If you are new to healing, spiritual development or exploring faith alongside spirituality, there are some wonderful resources available online that can help you learn more in your own time and at your own pace.
Bible Gateway is a well-known online Bible resource where you can read, search and study scripture in a wide range of translations. Whether you are looking for comfort, guidance, inspiration or simply wish to explore the teachings of Christianity more deeply, it provides an easy and accessible way to spend time with the Bible from wherever you are.
We have also included a link to Christian Spiritualism, a website dedicated to exploring the connection between Christianity and spiritualism. (This will include the archives of THE ZODIAC MESSAGES ) The site shares information on spiritual healing, mediumship, churches, events and spiritual philosophy, helping visitors better understand how faith, healing and communication with the spirit world have been approached within Christian Spiritualism for many years.
Living on the edge of woodlands, I am treated, on a regular basis, to rare sights that perhaps a garden with a more suburban backdrop might not enjoy. The birds that visit me don’t come because of a fantastical bird table, or gourmet treats (for mine is a simple table within a dead Camellia tree, and some suet crumbles that seem to suffice,) but simply because of location, location, location! My glasses, alongside my coffee, are needed to be sure of exactly who does turn up at the 7 o’clock hour.
Hawfinches are very rare to see, and although I was unable to get a picture, I do know that it is absolutely possible to spot them near woodlands. He has an unmistakable large beak for his size, a very handy tool for crushing cherry stones and tree seeds. He is the largest finch in the UK, but sadly he is Red-listed, meaning that he is becoming increasingly rare, probably because of the loss of his habitat.
They are very shy birds, preferring to keep high in the canopy of trees, and their numbers increase slightly in winter as their European cousins arrive, giving us a better chance of seeing them.
His symbolism is often linked to that wonderfully powerful beak. In old England, he was known by names such as ‘Cherry Chopper ‘ for his ability to break open those hard cherry stones with ease. That strength of jaw and beak has come to represent inner strength and breakthroughs, a reminder that maybe we do have the ability to crack open what seem to be the impossible problems and reach the truth hidden within.
He’s also something of a mystery, usually unseen amongst the trees, with a simple, sharp call and an almost ghostly presence. I will choose to believe I did see him, face whatever obstacles arrive in my day with a little more strength, and a determined confidence.
Last night in Chawton, we welcomed Lorraine Francois and Catherine Whitbread. Between them, they shared a beautiful, thoughtful address and brought our lovely messages. Thank you so much, Ladies!! A lovely evening. Our own lovely Chris Elliot chaired the evening beautifully. We always thank our family for their readings and prayers, as well as our Music Team, with Julie running the music last night. Thank you for the yummy cake, Carole, and thank you to Sue for hospitality.
We are ever grateful for our diligent healers, ever ready after the service, as well as everyone who not only sets up but also breaks down the evening, and makes it quick, light work.
PRAYER OF THE WEEK.
Please pray for our Natural World. This earth and her inhabitants are going through it. With so many natural disasters occurring, as well as our interference with the ways of nature, we must remember that all of creation is affected, not just us.
We had a lovely, peaceful gathering last Wednesday evening. Healing is always part of the menu afterwards. Thank you, everyone! Thank you to those who consistently offer prayers and beautiful readings.
Please continue to pray for peace in this world
Lorraine Francois is joined by Catherine Whitbread this Sunday. Join us!
The end of Summer has come and gone as we tread though the early part of September. I spied Christmas lights up in the area. Good heavens. Let’s just skip Autumn entirely and get straight to it. No!! People are ever interesting aren’t they! How can we skip the new season as it unfolds?
My sister spotted a Red Kite yesterday, not just circling high on the thermals as they do but swooping down on a residential road, obviously with something specific in mind. No one was the victim this time, but as a bird of prey, although not as strong as the others in these lands, small mammals and birds seem to have a sense when they are around, and of course the tell tale meowing call can give them away, and all usually goes quiet, until the danger passes.
Rural areas give much opportunity for these opportunistic hunters, but they will rely heavily on any available carrion meal. They are very visible in autumn for the season brings changes that they must adapt to and they usually gather in larger numbers and so roost communally in woodlands and forests to share information especially concerning food. The young kites will be on their own and getting out there in survival mode also.
Unlike some of the other birds of prey, he is not only the scavenger, and the acrobat, but the absolute thief, stealing whatever he needs, when he needs it.. where possible. In medieval London these kites were known as laundry thieves, as they regularly stole hanging knickers from clotheslines to help build their nests!! Be warned!
He is the epitome of working with what he’s got, and does not waste his energy. Look up on a clear day during the change of the season. He is easy to spot with his forked tail circling high above in those crisp autumn skies. It’s always worth a moment.
Yesterday was our beautiful Healing Service in Chawton, led by Rob Harvey. There were beautiful prayers and readings to set the tone for the beautiful healing that took place during the service. Thank you to our dedicated healers, and all those who offered the readings and prayers.
Thank you to our Music Team running the music, Our Hospitality girls, and for all the set up and break down. We also had a little extra time to visit with each other whilst sipping our teas and coffees.
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Please pray for Peace in this world. It is so needed with all the violence, the wars and greed that exist
Embrace the day whatever it looks like, or whatever it brings.
Alton Christian Spiritualist Church 