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Posted on 25 Apr 2020The Weekly Puzzle This week we are joining the ‘virtual’ world, have you noticed that since the lockdown everything happens in the ‘virtual world’? We have virtual parties, virtual meals, and yes even virtual services. So, you are now invited to do a virtual tour of Gowerton – oh, and we even dip our toes into Waunarlwydd. This is how it works. Below are a list of Biblically linked street names in Gowerton, in alphabetical order, the part of each name that is ‘speachmarked’ is spoken of in the Bible! There is also a list of Bible references referring to each road, all you have to do is match them up, be aware most of the thoroughfares have more than 1 quote. When you have done them, if you have a friend on any of the roads why don’t you ring them to say hello as you pass on your tour of the area. Good luck. Alex Street names in Gowerton ‘Barnabas’ Place (Waunarlwydd- but very close to Gowerton ïŠ) Clos Cae ‘Dafydd’ (we’ve interpreted this as David! Both the English and Welsh versions mean ‘beloved’) ‘Cedar’ Close ‘Church’ Street Ffordd ‘Butler’ ‘Oakwood’ Drive ‘Mount’ Pleasant (For ‘Mount’ there are 3 mentioned in the Bible: Mt Sinai, Mt Zion, Mt Olives –so climb all 3!) ‘Ravens’field ‘Rose’land Road (I could only find one reference to ‘rose’, some translations have ‘lily’ instead.) ‘Willow’bank References Ephesians chap 5 verses 25-27 Isaiah 41:19 Genesis chap 14 verse 13 John 8:1 Job 40:22 Solomon 2:1 Genesis 40:1 Acts 13:22 Genesis 8:6-7 Galatians 2:1 Hebrews 12:22 Galatians 4:25 Revelation 14:1 Luke 12:24 Isaiah 44:4 Psalm 37:35 Genesis 40:5 Genesis 12:6 Zechariah 14:4 1 Kings 4:33 Isaiah 15:7 Matthew 22:42 Acts 4:36 Psalm 125:1 1 Chronicles 18:14 Colossians 4:10 1 Kings 17:4 Matthew 24:3 James 5 14-15 Luke 1:32 1 Corinthians 9:6 Leviticus 27:34 Deuteronomy 11:30 1 Chronicles 14:17 Leviticus 11:15 I hope you enjoyed our virtual walk around our parish can I suggest you now put your feet up and have a REAL cup of tea. Posted on 25 Apr 2020Julia’s Jottings (4) Monday Bloomin’ heck this work lark really does get in the way, here am I trying to get all those ‘little extras’ done, I’m already behind on ‘normal’ housekeeping chores and now I’m moving between 2 computers –hubby’s in study (which in all fairness he does need to use occasionally) and daughter’s in dining room which rather restricts her jigsaw campaign. And yet, college continues to demand (and rightly so) my time. Ahhhh well at least I’ve confirmed I’m a people person and not a computer boffin, yep decided it’s much easier working alongside real people than faces on screen, I mean have to make sure background is suitable and my wardrobe appropriate. Tuesday Deciding to pace myself with my panel of the Bayeux tapestry if I’m not careful I’ll have a full scale replica, slight snag don’t have enough wall space in Vicarage and not sure local cleric would want it to adorn the church walls. Wednesday (evening) Younger offspring noted the wheelbarrow and gardening tools had been left close to the bluebells in very much of a Monty Don style, had to agree and what a wonderful gardener he is (Alex I mean)! Opposites clearly attract, he plants but I prefer destructive stuff. Thursday Welcome phone call from little brother (erm decided to find new label well at 6ft and 56 years young and greying ‘little/baby’ no longer seem appropriate terms suppose younger is still valid) anyway wanted to speak to Vicar professionally!! Know when one is not required adopted semi-professional secretarial tone and handed him over. Friday Ooops seem to be doing lots of things but none that are on my original list, does this mean I prioritised incorrectly or I’ve just put off the important things mmmm, see hubby hasn’t even realised glass cupboard has been reordered – had to explain pint glasses, then ½ pint then tall hi-ball followed by short ones, suspect I stand no chance with reorganised condiments! Saturday Daughter stepping up to mark and helping with church grounds, initially sceptical about input - upon returning from emptying wheelbarrow she passed on tip that if wheelbarrow handles rest gently on the bench you sit on you can put your feet up without said gardening item tipping over. Having tested theory it does work. Ask myself why it took her so long to prove the theory – by the time she took over mowing I had completed ¾ of largest grass area. N.B. So pleased she wasn’t in her greens – what with green mower on similar coloured surface I’d have never been able to keep check on her movements around lawn. Posted on 25 Apr 2020Julia’s Jottings (3) Monday A little indulgence viewed ‘Escape to the Country’ – lovely but extremely happy in uptown Gowerton, nevertheless the show does provide parish with fundraising opportunities; for all those who want a large garden this Vicar’s wife would generously give BBC the opportunity to bring along escapees to do church grounds and Vicarage lawns – after all experience is education for the soul, and my experience tells me God DOES have a sense of humour :– large ecclesiastical grounds +summer growing season = Wife mows grass, Hubby (local cleric) who has hay fever Therefore charging BBC for privilege of giving others an a reality check that small lawns are beautiful raises church funds and gets job done ïŠ QED Tuesday Washed my trendy ‘paperbag’ waisted trousers. Emptied washing machine to discover a fiver hanging out of one pocket – is this money laundering?? Wednesday Never have my knobs been so shiny (or indeed any of the other door furnishings). Do feel lockdown could have averted a potential disaster – after wandering into dining room spotted several cobwebs and realised a little more than a flick round with a duster was necessary, and eureka-task completed. Now have to hope current situation is resolved so that delayed Easter coffee bash can be held in Vicarage before it’s necessary for me to repeat the whole cleaning process again. Thursday In accordance with plumber’s instructions tested new boiler by turning on every radiator. This included the one in my “signing cupboard†pastor Pye asked whether I was now ‘cooking the books’!! Friday Resolved to reorganise seating for ‘Hands Together’ signing group when we resume, every member will be seated facing the window so they admire the ivy-free wall and because I will be outside they will have opportunity to practice and develop their receptive signing skills. Posted on 12 Apr 2020Julia’s Jottings (2) Once again everything mentioned in this really did happen, although not necessarily on the day listed! Monday Continued to progress around Vicarage garden wall removing ivy – found a right shoe, decided to research which previous cleric only had one leg, no good asking parishioners, suspect they have no idea what is under a cassock! Tuesday Early start woken by gas alarm – got out and phoned for help, always good to see the sun rise just grateful it’s lockdown as no one can see me watching sun rise in my dressing gown or more importantly witness Vicar’s legs – could have resulted in some nasty shocks for local residents. On the positive side met the milk man for first time in 9 years – admit he was more than a little surprised to be greeted by the family. Wednesday With help of younger daughter have completed 4 jigsaws, (probably elementary /intermediate levels) hubby has put in a few pieces – just to encourage us. N.B Need to confess, we have also given up on 2! Suspect they were VERY high level and certainly beyond the bounds of my patience. Thursday Cleaned pantry again with aid of trainee paramedic. Discovered some antique tins obviously purchased before we arrived in Gowerton. Mmm have a dilemma, do I dispose of the said cans thereby creating more room and achieving impressively tidy shelves or…. Are they antiques of the future that may triple in value, after all they have labels that are obviously advertising memorabilia and therefore could become collectables thereby making valuable contribution to pension fund! Friday FINISHED THE WALL. Note to self: Contact Sally’s Army, if their brass band come round playing carols at Christmas could they please stand away from the wall as I fear their instruments may have the Jericho effect – which would not go down at all well with the diocese I suspect. Saturday Partook in family card game, it did not escape my notice that youngest member tucked into chocolate santas (out of date but clearly didn’t taste off) and head of the house who opened and devoured some chocolate shells (given to ME for my birthday last month) – Lent can be really cruel, but sticking to my Lenten discipline…… roll on Easter. Posted on 10 Apr 2020To be done on GOOD FRIDAY Mark 15 verse 39: “And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that he thus breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.â€â€ This year as we are not able to have a Walk of Witness, I would like to give you all a different opportunity to be a witness to the events of the first Good Friday, verbally this year rather than visually. Instead of walking I want you to phone (NOT email, Face book or text) as many people as you can and read the following short verse from the Gospel of Mark chapter 15 verse 39 “And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that he thus breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.â€â€ And then say, “The centurion believed. (Pause) I believe. (Pause) Do you believe? Make a note of how many you phone and let’s see how many people we can reach out to on this special day, let me know on Saturday. Alex P.S. I am starting in Canada, how far can you reach?!!!! Posted on 02 Apr 2020HOPE HOLD ON TO HOPE THAT LITTLE WORD THAT MEANS SO MUCH WHENEVER HEARD WHAT LIES AHEAD IS NOT YET CLEAR BUT WITH HOPE IN OUR HEARTS WE SHALL NOT FEAR. IT IS THE GIFT THAT STRENGTHENS LIFE THE POWER TO EASE THIS PERSONAL STRIFE HOPE IS THE SUN WE NEED IN THE DAY THE LIGHT IN THE DARK THAT HELPS US PRAY. IT KINDLES THE WARMTH WHEN HEARTS GROW COLD FUELLING OUR FAITH AND MAKING US BOLD THE BURDEN WEIGHS HEAVY ON THIS AWESOME ROAD LEFT HOPE BE OUR COURAGE TO LESSEN THE LOAD. WE ARE FRIGHTENED, UNSURE, WITH A FUTURE NOT CLEAR BUT WITH HOPE IN OUR HEARTS WE WILL WIN THROUGH THIS YEAR. WE ARE SAD, WE ARE LONELY, MISSING FAMILY AND FRIEND, WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN THIS IS NOT THE END. FOR THE SEASONS OF LIFE ARE YET TO COME AND THE JOY OF A FUTURE BRINGS HOPE TO EACH ONE, FACING THE UNKNOWN OUR JOURNEY WE MAKE STRENGTHENED BY HOPE THE GIFT WE CAN TAKE. THE PATHWAY IS DIFFERENT FOR YOU AND FOR ME, BUT God IN HIS WISDOM GIVE GENEROUSLY SO TAKE THE GREAT OFFER AS THE FUTURE WE FACE, LET HOPE BE OUR PASSWORD OUR STRENGTH AND OUR GRACE Judy Thomas, Gowerton 2020 Posted on 28 Mar 2020Please can we ask for thoughtfulness when using this list and that you do not share this list with others (except our congregations) so that we can safeguard those who may be vulnerable. If you wish to add or remove any name from the intercession lists, please get in touch with Rev’d Alex Pye or Rev’d Sue Rumbelow. Many thanks. Intercessions for the fifth Sunday in Lent – Passion Sunday Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He can transform death and despair, in any form, into life and hope. As the people of the living God, Let us join together in our prayers For the Church and for the world. Holy God, breathe your life into the Church; Breathe holiness and deepening faith, Breathe energy, inspired teaching and fervent praise; Unblock the channels and make us more receptive To your gentleness and your power. Breathe into us; So that we live in you. Holy God, breathe your life into the universe; Breathe responsible caring, honesty and compassion, Breathe right values and good stewardship, Peace and reconciliation, vision and hope. Breathe into us; So that we live in you. Holy God, breathe your life Into homes and places of work; Breathe increased patience and understanding, And the courage to live the Christian life When to do so brings ridicule or demands sacrifice. Breathe into us; So that we live in you. Holy God, breathe your life into those who suffer; Breathe comfort and wholeness, Forgiveness and new confidence, Breathe peace of mind And the knowledge of your love. Breathe into us; So that we live in you. Holy God, breathe your life into the dead and dying; We pray for the soul of: Breathe courage for the journey And the realisation that you can be trusted. Breathe life that lasts for ever. Breathe into us; So that we live in you. Holy God, breathe your life into us now As we offer you here our thanks and praise For your life laid down our of love for us. May your words be worked out In fresh commitment to you. Merciful Father, Accept these prayers For the sake of your Son, Our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. Extract from Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Our Father... Posted on 24 Mar 2020Intercessions As our Church, along with all others across this nation, is closed until further notice, we will also use this as our Intercessions Page to pray for those we would normally hold before Christ during our services. Please can we ask for thoughtfulness when using this list and that you do not share this list with others (except our congregations) so that we can safeguard those who may be vulnerable. If you wish to add or remove any name from this list, please get in touch with Rev’d Alex Pye or Rev’d Sue Rumbelow. Many thanks. For the sick in body mind or spirit O Lord Jesus Christ, great physician; Look with your gracious favour upon these your servants; give wisdom and discretion to those who minister to them in their sickness; Bless all the means used for their recovery; stretch forth your hand and, if it is your will, restore them to health and strength that they may live to praise you for your goodness and your grace; to the glory of your holy name. Amen. For the departed Most merciful Father, who has been pleased to take to yourself the soul of this your servant: Grant to us, who are still in our pilgrimage and who walk as yet by faith that, having served you with constancy on earth, we may be joined hereafter with your saints in glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Posted on 24 Mar 2020WE ARE SO SORRY TO ANNOUNCE THAT, IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT ADVICE THAT WE ALL STAY AT HOME, ST JOHN’S CHURCH IN GOWERTON IS NOW CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. |
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