Church: Custody rather than visits

I happened across this today and it struck a nerve that had been exposed by a conversation yesterday:

After the niggle came the rationalisation and as I started to think of those I know who gain (or are parted from) their children for short periods of time and the associated pain of loss at the knowledge that the joy will be just a brief moment before the child is gone and putting God into the parent's place.

So where were you this weekend?

ps. I don't think you HAVE to be in church all the time but I do think being at family gatherings is part of being family - this was brought home as our family (biological, extended and eternal) came together for a celebration this weekend. Being at a celebration is what families do.

If church isn't a celebration then make it one - I'm sure the dogcollar will moan at first but . . .

Happy Monday - see you all next Sunday :-)

Sunday Worship - Christmas 1

Here we are on the sixth day of Christmas and we are not only celebrating Christ's birth in Bethlehem (and His resurrection some thirty odd years later) but looking towards His second coming and best of all, singing carols!

Here is one of my favourites (yes, we are singing it today):

Accession of Queen Elizabeth II

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,

bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,

and all who are in authority under her;

that they may order all things

in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace,

to the honour and glory of your name

and the good of your Church and people;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

A moment of sad reflection on the loss of a good and just monarch and for celebration for the reign of an excellent, loyal and prayerful woman.

God Save the Queen! (more than just a song)