Author: Editor

11th June

TODAY’S THEME

The hymn writer of the day was Melody Green, author of “There is a redeemer”, which she wrote in 1976.

The aisle was decorated with a wonderful, floral, summer fabric and a basket of flowers to symbolise God’s abundance.

Alex welcomed us enthusiastically to the last morning before the summer break, and introduced a new member, our new Vicar Rev Sarah Carwardine. She was made most welcome by everyone.

We began by singing “There is a redeemer” Then a time of prayer before singing once more.

Jan B gave a talk based on the life of Melody and her husband Keith Green. She had also composed other songs throughout her life, which has been another sad, sometimes tragic story.

Sue then described some of the activities for the morning.

There were tables for book making from 1 sheet of paper. Decorated with watercolour painting or pastels. The effect of both was amazing, as was the folding technique. The whirr of a hairdryer to speed up the process made for an interesting diversion.

Cherry explained her activity, Kanzashi flowers; made by puckering and stitching with a floral centre “bunged” on.

Alison’s table was described as a Calico fabric on an embroidery ring, decorated with stem stitch and seed stitch! The results were delicately beautiful.

There was a still life table with a cornucopia of fruit and vegetables, aubergine, oranges, peppers and grapes abounded, to draw and colour with pastels.

There was also the usual opportunity for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

The writing focus was to take inspiration from the many hymns, about which we have learned the history. A selection of some of the words was provided as a starting point.

The conversations buzzed around every table as we were kept refreshed by Pam.

We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our creative efforts.
The still life “turned out juicy”. The time spent here, was described as “Here we take our time and that allows the seeds of expression to grow”. All groups were highly praised. The team leaders were thanked and we ended with prayer.

We them moved to the Magdalene room for a glorious social gathering, an indoor picnic! What a bountiful feast donated by our wonderful members.

We now take a summer break until Tuesday October 8th 2024. When we will return refreshed and eager to see you.

As usual, coffee will be from 10.00am, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30

---

 

14th May

TODAY’S THEME

The story of Henry Francis Lyte, the author of the well-known hymn

Abide with me

The aisle was ablaze with Pentecost themed fabric in red and orange with flames dancing (metaphorically) in a large picture.

Alex welcomed us to the morning and we began by singing “Abide with me” Then a time of prayer before singing; “Holy Spirit, we welcome you”.
Jan K gave a talk based on the life of Henry Lyte – poet, priest and writer of the hymn. Interestingly, it is mostly sung at funerals, also football and rugby matches.

Sue then described most of the activities for the morning, and Jenny described the origami challenge to make and string doves for a tree display.

There were tables for pastels or watercolour painting with a theme of flames. The effect was tremendous.

There was a colouring table, great for exchanging views on the world today.

There was also the usual opportunity for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

David M encouraged anyone inclined to join him and his guitar, later in the morning for a short singing session. This provided background music and was greatly enjoyed, it will be repeated!

The writing focus was to take inspiration from the hymn or from the gospel readings about the coming of Holy Spirit, with three very different results.

The conversations abounded around the tables and we were kept refreshed by Clive, Lyn and Pam.

We ended the morning’s activities by gathering to share our efforts. The origami doves were admired and Jenny was praised for her good tuition and endless patience, while she praised the group for perseverance!

A lunch followed with soup, lovingly made by Jan K, this month it was cucumber lettuce and tomato, or bean soup! There was bread, cheese, fruit and home-made cakes, too. Around the tables, there was a welcome opportunity to catch up with each other.

We hope you will come and join us next month on Tuesday June 11th 2024 for what has become our annual picnic and our last meeting before the summer break. Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30

---

 

9th April

TODAY’S THEME

The story behind the song
What a friend we have in Jesus
written by Joseph Scriven

Now we have reached April and we await the warmth of Spring Sunshine, however the warmth of Alex’s welcome radiated through our gathering as Alex greeting friends old and new.

The aisle was decorated with information concerning our topic for the day – Joseph Scriven the author of “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

The project to make a large, cross shaped hanging, devised of individually designed and sewn hessian squares is complete, is truly beautiful and was revealed as part of the Easter decoration of the church.

We commenced by singing “What a friend we have in Jesus” and “Jesus Christ my living hope” which were followed by prayers.

Barbara gave a talk based on the life of  Joseph Medlicott Scriven. His life was full of tragedies both in Ireland and Ontario, Canada!

Sue then described most of the activities for the morning, and Judith described the many varieties of art possible just using our own hands as the template.

There were interesting wooden boxes to decorate, both elegant and practical, explained by Alison.

The prayer beads involved pattern of 33 beads, representing the 33years in Jesus’ life, and were arranged in a repeat pattern of 7 plus 1:

1+7+1+7+1+7+1+7+1

David M encouraged a small group of singers to begin to learn a new tune to a traditional hymn, and to learn the words and music of a Spiritual which he composed to words from Barbara’s February poem.

The writing focus was to take the pattern of the beads and using inspiration, such as a list of words, from the Hymn, and weave a piece of writing or a poem. The results are available on our creative writing page.

There were also the usual opportunities for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

Thanks to Pam fore the endless supply of tea and coffee.

We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our efforts; and a performance (indeed, a world premier!) of the Spiritual “Carry me away”

A lunch followed with soup, made by Jan K, this month it was apple lentil and tomato, or carrot and coriander soup. Delicious as always.

There was bread, cheese, fruit and home-made cakes too around the tables. There was a welcome opportunity to catch up with each other.

We hope you will come and join us next month on Tuesday May 14th 2024. Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.30

---

 

12th March

TODAY’S THEME

Taizé music

The display this morning was in sections with a giant poster of the Taizé cross in the centre, surrounded by tea lights and two large pictures of icons.
Alex welcomed everyone, including new faces.

We commenced with a short introduction from Alex about singing Taizé and coaching in Latin! “Laudate Dominum” and “Ubi caritas” which we then sang.

This was followed by prayer.

Jan B then gave a most informative talk about the foundation and history of the community at Taizé and the work of the Brother Roger who founded the community.

Alex then described the variety of activities for the morning:-

Alison led a fascinating activity decorating a plaque of wood with the symbol of Taizé. The results were beautiful as were the explanations from the creators at the sharing session.

There was a craft table involving the use of chalk where icon pictures could be copied or new ones designed. The helpful hint was to spray the picture with hairspray to stop it smudging . . .

. . . and a second table with mindful colouring.

Cherry led and tutored an activity for Easter to make a hanging cross using a template and wound with ribbon. Once participants “got the hang of it” they became expert.

The writing was once again different, as inspiration took each person in a different way. Creating Taizé needs plenty of thought.

To see this month’s creative writing, click here.

There were also the usual opportunities for quiet, contemplative, prayerful knitting.

The conversations buzzed and we were kept refreshed by Pam and Carolyn who served coffee, tea and biscuits.

We ended the mornings activities by gathering to share our mornings efforts and once again how wonderful they were!

A lunch followed with delicious soup, this month it was tomato and basil or parsnip and apple;

and there was bread, cheese, fresh fruit and a yummy selection home-made cakes thank you Jane!

We hope you will all come again next month when we will meet on Tuesday 9th April 2024.

Please note the start time Coffee from 10.00, followed by worship and activities, with lunch around 12.40.

---