General Chat

Good morning :-)


PILGRIMAGE WEEK – a shorter one today.

Canterbury Cathedral Pilgrimage in a day.

Canterbury was where St Augustine first settled, on a mission from Rome to convert England to Christianity, and where Thomas Becket, the 12th-century Archbishop, was murdered in the Cathedral.

The city has welcomed pilgrims for over a thousand years, attracted by St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral and St Martin’s Church – the oldest church in the English-speaking world – and its many other ancient churches, saints, holy springs, and, latterly, Chaucer’s tales. Give yourself an extra day to explore the city and hear the cathedral choir sing evensong.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

PILGRIMAGE WEEK - The Two Saints Way Chester to/from Lichfield.

In the late Middle Ages a steady stream of pilgrims walked between Chester and Lichfield, both housing shrines to two game-changing Mercian saints in the 7th century – St Werburgh and St Chad – who were much loved.

St Werburgh was of Royal blood, and very beautiful, but she cared not for the easy life associated with being a princess. Instead she longed only to do good and to make other people happy, and to grow good and wise herself. To do this St Werburgh studied and worked hard and became a holy woman and an Abbess.

She opened several convents, but this did not change her humility that had always characterized her and in her devotion to all those in her care she was more a servant than the mistress. God rewarded her for her childlike trust by many miracles, one of the best known being her command given to a flock of geese causing havoc in the cornfields of Weedon. The command banished them and since then no geese have been seen in those parts. She is buried at Chester Cathedral.

When, in 699, Chad was appointed as Bishop in Mercia, he established his see in Lichfield. He chose for his dwelling a shallow watery valley where a stream divided to form a small island. He founded a small monastery beside a well of spring water. According to the Venerable Bede, he prayed naked at this well, standing on a stone at the bottom of the water. He baptised converts to the Christian faith in this water.
His shrine and well at Lichfield worked many miracles and, close by he built a church which he dedicated to St Mary. After his death, this little church was re-dedicated in his name and has continued the work of God to this day.


We start at Chester, then along the Shropshire Union Canal, resting at the picturesque village of Bunbury, and along the Llangollen Canal to the market town of Nantwich.

On to Industrial Stoke on Trent, from where we follow the Trent Valley, through the town of Stone and over Beacon Hill to Stafford. Joining the Heart of England Way for a while, we eventually arrive at Lichfield Cathedral and St Chad’s Well.

A coffee stop is due!


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

PILGRIMAGE WEEK

After a good night’s rest, we are up and off again – this time our destination is …..Scotland!

St Cuthbert’s Way – 62 miles – 6-7 Days – Melrose to Lindisfarne. St Cuthbert began his religious life at Melrose; this picturesque town is therefore a fitting place to start.

We will visit three great Border abbeys – Melrose, Jedburgh and Dryburgh – and unspoilt villages; touch the Rhymer’s Stone; visit the home of a medieval dragon in Linton; a massive Iron Age hill fort at Yeavering Bell; travel through the sweeping Eildon and Cheviot Hills; stroll along the River Tweed; cross the border between England and Scotland; and find brief shelter in St Cuthbert’s Cave like the monks carrying his coffin did before us, before heading for Holy Island off the coast of Northumberland Coast, the eventual resting place of Saint Cuthbert and the site of his original shrine.

By following Cuthbert from the hills to the sea, hopefully we too will find the serenity he discovered on the sands of Lindisfarne.

Coffee coming up!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thanks Gwyn, hope you enjoy this trip as well :-D


PILGRIMAGE WEEK - hiking boots on again! ??

St Hilda’s Way – 43 miles – 4 days – Hinderwell to Whitby Abbey. St Hilda’s Way celebrates the life of St Hilda – Anglo-Saxon princess, spiritual leader, arts enthusiast and peacemaker – by visiting places dedicated to her (including eight churches) in the beautiful North York Moors.

In 664, as the first abbess of the double monastery of Streonshalh now known as Whitby Abbey, she hosted the famous Synod of Whitby. She trained five male bishops, and it is said that seabirds in Whitby still dip their wings in honour of her, and her logo, the ‘Hildoceras’ ammonite (pictured), came about because her holy presence was famed for turning snakes into stone.

We begin at a holy spring discovered by St Hilda in Hinderwell and end at the sea at Whitby. Along the way we will traverse the North York Moors. Feel the ancientness all around you in a landscape that is true to itself – humans have never held full dominance here. The paths feel old, the rivers timeless, the pace slow.

The thread of Hilda runs through the churches dedicated to her, evenly spaced along the route, inspiring a quiet devotion to someone we can imagine but never fully know. Nevertheless, one gets the sense that for centuries she has been loved by many people, and there is no reason why that should cease now.

Coffee later! ??


Cx :-)

Good afternoon :-)

Cynthia, -How lovely to have a chance to all meet together again for your Walking Day.
I'm pleased for you that there was a good response.

Another interesting topic to enjoy.
I'd love to revisit St Davids.
I remember attending a friend's double wedding in the Cathedral many years ago, when 2 sisters married on the same day.
I haven't been to Wales for several years now, but have an urge to return.
Hiraeth, the Welsh call it.

Good morning :-)

We had our Walking Day yesterday - a good turnout - the first for 3 years.

There are other styles of Christian walks available in the UK, often known as Pilgrimages. Let’s take a look – hiking boots on!

We’ll begin in Wales……….
A PEMBROKESHIRE PILGRIMAGE
St David's, Pembrokeshire

THE ROUTE: Discover more about Wales patron saint on a walk of about six miles around the city of St David's.

HISTORY & HIGHLIGHTS: In medieval times the pilgrimage route to St David’ s was as important a destination as the Camino in Spain. Indeed, in 1123 the Pope declared that two pilgrimages to St David’s were the equivalent of one to Rome and three to Jerusalem. Thousands of pilgrims from the humblest through to Kings such as William the Conqueror and Henry II made their way to the small city in the remote south west of Wales.

Nowadays there is no official pilgrim’s route to follow, although there are traces of ancient paths, and the peninsula provides a peaceful escape from modern concerns. Walk from St Non’s Chapel and Well – the birthplace of St David – to the city’s cathedral and then on to Whitesands Beach.

Pilgrimage today
Today there is a rising interest in the idea of journeying and pilgrimage for many different reasons. Not only will people venture on a pilgrimage as a response to faith but also to enable them to gain perspective on some issue or stage in their lives, for the benefits of health and wellbeing or to find a greater connection with creation.

Cx :-)

Hello all

The first hymn sung this morning for Holy Trinity Sunday and I can't get the tune/words out of my head............

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Good morning :-)


TODAY IS TRINITY SUNDAY

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty and everlasting God,
you have given us your servants grace,
by the confession of a true faith,
to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity
and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity:
keep us steadfast in this faith,
that we may evermore be defended from all adversities;
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.

Gospel Reading: John 16:12 - 15


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Jubilee is now over, and our Walking Day is almost upon us……….two celebrations in quick succession. There was very much a faith element to the Jubilee with the wonderful service and the knowledge that the Queen is a committed Christian. Walking Day – a Christian celebration of unity and faith.

In the North of England - The Whit Walks.

The first Whit Walk was held in 1801 and is said to have arisen out of the Sunday School movement.

Many children were working long hours in the city’s cotton mills and church leaders wanted to make sure that on their day off they didn’t become involved in activities such as drinking and gambling.

Since then, they have become an annual tradition for generations of families.
In keeping with tradition, all walkers are encouraged to wear their Sunday best - men can wear flowers in buttonholes.

They are a lively, joyful and colourful witness to the Christian faith and to the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit which we celebrate at Whitsun.

They bring people together in the community.

They uphold a long and lovely tradition. They cause us to remember those who were part of past Whitsuns but are no longer with us.

All of the Christian churches – Anglican, Roman Catholic, Free Churches have held Whit walks – many churches walked together. A small act of worship was usually incorporated into the event.

Lord, we pray that tomorrow the churches may bear witness to our Christian faith, humbly and honestly. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Have we all recovered from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for our wonderful Queen?

I've been catching up with the tv coverage after spending a very happy time with family in Durham.

Thank you Vera for your kind words. Life continues to be difficult, but my faith is helping in dark times.

Sending gentle hugs to all in need right now.

Good morning :-)


At the church I attend we are blessed to have gardens around the building. This was certainly an incentive to hold our Jubilee Tea outside!

Whilst the council takes care of cutting the grass and the bedding flowers, we have volunteers who tackle the undergrowth and overgrowing trees. Our folk also look after any ornamental pots and so on. We thank God for these people who give of their time and expertise to care for our gardens.


Help us, Oh God, to be ever mindful of the beauties around us. May we grow with our flowers in gentleness, patience, courage, laughter and religion.
As we turn the brown soil and plant our seed, may we learn faith ... faith in the goodness of the earth, the radiance of the sun, the fullness of the clouds.
May we be grateful for the privilege of being co-workers with God in the creation of even one tiny flower.
And grant that we may know the great joy that comes from sharing with others. Amen,

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Where would any Jubilee celebration be without cakes! We saw the cake specially made for Her Majesty and those served up at all the street parties. Thousands upon thousands of cakes of all shapes, sizes and types. Bakers of every age, sex and culture produced some stunning masterpieces with their very talented hands. We were blessed with masses of home-made cakes last week-end and the comments were very complimentary.

Lord, with gratitude, we celebrate the bakers in our midst. Through the work of their hands, they create edible masterpieces that neighbour can share with neighbour.

Their offerings bring peace to the ones looking for comfort food. Their offerings bring joy to the young people celebrating birthdays and the couples joining their lives together in marriage.

The bread they bake sits on communion tables as your children are reminded to “take and eat.”

The pastries created by them will bring people together in our fellowship halls when worship ends.

Bless their hands in the rolling of dough and the ovens as breads rise and bake. Bless the hearts who laugh together in the kitchen as they decorate cakes or finish pies.

Through the work of their hands, we partake in fellowship and see the presence of the Christ in our midst.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



Most people have seen those acts on BGT where athletic men perform incredible tricks of strength and agility. Our heroes though, are the men from church who are willing to clamber and stretch to put up bunting, change lightbulbs, clean gutters, lift tables and all the other maintenance work which needs a bit of ‘muscle’. It’s a fact that- we would be lost without them and are so grateful for all they do.

Heavenly Father, we thank you the men who are part of the church family. We thank you for their commitment, loyalty and strength and for their willingness to help. Bless them and their families Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

There are so many types of talents. They don’t all have to be glamorous or important skills. Take the tea-makers for instance. Those folk who make drinks and refreshments, then serve and clear away afterwards. We thank God for these important people who help to sustain others.

Dear God,
Thank You for the gifts and talents You have given to me. I pray that I am aware of these gifts and use them to serve you and to serve others. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Hi Vera, there have been some lovely stories of people drawing together to celebrate the Jubilee - so encouraging after the trials of the pandemic. Glad you enjoyed it. <3

That was some weekend – so much going on. It brought the importance of teamwork and talents very much to the fore – from the Jubilee celebrations to our little Afternoon Tea. Without the people who have expertise in something, however small, and are willing to use it to the greater good, the world would be a poorer place.

Lord of All,
Thank You for the unique talents
with which each of us is born,
and for Your support
as we use them over the years
Help us to freely share our talents with others whenever we can.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost
Taught by thee we covet most
Of Thy gifts at Pentecost
Holy, heavenly love.

This was our school hymn, sung at the beginning and end of every term and particularly appropriate on Pentecost Sunday.

Another lovely week of posts Cynthia. Thank you. I am so pleased that your afternoon tea went well. I live in a small Close of 6 houses and we all gathered in one of the gardens on Thursday to have afternoon tea together. Yesterday there was a village fete and "bring your own picnic" event on the field at the end of our Close. It was a bit cool and a bit breezy but everyone seemed to be smiling and there was a great feeling of togetherness. It was a lovely day.

It was good to see you post recently Tabitha. Congratulations on your anniversary.

Kandj, I remember you saying a little while ago that life was throwing up some challenges. I hope things are easier for you now.

Keeping Ukraine in my thoughts and prayers and wishing for strength and comfort for anyone who needs support right now.

Good morning :-)

Well, that was a great success! The sun shone, the music played and the people came. The food was amazing and the donations poured in - and it wasn't even a fundraiser! It was our church's outreach to the community. A little tired I have to admit :-D

Today is Pentecost Sunday when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty God, on this day, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, you revealed the way of eternal life to every race and nation: Pour out this gift anew, that by the preaching of the Gospel your salvation may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Today we have our Afternoon Tea at church - all tickets sold and plenty of interest. Good team work with everyone so far - hard work plus a lot of laughter. It's going to be a long day - praying it all goes well.


Stirring words from the Archbishop of York at yesterday’s Service of Thanksgiving


“It is well known that Her Majesty likes horse racing. I don’t have any great tips for the Derby tomorrow, but since the scriptures describe life as a race set before us, let me observe that her long reign reflects the distance of Aintree more than the sprints of Epsom. Certainly, less dressage than most people imagine. But with endurance, through times of change and challenge, joy and sorrow, she continues to offer herself in the service of our country and the commonwealth. Your Majesty, we’re sorry you’re not with us this morning in person, but you are still in the saddle. And we are all glad that there is still more to come.”


“What I see in Her Majesty the Queen is someone who has been able to serve our nation faithfully because of her faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps there is no better way of celebrating her Platinum Jubilee than by doing the same ourselves.”


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



"The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God."

Her Majesty The Queen


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Looking back to Coronation time, 1953.

The death of Queen Mary just 3 months before the Coronation.

The late Queen Mary. The whole nation has been plunged into mourning with our dearly loved royal family through the passing of one of the outstanding personalities of two centuries.

Queen Mary was surely all that a Queen should be; very lovely – even advancing years failed to hide her beauty – elegant, erect and regal. And yet, she was also a wife and a mother. The strong bonds which unite our royal family are evidence enough of her great love and devotion. Like every other mother she had troubles and heartaches. Who can ever forget the picture of the three Queens awaiting the cortege of the late King. Queen Mary, in spite of advancing years, seemed there to be a tower of strength to the whole nation.

A bulletin was posted outside Marlborough House which stated that the Queen’s heart had grown weaker. An onlooker was heard to say; “and what a great heart it is”. That seems to sum up what we all feel – a lady with a great heart has gone to her Lord.

Cx :-)