General Chat

Good morning :-)

If your vicar is going kandj, will you get another vicar? That's the problem facing so many churches today and yet, despite being told that there is a shortage, there have been plenty of ordinations this last year from what I have read.



Many churches have, or are about to soon be celebrating the annual Harvest Festival. Most of us have memories of going to church and catching the whiff of fresh fruit and veg as we went in through the door – wherever we lived. We watched as the children lined the aisles clutching bags and boxes full of their harvest goodies. We usually had uplifting hymns…….’We plough the fields and scatter’…… ‘Come ye thankful people come’ which we sang lustily. We went home full of thanksgiving for God’s goodness to us.

Harvest is a Festival of Thanksgiving for several things. It is a celebration of the harvest and food grown on the land. It is also about giving thanks for all the good and positive things in our lives such as family and friendships. This week we will take a look at various aspects of the word ‘Harvest’ – interesting, cute, funny…….you name it.

We come with thanksgiving before you Lord, and thank you for your many blessings to us. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Our vicar plans to retire in March. No great surprise as her husband retired earlier in April but still a concern regarding our small elderly congregation having to go through an interregnum next year?

Still ongoing in-law worries as we now have 5 positive Covid tests since Alan's funeral service last Monday. I do wish that folk would be more sensible

Tabitha, perhaps you should now listen to your friends and step back and take stock of your life changes. Maybe try turning your obstacles into opportunities to do something that you really want.

Vera, I hope that you and your husband are well?

Thank you Cynthia for your ongoing support posts.

Another week gone already and a new one starting. I hope the coming week is calm and peaceful for you all.

Tabitha, I think your friend is right. If finances allow give yourself a breather and take your time in sorting out what you want to do and how you might achieve it. Keep your eye on the employment market just in case the perfect job for you is advertised but don’t rush into anything. A door will open for you somewhere, sometime. Good luck.

Sending a hug to Kandj and anyone else who needs one <3

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer} for today :

O God, forasmuch as without you
we are not able to please you;
mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
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 : Mark 10.17–31


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Tabitha. I know it won't be easy to start with, but I think your friend has the right idea - take stock of your life. Give yourself a little time to re-adjust before jumping into something which may not be quite the right thing - that's if finances allow of course. Whatever the future holds, place it in God's hands. <3


“Lord, in the morning I start each day,
taking a moment to bow and pray.
Beginning with thanks, I then give praise
for all your kind and loving ways.
if sunshine turns to rain,
if a dark cloud brings some pain,
I won’t doubt or hide in fear.
For you, my God, are always near.
I will travel where you lead;
I will help my friends in need.
Where you send me, I will go;
with your help, I’ll learn and grow.
Hold my family in your hands,
as we follow your commands.
And I will keep you close in sight
when I crawl in bed tonight.”
– Mary Fairchild


Cx :-)

Good morning all.

Apologies ahead of time for withering and sharing thoughts with you. If anyone has any thing they would like to share, i am open to ideas.

After a lot of thought, peaceful prayer, and thinking things through.

I made the decision that what i really needed in my life was time to do what i wanted after many years of doing what others wanted. My lovely husband backed me all the way and said we did it before we can do it again. We survived last time and we will again. I have always had good friends around me and i do today.

I said my goodbyes, arranged to clear out my things and shredded everything i had at home to do with my old work life. There were 70 of us who were given the same choice, 13 stayed and managed to get a job in another area, 5 retired, 5 of us are in that weird age between 58 and 65 so are sort of processing and adding up he pennies, the rest are looking for other jobs in different companies and starting a fresh..

Spoke with a friend who was also leaving after 15 years, who said don't you dare look straight for a new job as it will be jumping straight back into the fire. She is taking at least 9 months off to do what she wants to do with her husband.

At the moment i know we can manage 6 months, but i am still looking at jobs incase something jumps out at me. I am also searching the internet for courses to keep my mind occupied. I need to study something to help me get back in the job market and have as much chance as younger people, but persuading my mind i do need to do the more boring training courses is a very hard thing to do.

I know my learning brain - if i am really interested in something i learn quickly and enjoy it, if its something i know i have to do, i still learn but it takes a lot longer and its harder. If its something i am not at all interested in, i have to go over, and over the same thing for a long time.

My mind sees the really interesting hobby based courses, with things i have always wanted to study and wants to do those instead. Now my mother in law left me 500 pound in her will, which we don't have yet. I am thinking i could do a really interesting hobby type course or two with that money and really enjoy myself.

My sensible head says could i do those courses and perhaps find a better job, one i will really like at the end of the very interesting training. The jobs i would love to do are suited to older people thankfully and who knows one may be there waiting for me at the end of the training course. For once in my life i could do a job i loved and no take he job because of the money it paid and it was a safe job.

I am as you can see wrestling with my conscience a great deal, I think a lot of peaceful thought and prayer will help. I have time to make a decision and i am not going to rush into anything this time.

I was talking to an old friend who did the same several years ago and he has never felt better. He said sit and take stock of your life - since you left school how long have you not worked full time.

Well i left school in the June and my mum found me a job in August - stayed just over a year - hated it - left, my soon to be husbands had a temp job for me, so started the same week and lasted 6 months before i got offered a permanent job where my mum worked and stayed 16 years 6 months - had 2 months off - did my training course for 9 months and straight into next permanent job - which lasted 26 yeas 6 months, there were some really good times.

So since I left school i have had 4 months without a full time job. His words to me were "I rest my case, take a few months off and relax"

So here i am now - 5 days without being in full time work- doing some family tree work, enjoying the fact i can go out during the week, and eating when i want without having to rush back to my desk. Also leisurely searching the internet to see what courses there are for a reasonable amount.

I saw an amazing course i would love to do and really enjoy, with official qualifications at the end and then i saw the cost £2400.00 and slipped back into reality again. Its on my wish list like retirement.

Hope everyone is well and keeping safe and happy.

Take care all


<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Good morning :-)

I come before you, O Lord on this morning to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. You have given me another day on this earth to love and serve you better. I pray that you guide me during this day. Fill me with your hope and compassion so that I may see you in each living creature. No matter where the day takes me, guide me so that each action brings me closer to you. I pray that, today and always, I will walk in your path. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Dear loving Father, thank you for waking me up this morning, thank you for your love and care, thank you for everything you have freely given me in this life. As I set to go and perform the work you have blessed my hands to do, I thank you for protecting me from anything that may come my way. Thank you for your grace that will keep me through this day, and may I be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, I pray and believe.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Dear God, everywhere I walk, let it be on your path.
Everything I see, let it be through your eyes.
Everything I do, let it be your will.
Every hardship I face, let me place it in your hands.
Every emotion I feel, let it be your spirit moving in me.
Everything I seek, let me find it in your love.

My dear God, I thank you for this day.
I ask not to know where I am going, but only to know and feel in the depths of my heart and soul that you are with me. You are guiding me, and I am safe. In Jesus’ name, I offer myself to you. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Amen to your prayer today. Thank you Cynthia.

I was in church on Sunday morning for the annual Harvest Festival service, but no traditional hymns were chosen? It felt really odd afterwards.

So many worries and concerns happening nationally right now. Ongoing prayers needed.

Cast your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter chapter 5:7).

Good morning :-)

A quiet morning prayer

Our Father in heaven, how we love you; how you love us. A new day unfolds, and we desire that it is infused with our worship of you. As we turn our eyes on the beauty of you, so our spirits lift and find peace. Please pour out your spirit upon us today, so we can worship in fresh ways. We humbly ask for a deeper relationship with you, so we can have a heightened awareness of God’s presence in us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A quiet week after our tour of tiny churches – a week in which we wake and thank God for all his blessings…..


This morning I wake and I thank You.
For the gift of seeing a new day begin,
and the energy I'll need, to make it through today.

When the day is over and nighttime comes,
I will thank You.
For the gift of knowing a day has been well-spent
and for the tranquility that comes with a darkened sky.
Morning to night, a precious cycle.
I am each day, grateful.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Almighty and everlasting God,
increase in us your gift of faith
that, forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to that which is before,
we may run the way of your commandments
and win the crown of everlasting joy;
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 :-)

Good morning :-)

Thanks Vera, these little places are so tucked away that it's no wonder we miss them!

Last stop of the tour.........Wiltshire.

Bremilham Church lays claim to being the tiniest church, still in use, in England. It can be found, perched on a grassy mound, in the middle of a working farm, where it’s totally dwarfed by the surrounding farm buildings. The diminutive structure has made it into the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest ‘in service’ church in England.

By 1731 the buildings of Cowage Farm and a church were the only buildings in the main part of the parish, which covered roughly 440 acres, excluding roads, water and waste and at no point in its history ever exceeded fifty people. The church in 1809 was larger than the tiny building we see today. It's barely 4 metres long by 3.6 metres wide, has all the appearances of a 'Monopoly House' and is dwarfed by the neighbouring farm buildings of Cowage Farm.

There's scarcely room for a congregation larger than ten, seating for just four on one tiny pew and no room for an altar. Unfortunately, the parish register only dates back to 1813 and the church in not dedicated.

Cowage Farm is still a working farm today and the present farm buildings date from the 18th century. The farm supplies grains to household names such as Quaker Oats and Hovis; and its beef is purchased by McDonalds and Tesco.

For a number of years the church building was used to rear turkeys. It was only when the present day owners took over the farm that the church was reconsecrated.

There’s just one service held at Bremilham per year and that takes place on Rogation Sunday – the service is always very well attended with up to 50 attending. With just the one pew and with standing for a maximum of ten people it means that the service is held outside come rain or shine.

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/05/06/article-2320150-19A464F2000005DC-814_636x405.jpg


Cx :-)

Culbone is a lovely little church in a beautiful area, and I must have been close to it a few years ago without realising it existed. Some of my direct ancestors certainly as far back as my 5 x great grandfather came from Oare and we visited Oare church a few years back. If only I had done a bit more research I might have discovered Culbone and been able to go there.

We have had a most enjoyable tour this week Cynthia. Thank you.

Sending positive thoughts to kandj and Tabitha <3

Good morning :-)

Moving towards the end of our tour, today we are off to Exmoor, to visit the tiny church of St, Bueno in Culbone.

"To Culbone, Oare, and Stoke Pero, Parishes three, no parson’ll go" An ancient ditty describing the remoteness of three Exmoor churches. St Beuno church at Culbone, is only accessible via a woodland walk, but it is well worth the effort.

Sited in a quiet combe looking out to sea, this dramatic landscape was one that Samuel Taylor Coleridge frequented often. It is said that he drew on the mystical atmosphere of Culbone Church for his images portrayed in Kubla Khan’s ‘Xanadu’.

With seating for only 33 people, the Saxon church is just 35 feet long. The nearby woods were the site of a a major charcoal burning industry as well as a 16th century leper's colony. Although the lepers were not allowed into the village, there is a small leper window (squint), in the north wall of the church which they were allowed to peep through. The church boasts a Saxon font and carved head that is part-cat, part-man on the north window. The church is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 and is almost certainly pre-Norman.

And even the conical spire, built of deal and slate has a tale to tell. Local tradition says that in 1810 a heavy storm blew off the spire on Porlock church, carrying it over the Exmoor hills all the way to Culbone where it settled.

Even though there is no road access there are still regular services at the church.

https://www.dreamstime.com/photos-images/culbone-church.html


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It's good to know that the tour is enjoyable! :-D

Today, in our tour of tiny and interesting churches, we are travelling to Wales and to St Govan’s Chapel, Bosherston, Pembrokeshire.

All aboard!

The history of St. Govan is murky at best. It’s believed he was an Irish abbott living in the 6th century, or even a legendary knight from the court of King Arthur who was said to have become a hermit in his final years.

Whoever he was, Govan was en route to Wales when he was attacked by Irish pirates off the coast. Govan ran to the cliffside, where the rock allegedly morphed into a secret cave for him to hide in. After his pursuers left, Govan decided to remain in the cave as thanks to God and to the cliffside that saved him. He set up a monastic hermitage in the cove, living off the nature surrounding, and remained there for the rest of his life.

This little chapel is perched halfway down a cliff beside a holy well – and its extraordinary location, plus its very early and uncertain beginning, has made it a thing of folklore.

There is a simple nave measuring about 17ft x 12ft, with an opening to a rough cell beyond. Inside, it appears to be an empty shell of rough stones, green with mould. There is an opening for the spring on the floor. The water from the spring is said to have cured ailments of the limbs and eyes. There is a long bench and a plain stone altar. One legend suggests that Saint Govan is buried underneath the altar, located at the east end of the building.

The well has run dry and so any curative qualities of its waters have been lost but, happily, the tranquillity found in this place is still balm for the soul.

Count the steps down and up again – legend has it that the number is never the same!


https://www.greyalders.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/StGovans.jpg

Cx :-)

Hello all

Lots of sadness and concerns around me, but many thanks to you all for your prayerful support and kind words.

Cynthia, your prayer posted on 23 Sept is really resonating with me right now. Thank you.

Vera, I hope your husband is being helped at the hospital and it's good you were able to go away.

Tabitha, I hope all goes well with your interview today and that things will calm down soon for you.

Gwyn, thank you for your kind words and prayers.

"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34: 18)

Sending a gentle hug for those in need today x

Thank you Cynthia for finding these gems.
What a surprise !
I used to live near Winchester, but never knew about this little church. It would be lovely to visit, when I am in that area again.

Good morning :-)

Thank you Vera - I hadn't realised how many of these tiny churches there were till I started to look. The list is quite amazing. :-)

Tabitha - love and prayers as you seek what is to be your next step. <3



Today, on our trip around the UK looking at tiny but interesting churches, we are off to .......Winchester! Come on board, but a warning......you will need to be able to climb a few stairs ??

And, we're off!

St. Swithun-upon-Kingsgate, Winchester.

This very small church occupies a most unusual location at the top of the arch of Kingsgate, just a few yards from the Cathedral Close. Yet, for all its minuscule size, St Swithun's is just as interesting as its grand neighbour, Winchester Cathedral. You reach it by climbing a narrow stair built into one side of the gateway arch.

The interior is very plain, with whitewashed walls and an unadorned wooden ceiling. Sit for a moment in the simple wooden pews and it is hard not to feel a sense of peace despite the noise of traffic passing only a few yards away.

The first mention of the church comes from 1264 when it was badly damaged by fire. In 1337 some woodwork was done on the church, costing a total of fifteen shillings, and in 1484 the windows underwent repair. In 1660, the church was once more restored.

It was quite common for small churches or chapels to be built into the gates of medieval cities, where they might be used by lay workers and travellers who wanted to give thanks for a journey safely completed or to pray for a safe trip elsewhere.

Does a church above a gate seem a good place to keep pigs? Robert Allen thought so. Allen served as a porter at Kingsgate sometime before 1660; he and his wife not only lived in the church but kept their pigs at one end.

There is a small brass memorial plaque on the wall to four young children of John Bond (d. 1612) who all died before the age of 4.

The church is mentioned in Anthony Trollope's novel, The Warden, where Trollope calls it St Cuthbert's.

The church is open daily to visitors, and there is a service every Sunday at 6pm. Usually this is Evensong, but there is Holy Communion on the 2nd Sunday of the month.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/14/09/75/140975612c236ac501fbccbcacdbcc8e.jpg


Cx :-)