i-church

I hope and pray that the EU agrees to an extension to allow the General Election to go forward where I am pretty sure there will be a Brexit motion on the manifesto of all parties, which might or might not, decide the issue for the longer term. <snip> :minicandle: :minicandle: :minicandle: Prayers ...

Great to see you here again, Barry. I’ve been to Keswick, but not during the Convention. When our children were young, we used to go with my sister and her family to New Wine in Somerset, which was a similar event with plenty of teaching, music and prayer ministry. We found it a breath of fresh air ...

The choir sang it at church yesterday. I'd forgotten how uplifting it was.

To celebrate this lovely summer day - John Rutter's beautiful anthem, sung by Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School (Primary) choir.

Re politics and preaching - your original question - I'm always aware of the alleged gap between clergy and congregations in the C of E, in that it's always assumed that clergy are politically to the left of most congregations. I don't know if this is supported by any research, or just a perception....

I just wanted to add : if you can't avoid talking about poverty and inequality,( but please try to ) for God's sake don't talk about the poor and unequal as if they are other people. This is my own biggest bete noir. One of my own biggest bete noires in prayer has always been 'Those less fortunate ...

I guess our new PM feels he has to make a big impact in a short time, and, having promised to deliver Brexit, has gathered the team he feels can do that. I can't really criticise him, even though a lot of good ministers have been sidelined - that's politics, I suppose, and they will be aware of the ...

He is risen indeed.

Alleluia!

I tend to agree that the current situation is Parliament working as it should, Joyce. Things that will profoundly affect the development of our country deserve more than a passing glance by out legislators. What I don't understand is why the vast majority of these legislators were happy to vote thro...

Back in the day, the EU was known as the Common Market, and was about trading. I remember when I was a child the shops had a lot of goods like 'Australian cheddar' that we don;'t see any more. As I understand it, the EU as a body signs trade deals which guarantee the other party access to the whole ...

I've just listened to this BBC Lent talk by Bex Lewis about her experiences of cancer, which I found very helpful.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003jj7

Bex believes strongly in 'keeping it real' online, and has been sharing her experiences honestly, including the difficult bits.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood in the Church of England. Women now serve at every level of ordained ministry except Archbishop! 25th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood Maybe today is the day to read my recent birthday present - Arc...

Very sorry to hear of this tragedy, Joe,

I think it depends on local custom and practice, especially in the UK. I went to a Catholic retreat centre for a guided Ignatian retreat, and the introductory leaflet stated that non-Catholics should request a blessing at the Eucharist. It was explained to us that this was in keeping with the rules ...

When I first joined a church, there was a very active 'Area Council of Churches' (which became 'Churches Together' in due course) and I attended lots of joint events. However, I couldn't but notice that it was the same few people from each church who ran and attended the events. I did particularly e...

Speaking of 'ases' - I find there's a lot to think about in 'Love your neighbour as yourself', too.

I remember schools programmes being broadcast in the middle of the night and videoed, the school video machine needing to be set up in advance by the one teacher who could deal with the modern technology! When I was teaching at secondary school, we had a parents' evening when the affair between Deid...

I literally did hind behind the sofa when the Daleks were on Dr Who - I was terrified of them!

In the UK it's a different landscape from when I, and my children, grew up. Going on holiday with grandchildren has opened my eyes to a huge range of programmes available on separate digital channels, rather than the small amount of time allocated to 'children's television' on the main channels back...

I think the default in most places is for the area dean to function as 'vicar' for things that can't be deferred. Do you have someone you can consult for support if any difficulties arise in your ministry? (Eg a warden of Readers or something like that). That, to me, seems more important than someon...

@Joe - I have seen interim positions advertised in the C of E, but not that many. Occasionally a curate in the diocese who's near the end of training may be brought in as an interim, but I think this is usually only if a church is having problems operating during a vacancy. @Ernie - I think some bis...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szv98HALPF0 Be not afraid, I bring you good news. The Savior is coming in glory to you. He shall be called "God Holy One." Will you be ready? Will you be ready? Will you be ready for Him when He comes? Light the candle, Jesus is coming. Open your hearts, prepare ye th...

Isaiah 9,.2 - 6-7

From discoveringprayer.com - 25 Tips for a Calmer Christmas.

Includes

Planning Christmas: uncover the hidden meaning
Mindful Christmas cards
Gift giving at Christmas: presents or presence?
Lighten the load at Christmas: for a greater sense of calm
During Christmas time: share the joy