General Chat

Good morning :-)


School’s back!

Most people remember school dinners and the dinner ladies who looked after them. School dinner ladies (also known as School Meal Supervisory Assistants) are those who supervise the activities of children during mealtime.

Dinner ladies assist the children in the dining area, supervise the kitchen work, and keep an eye on the younger children to make sure that they are eating their lunch. They do a fantastic job and what they serve nowadays is very different from when school meals first began in the early 1900’s.

If you were lucky enough to go to school in the early 20th century then you could expect porridge, bread with dripping and a nice glass of milk to wash it all down with.

In the 20’s/30’s, Mutton stew, and desserts like treacle pudding found their way onto the menu.

After the war, tinned meats with mashed potato were popular as was jam roly-poly. Fish and chips would become a Friday staple and Iconic school desserts like spotted dick and rice pudding (with a dollop of jam of course) became the norm.

The dinner ladies then had to get used to serving ‘fast foods’ like pizza, fries and chicken nuggets, along with fizzy drinks with high sugar content. In 1999 a medical survey suggested children in the 1950’s had healthier diets with a higher nutritional value than children in the 1990’s – and that was during rationing!

This all changed and now, every meal has to include at least one portion of vegetables or salad with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables available.

Today’s school dinners look a lot more colourful than they did thirty years ago and they’re much more nutritious as well.

We thank God for these committed ladies who, with patience and expertise, look after the children in our schools.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


That's so lovely Vera, and thank God for that nice gentleman and his welcome to you. Glad you enjoyed your visit and enjoy the rest of your break. <3


Our children are now back at school, ready to begin the new term. We thank God for all who contribute to their well-being:

School Crossing Patrols.
The job of a lollipop person is to walk to the middle of the road, at a suitable time, holding up their sign; it is a legal requirement for traffic to stop at this command. Once it is safe to do so, the lollipop man/lady will signal that it is alright to cross. Traffic may only move once the sign has been lowered and it is safe to do so.

They were introduced to enable policemen, who had previously run crossing patrols, to perform other duties.

The earliest lollipops were red and black rectangles printed with “Stop, Children Crossing”.

The round lollipop was introduced in the 1960s. In 1974 the uniform changed to the familiar yellow coat.

Britain’s longest-serving lollipop lady was Eunice Robinson who celebrated 40 years of work on a single patrol in 2002. Ms Robinson had planned to take the job only for a few months as a favour to a friend.

Dear God, thank you for these men and women who, through all sorts of weather, guide our children safely across the busy roads. We give thanks for their commitment and care towards these young people. Amen.

Cx :-)

You may remember a couple of weeks ago I mentioned how some churches give out warmth while others seem cold. We are on holiday in Sussex and yesterday we were trying to find a pub we had been told about. While hunting for it we found a church and went in. A gentleman immediately appeared and gave us such a warm welcome and we had a chat. As we walked around it was obvious the church was cared for and the chap was able to answer one or two questions we had. We felt very at ease there. Even my non-believer OH was impressed and thanked the gentleman for his lovely welcome.

We did find the pub but I am sure we got the priorities right i.e. church first, pub second ;-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer for today)

Almighty God,
whose only Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence:
give us pure hearts and steadfast wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
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.

The Gospel story today gives advice for dealing with sin within the church.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


As Christians, we have a duty to pass on God's love.......


Lord, I see faces wrought with pain -
the suffering, intense.
I know not what they're going through
but know it is immense.

I want to lend a helping hand
to ease their pain and tears.
I ask You, Lord, "what can I do?
Please speak so I may hear.

I pray to be the hands and feet
of Jesus Christ, Your Son.
Enable me, Almighty God,
so I may help someone."

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Children and their teachers are now back at school and some parents will be wondering where time has gone!

A new chapter of life.

We look at you and wonder,
Where have the years all gone?
What happened to our yesterdays?
It hasn’t been that long….

Since you were learning how to ride a bike
And how to catch a ball.
When did you get so confident?
How did you grow so tall?


We look at you and wonder
at how the years go by,
who showed you how to find your wings?
Who taught you how to fly?

You stand before us on this day
Prepared to step into
As special chapter of your life
written just for you.

We look at you and wonder
And then we realise
The time has come to see you,
Through a different kind of eyes

The one that you’ve grown into
Is a gift beyond the best
So we tell you that we love you
And count ourselves so blessed.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

For those who may be feeling a little lost....................


Why is it, when I’m in a crowd, I still feel so alone?
How come I’m labelled ‘popular’, and yet feel so unknown?
And all this isolation, why is no one aware?
Why do I feel invisible? Does anybody care?

I feel so insignificant; why am I never heard?
Why, when I speak, does no one seem to hear a single word?
I, strangely, know the answers. They’re all clear in my head….
Yet, how I wish I could convince my hurting heart instead!

I know that these are all untruths; they are the devil’s lies.
I know I need a moment looking through The Father’s eyes.
A moment: Just a fleeting glance of what the Father sees:
Lord, help me to receive and know the love around me. PLEASE!

Transform my life, my outlook; heal my eyes, like you did Saul.
Lord, send someone to notice me, like Barnabas to Paul.
Please help me focus differently; cast out the devil’s pain,
And, in the name of Jesus, help me overcome again.

Now, guard me through the precious blood that Jesus shed for me
And show me all the wondrous truths you’d like for me to see.
“My soul finds rest in you alone, salvation comes from you.
You are my rock, my fortress” as I quote Psalm sixty-two.


Lord, help me put my armour on (Ephesians, chapter six)
So I can firmly stand and beat the devil at his tricks.
So finally, I speak aloud, “i’m special, through and through!”
so now, believe these words for, God says, they apply to YOU.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


This may help those who are questioning life…..

Trust Me
I sat on the beach and gazed at the sky,
looking for answers to my questions: "Why?"
Why did the Father create you and me,
the sun and the stars and the deep blue sea?
Why are there mountains, and valleys below?
These are some things I would like to know.
Why is there hatred, violence and greed—
they're works of the devil—they are, indeed.

Why can't we gather as one in accord—
one happy family with God as our Lord?
Why is there sorrow, such pain and disease?
I ask You, dear Lord—God, answer me please.
I sat for a while to wait on the Lord.
He heard my questions—the ones I implored.
And then with much love, great patience and grace,
God whispered gently with words I embraced.

"My child, I love you, and your strong will.
I love all the world—just trust Me—be still.
You don't understand—it's not time to know.
Someday I'll tell you, but first you must grow.
With every season you'll learn more and more—
learn all you can with no fear to explore.
Now, reach for My hand and I'll lead the way—
follow My footsteps, take heed and obey.
I'll answer your questions when timing is right.
For now, you must trust Me, each day and night."

-Kristine Stanton

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I think what I like about her poems Vera, is the way they flow......sometimes, poems can be a bit erratic but hers seem sort of steady - if you get what I mean :-D


For those mourning the death of a loved one, remember.......

Love Lives On

Those we love remain with us
for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade
because a loved one’s gone.
Those we love can never be
more than a thought apart,
far as long as there is memory,
they’ll live on in the heart.


Cx :-)

I think I have said before that I am not a huge fan of Helen Steiner Rice's verse but I rather like that poem. Thank you, Cynthia, for posting it.

Good morning :-)


This rather lovely poem may encourage someone..........

We cannot all be famous
or be listed in "WHO'S WHO,"
But every person great or small
has important work to do,
For seldom do we realize
the importance of small deeds
Or to what degree of greatness
unnoticed kindness leads.

For it's not the big celebrity
in a world of fame and praise,
But it's doing unpretentiously
in undistinguished ways
The work that God assigned to us,
unimportant as it seems,
That makes our task outstanding
and brings reality to dreams.

So do not sit and idly wish
for wider, new dimensions
Where you can put in practice
your many "GOOD INTENTIONS"
But at the spot God placed you
begin at once to do
Little things to brighten up
the lives surrounding you,

For if everybody brightened up
the spot in which they're standing
By being more considerate
and a little less demanding,
This dark old world would very soon
eclipse the "Evening Star"
If everybody BRIGHTENED UP
THE CORNER WHERE THEY ARE!
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today:

Almighty God,
who called your Church to bear witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
help us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through him who was lifted up on the cross,
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen


In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus tells us 'take up your cross and follow me'.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


What a lovely story Vera, and what a caring and thoughtful little girl. Her parents must be so proud of her - she has set a shining example of how to think of others bless her. <3


Volunteers
Flower arrangers, youth workers, choir members……..the list of these wonderful people doesn’t seem to end. We give thanks for each and every one of them – for their time and talents, for their willingness and generosity of spirit. Thank you, good Lord.

Cx :-)

Where would we be without volunteers? I live near a centre where a number of organisations hold meetings: a fortnightly lunch club for the elderly, clubs for people who have had a stroke or have Parkinsons etc. The bulk of the work necessary to keep these going is done by volunteers. Bless them all.

I'd like to share with you an act of volunteering and charitable giving that concerns a child of my acquaintance. When she first started school at the age of 4 she heard about the Little Princess Trust who provide real hair wigs for children who have lost their hair for whatever reason. Young as she was she volunteered to grow her hair to give to a child in need. She also learnt that it costs £700 to provide each wig. She is now 7 years old and has kept her promise to grow her hair and has also said she would like to raise £700 for the cause. This week her waist length hair has been cut to ear level to be made into a wig and by nearly 50 people giving what they could afford she has raised nearly £800. I think it's amazing that such a young girl could understand someone else's need and keep a promise made when she was only 4 years old. Children can often show us adults the way.

Good morning :-)

Volunteers

Blessed are the tea makers! In most organisations, the people who come to the rescue of others are those who provide tea and other refreshments.

Whether it’s decorating the church for an event, or at the end of a service, there they are, with their steaming mugs of tea or coffee ready to welcome and refresh anyone in need of a pick-me-up.

This very humble task reminds us of Jesus ….. “ and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Grateful for our volunteers

One of the most important volunteer roles in church life is looking after the finances. It’s not as simple as just counting the money after a service, there is so much more involved such as paperwork and banking. Gift Aid is a big help in bringing in extra funds, so a volunteer has to take responsibility for that.

Each Church of England church is expected to pay towards the central organisation of the church and, for my church, that amounts to almost £50,000 per year. We rely on volunteers to take an interest in fundraising. We also rely on volunteers to take the collection plates round each Sunday. Thank God for our volunteers.

Giving is our response to the love of God. Only as Christians can we fully appreciate this, because it’s in the nature of being Christian. We need to think about thanking God for that generosity to us; His love for us, and for the fact that however ‘busy’ we are, and disobedient, He’s always there.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Volunteers

Of course, a church needs other volunteers apart from those who keep it clean. Take those who look after the things needed for services – the Server.

Serving at the altar is a privilege and forms part of an act of worship in which all can take part. Under the general direction of the clergy, the Server undertakes the overall preparation of set services, making sure that the bread and wine, the candles, and the necessary books are all in place. It may be that he orders the wafers and the wine and generally keeps an eye on things on behalf of the clergy.

Many churches also have junior servers who help with various things such as carrying candles. This is a great way for youngsters to learn more about the faith.

Lord, we so appreciate our volunteers grant each and every one of them a sense of belonging, an awareness of God's love, and an enlarged vision for loving our neighbours. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

That's an interesting point Vera and I know just what you mean. Over the years this has happened to me too and I have come to the conclusion that if the church is well-used and cared for, with a happy and active congregation, then the walls 'absorb' that feeling of being loved. On the other hand, if there is a dwindling congregation and, maybe, a lot of tension with the life of the church, then the building feels cold and unloved. Maybe my fantasy, but that's how I see it.


Over the last few weeks, our church has been reaching out for more volunteers to help with the many jobs that need to be done in church life. The result has been encouraging thankfully.

Last week, we had the funeral of our BB captain and the church was packed out but, before the funeral could take place, we had to make sure that the building was clean and tidy. Our volunteers spent a long time ensuring that the brass was polished, the pews dusted and the carpets vacuumed.

On the day, a posse of church members welcomed the visitors and ensured that everyone had a service sheet or hymn book. People stayed behind to tidy up afterwards.

Without these volunteers, the church would be a poorer place. We are more than grateful to these wonderful people.

Everlasting God, strengthen and sustain all those who volunteer in our churches;
that with patience and understanding they may love and care for your people;
and grant that together they may follow Jesus Christ,
offering to you their gifts and talents;
through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

That’s an interesting poem Cynthia. We like to go into different churches and I find it strange that, even if we are the only people in there, some churches feel welcoming and “comfortable “ while others can seem quite cold and forbidding. I wonder why that is?

Good morning :-)

Within The Gates
- David W. Foley


I love to step inside a church,
To rest, and think, and pray;
The quiet, calm, and holy place
Can drive all cares away.

I feel that from these simple walls
There breathes a moving sound
Of sacred music, murmured prayers,
Caught in the endless round

Of bygone worship, from the store
The swinging seasons bring —
Gay Christmas pageant, Lenten tears,
And the sweet hallowing

Of all that makes our human life:
Birth, and the union blest
Of couples at the altar wed,
And loved ones laid to rest.

Into my soul this harmony
Has poured, and now is still;
The Lord's own benediction falls
Upon me, as I kneel.

Once more, with lifted head, I go
Out in the jarring mart,
The spring of gladness in my step,
God's peace about my heart.

Cx :-)