the actor could not, despite years of experience and training. The young man humbly replied, "You know the Psalm, but I know the Shepherd."

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Yesterday in church, we heard about Jesus the Good Shepherd.

Being a shepherd is an important role in life.
James Hogg was a poor shepherd in Scotland. He took care of a rich landowner’s sheep near the Ettrick Water. James had a dog named Sirrah who was his helper. One night, a storm came up while James was on the hilltop with 700 lambs. The lambs ran off in different directions and James lost sight of them. He searched for them all night with the help of other shepherds, but they found nothing.

The next morning, they discovered the whole flock in a narrow and deep ravine. Sirrah had gathered all the lambs together and kept them safe. Not one lamb was missing. James was grateful to Sirrah and said that even the best shepherd in Scotland couldn’t have done better. James had trained Sirrah well and Sirrah had learned how to work. May we too, follow the guidance of our Good Shepherd.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him,
from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above,
where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good afternoon

I hope all those looking in are having a good day.

Going back a few days the hymn Kandj mentioned last Sunday was new to me so I had to do a bit of googling and listening to it on YouTube. I was quite surprised I hadn't come across it before.

It's been lovely to have a plant themed week. Thank you for that good idea Cynthia. It's been good to learn a little more about the meanings of the plants and the biblical connections. Before we moved to this house 10 years ago we had a very large garden and I could just picture how an acacia tree would have fitted in there :-)

Good morning :-)

Diligence
Emma I. Coston

If you’ve ever made a garden,
With a love to see things grow,
You will own that every morning
It was hoe, hoe, hoe.

Were you ever in a vineyard
Where the grapes were ripe and thick?
When you went to fill your basket
You must pick, pick, pick.

If you’ve ever made a garment,
Here’s a fact you also know:
You were not then counting stitches;
It was sew, sew, sew.

Did you ever learn a lesson
Just by taking time to cry?
Or was this your resolution,
“I will try, try, try”?

Did you ever meet temptation
Like a lion in the way,
When you knew your only refuge
Was to pray, pray, pray?

Jesus is the way to heaven,
And if you get there, you must
Trust in his almighty power
Ever trust, trust, trust.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Planting a biblical garden.

Olive
At Tesco last week (other supermarkets are available!), olive trees in pots were selling for around £15. They were slightly cheaper at a garden centre, but they make for an attractive addition to any garden.

"But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever." (Psalm 52:8)

The olive tree holds significant symbolism in the Bible, representing peace, prosperity, and the presence of God. The olive tree is also a symbol of endurance and resilience, as it can live for centuries and withstand harsh conditions. In the quoted verse, the psalmist compares himself to an olive tree in God's house, expressing his trust in God's mercy and protection.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Planting a biblical garden.

For those who have a larger garden, what about an Acacia tree?

In the bible, the acacia tree, known for its strength and durability, is often chosen as the building material for important structures such as the Ark of the Covenant. This carries a deeper symbolism representing God’s steadfastness and truth. Its resilience in harsh conditions serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness and His ability to provide stability and protection even in challenging circumstances.

Just as the acacia tree stands tall and unyielding in the harshest environments, so too does God stand firm in His commitment to His people, never wavering in His love, guidance, and provision.

It is rather a beautiful tree.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Planting a biblical garden

Myrtle.

This maybe an unusual choice but it's a plant beloved of royal brides since the 1850s.

"Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 55:13)

The myrtle tree is associated with peace, prosperity, and God's blessings. In the Bible, the myrtle is used to symbolize the transformation from a barren and harsh land to a fertile and prosperous one, reflecting God's promise of restoration and abundance. It has rather attractive flowers.

Cx :-)