Author: Editor

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.

20th February

TODAY’S THEME

African American Spirituals

The display this morning depicted the night sky, a river and cotton plantations with a heavy chain to symbolise the theme of slavery and in particular African American slaves. There were also photographs of Harriet Tubman who had led many slaves out of their miserable existence.

Alex welcomed everyone, including old friends and new faces, we commenced by singing some familiar spirituals from the African American heritage, “Let my people go” and “Steal Away” which were followed by prayers.

Sue then gave a most knowledgeable talk about the history and meaning of Spirituals. Few of us had been aware of the ‘codes’ and hidden messages in the songs. She illustrated this with some examples in which we enjoyed participating, including a rendition of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot“.

So on to the activities for the morning, highlighting the theme:-

Alison led a sewn collage activity using fabric, felt cut into a meaningful word and stitches.

There was a craft table involving the use of “Brusho”, bleach watercolours and wax crayon. Landscapes were described as sky, trees and a cotton plantation. One of the participants said the results were “unpredictable.”

David bravely tackled the construction activity, which was to construct a small balsawood slave hut!

The writing was once again different, as inspiration from the talk took each person in a different direction.

Creative writing and new spirituals!
It is wonderful how openly people will share their feelings in words.
To see this month’s creative writing, click here.

A table offered charcoal of a still life of African wooden statues; described as “more chat and charcoal.”

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

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

We ended the mornings activities by sharing our mornings efforts and singing one more spiritual ‘I want Jesus to walk with me‘. How amazing were the experiences of the morning. Another session full of thought-provoking activities and information.

A lunch followed with soup, lovingly made by Jan K, this month it was tomato and ginger or pea and mint, there was bread, cheese, fresh  fruit and a delicious selection of home-made cakes. Thank you, Jane and Ruth!

We hope you will come next month to swell our numbers we meet on Tuesday 12th March 2024.

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