General Chat

Hello all

Thank you for today's hymn Cynthia. I am liking your idea... tra la la la la la la

Thinking of parents juggling childcare today because of the teacher's strike.
Not good for the all teacher's either, having to take this strike action.

Thank you Lord for a sunny day today, it actually feels like Summer. xxx

Good morning :-)

Day 3 of our musical week…..a hymn which, when sung with feeling, can raise the roof!

‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine’.

Please click on the link to sing along... :-D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh2a6RTO-uI


This hymn was written by Frances Jane van Alstyne (née Crosby; March 24, 1820 – February 12, 1915), more commonly known as Fanny Crosby, an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer. A member of the Sixth Avenue Bible Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, she wrote many hymns together with her pastor, Robert Lowry.

She was one of the most prolific hymnists in history, writing over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, with over 100 million copies printed, despite being blind from shortly after birth. She is also known for her teaching, and her rescue mission work. By the end of the 19th century, she was a house-hold name.

One day, Crosby was visiting her friend Phoebe Knapp as the Knapp home was having a large pipe organ installed. The organ was incomplete, so Mrs. Knapp, using the piano, played a new melody she had just composed. When Knapp asked Crosby, "What do you think the tune says?" Crosby replied, "Blessed assurance; Jesus is mine.”


Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Refrain:

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Saviour am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.


Raise your roof :-D


Cx :-)

Hello all

Blessed Assurance Jesus in mine...... la la la la la la la la la la la la la

Doing my very best to raise the roof this morning! Wonderful words, brilliant tune.
Very interesting write up this morning too Cynthia. Thank you for that.

How good it feels on weary doubtful days, to believe that there is truly a
blessed assurance Jesus is mine, to help us focus on a better tomorrow.

Remembering all who will attend a funeral today. xxx

Good morning :-)


Moving into a more modern era this morning.......day 4 of our look at hymns and their writers.

A hymn which has become popular in recent years is ‘In Christ alone’, written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty.

The story behind the song is the testimony of Keith Getty, one of the song’s co-writers.

As a youngster, he struggled to understand and fully embrace his faith amid an unbelieving, universalist, and multi-religious culture. It was a journey to believe in the uniqueness of Christ, the Scriptures and the gospel story.

By the time he had been through this, his faith was stronger, and he really wanted to write songs for the Church that brought the full, rich, life-giving story of the gospel into believers’ hearts and minds

He then met up with Stuart Townend and they decided to write one song. Keith knew he wanted the song to be story-driven, so he suggested that they wrote a song that told the whole story of Christ coming to earth – the whole gospel story in one song.

Please click on the link to hear it performed by Stuart Townend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCeSOY5tisI

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.


I do have a soft spot for this hymn I must admit... Cx :-)

Hello all

Whenever I think of today's hymn In Christ Alone, i think back to when I used
to attend a monthly ladies Christian meeting called Aglow. Judy was the secretary
and used to sign to this one hymn, it was fascinating and humbling too, to watch her.

Praying for all adults and children who struggle through a lack of hearing. xxx

Good morning :-)

You brought back a memory there kandj.....I had forgotten about that group...I had a quick look on Google and it is still running...... Aglow - a Christian interdenominational group which is around the world.


Anyway, for today.....

Our hymn this morning is one which has become increasingly popular over recent years……. ‘Lord for the years’.

This hymn was written by retired Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith OBE, who was born in Manchester in 1926.

Dudley-Smith is known as a prolific writer of texts for hymns, including the well-known "Tell Out, my Soul". He is a member and honorary vice-president of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

In 2003, he was appointed an OBE "for services to hymnody". In July 2009 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by Durham University.

His hymns are written with a Spirit-filled inspiration. Timothy Dudley-Smith challenges us, in this hymn, to make God the “Lord of our lives” and “to live for Christ alone”.

Please click on this link to hear this hymn sung at Coventry Cathedral..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Cosp0PCFE


Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us in our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.


Enjoy singing along Cx :-)

Hello all

Another beautiful hymn today Cynthia, thank you.

A previous vicar had an amazing voice, he sounded like Harry Secombe, and this
one was a favourite with him and so it was sung regularly in our church back then.
We also were blessed to have Barry as our organist. An accomplished musician
he liked nothing better than giving the chords "some welly" as he would describe it, and along with the loud organ music and the vicar's wonderful voice, we made a little bit of heaven on Sundays in our village church a few years ago. Now it is CD music and overhead projectors, so no fumbling for numbers in the hymn book.

The times,...... they are a changing.

Thinking now of all young ones, our Granddaughter included, who are taking musical instrument grading exams...... good luck to them all. xxx

Good morning :-)


We had a visiting vicar last week who had a booming singing voice....it certainly does help to lift the volume and the spirits.... :-D


Wishing your granddaughter well in her music exam kandj. x


Our final day of hymns and their history…………….one that says it all…..
“How Great Thou Art”.


The history of the hymn How Great Thou Art begins with Mr. Carl Gustaf Boberg (1859-1940). He was a Swedish pastor, editor, and member of the Swedish parliament.

Mr. Boberg was enjoying a nice walk when a thunderstorm suddenly appeared out of nowhere. A severe wind began to blow. After the storm was over, Mr. Boberg looked out over the clear bay. He then heard a church bell in the distance. And the words to How Great Thou Art begin to form in his heart -- O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made. .

Can you imagine what Boberg felt as he formed these words? There was such calmness after the fierce storm he could only utter those words of peace.

Please click on this link for a truly lovely video of this popular hymn…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By0iyTukDkQ

Oh Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works
Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout
The universe displayed
Then sings my soul
My Saviour, God, to Thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Saviour, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art



Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all

A beautiful hymn and a great favourite of mine Cynthia, thank you. I personally
have really enjoyed looking at the links and singing along each day this week and
have learned much about their origins too. We are never too old to learn methinks.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. and
Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy. (Lao Tzu.)

Sending happy weekend wishes to everyone. xxx

Good morning :-)

This morning we have three babies and one adult to be baptised within our service of Holy Communion. We welcome them into our church family. :-) (I may need a lie down when I get home :-D )

The Collect for today :

Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us with all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same;
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.


The New Testament lesson is the story of the mustard seed, and the Gospel tells the story of the Good Samaritan……both well worth another read.

Love to all... Cx :-)

Hello all

That is sure to have been a special service this morning in your church Cynthia.

On this sunny Sunday (so far?), there are the Wimbledon finals and also the
Euro Football final too. An exciting day is you enjoy tennis or football and still
an exciting day with the sun shining, so go out and enjoy, be glad for this blessing.

"I think sportsmanship is knowing that it is a game, that we are only as good as our
opponents, and whether you win or lose, to always give 100% per cent".(Sue Wicks)


Disregarding sport, but isn't that just like life in general?

Sometimes we WIN
Sometimes we LEARN.

Have a happy Sunday everyone, whatever your plans are for today. Enjoy it! xxx

Good morning :-)


Yes, it was quite a morning I must say. We had an excellent little sermon from the lady vicar who was with us yesterday. She is well known and loved by our congregation and had been a close friend of our late lamented vicar.

She gave each of the families a little plant and said that it was a gift and that they could do what they like with it. If they ignored it, it would simply wither and die BUT if they took care and nurtured it, it would flourish and grow. She then likened it to the gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism......and I am sure you can understand where she then went with that :-D


This week I thought we would take a look at why churches have certain articles within them......today, we look at those churches which have

BELLS


There are at present over 5200 churches in England with rings of five or more bells and there are over 3000 bells cast in medieval times that are still rung. Church bells have been ringing in England since the 7th century but change ringing was not introduced until the middle of the 17th century.

Change ringing is an art (or exercise) unknown out-side the Anglican Communion, where it is principally confined to England and Wales.

Bells are rung to summon the faithful to worship, to celebrate weddings and festivals and to mark national thanksgivings.

Muffled bells are sometimes rung at funerals and at times of local or national disaster. During times of national emergency it has always been understood that church bells would be rung as a warning of invasion.

Despite the antiquity of this tradition and practice, complaints of noise nuisance sometimes arise.


Heavenly Father, as we think about church bells, please be with all who will hear them. May this reminder of your presence bring comfort to those who are sad, lonely or housebound; and challenge to those who are indifferent to your love and promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen


Love Cx :-)

Hello all

"I am so thankful for the church bells. A reminder of God's calling to
bring us closer to Him." (Laura D.Field).

Sending a hug to those in need of one tonight. xxx

Good morning :-)

We continue to look at some of the things we tend to take for granted within our churches...

So….why do churches have a font?

Baptism is the sacrament which welcomes newcomers into the Christian faith. Fonts are basins used for baptism ceremonies and hold the consecrated water used in the baptism.

Fonts are usually located at the west end of the church, often near the south door. They are generally made of stone, and often lined with lead, but there are also those which are fashioned from wood or metal.


My own church is fortunate enough to have their baptism records on line and a quick count reveals that around 7,000 baptisms have taken place since we came into being in1866. On Sunday 3 more baptisms were added to that number. :)

Father, we thank you that through the waters of Baptism we
die to sin and are made new in Christ. Grant through your
Spirit that those baptized in this font may enjoy the liberty and
splendour of the children of God. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Our parish church has a beautiful old stone font in there since Norman times.

One previous vicar never ever used this font during baptism services, preferring
to use a pyrex pudding bowl instead?? He caused mayhem during his stay, with seemingly very little intervention from the Deanery Hierarchy!
Words fail me, even now as to how he was actually allowed to get away with this.

Thinking now of all adults who make the decision to become baptized. xxx

Good morning :-)

A pyrex pudding bowl? Goodness me! I could understand that in an emergency, but...........sheeeesh. :-S Sometimes the C. of E, as with other large institutions, can be very good at shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted. :-(


Moving on..........

Why do churches have pulpits? Basically, so that the Word of God may be clearly heard.

A pulpit is a raised stand for preachers in a Christian church and where the Word of God is preached. The origin of the word is the Latin pulpitum (platform or staging).

The traditional pulpit is raised well above the surrounding floor so that the preacher can be seen and heard. There are usually steps leading up to it. Some pulpits have a sounding board above them which helps with the acoustics.

Most pulpits have one or more book-stands for the preacher to rest his bible, notes or texts upon. They tend to be on the left hand side of church – facing the altar, but are often found on the right for varying reasons. Pulpits can be made of stone, wood or marble – some moderns are fashioned from steel apparently.

Pulpits give a commanding view of the congregation :-D


O Lord, my rock and my redeemer, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you:
at work and at home,
at church and at play,
with friends and family,
in meetings and in solitude,
in every situation, all the time.
To you be all the glory. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Yes Cynthia, a pyrex pudding bowl, I kid you not. Unbelievable, but true.

I loved it when the vicar used to walk up the two steps and gave the sermon
from the beautiful old carved pulpit.

One vicar never did use the pulpit from his very first service. In fact, within a year
of coming, he had sold off the old original pews and had an overhead projector
put in place above the pulpit, so that it couldn't be used by visiting clergy.
When I questioned why he had chosen to block off using the pulpit, he
shrugged his shoulders and walked off. I was very happy when he moved on.

Remembering teachers who are preparing for the end of school term soon. xxx

Good morning :-)


Sounds rather as though that particular vicar stayed too long!!! :-(


Looking at things we may take for granted in church.....

The Altar...Why do churches have altars?


Altars have always been known as places of sacrifice. In our Holy Communion service, we remember Christ’s sacrifice of himself on the cross as we receive the bread and wine. That is why the table upon which the Eucharist is consecrated is called an altar.

The area around the altar is known as the Sanctuary and is considered the holiest place in the church and should be treated with great respect. The Sanctuary is usually physically distinguished from the rest of the church by altar rails.

The altar is often on a higher elevation than the rest of the church and is at the East end of the church facing The New Jerusalem.

Lord, when we kneel before your altar, may we continually remember the sacrifice made for us by your son. May all who eat and drink at this holy Table may be fed and refreshed by his flesh and blood, be forgiven for their sins, united with one another, and strengthened for your service. Amen


Off to sort OH and get some housework done........................deep joy!


Cx :-)

Hello all

I am giving instances of certain Clergy who have come and gone in our
village church but thankfully they were in the minority. On the positive side,
we have had very many happy years of spiritual, genuine and caring Vicars.

The altar is indeed a very special place. I feel it is where there are no
secrets from God. Even on down days, when I hide behind a smiling face,
the altar I believe, the mask slips, no hiding then, and I am at one with our Lord.

Today the primary school children are excitedly enjoying their sports day. xxx

Good morning - but a sad morning once again. :-(

We think of all those who have been killed or injured in last night's terror attack on celebrations in Nice.

Lord of all compassion
We pray for all of those caught up in the midst of the tragedy in Nice last night.
For those who have lost life and those working to save life
For those who are worried for people they love
For those who will see their loved ones no longer
Lord Have Mercy.
For those in need of the peace that passes all understanding
For all who turn to you in the midst of turmoil
For those who cry out to you in fear and in love
Lord Have Mercy.
For those in confusion and those in despair
For those whose tears are yet to dry
For those in need of your unending love
Lord Have Mercy
Amen.