As we work our way through Lent, familiar landmarks along the way cheers us and reminds us why we are Christians and why we are blessed to be part of the Christian family of Christ.
At the church of St. Andrew's in Hagbourne the ladies (and gentlemen) of our social committee have been hosting Lent Lunches on a Saturday, giving people the time and space to be quiet or to talk or just enjoy a delicious lunch of soup, bread and cheese and the obligatory pot of tea to share.
The venue is our beautiful church of St. Andrew's. The feeling is one of fellowship, kindness and Christian love and the knowledge that generations of worshipers have been here before praising God and enjoying the feeling of belonging to something remarkable and special.
We are a family, and this reminds me of the work of the Mothers' Union, encouraging and nurturing families and family life, not just in our own back yard, but across the world.
The Mothers' Union Prayer.
Loving Lord
We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.
We pray for families around the world.
Bless the work of the Mothers' Union
as we seek to share your love through
the encouragement, strengthening and support
of marriage and family life.
Empowered by your spirit
may we be united in prayer and worship,
and in love and service reach out as your hands
across the world.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
Thursday, March 7, 2019
What wonderful weather!
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
March certainly has its claws out today in Oxfordshire. The sun was shining first thing, but the wind is whipping the trees and freezing unwary walkers to the marrow. Having put away my big coat because of the unusual sunny period we have had, I now am pulling it back out of the wardrobe and greeting it like an old friend.
Amongst the straining branches of the oak trees outside my window, nestled in the lea of some sturdy bushes, I can see snowdrops, daffodils and crocus tipping their heads to the sun. How beautiful they look, and a wonderful compensation for the cold wind that blows.
Thank you God, for the seasons that bring change to our countryside, and for the signs of spring that we see all around us.
Amen.
March certainly has its claws out today in Oxfordshire. The sun was shining first thing, but the wind is whipping the trees and freezing unwary walkers to the marrow. Having put away my big coat because of the unusual sunny period we have had, I now am pulling it back out of the wardrobe and greeting it like an old friend.
Amongst the straining branches of the oak trees outside my window, nestled in the lea of some sturdy bushes, I can see snowdrops, daffodils and crocus tipping their heads to the sun. How beautiful they look, and a wonderful compensation for the cold wind that blows.
Thank you God, for the seasons that bring change to our countryside, and for the signs of spring that we see all around us.
Amen.
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