General Chat

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – Colours of Lent
Red: Importance

Red is often the colour associated with martyrs of the faith, those who gave their lives over to the Lord. Red can symbolize the Passion of our Lord who gave His life for us and is often used on Palm Sunday. Later, it invariably marks the feast day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came down and filled Jesus’s followers as it fills us, giving us the power and strength to do what we might never have thought we could do.

Red is the colour of the stop sign or that red light that makes us stop and keeps order on our roads. A red-letter day marks a day of some importance and significance in our lives. Red in Lent helps us to remember what was and what is, important in our Christian lives.

Our Father, today please lead me in all I say and do. Whenever I fall out of step from your will, draw me back. Lead me to repent and try again. Guide me with the light of your love now and always. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – Colours of Lent

Yellow: The Light Within

We are nothing without the warmth and golden light of the sun, waking us up in the morning, following us through the day, dropping over the horizon at day’s end, God with us always. Yellow is that God-given hue that when mixed with blue forms green or mixed with red becomes orange. It is the very light within.

In our Lenten meditations, we stop whatever we are doing at different times during the day and connect directly to God who is always there to connect to us. Like the sun. There’s nothing soft about yellow. It is strong, life-giving, life-sustaining. With Lent you see how each moment is golden, not to be missed.

Almighty and ever-living God,
you invite us deeper into your world, your people, your Lent.
May this time be one of outward focus;
seeking you in those we often ignore.
Help us live a Lent focused on freedom, generosity, and encounter.
Give us hearts hungry to serve you
and those who need what we have to give. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Lent – Colours of Lent

Blue: Reflection

Lent is a time of deep reflection. When we offer ourselves up to the Lord in contemplative prayer, it is common to tap into sorrow and sometimes painful memories. We see our dark side. We remember our losses. We can be smitten with unexpected sadness. We find ourselves singing “the blues,” literally. But that very process is a letting go. We feel God’s forgiveness. The very singing of the blues becomes a way of healing. The clouds disappear. The blue skies open up. The air shimmers. Blue becomes crystal clear vision.

God Almighty, I thank you that in prayer I leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter your realm, where everything is possible – nothing is beyond your power or your reach. Nothing is too great for your almighty power, and nothing too small for your love. I thank you for being God of the impossible. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aspects of Lent - The colours of Lent

Purple: God’s Love

Purple has always been the liturgical colour associated with Lent, when ministers of God wear purple vestments and the altars where we worship are often decorated with purple cloth. Purple has long been the colour linked with royalty and nobility. Why? Because it was especially expensive to produce, made from thousands of mollusc shells. Only the rich could afford it. If the kings could wear it, shouldn’t it be appropriate for the King of Kings?
God came down to Earth and was reborn in Jesus as we become reborn in Him. Purple then becomes a link to what God put in our reach.

Our Father, today please lead me in all I say and do. Whenever I fall out of step from your will, draw me back. Lead me to repent and try again. Guide me with the light of your love now and always. Amen


Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your morning prayer Cynthia.

The snowdrops, miniature daffs, and crocus that I planted in Autumn are in flower and looking pretty.

There was a baptism service in church yesterday, and it felt good to have so many people there.

A bright but chilly day, take care and stay well all.

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent
The colours of Lent, often seen in church with vestments and altar frontals

Green: New Life

The very word “Lent” means spring and as the cool of winter fades, we look for all the green signs that the season of hope and redemption is at hand. The grass comes up, the leaves slowly burst forth on the trees. Bulbs that we planted in the autumn, digging deep into the earth, push up and show their true colours. As we pray in Lent, we are looking to be fertilised and watered with God’s wonderful love. We are not green with envy, we are green with new life.

Lord of All, life is a journey full of stumbling blocks and challenges. With each hurdle, there is growth. With each setback, a valuable lesson. Lord, I ask that You give me the wisdom and presence of mind to learn from my mistakes and pitfalls. Help me to approach these things with maturity so that I can be closer to You. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


This morning, many churches may be celebrating World Thinking Day when we think of the 10 million girls all over the world who are joined together in this great organisation.

The Collect (special prayer) for today
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save;
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,

Cx :-)

Hello all

A lovely old traditional hymn for Lent Cynthia.
Perhaps we might sing it in church tomorrow??

A cold and wet weekend forecast, keep warm and stay safe everybody.

Good morning :-)


This is a slightly updated version of one of the favourite hymns of Lent - it helps to explain the biblical reason for fasting during these next few weeks. It takes us on the journey.

Forty days and forty nights
You were fasting in the wild;
Forty days and forty nights
Tempted, and yet undefiled.

Shall not we your sorrow share
And from worldly joys abstain,
Fasting with unceasing prayer,
Strong with you to suffer pain?

Then if Satan on us
Flesh or spirit to assail,
Victor in the wilderness,
Grant we may not faint nor fail!

So shall we have peace divine;
Holier gladness ours shall be;
Round us, too, shall angels shine,
Such as served You faithfully.

Keep, O keep us, Saviour dear,
Ever constant by your side,
That with you we may appear
At th'eternal Eastertide.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Aspects of Lent – giving up or adding

Often, when we ask ourselves, “What should I give up for Lent?” we might instead ask, “What can I add to my routine and life that would let me help others, strengthen my faith, and better myself?” Starting a new habit to bring us closer to God while bettering the lives of others and/or ourselves in preparation for Easter. So, maybe….

Give up sleep and use this extra time in the morning for prayer or bible reading.

Give up using your phone at night. Instead, limit your screen time before bed and use that extra time to connect with loved ones, read a spiritual book, or simply reflect on your day in prayer.

Only spend what is strictly necessary such as food and bills – this helps to show the difference between needs and wants.

Lord Jesus Christ, by your almighty power, you opened the eyes of the blind and showed yourself to them. Turn our eyes away from worthless things, and lead us to love you sincerely. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Such a shame for your village kandj - the Ash Wednesday service is so gentle but so meaningful. We were fortunate enough to have a service last night - some churches had a quiet time during the day.

ASPECTS OF LENT – Giving up or taking on

Advert spotted yesterday: “Lent money-saving challenges can be a quick way to boost your bank account. Most people normally use the 40-day window to ditch chocolate, alcohol or meat. But you can turn Lent into a savings challenge too, giving your bank account a well-needed boost ahead of Easter”.

No. No. No.

Giving something up for Lent is not a money-saving scheme for our own bank accounts, the money saved is for us to share with others who are less fortunate.

The act of giving up the things we love for Lent is a form of self-discipline or sacrifice, alluding to Christ's sacrifice when he was in the desert praying and fasting prior to his crucifixion.

• Each year, The Salvation Army launches its Annual Self-Denial Appeal. During this time, Salvationists voluntarily give up something—whether it’s a daily habit, a specific treat, or even a portion of their salary. The money raised is used to support their mission work throughout the world.

God, may Your light guide my day, and your spirit bring me peace. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Sadly as our village church is still without a Priest we have no Ash Wednesday service today.

Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday and today being Ash Wednesday we begin our Lenten journey in faith.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are not here forever and challenges us to live the very best each day.

Happy Ash Wednesday wishes to everyone.

Good morning :-)


Today is a bit of a heavyweight due to a calendar collision of two events!

Yes, it's Valentine's Day, that fixed annual celebration of love and friendship, marked with romantic messages, hearts, flowers and chocolates.

However, it also happens to be Ash Wednesday, that solemn day of fasting and reflection that signals the start of Christianity's most penitent season. Ash Wednesday is not a fixed date. Its timing is tied to Easter Sunday, which moves annually because it is based on a calendar calculation involving the moon.

So how does it all work for the Christian? It really depends on how people view these things.

On Valentine’s Day, many couples will celebrate with a romantic meal out, but those who mark Lent will be at an Ash Wednesday service where the priest draws a cross of ashes on their forehead. This symbolises our human mortality as we prepare to enter the season of Lent. Not a flower or chocolate in sight!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Shrove Tuesday to some, Pancake Day to others.

It’s always good to be reminded of what this day actually means and where the name comes from and it’s also interesting for those who have little knowledge of the Christian faith.

Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) is a Christian festival celebrated in many countries across the globe. It falls on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent – around six weeks leading up to Easter. During Lent, many Christians give up luxuries to remember when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to fast and pray.

2) The exact date of Shrove Tuesday changes from year to year. But one thing stays the same — it’s always 47 days before Easter Sunday. And yes, you guessed it, it’s always on a Tuesday!

3) The name comes from the old word ‘shriving’, which means to listen to someone’s sins and forgive them. In olden times, Christians would go to church on Shrove Tuesday to confess their sins and clean their soul. In other words, they would be ‘shriven’.

Traditionally during Lent, Christians would give up rich, tasty foods such as butter, eggs, sugar and fat (some Christians continue to do so, in fact). Shrove Tuesday was the last chance to eat them – and what better way to do so than with a delicious pancake!

On this Shrove Tuesday, Lord help us to enjoy and give thanks to
you for the bounty you provide for us and remind us to share your gifts with others. And as Lent begins tomorrow, prepare our hearts and minds to reflect upon the temptation of Jesus for 40 days and nights and what that means for us. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


May you always have enough happiness to keep you sweet,
Enough trials to keep you strong,
Enough success to keep you eager,
Enough faith to give you courage,
And enough determination to make each day a good day.
~ Anonymous


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



The Collect (special prayer) for today
Almighty Father,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Small Beautitudes by Joseph Folliet

Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves; they will have no end of fun.
Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill; they will be saved a lot of bother.
Blessed are those who know how to relax without looking for excuses; they are on their way to becoming wise.
Blessed are those who are sane enough not to take themselves too seriously; they will be valued most by those about them.

Happy are you if you can take small things seriously and face serious things calmly; you will go far in life.
Happy are you if you can appreciate a smile and forget a frown;
you will walk on the sunny side of the street.
Happy are you if you can be kind in understanding the attitudes of others even when the signs are unfavourable; you may be taken for a fool, but this is the price of charity.

Blessed are those who think before acting and pray before thinking; they will avoid many blunders.
Happy are you if you know how to hold your tongue and smile,
even when people interrupt and contradict you or tread on your toes; the Gospel has begun to seep into your heart.

Above all, blessed are you who recognise the Lord in all whom you meet; the light of truth shines in your life for you have found true wisdom.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A wise man once faced a group of people who were complaining about the same issues over and over again. One day, instead of listening to the complaints, he told them a joke and everyone cracked up laughing.

Then, the man repeated the joke. A few people smiled.

Finally, the man repeated the joke a third time–but no one reacted.
The man smiled and said, “You won’t laugh at the same joke more than once. So what are you getting from continuing to complain about the same problem?”

Don’t waste time complaining, have faith in God and pray for the courage to improve and bring about a change to the situation.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


A speaker held up a £50 note. “Who would like this?! Of course, all the hands went up. He then proceeded to crumple up the £50 note up and said: “Who still wants this £50 note?” All the hands in the room went up again.

With that, he dropped the money on the floor and stood on it. He then asked: “Who wants it now?” Again, every single hand was raised. Little did everyone know the teacher was teaching them a lesson.

It didn’t matter how crumpled or dirty the £50 note got. The value of it never decreased. It was still worth £50.

In life, we will metaphorically be crumpled and stood on and made to feel totally worthless. But…….It doesn’t matter what happens to us or how badly treated we get, God still loves us. We are still valuable to Him and His love continues to surround us and that’s something to remember.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, another week of interesting posts, thanks.

Vera I hope you're feeling better and keeping warm.

Such a shock hearing of the King's cancer diagnosis..... thoughts and prayers are with HM as he faces ongoing treatment and also to his family in the days and weeks ahead. God bless them all.