General Chat

Good morning :-)

The Jesse Tree


A central part of the season of Advent is looking back at how Jesus’ coming was prophesied over many thousands of years. It helps us understand that Jesus, the Messiah, didn’t come out of nowhere, but had given hints of his coming and slowly prepared the people of Israel for their Saviour.

Some families make a “Jesse Tree” which encourages them to read the entire story of Salvation History, starting in Genesis and ending in the New Testament.

These traditions remind us all that we too are part of a great story and have our own part to play before the end of the world.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Advent Wreath

Circular Shape: The circular shape of the wreath represents God's eternal nature—His never-ending love, mercy, and faithfulness. It also symbolizes the unending cycle of seasons and the continuous nature of time.

Evergreen Branches: Evergreen branches, which do not lose their leaves in winter, represent the everlasting life found in Christ. They symbolise hope and renewal, pointing to the promise of eternal life through Jesus.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Did I really miss Advent Sunday? My apologies :-(

Catch-up time.


Yesterday marked the start of Advent, and we lit our first Advent candle. These candles are lit in churches around the world. Advent wreaths help us prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The four candles represent Christ, the light of the world. We light them individually as we journey through the four weeks of Advent; the central white candle will be lit on Christmas day.

It’s important to prepare for the arrival of Jesus in our hearts, too. Spending some quiet time with God each day helps us do this. Let’s do that now, and in the silence of our hearts, let us ask God to help us, our school family and our families at home prepare well for the birth of Jesus.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We are holding our Christmas Fair today, so it's all systems go!!


Heavenly Father, as the sun rises on this Saturday morning, we thank you for the gift of a new day.
We pray for your presence to fill our hearts with gratitude and joy.
in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Heavenly Father, I come before You this Friday morning with a heart full of gratitude. I ask for Your blessings and protection over my day. May Your face shine upon me, be gracious to me, and grant me peace in every situation I encounter today. Guide my steps and keep me under Your watchful care. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Prayer for Strength and Perseverance
Heavenly Father, I confess that my own strength is often fleeting. The demands of the week sometimes feel overwhelming.
I ask you to fill me with your enduring power, which sustains me through trials and gives me courage in the face of difficulty.
Remind me that you are my rock and fortress, that I can withstand any storm with you.
When my weariness tempts me to give up, renew my resolve and help me persevere. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Glad to see the back of the gremlins !!

Lovely to see you back again Vera and I do hope things are settling for you. <3

Heavenly Father, I seek Your guidance and wisdom for the day ahead. You are the light that leads me through the darkness, and I trust in Your ways. Help me make decisions that honour You, and let Your Holy Spirit be my compass, directing my steps. May this day reflect Your love and grace in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

The Gremlins are certainly having a hay-day here.

Cynthia, you have so many interesting posts. Thank you so much.

Vera, good to see you posting and I hope things have calmed down for you and your OH just now.

Take care and stay safe everyone.

Cynthia, all the threads have been a bit haywire over the last few days but yesterday Community Support posted an explanation on the General board. It's headed Chat Boards.

Thank you for last week's posts. There is always something a bit special about a Celtic blessing.

Good morning :-)


There is something strange going on. I definitely posted yesterday in response to a post from kandj - they have both disappeared. I will make enquiries with FMP. :-)


Dear Lord, As I begin this Tuesday morning, I come before You with a humble heart, seeking to grow in faith and trust in You. Thank You for the gift of a new day and the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with You. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Today, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.

Collect (special prayer) for today:

Eternal Father,
whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven
that he might rule over all things as Lord and King:
keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of peace,
and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It's a real November morning - cold, wet and miserable!! Keep smiling :-D

A CELTIC BLESSING

You are the light that shines in dark
You are the heart's eternal spark
You are the door that's open wide
You are the guest who waits inside
You are the stranger at the door
You are the calling of the poor
You are my Lord and with me still
You are my love, keep me from ill
You are the light, the truth, the way
You are my Saviour this very day.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


A CELTIC BLESSING

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Normal service has been resumed! :-D

A CELTIC BLESSING

A Familiar Stranger

I saw a stranger today.
I put food for him
in the eating-place
And drink
in the drinking-place
And music
in the listening-place.
In the Holy name
of the Trinity
He blessed myself
and my family.
And the lark said in her warble
Often, often, often
Goes Christ
in the stranger's guise.
O, oft and oft and oft,
Goes Christ
in the stranger's guise.
(Celtic Rune of Hospitality)

Cx :-)

Good evening - things are back to normal I see :-D

I've been popping on and off here wondering when the fault was going to be fixed.

Instead of a Celtic morning prayer, I will leave you with one for the evening instead.


I place my soul and my body
In your safe refuge this night, O God,
In your safe refuge, O Jesus Christ,
In your safe refuge, O Spirit of Truth,
The Three who defend my cause,
And never turn the back upon me.

Father, kind and just,
Son, who overcame death,
Holy Spirit of power,
Keep me this night from harm,
The Three who would justify me
Keep me this night and always. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

How good it feels to be back in touch once again. I have felt cut off from all of my GR friends who look into the Christian thread.

"Express gratitude and thankfulness for the small things in life." (Richie Norton).

Keep warm and stay safe everyone.

Good morning :-)


Zero temperatures today. Stay warm everyone. x


A blessing for our homes

Bless this house and those within.
Bless our giving and receiving.
Bless our words and conversation.
Bless our hands and recreation.
Bless our sowing and our growing.
Bless our coming and our going.
Bless all who enter and depart.
Bless this house, your peace impart.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia I've loved reading the short stories you've posted last week. All very thought provoking.

Vera, I hope this coming week will be a better one for you, your OH and your family.

Good to welcome 3 new people into church today.

Stay safe in this chilly weather everyone.

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer for today)

Heavenly Father,
whose blessed Son was revealed
to destroy the works of the devil
and to make us the children of God and heirs of eternal life:
grant that we, having this hope,
may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory
we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
where he is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus talks about the End Times.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Aww Vera, so sorry to hear that life is difficult at the moment. Sending you lots of love and prayers. <3

SHORT STORY WEEK

A man went to a barbershop for a haircut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began the task, a good conversation followed. .

They eventually touched on the subject of God, and the barber said: “I don’t believe that God exists.” “Why do you say that?” asked the customer. “Well, you just have to go out in the street to realise that God doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned, children? If God existed, there would be any suffering or pain. I can’t imagine a loving God allowing all of these things”.

The customer thought for a moment but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument! The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. The man was homeless and unkempt. The customer turned back, re-entered the barber’s shop and said to the barber: “You know what? Barbers don’t exist”.
“How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!” “No!” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside”. “Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens, is, people do not come to me”.

“Exactly!”- affirmed the customer. “That’s the point! God, too, exists! What happens, is, people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him. That’s why there is so much pain and suffering in the world.

Food for thought.

Cx :-)