General Chat

Good morning :-)

Today is Maundy Thursday - the day when we remember Jesus and his disciples at what is known as The Last Supper. A poignant day for Christians. Many churches will hold a service of Holy Communion tonight. This service may end with the altar being stripped of all cloths and items and left completely bare. This reminds us of the starkness of what is to come.

SCRIPTURE Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” -Mt 26:36-39

REFLECTION This is the night of the Passover meal. For the Passover, the people are instructed to consume the sacrificial lamb as well as 4 cups of wine. Christ changes the Passover, he institutes the Eucharist at the Last Supper, a new feast of remembrance for us all to partake in. And He and the apostles leave for the Garden of Gethsemane after having only 3 cups of wine.
Jesus prays in the Garden for the cup to pass, the fourth cup, his death. The Passover is not complete until the Lamb is sacrificed and all four cups are consumed. The crucifixion has to happen.

PRAYER Lord, you entered into this world knowing you would suffer and die. For each of us. For me. Help me to remember that. Each time I am tempted towards sin, help me to remember that my sin nailed you to the Cross. Thank you Lord, for your sacrifice, for saving me from sin, and for giving me new life. Amen

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Wednesday of Holy Week

SCRIPTURE “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests to hand him over to them. When they heard him they were pleased and promised to pay him money. Then he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.” -Mk 14:10-11

REFLECTION While the apostles are preparing for the Passover meal, Judas walks away from them and meets with the Pharisees and hands Jesus over in exchange for 30 pieces of silver.
The plot to kill Jesus is set, all Judas has to do is find the right time and place to execute the plan.
And on Holy Thursday, at the Last Supper, Jesus will share with the Twelve that one of them will betray Him. And Judas does. He betrays Jesus with a kiss. And he will come to realize the error of his ways, the truth of what he did, and the blood that is on his hands.

PRAYER Lord, it is so easy right now to turn away from you. To turn towards the TV or social media or the news and make that my god instead. Help me Lord, to remember Judas, who betrayed you in his sinfulness and brokenness. Help me to overcome the moments where I am tempted like Judas to betray you. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Vera it sounds like you and your OH have enjoyed a special time away for your Diamond Anniversary..... making even more happy memories together.

Tomorrow our village church is hosting a Confirmation service..... I am excited!!!

Good morning :-)

Tuesday of Holy Week
SCRIPTURE: “The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs.
And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.” (Mk 11:12-14)

REFLECTION : Here, the apostles and Jesus cross a fig tree and Jesus curses it. It seems really weird and random, but there’s more to it than the text says.
The Jewish people believed that the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Tree Adam and Eve ate from, was a fig tree, because after they had eaten from it, they clothed themselves in fig leaves. By cursing the fig tree, Jesus is demonstrating for the apostles how he, the New Adam, is going to redeem the actions of the first Adam.
Where Adam causes all of humanity to inherit sin, Jesus, the New Adam, wins salvation for all of humanity.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to overcome my sinfulness. In this time of anxiety and fear, in this time where I feel isolated, help me to turn to you for help and away from the temptation to sin. The temptation to place other things before you. The temptation to watch another episode of TV instead of entering into prayer. The temptation to be angry with my family or with this situation. Whatever temptations are placed before me, help me to turn away from them and to turn towards you. Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Monday of Holy Week

SCRIPTURE
Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’” And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words. -Lk 19: 45-48

REFLECTION
As Jesus enters the Temple and sees the people buying and selling inside this place of worship, he responds in anger. This can cause us to question how could Jesus be angry if he does not sin?
Jesus’ anger is a just anger. He responds justly to the situation because the people are not using the Temple for what it was made for, and after he drives them out, he begins to teach those who enter the Temple.

PRAYER
Lord, as I am gathered with my family, help me to remember what Paul said to the Ephesians, “Be angry, but do not sin, do not let the sun set on your anger” (4:26). Help me to not resort to harsh words or cruel remarks when my family members hurt me or annoy me. Help me to find peace, patience, love, and joy amidst them, each day.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Oh Vera, how lovely to hear about your celebrations and how good everything was. I'm so pleased for you both - you are, indeed, blessed by good family and friends.

That's a lovely prayer which captures a lot of thoughts and feelings in today's world. The church sounds beautiful and I am glad that you enjoyed your visit there. Yes, it was April Fool's Day yesterday, hope you laughed! :-D <3



Today is Palm Sunday when we remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Palm crosses will be given out at many churches.

The Collect (special prayer} for today

Almighty and everlasting God,
who in your tender love towards the human race
sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take upon him our flesh
and to suffer death upon the cross:
grant that we may follow the example of his patience and humility,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
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 :-)

While in the Church of St Peter and St Paul at Aldeburgh I came upon this prayer which expresses better than I can all I would want to say.

A Prayer for the World

God of peace and justice, we pray for the world today
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons
We pray for those who fear for tomorrow
That your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them
We pray for those with power over war or peace
For wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions
We also pray for those caught up in natural disasters
And those who through climate change and crop failure
Endure the reality of hunger and disease
Above all, we pray for all your precious children at risk and
That you would hold and protect them
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace

Amen

April 1st Cynthia? Ha, ha.

We are home from our few days away and have had a great time, in spite of some poor weather. At least our anniversary day remained mainly dry for us. When we arrived back there was a somewhat soggy box on the doorstep which contained beautiful tulips and hyacinths which have filled 4 jugs and vases, 2 bottles of wine and some chocolates. They were from our son and dil and their family. Today a parcel arrived with a bottle of champagne from OH's "baby" sister and his bil. I was very touched that they had remembered us as OH's sister was a 7 year old bridesmaid at our wedding. I am blown away by how kind and generous people are and feel blessed a million times over.

One of the things we did on our anniversary was visit the church of St Peter & St Paul at Aldeburgh. As we went in we were immediately struck by the light streaming through a stained glass window and the depth and intensity of the colours. OH took a couple of photos and I bought a postcard but they don't do justice to the beauty we saw. It was a window installed in 1980 as a memorial to the composer Benjamin Britten who lived at Aldeburgh and is buried there, along with Peter Pears the singer, Imogen Holst, daughter of Gustav Holst and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman to qualify as a doctor. I can't explain how moved I was by this church - our visit there made my special day complete.

Good morning :-)

LENT DAY 39:

MEDITATE: Mark 14-16 – Holy Week Story

PRAY: Lord Jesus, you are the only one who is truly holy. As this Holy Week begins, still our hearts and our minds and allow us to enter into your presence. We want to wholly reflect on you this week as we follow your journey to the cross

REFLECT: Prayerfully think on the events described in this passage and their deep and life-changing meaning for each of us.

------------------------------

We've had some good news at our church today.
Since the pandemic, we have really missed our little choir and how much we would like to get it up and running again. With this in mind, we recently held some auditions to try and build up the group and, finally, we may have succeeded. Here is a short video clip of the likely candidates and their abilities. We're very pleased with them.

https://youtu.be/AZ8zXStqzPk

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Oh I do hope that Vera and her husband have had a wonderful time - I'm sure they will have been thoroughly spoiled by their family. <3 <3


LENT DAY 38:

MEDITATE: Matthew 26:17-30 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

PRAY: Jesus, we, like your disciples, have denied and betrayed you. We have doubted you and deserted you. We have failed to live perfectly like you showed us, yet you love us anyway. Thank you, Jesus. We are undeserving of your grace and your sacrifice.

REFLECT: How has the Lord transformed you?

Cx :-)

Hello all

Vera, sending Happy Diamond Wedding Anniversary wishes to you and your OH. I hope you've both enjoyed your special day today and I hope you have many more happy times together.

Great is Thy Faithfulness is a favourite of mine.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with 10,000 beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed your hand has provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Good morning :-)

Yes, Vera, you are truly blessed indeed and it is lovely to hear about your blessings.

kandj, I don't know where time has gone this Lent. I've been really busy this week and can't believe it is almost Palm Sunday.

LENT DAY 37:

MEDITATE: 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you”.

PRAY: Lord, sometimes I admit I feel far from you and disconnected from your heart. In this season, remind me of what is true. Speak louder than the lies. I want to celebrate that you are risen, powerful, and in control of all things.

REFLECT: Ask a friend to pray for you and with you in this season.

Cx :-)

Thank you for the Lenten posts Cynthia.

Kandj, it’s kind of you to ask about our anniversary. The actual day is tomorrow. We drove to a hotel on the coast this morning for a short break and will get home early Friday evening. We are blessed in so many ways. We are still together, we have reasonable physical and mental health and enough income to allow us to enjoy together what time we have left. We have a close, loving family and kind and generous friends. It makes me think of the line “Blessings all mine with ten thousand besides” from Great is Thy Faithfulness.

Hello all

Cynthia, thank you for your daily Lentern posts.
It's hard to think that the 40 days will soon be over.

Vera, can you remind us when you and your hubby celebrate your very special Diamond anniversary.
I really do hope that we haven't missed it.

Sending gentle hugs to all who are anxious today.

Good morning :-)

LENT DAY 36:

MEDITATE: Luke 22-24

PRAY: Father, help me see the Easter story through fresh eyes. Reveal yourself to me in new ways. Show me how I can be a bold, courageous, faithful disciple who loves and serves you well. In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen.

REFLECT: Take time to read the Easter story with an eye for the marginalized and obscure.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



LENT DAY 35:

MEDITATE: 1 Corinthians 11:24 “ 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me”.

PRAY: Jesus, thank you for going on a rescue mission to save me. Thank you for bringing me back to life so sin and death are not the end of my story. In this season, I’m reminded of my need for you-- thank you, Jesus.

REFLECT: How can you carve out time and space for remembrance, repentance, and resurrection in this season?


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

LENT DAY 34:

MEDITATE: Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

PRAY: Lord, thank you for the deeper meaning of Easter day. Thank you that bunnies and colourful eggs are not all that this Easter is about-- thank you that it’s all about so much more. Help us to shift our eyes from what the world says to celebrate, to what you have done for us.

REFLECT: How have you made Easter about worldly things? How can you turn your focus back to Christ?

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Ooops so sorry - looks like I missed yesterday. To be honest, I am still meeting myself coming backwards at the moment. Must do better! :-D

Here is yesterday's post!

LENT DAY 32:

MEDITATE: John 13 – this is a fairly long chapter and tells of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

PRAY: Lord, I want to follow you. I want to do what you did, love as you loved. Help me to see opportunities to love the people around me well, to serve others, and to be gracious unto them.

REFLECT: How do others around you know that you are a follower of Christ?


Cx :-)

Hello all

Day 32 in Lent.

A prayer for political leaders.

Heavenly Father

Draw our nation's leaders close to you, and help them to follow you when making difficult decisions.
Amen.

Good morning :-)


LENT DAY 31:

MEDITATE: John 20:11-18 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

PRAY: Jesus, your resurrection power is mightier than we could ever imagine. I am so thankful that resurrection changes everything about the world around me-- you are with us now and forevermore.

REFLECT: How does the resurrection change your outlook on your circumstances?

Cx :-)