ANOTHER GREAT SERVICE!

We had another great service this morning - more later - but as I usually do, I wandered around the Church before the service started, looking for some shots for today’s Blip.  I spotted Brian and Gary, two of our Visual Gang, sorry Team - one tucking into his breakfast and the other having a coffee - I’m still trying to decide why it looks as if Gary has a red bow on top of his head!  

We still have offering “bags” in our Church, rather than offering “plates”, but many give now through their bank, so I’m not sure how much actual cash goes into the bags, but of course, Bob the Cow is always at the front of the Church for the youngsters to give their money each week.  And the moment, they are collecting to buy school uniforms and books etc for children in Costa Rica, having provided goats and toilets to different places previously.  We were delighted to hear that the Christmas Appeal, which we hoped would raise £5,000 actually raised £6,381 to help people in Burundi.  

It was Communion this morning and we had an excellent sermon from Rev. Mark Woods asking “What can we Bring to the Table?”  We were then reminded that no-one should be privileged because they can bring more and should not be looked down on or shamed for bringing little or nothing, but should still find acceptance and welcome at the table that should include everyone.  We were encouraged to draw out from people the wonderful gifts that everyone possesses and further reminded that the ground at the foot of the cross is level - a place where beggars and kings worship side by side and that we don’t actually “take” Communion, but we are “given” Communion and everyone is equally welcome.  A sermon I shall certainly listen to again on our Church Facebook page.

I do love our Church banners and today’s were joyful and contemplative - with the promise of Spring between them in my collage - the beautiful daffodils.

I think the children have got used to me wandering before the service, but I very rarely take a shot of them showing their faces, for obvious reasons.  Today M was holding his guitar, with the help of his younger brother, A, so was happy to pose for me.  Then G and her sister proudly showed off their dresses and tops and then T twirled around in her red dress.  

We sang some lively songs to start the service and then towards the end sang one of my favourites, which you can listen to here - I like the way that modern songwriters are linking in some of the older songs - and intertwining the words - very clever!  

We are at the hospital tomorrow for Mr. HCB’s appointment at the Dermatology Clinic;  we don’t live that far from the hospital, and have often walked there, but it sounds as if it’s going to be another cold week, so perhaps we will take the car after all!  

Hope you have a great week - stay warm, safe and cosy.  M xx