General Chat

Good morning :-)


For some reason, I tend to think of Princess Diana when that hymn is sung - I think they must have had it at her funeral.


For today :
The Collect (special prayer) for today:

Let your merciful ears, O Lord,
be open to the prayers of your humble servants;
and that they may obtain their petitions
make them to ask such things as shall please 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.

The gospel reading is about the rich man who had so much money that he wanted to build bigger barns to hold it all….but God had other ideas for him…….
(Luke 12)


Cx :-)

Hello all

It is strange how the brain works when certain hymns and tunes can put us in
another place or bring others to the forefront of our mind. How strange is that?

Thanks for the reference for the sermon today Cynthia. It is a long time since
I read about the rich greedy man. It is tempting to hang on to our worldly goods,
but Luke 12 v 16-21 is a good reminder why this is not such a good idea at all.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3 v 2)

Good morning :-)

We had a great Sunday morning service.......our celebrant and preacher was well known to us and she had been a Head Teacher before being ordained. She did not hold back as she spoke about the difference between 'need' and 'greed'.

She did not dwell on the material things of life, but on the situation we have in the deanery through shortage of clergy There were those who felt that they would liked to have stood up and applauded at the end. :-D

For today :

Whilst the holiday season is upon us, I thought it would be interesting to take a tour from our screens this week and travel the world looking at some amazing Christian churches, so fasten your seatbelts and off we go.....................

LAS LAJAS CATHEDRAL – COLUMBIA.

The fascinating thing about this place is that it was built inside the canyon where the Guitara River flows. Las Lajas Cathedral, also known as “Las Lajas Sanctuary”, is at 100 meters high from the bottom of the canyon, being connected with a 50 meters tall bridge to the other side of the ravine.

You might wonder why anyone thought to build a Cathedral in such a dangerous location. Well, history tells us that everything started from a miraculous event that happened in 1754. Then, an Amerindian woman, named Maria Mueces, and her daughter Rosa, which was deaf-mute, were caught in a powerful storm. The story says that while the two women were looking for shelter, they felt like a strong force was guiding them towards a cave, where they were able to see the image of the Virgin Mary on one of the walls. The little girl then shouted to her mother, pointing to the image. It is believed that the apparition of the Virgin Mary cured Rosa.

We thank God for those who had the vision and the skill to create such a work of art and we pray for all who worship there.

You can view this magnificent structure here...

http://unusualplaces.org/las-lajas-sanctuary-an-amazing-sight/


Cx :-)

Hello all

How refreshing to have someone speak honestly about the situation within your
Diocese Cynthia. A real pity that someone didn't have the courage to clap her views.

That link is just awesome and could be the 8th Wonder of the World. Thank you.

Good morning :-)



Most people, when on a tour, like to have a story with a bit of ‘shock/horror’ in it :-D

So put on some woollies because today we are going to Russia in our search for amazing churches.




The Church of Dmitry on Blood, Uglich, Russia.

When Ivan the Terrible died in 1584, he left two children, Fyodor, who was handicapped, and Dimitri. When Boris Godunov became regent to replace Fyodor, who was incapable of performing his duties, Dimitri was exiled to Uglich, and found dead in 1591, with a knife in his throat.

When his mother sent for the regent's agents to be executed - sabotage was suspected - Godunov sent forces to Uglich and Dimitri's supporters were slaughtered or sent to exile in Siberia, while his mother was sent to live at a monastery at Goritsy.

Uglich became a pilgrimage site in the 17th century, and Dimitry was revered as a saint.

Lord, we pray for the people of Russia and for those who worship in this amazing church. Amen.


Cx :-)



Ooops. I forgot to post the link to the pictures........what a twit!

https://structurae.net/structures/church-of-dmitry-tsarevich-on-blood/photos

Hello all

Not a twit Cynthia..... perhaps just a little forgetful. Join the club!

A beautiful colourful church, although the snow is making me feel cold.

Enjoy our sunshine and be grateful for small mercies today and everyday. xxx

Good morning everyone :-D


Halfway through our tour of amazing churches and time for something completely different. There will be a slight drop in temperature……so seat belts fastened and off we go :-D


Borgund stave church – Norway. When the Vikings became Christians, they built Churches like this one, over 1,000 of them.

In 1180 there was great activity in Borgund: they were going have a new church. The trees had been felled and the great logs hauled to the site. The old wooden church had to be replaced because the timbers were rotting, especially the roof-bearing posts where they were set in the ground.

In the new church the timber framework would not be in contact with the damp earth: it would be raised up on stone foundations, a great improvement that would lengthen the life of the building. Skilled and experienced craftsmen arrived and set to work trimming the logs and planks and timbers-perhaps as many as 2,000 pieces in all.

With the help of the local people, the great posts or ‘staves’ – were slotted into the ground frame and hauled upright to form the main structure. The rest was relatively easy and soon the local community was planning the consecration of their fine new church.

The service was conducted by the bishop himself. He first went round the building three times, then knocked thrice on the closed door with his bishop’s crook before he entered and led the parishioners in mass, consecrating the building in the name of Christ, conqueror of all evil and Lord of the Church.

Five crosses were carved in the altar and five more in the walls. They were sprinkled with holy water and consecrated with oil. The nave was full, the men and boys standing to the south of the aisle, the women and girls to the north. The only benches were along the walls and these were reserved for the old and the crippled. The church is dedicated to St. Andrew.

Lord we thank you for the skill of the craftsmen employed in building this church and for those who have worshipped in it for so many hundreds of years. Amen.



You can view this church from the link below.... enjoy!

http://www.stavechurch.com/borgund/


Cx :-)

Hello all

Awesome...... but makes me feel chilly just looking at the snowy scene!

Noisy and messy here today as we are having our blocked paved driveway
relaid to avoid any unnecessary falls for the two of us. Lots of tea/biscuits on the go.

"I believe that everyone has a talent, ability or skill that he can find to support
himself, and to succeed in life." (Dean Koontz).

Good morning :-)

That sounds like one of those things which is messy to get through but will be brilliant when it is done kandj. Are you holding a grand opening ceremony? :-D



Our journey to amazing and beautiful churches brings us home for a day (you may still to wrap up warm though).

King’s College Chapel – Cambridge.

King's College Chapel is a splendid example of late Gothic (Perpendicular) architecture. It was started in 1446 by Henry VI (1421-71) and took over a century to build. It has the largest fan vault in the world and some of the finest medieval stained glass. It is also the venue for the Christmas Eve service, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is broadcast to millions around the world.

Henry VI – The Royal Saint
Henry was only 19 when he laid the first stone of the 'College roial of Oure Lady and Seynt Nicholas' in Cambridge on Passion Sunday, 1441. At the time this marsh town was still a port so, to make way for his college, Henry exercised a form of compulsory purchase in the centre of medieval Cambridge, levelling houses, shops, lanes and wharves, and even a church between the river and the high street (now King's Parade). It took three years to purchase and clear the land.

Lord, thank you for the rich heritage which we have inherited in this wonderful building. We pray for those who have maintained, and continue to maintain, not only the structure but the worship which is to your glory. Amen.

By clicking on this link, you may take a virtual tour of this wonderful building.

http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/


Enjoy.... Cx :-)

Hello all

Feel like disappearing Cynthia. The man was recommended by a neighbour. He is doing a good job but is sooo messy and sooo slow. Might be finished by Christmas??

What a magnificent chapel. I feel calmer already. Thank you.

Good morning :-)

Poor kandj - come and have a look around another building..... :-)


Deep breath and off on another tour to find an amazing church.

How many times can one say “and now for something completely different?” Yesterday we looked at magnificent work dating from the 1400’s – today we will travel to look at some-thing which is very modern.

The Jubilee Church – Rome

The left side of the church (facing the entrance) is formed by the sections of three overlapping fragments of concentric spheres constructed from enormous tiles of white architectural concrete. The right side of the nave is a straight vertical wall, faced with panels of wood slats, dividing the church itself from the office and classroom portion of the complex.

Most people find the interior space very attractive, both simple and spare yet full of visual variety. The soaring concave sections seem light and delicate – like sails – yet massive enough to give mystery to how their dome-like arch can sustain itself without falling. All spaces between the shells and walls are glass-covered, allowing light to enter from all angles while avoiding strong direct sunlight.

Lord we thank you for those who are given the talent for designing buildings which make us look at you in awe. We pray for the people of the community who worship at this church. Amen.


You can see this amazing building by clicking on the link below


http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/jubilee/index.htm


Very peaceful. Cx :-)

Hello all

Not poor me, I'm just glad that I still have the energy to clean up after him at the
end of each day. We are satisfied with his work BUT, he is just soooo messy!!
Not sure if he is working this weekend. He has flooded the soakaway and has
disappeared for the last hour??? It would help if I were a mind reader perhaps lol.

WOW, what an amazing sight Cynthia. I hadn't expected that! It is just so modern
and inside is as wonderful and thought-out as the outside of this awesome building.

I have been "sitting" and soaking up the still quietness and feel blessed. Thank you.

Good morning :-)


Clearing up after workmen can be hard work but, hopefully, the finished result will be worth it.

To end our tour of beautiful churches, I would ask you to think of your own church - your parish church.

This year in October, my church will celebrate 150 years of Christian witness to the community. I have been looking back at old parish magazines and seen the work and worship of the church develop over those years. The ups and the downs; the sorrows and the joys; the finances and the lack of finances; the many clergy and the countless people who supported them. That work continues today and it is our responsibility to ensure that it carries on into the future.

The same can be said about ALL churches - they all have a history similar to ours and now the baton is in our hands.

We thank God for our churches and the rich heritage which has been passed down to us. We pray that we will do all we can to ensure to continue this legacy, so that the work and witness of Christ can be passed on to future generations in our communities.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Only one day left and everything should be back to some sort of normality, but
despite the ongoing noise and me cleaning up each evening, we are pleased
with the end result. Another project to cross off the list methinks.

Sadly our village church is now the only building to have regular worship.
The Catholic church is minus a Priest at present and parishioners have to
attend at a very early Mass time, or go outside the village for the time being.

The once thriving Methodist Chapel was demolished several years ago and now there are new homes on this site and as their congregation are very elderly, they
are either in a care home or housebound which is a really very sad state of affairs.

"At any given moment, you have the power to say;
This is not how the story is going to end."
(Anon)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today :-


O God,
you declare your almighty power most chiefly
in showing mercy and pity:
mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace,
that we, running the way of your commandments,
may receive your gracious promises,
and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure;
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 the gospel warns us to 'Be Prepared' - because the Son of Man is coming as an unexpected hour.

Tiny twin sisters are to be baptised this morning. We pray for them and for their family, as they begin their Christian journey.


Cx :-)

Hello all

A double blessing to have twins baptized in your church today. I hope all went well.

Be Prepared.... now that takes me back to my Brownies and Girl Guide days!!

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Wise words by Benjamin Franklin.

Good morning :-)


The baptism went very well I have to say. The lady priest who led the service always does an excellent job as it were. After she had baptised each twin, she carried the little girl round the congregation so that we could all see her and then, as she passed the pew where our retired Honorary Curate was sitting, she took the child for a blessing from him. There were lumps in a lot of throats at that simple but so meaningful gesture. <3


One would have to be living under a stone not to realise that the Olympics are taking place, but where does faith come into things?

The Olympic Games bring people together across nations, faiths and backgrounds. Whether it was ever intended to be or not, the festive competition may just be the largest interfaith gathering in the world.

The Olympic Village houses a multi-faith centre complete with chaplains and prayer spaces.

“Our job is to provide athletes with a place where they can find comfort and spiritual peace, whatever their religion,” Father Leandro Lenin Tavares, a Rio de Janeiro priest coordinating the centre, said in a statement. “We are a symbol of peace, brotherhood and the unity of peoples.”

Athletes come to the chaplains and worship spaces to pray for success, but also to mourn losses, celebrate victories, and receive support for any other concerns present in their lives at the moment. For many religious athletes, their spiritual needs don’t get put on hold when they’re training and competing.

We pray for all those competing in the Games – that there may be a spirit of true sportsmanship within all those who are taking part and a true feeling of fellowship.
Amen.

Cx :-)

https://youtu.be/Hh0ShiPrns0


I will not drown in shallow water
Not with your love within my reach
I did not come this far to falter
And will not rest until I'm free
You are the sun, you are the flower
You are the wind across the sea
And I will kneel here at your altar
And pray you'll take my soul to keep
Oh, precious one, you are the mountain
You are the earth beneath my feet
In you we're one now and forever
In you I find the love in me
Through your love my eyes are open
Through your love I'll learn to see
And in your name my bread is broken
By your grace I'll rest in peace
I will not drown in shallow water
Not with your love within my reach
I did not come this far to falter
And will not rest until I'm free
Through your love my eyes are open
Through your love I'll learn to see
And in your name my bread is broken
By your grace I'll rest in peace
I will not drown in shallow water
Not with your love within my reach
I did not come this far to falter
And will not rest until I'm free
I will not rest until I'm free
Until I'm free

Hello all

Wonderful words Susan and an amazing link too from Randy Travis.. I had his
CD and seemed to have mislaid it. Above All is a great favourite of mine.Thank you.

Aww Cynthia, what a meaningful gesture having the retired Honorary Curate bless the twins Little things do indeed mean a lot. A simple but profound act of worship.
It is hardly surprising that your congregation welcome the lady priest at your church.

Hubby is enjoying the Olympics and we both admire their dedication and stamina.

An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules.
(2 Timothy 2:5)

Good morning :-)

Thank you for those words Susan and its nice to see you back on here again :-)


Keeping with the theme of the Olympics, one heartwarming story which has emerged, is that of Yusra Mardini, a Christian refugee from Syria who won her heat in the 100 metre butterfly race.

Almost a year ago, she swam pulling a boat full of 20 people in the ocean between Turkey and Greece. After the motor on the boat failed, Yusra and her sister Sarah jumped into the water with another woman and swam for three and a half hours, pulling the boat and stopping it from capsizing.

After arriving on the island of Lesbos, they continued their journey, finally arriving in Germany. Yusra was given asylum in Berlin where her swimming talents were spotted which lead to her being the first member of a 10 strong refugee team to compete in Brazil.

Although her time of one minute 09.21 seconds was not enough to see her through to the semi-finals, she has won hearts in Rio and has become one of the most celebrated stories of the Games.

Father, we pray for those athletes who have overcome many obstacles and hardships to fulfil their dream of being part of an Olympic team.


Cx :-)