General Chat

Good morning :-)



For two weeks, we have been a nation in mourning but, today, we think of those families who are grieving for a dear one who has died – whether recently or in the past.


Lord,
For all those who woke this morning
to the loneliness of bereavement -
the empty bed or chair,
an unaccustomed quietness,
a life now incomplete -
may they know your presence
in the stillness of the day,
and through the love of friends
who offer their condolence.
And in the darker moments
may they reach out to hold your hand
and feel the warmth of the One
who has already passed from death to life
to welcome others into God's Kingdom.


God of love and mercy,
embrace all those
whose hearts today
overflow with grief,
unanswered questions
and such a sense of loss.
Grant them space
to express their tears.
Hold them close
through the coming days. Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

What a rollercoaster of emotions it has been over the last two weeks. A new Prime Minister, the death of our beloved Monarch, a new Monarch, and an incredible funeral.

If we are exhausted, think about what it must have been like for those behind the scenes - those people who, in so many different ways and purposes, have worked hard during the difficult time this country has faced at such short notice.

We think of those within royal circles and their staff; those in the government, the police, and the military (especially those young pallbearers). Those in broadcasting and, of course, those within the church. There will be many, many more we could think of and we thank God for them all.

Lord, bless those who have worked tirelessly in so many different ways during the recent upheaval within our country. We thank you for their dedication, commitment, and expertise. May they find time for some rest and recuperation in the days ahead. Amen.

Added. A friend of this page has sent a link to extra photos from yesterday which may have been missed if you are interested.

https://www.facebook.com/royalfamilyofbritain

Cx :-)

Heavenly Father

Thank you for blessing us with our Queen. What a wonderful example she was in the way that she lived her life and in the faith that she had in you.

Eternal rest, grant unto her O Lord
And let Perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.

Thank you Ma'am..............for everything <3

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 reading for today is the Parable of the Dishonest Manager. Luke 16 1-13

Cx :-)

Hello all

Such thoughtful words spoken by our Queen during her long and loyal reign over us all.

RIP your Majesty.... renunited now with your Prince.

Good morning :-)


“Throughout my life, the message and teachings of Christ have been my guide and in them I find hope. It is my heartfelt prayer that you will continue to be sustained by your faith in times of trial and encouraged by hope in times of despair.”

Elizabeth II



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



"I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel." (Christmas message, 2002)


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


"To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ's words and example." (Christmas message, 2000)


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Her Majesty was well-known for her love of horses. She bred racehorses, carriage horses, hunters, sports and riding horses, and also polo ponies. She named all of her horses and ponies herself and could remember the parentage of every single one.

Horses will, of course, have a role to play during the next few days.

It is thought that Princess Anne and her daughter Zara, will now be responsible for the future of these horses.

"To thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.”

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It is well known that the Queen was a lover of dogs, especially Pembroke corgis. “My corgis are family,” the Queen once said. Her Majesty owned more than 30 corgis during her reign and the largest number she owned at any one time was 13.
All were descended from her first one, Susan, which she was given as an 18th birthday present in 1944.

Pembroke corgis are typically livelier than the more restful Cardigans, and the preference has been for well-coloured chestnut dogs, without too much white.
Back in the 1980s, Princess Diana was said to have called them ‘a moving carpet’.

At the time of her death, it seems as though the Queen had just two of these little dogs Muick and Sandy, who are to be taken care of by Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. There is also a ‘Dorgi’ (daschund x corgi) named Candy and a cocker spaniel.

We thank God for these faithful friends and loyal companions.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Vera, I'm also of a generation where churches were always open for people to visit and sit quietly with their thoughts. Sadly those times have been and gone I'm afraid and I do think it's very very sad.

Our village church has been opened for folk to come inside and write in the book of condolence and to light a candle in memory of our Queen.

There has to be two volunteers in attendance like in Cynthia's church, but it's been a privilege for me to be there and help others through a difficult time.
There is a deep sadness all around our village now.

Cynthia, your post is very interesting, thank you.

Gentle hugs for all who are struggling today.

Good morning :-)

I don't like churches being locked either Vera but, unfortunately, that seems to be the case now. Insurance may play a part too. I've heard that a church in Liverpool, open for people to light candles etc., was vandalised at the weekend. Their Book of Condolence was ripped up and scattered around.

At our church, we are open three times per day, but there are at least two people on duty each time. Sad times.


There is so much information on the life of our late Queen going around at the moment but I’ve found a few snippets which may have been missed.

It seems as though there are bee hives in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and Clarence House. There is also a royal beekeeper, whose duty it is to inform the bees that they have a new master.

On Friday, John Chapple, 79, made the poignant journey to each location. Black ribbons were tied in bows on the hives, a little prayer was said and the ritual continued with him telling them the Queen had died and a new master would now be in charge. The bees are then urged to ‘be good’ to their new master, King Charles III

The reason behind doing all of this spans from an unusual ancient belief that, by not doing so, the bees would not produce honey for their new master or, worse still, would abandon the hive or even die.

We thank God for bees and beekeepers who are so essential to our lives. It is said that, without bees, there would be no life on earth.

Cx :-)

Indeed it is a time of sadness and we are blessed to have had such a dedicated and steadfast Head of State for so many years. She has inspired people the world over and has given this country a great deal of stability through times of change. We should be grateful for that and look forward with hope to the reign of King Charles III.

We have been away for a week and just near where we were staying was the parish church. From the outside it was an interesting building and we were hoping to be able to see the interior but, apart from when there was a service, all the doors were locked and there was no notice to say if or when it would be open, or if the key was available elsewhere. I wondered why it would be necessary as this was not a high crime area and we saw no vandalism or graffiti anywhere. It seemed so unwelcoming and it was impossible for anyone to go in for a moment of quiet or private prayer. Such a change from our welcoming local church which is open for 6 hours every day plus, of course, for services..

Hello all

A sad time indeed Cynthia.

A doubly sad service in church this morning as we reflected on the death of our amazing Queen, but it was also the last service for our lovely Curate, who has been with us in training for 4 years but now, as a fully qualified Priest, will take up Ministry in her own parish. They're sure to love her as we do.

"The Lord will stand with you and give you strength"
(2 Timothy 4:17)

Good morning :-)

We are at the start of a brand new week......but what a past week we have had! So much sadness, so many tears, such busyness as people adapt quickly to events as they unfold. Today is our day of rest.....I hope that those who are able to, find some peace.........and breathe

Today we remember Her Majesty as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England - whose faith was her anchor in life. ??


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Church of England's prayer for our New King


Everlasting God, we pray for our new King,
Bless his reign and the life of our nation.
Help us to work together
So that truth and justice, harmony and fairness
flourish among us;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

A sad day for us all. Our Queen was an inspiration to me and to many others. RIP your majesty.

"Well done, you good and faithful servant!"
"You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts, come on in and share my happiness." said the Lord.
(Matthew 25 v 21) NIV bible.

Sometimes, a few words can say a lot.

"Throughout my life,
the message and teachings of Christ
have been my guide
and in them, I find hope"

QUEEN ELIZABETH II
3rd August 2022

<3

Good morning :-)



A Prayer for Our Special Children
Lord of all kindness, we ask your blessing for the children who have such special needs. We ask for their comfort when their living is hard.

May they be blessed with strength to overcome challenges, and with friendship to allow them to grow in love. Lord, we pray for all children, that they may realise their dreams and live their lives in the fullness of your love and mercy.

Let our hands be your hands, our words be your words, and let your grace flow through those who have your children in their care. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.


Cx :-)