Podcasts about vicarage

This week, we're off to the deceptively cozy village of St. Mary Mead, where gossip flows freely and murder is just around the hedgerow. Join us as Miss Marple makes her unforgettable debut in The Murder at the Vicarage—knitting needles in hand and sharper than ever.My guest this week is author Kemper Donovan. Kemper began his writing career while still working as a manager, eventually publishing his debut novel, The Decent Proposal, after a lengthy journey to publication. Around the same time, he co-created the podcast All About Agatha with his friend Catherine Brobeck, celebrating the work of Agatha Christie. Following Catherine's passing in 2021, Kemper has continued the podcast on his own, and his passion for Christie's mysteries led him to create his own Ghostwriter mystery series including books The Busy Body and Loose Lips, now published by Kensington Books. He lives with his husband and their two daughters, and when not writing or podcasting, he enjoys running and making valiant attempts at playing the violin.Our drink this week is Miss Marples Cherrry Blossom from the book Agatha Whiskey by Colleen Mullany in which Kemper wrote the forward!MISS MARPLE'S CHERRY BLOSSOM Serves 2Miss Jane Marple's character is based loosely on Agatha's grandmother and her friends, and has appeared in twelve novels and twenty short stories. She makes her own cherry brandy from her garden, claiming that a bit of brandy helps ease one's nerves. Cheers to that, Jane!1 ounce gin1 ounce cherry brandy1 ounce sake¾ ounce grenadine1 ounce lemon juiceEdible flowers for garnishIn a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake well, strain into coupe glasses, garnish with edible flowers, and serve.Mocktail! Replace the gin with Monday or another nonalcoholic spirit, the cherry brandy with San Pellegrino's Sanbitter Red or another nonalcoholic aperitif, and the sake with Gekkeiken alcohol-free Daiginjo Sake or another nonalcoholic sake. Prepare as above.In this EpisodeAll About Agatha PodcastKemper's WebsiteHercule Poirot SeriesThe Murder at the Vicarage Episode- All About Agatha PodcastDr. Mark Aldridge - Agatha Christie HistorianShedunnit PodcastAnne of Green Gables Episode -Drinks in the Library

Vicarage service recollections, and some TikToks from Bollhagen   Third Sunday of Easter, John 10:11–16

Dan catches up with Pete and Justin from @DNSYE_podcast, returning the favour to give the chance to look at the upcoming game at Vicarage road through some Yellow tinted specsWas Xisco Munoz actually any good?What Can we expect this weekend?Shall we just sack it off and go Popworld?Find out here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to this weeks Dark Realm.This week, our listener Gabriella suggested we take a peek inside what's known as Sweden's most haunted house, and it didn't disappoint. I hope you enjoy our little venture in to the history, spectres and mystery of this small rural vicarage.Stay safe,Kevin.Joining our Patreon team not only gives you early Ad-Free access to all of our episodes, it can also give you access to the Patreon only podcast, Dark Bites. Dark Bites releases each and every week, even on the down time between seasons. There are almost 100 hours of unheard true paranormal experiences for you to binge. Simply head over to:www.patreon.com/thedarkparanormalAlso check out our website:www.thedarkparanormal.comYou can also follow us on the below Social Media links:www.twitter.com/darkparanormalxwww.facebook.com/thedarkparanormalwww.youtube.com/thedarkparanormalwww.instagram.com/thedarkparanormalOur Sponsors:* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code DARKPARANORMAL for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What weather we've had! As you can imagine there's plenty to talk about at East Ruston Old Vicarage, including an exciting new planting project for Alan Gray...PLANT LISTMagnolia 'Vulcan'Magnolia sieboldiiDelospermaCyrtanthus elatus syn. Vallota speciosaWatsoniaSparaxis tricolorHippeastrumTigridia pavoniaPodranea ricasolianaAbutilon 'Fool's Gold'Clianthus puniceusHelichrysum petiolareFremontodendron californicumTithonia rotundifoliaColeus scutellarioides 'Burgundy Wedding Train'Coleus scutellarioides 'Pink Chaos'Mirabilis jalapaAnagallis monellii 'Skylover'Quercus suberLobelia 'Kathleen Mallard'Primula allionii ‘Broadwell Oliver'Chionodoxa luciliae syn. Scilla luciliaeEuphorbia characias subsp. wulfeniiIxiaMoraea huttonii

Why is the vicarage year such an important part of pastoral formation in the LCMS? The Rev. David Nehrenz, President of the LCMS Oklahoma District, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to share his journey into the Holy Ministry. He discusses his current vocation as District President, reflects on how his own vicarage was a formative experience, and talks about the vicars he has supervised over the years. Rev. Nehrenz also explains what a typical vicarage year looks like for seminarians, the importance of the relationships that form between vicars and their congregations, and the ways he has seen vicars grow during this year of experience. Learn more about the LCMS Oklahoma District at oklahomalutherans.org. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

After an impromptu lurgy-induced break, Talking Dirty returns to explore the wonders at East Ruston Old Vicarage this March. Alan Gray - owner of the 32-acre garden on the Norfolk coast - shares new purchases and old 'friends' which are heightening the joys of spring. Meanwhile Thordis has some very seasonal FLOMO*!*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing OutPLANT LISTAbeliophyllum distichum Roseum GroupHedera helix f. poetarumIlex 'East Ruston Gold'Magnolia 'Caerhays Belle'Pyrus communis 'Robin'Cichorium intybusEchium vulgareBorago officinalisOak leaf PolyanthusErysimum 'Winter Passion'Erysimum 'Winter Orchid'Narcissus cyclamineusNarcissus 'Rataplan'Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation' Narcissus 'Firebrand'Iris 'Benton Dierdre' Iris 'Benton Olive' Narcissus 'Bath's Flame' Daphne bholua 'Mary Rose'

But she finds new Uses For Old Organ Pipes.A series in 17 parts, by Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. The third Sunday of Lent had arrived. Reverend Morris was counting down the days until Easter in the same way a prisoner counts down the days until their release. He was dreading today's morning Eucharist after the embarrassment of last week."I still can't believe I was stupid enough to mix up that erotic story with my sermon!" He exclaimed. "Why did I print it out?""Ah relax Simon. It was a fantastic first attempt, and that vicar from Manchester seemed to enjoy it!" Jenna replied, making herself a coffee."Yes I know but, well I suppose you're right. Nobody made a complaint. I'm just glad the youth & children were already dismissed to their classes. I'd have had a load of outraged parents begging for me to be defrocked!""No damage done," Jenna smiled. "And you truly do have hidden talents. I had no idea you were so good at writing erotica. You should try it again sometime!"This Sunday's service passed without incident, and most of the congregation were no doubt disappointed that the vicar's sermon had returned to its familiar, boring self. Afterwards, Gordon peered over the top of the organ and smiled as he noticed Jenna."Morning!" He said."Hello Gordon!" Jenna replied. "How are you getting on with, you know?" She winked."Ah that," he laughed. "You weren't kidding when you said use lots of lube, were you? It's fun, but," Gordon lowered his voice. "It doesn't match up to you. I miss our organ lessons.""Me too. We're halfway through Lent. Stay strong. You'll get through it!""I'll try my best! Oh, are these of any interest to you or Simon?" He handed her two tin organ pipes, one smaller than the other. "I know you're into arts and crafts. Thought you might have some use for these. Some of the old pipes have been replaced.""These are nice!" Jenna said, holding up the pipes. "Great condition.""They make great wall ornaments. I see loads of them for sale on eBay. Some go for really high prices.""I'll see if I can get creative. It'll be a fun spring project for me. Thanks Gordon! Oh before I forget, you couldn't do a favor for a member of the church, could you?""Certainly!""Gladys asked if you could call round and fix a new door handle on her kitchen door. I know you're really good at D I Y; you fitted new wall sockets in the church hall."The organist's face fell. "Um, oh right. Yes. I'm sure I can.""Great! She'll be thrilled. Right, I'd better get going. Simon's taking Christopher out for some father-son time, so I'll be home alone. I'll see if I can get creative with these old organ pipes!"Gordon gulped. The thought of calling round to see Mrs. Wilcox terrified him."My God, the old girl will pounce on me like a lioness ambushing a gazelle!" He noticed the churchwarden heading up the aisle. "Norman! Could you do me a favor?"Jenna arrived back at the vicarage, wondering how to spend the rest of the afternoon. She looked carefully at the two organ pipes, running a finger down the smooth, dull metal."Hmm, this larger one, it could be just the right size!"Up in the bedroom, Jenna lifted her skirt and pulled her panties down to the floor and stepped out of them. Feeling horny, she imagined Gordon walking in and catching her with her legs spread with an organ pipe buried deep in her cunt. The larger pipe measured about 11" long from pointed tip to end of the tapering foot. She remembered what Gordon had told her about organ pipes.Flue pipes are also known as labial pipes. The foot is the bottom portion of the pipe, usually conical. At its base is the toe hole, through which wind enters it."Ooh yeah." Jenna reached between her legs and discovered that she was already dripping wet. She fingered her cunt and clit. Damn, she needed to be filled. She took her time greasing up the organ pipe until it was dripping lubricant."Ah!" Jenna began sliding the pipe into her well-lubed cunt, one leisurely inch at a time. When she'd taken about six inches inside, she began slowly pushing it in and out, coating the pipe with her juices.Her fingers rubbed her clit softly and covered it in her essence. The pressure and speed of her fingers built. She imagined Gordon's thick fingers deep inside her, whilst she lay naked on the organ stool in the church,Jenna wanted more, wanted it harder. She increased her speed and moved the organ pipe in and out faster. Suddenly, her whole body tensed, the sweet feelings of ecstasy were almost torture. She need to come but wanted the pleasure to last longer. She was almost there, almost tipping over the edge of orgasm. She pushed the pipe still deeper into her womanhood, then reached for the smaller one,Norman's SubmissionNorman Winstanley turned into Rosebay Gardens, the quaint little cul-de-sac where Mrs. Wilcox lived."Nice place for old folk," he mused, parking up in front of the small bungalow. He picked up the small tool bag, headed up the drive and knocked on the door.Glancing round, he was amused by the pair of garden gnomes on the front lawn. They were dressed in bondage gear.The front door opened and Mrs. Wilcox appeared. "Oh, hello Norman! What are you doing here?""Here to fix your kitchen door, my dear!" Norman replied. "Gordon sends his apologies but something came up.""Dearie me," the old lady replied, not fooled for a moment. "Oh well, you'll do nicely! Right this way!" She ushered him inside and gave his arse cheeks a squeeze.Norman raised an eyebrow, but ignored her actions. After all, the old bird was eighty-six."God, this feels so amazing!" Jenna gasped as she thrust the small organ pipe up her arsehole. She moaned loudly, her cunt pulsing hard around the larger organ pipe. Her whole body shook with the force of her orgasm."Fuck, yes!" The vicar's wife screamed out as she found a new use for the old organ pipes."Don't forget to polish the sideboard, dearie!" Mrs. Wilcox smiled as Norman entered the living room and brought her a glass of sherry. He was naked apart from a frilly apron."Right you are, Gladys," the churchwarden replied. This was more of a thrill than he ever imagined.And here I was worrying how I'd survive six weeks without sex from the vicar's wife! He thought."Norman!" Mrs. Wilcox snapped. "I asked for a schooner! This glass isn't a schooner! I'm afraid I'll have to discipline you. Turn around at once!"Norman did as she asked and she struck his bare buttocks with a riding crop."Ouch!""You're a very naughty boy!" Mrs. Wilcox said. "What are you?""I'm a very naughty boy!" Norman replied.Jenna Breaks Her Lent Vow, In Order To Aid The Bishop.Bishop George lay in a hospital bed between sleep and vague drowsiness. He was hot, frustrated and uncomfortable. Waiting. Waiting for the nurses to bring him food. Waiting for them to change him. He loathed being dependent on others like this. He'd always gone his own way, not caring whom he offended. Then again he was lucky to be alive, and boredom and frustration were the least of his worries. His leg had been reset, but he was very much troubled by the thought of infection developing.Bishop George closed his eyes and wondered if he'd be well enough to attend the Easter service at St Michael's Church. He'd been looking forward to it for ages, and it was only two weeks away. Reverend Morris had just departed, having spent an hour with him. The visit had lifted the bishop's spirits and he was thankful for the vicar's kind words."That bloody cyclist! He shouldn't have been on the pavement in the first place!"He'd been walking down the street and had been sent flying when a careless cyclist had crashed right into him. His right leg had been broken in three places. It had been a terrible ordeal, but he didn't expect to remain in hospital for long. You were soon booted out these days.Bishop George sighed. He wasn't looking forward to his sister Anne, coming to care for him whilst he recovered. Anne was notoriously bossy.Meanwhile, back at St Michael's Vicarage, Jenna sipped a coffee and idly ran her finger down the cup."Poor George," she said, as Reverend Morris returned from visiting him in the hospital. "You know something, why don't we let him stay with us while he recovers? We have two spare bedrooms, one for when Christopher stays over, but the smaller room would be ideal for George. It's got a foldaway bed."Reverend Morris thought for a moment. "You're absolutely right, Jen. You're a true Christian. The Bishop has been very good to me since I took over at St Michael's. We could provide all the care he needs. Whilst his sister might mean well, she's a rather, fierce individual!""I only met her once. She scared me!" Jenna admitted.The vicar nodded. "Besides, having him staying with us will help keep my mind off, er, you know. I've been struggling recently with what we've given up for Lent."Jenna smiled. "I know Simon. You've done really well. Not much longer now. When Easter comes, He will rise, I'm not just talking about Jesus, by the way,"Reverend Morris bit his lip. "He might be rising already, Oh! I can't wait to have sex again, must restrain myself. Right, I'll go call George, and prepare the spare bedroom for him."The bishop was more than delighted when Reverend Morris arrived to collect him from the hospital, the next day."You're quite sure about this, Simon?" He said as the vicar pushed his wheelchair down the aisle. "I don't want to be a burden to you and Jenna. Busy weeks ahead for you, what with Holy Week and so on. And your son, doesn't he stay over on Fridays?""Think nothing of it, George. We have two spare bedrooms at the vicarage. There's room for everyone. Jenna and I are glad to have you staying with us. It'll be peace of mind knowing that you'll be safe and well-looked after."Bishop George smirked to himself. He was definitely looking forward to perhaps getting some special therapy off Jenna. He remembered the little birthday ceremony he'd taken part in just before Christmas,"Must say, I'm glad to be out of that hospital," he muttered, as he was helped into the car. "The bloke in the bed next to me, he lay there for two hours before someone realized he was dead. Poor sod. I said a few prayers for him.""That's awful," Reverend Morris replied. “But on the bright side, the soul enjoyed a very prompt wake, with no less than the bishop presiding!”George finally chuckled at the realization of his good service.Changing the subject, Simon added; "Well hopefully, you'll find the vicarage a lot more relaxing, and our meals a lot more edible. We both enjoy cooking."He drove out of the hospital car park and headed for the motorway. "The nursing staff said you were a difficult patient." Simon probed."I see. Quite the compliment." Bishop George said. "I'm sure they were exaggerating. Any news from church?" Is Jenna still learning to play the organ?"The traffic noise was loud, as rush hour was approaching."Oh yes! She's made remarkable progress there. Gordon is a fantastic teacher. She's of a good enough standard to stand in for him, on the rare occasions he isn't able to do the Sunday service.""I'm sure," he replied.She is very talented indeed at playing a man's organ too! George thought to himself."Our churchwarden Norman Winstanley has started spending a lot of time helping one of the older members of church around the house. Gladys Wilcox, she's in her eighties, widowed and lives alone. Her grandson helps where he can, but he works full-time so can't be there on weekdays. I can tell Gladys really enjoys having Norman call round. She's a sweet old lass, been at the church before I was even born. Her husband used to play the organ before Gordon took over.""That's nice. Not many want to take the time to help the elderly these days."‘Samaritan' ServicesBishop George soon settled in at the vicarage. The bed was far more comfortable than the one in the hospital."I think I'll be just fine here," he grinned."We're glad to have you here with us, George," Jenna said, as she brought him a cup of tea. Anything you need, don't hesitate to ask.""I wouldn't mind the touch of your healing hands," he whispered in Jenna's ear as she prepared to leave."Oh, no can do, Bishop," Jenna replied. "I've given up sex for Lent! Poor Simon, he's been sleeping in the other spare bedroom ever since Ash Wednesday. It's been a struggle for both of us, but we've stuck to it."Bishop George looked as if his recovery had taken a turn for the worse!On Monday night, Reverend Morris was called to administer last rites to someone at the local hospice, leaving Jenna alone in the house to care for the bishop. As she sat reading something on her phone, she heard him moaning in pain. George was still on opioids, but weaning off. Jenna had just given him his 2nd pill after dinner. He was agonizing for the pill's relief to kick in."Poor George. His leg keeps aching. He must be so miserable. I suppose I could cheer him up a little, but I made a promise." She thought for a moment. "But it's justified if it speeds up his recovery."Bishop George was half-asleep, when he heard Jenna entering his room. She sat down on the chair beside his bed.His eyes shot open as he felt the bedsheet over his groin being lightly pulled down. His heart beat faster. "What, are you doing?""Aiding your recovery."Excitement only increased further as the full reality of the situation dawned on him. Soon, he felt warm fingertips moving up his thigh. Bishop George's heart was pounding."I thought you'd given it up for Lent?""I have, but just this once, I'll make an exception for you. Promise you won't tell my husband? I've put him through so much suffering, denying him the pleasure.""Oh my lips are sealed," Bishop George replied. "Besides, he's as fit as a fiddle. He'll have to suck it up and cope. I've had a terrible trauma. Any help you can provide, you know I'll be beyond grateful, my dear Jenna."He was already semi-erect.Jenna's hand went further, seeking holy treasure. She gently unfastened the restraining snaps of his pajama bottoms and exposed his heated erection.Bishop George put his hands together. "For what I am about to receive, O Lord, make me truly thankful."Jenna gently teased and examined his shaft and foreskin, bending down close to breathe in the heavy, sweaty musk of his balls. Then she took his shaft between thumb and forefinger and begin to pleasure the older man with slow, deliberate, sensuous movements.Unable to remain composed any longer, the bishop murmured. "Oh my God,"Jenna continued to stroke him, experimenting with the rhythm and pressure. After a short while, he felt her lips start to trace up and down his cock, ever so lightly. Starting with his balls, and then moving upwards, she started to apply a series of delicate licks and kisses. Sweet Lord! What joy! It was so slow, so tender and intimate, and he knew at once that this was exactly the kind of healthcare he needed.Bishop George was desperate to release, and Jenna placed her hand reassuringly in his. One long caress of his cock almost made him come. A little precum leaked out, and Jenna gathered it up with her tongue.At last, she took the tip of his cock into her mouth, slowly and carefully. Her warm wet mouth felt incredible, and the bishop couldn't help but cry out in joy. Jenna descended right down to the base of his shaft, completely deep-throating him. Some final, wanton tongue action brought him over the edge, and he could take no more.Bishop George's whole body trembled, as he climaxed and spent."Oh my, Jenna!" He cried as he erupted in a powerful ejaculation. Pulse after pulse of his issue hit the back of her throat. She swallowed it all. The glorious, joyful spurting continued. The vicar's wife continued her masterful manipulations.He fell back on the sweat-drenched pillow, his face gripped by sheer joyful release. Jenna let him recover for a moment and catch his breath. After a short while, he raised his hand and placed it gently against her cheek. Gathering his strength, he heaved himself up and brought her lips to his in a lingering kiss. She responded by slipping her arms around him."Are you feeling better now?" She whispered."Much better! I'll sleep like a log tonight, and I just know I'll be up and walking around in no time!""I'm so relieved that it's only your leg that was injured, George. Thankfully, what matters is still in fine working order."Suddenly, the sound of the front door opening, brought them to their senses."Better get some sleep, George." Jenna whispered, giving him a final kiss. “Oh, George, is it true? Gordon says that the same Greek word that Tyndale translated as ‘communion', is also translated as ‘intercourse'?George was shocked, and marveled. “I think the word is ‘koininia'. And yes, only the context provides the distinction.” They are both conduits for ministering life, aren't they?Jenna beamed. “I've always viewed my sexuality as part of God's providence, and I feel I have a responsibility to not be selfish. Sleep well, my good man."I will, and thanks again for your special worship. And don't worry about breaking your Lentil promise, it was only a little bending of your own pledge, God won't mind. You were aiding my recovery after all," He relaxed and fell into a blissful, drug-aided sleep.Jenna could still taste the bishop's cum on her lips as she headed down the stairs."Ah, Jen! Is everything alright?" Reverend Morris said, hanging his coat up. "I hope George didn't give you too much trouble?""Oh no trouble at all. The old boy is sleeping like a baby."Jenna's Threesome In The Church HallA close encounter with an old, bitter enemy, and a blessed miracle! And Gordon the organist is a big softie deep down,This joyful Eastertideaway with sin and sorrow!My love, the Crucified,has sprung to life this morrow.Had Christ, who once was slain,not burst his three-day prison,our faith had been in vain:but now hath Christ arisen,arisen, arisen;but now has Christ arisen!"On this, the most holiest of days, we celebrate the risen Lord!" Reverend Morris began, as the Easter Sunday service at St Michael's began. As expected, the church was packed, much to the vicar's delight. In the four years he'd been in charge of this humble little parish, Reverend Morris never expected to see such an increase in the congregation. It warmed his heart.Though, he secretly admitted, the fully-stocked pews weren't the only thing making him smile. With the arrival of Easter Sunday, Lent was finally over. His wife's ban on sex had expired. He could hardly wait until this evening, when he and Jenna would finally get some time to themselves.Over at the organ, Gordon was also hoping he'd soon be able to resume giving Jenna "organ lessons.""Look at her, sitting at the front in that floral print dress. She looks every inch the respectable vicar's wife, but the way it clings to her curves, a subtle hint at the delicious raw sexuality underneath," the organist sighed, feeling a stirring in his groin, when he should've been concentrating on the service."Oh God, she's beautiful and I am so bloody horny," Gordon muttered, slipping a hand under his black robe and rubbing himself."Please stand for our hymn, Thine Be the Glory." The vicar announced, and the congregation dutifully did. There were a few awkward coughs and shuffling of feet as the organ remained silent."Our hymn, Thine Be the Glory!" The vicar repeated."Oh!" Gordon spluttered, and slammed his fingers down on the manuals so hard, the entire church seemed to vibrate."Goodness me, he's pounding those pipes," one of the elderly ladies of the congregation muttered. "For the first time in years, I don't need to turn up my hearing aids."After the hymn, the curate took over the reading of the notices. Reverend Morris slipped over to the organ."Bit of a ten on the tension scale there, Gordon!" He whispered. "Having problems with your instrument?" It wasn't the first time the organist had appeared a little distracted during a service."Sorry about that, Vicar, this upper manual does require a bit more pressure these days!"Reverend Morris chuckled. The organist was just as guilty as he was for thinking irreverent thoughts during the service."We may rejoice now that the Lent period has ended.""Aye, I fully intend to," Gordon replied, rearranging his music sheets."You never said what it was that you gave up.""Umm, think it was whiskey. What did you give up for Lent, Vicar?""Err, chocolate." He glanced at Jenna, sat in the front aisle. "I'm going to pig out and eat out a, err, eat a lot of it later."Gordon nodded, as the reverend returned to the pulpit. "He's even worse at lying than I am."The service ended and everyone headed over to the church hall for tea and coffee. Instead of the usual plain biscuits and cake, Reverend Morris had asked everyone to do a "Jacob's Join" and bring some Easter eggs along. There was enough chocolate to fill a room, much to the delight of the younger members of the congregation, who wasted no time in helping themselves."Do help yourselves to some delicious hot cross buns," Jenna smiled, walking around the hall with a tray, and the buns went down a storm with the older folk.After a longer than normal gathering, it was time to clear away the chairs and tables."Where's Norman Winstanley gone? He's usually here to move these tables." Reverend Morris wondered."Oh I have some chores lined up for him so he had to hurry back to my place, Vicar," Mrs. Wilcox said, as she began sweeping the hall.Gordon raised an eyebrow. "Is he your personal slave Gladys? He never seems to be away.""Well you seemed reluctant to fill that particular vacancy dearie, so I had to look elsewhere. I must say, dear Norman has proved a most willing and able subject,"The way she emphasized the words ‘willing and able', it intrigued Gordon. He cast his mind back a few weeks to the embarrassing incident with the fleshlight.The old girl wasn't shy when it came to sucking my cock, but surely she's not doing that on a regular basis to Norman, is she? Norman's never said a word, but he seems to enjoy calling round. Or is it all perfectly innocent and he's just helping her with the housework?"Hello, earth to Gordon," Reverend Morris said. "Could you give Jenna and myself a hand and help us move these folded chairs into the storeroom?""Right you are, Vicar. Sorry, I was miles away.""Daydreaming?" Jenna winked at him."Perhaps."The three of them headed to the far end of the hall and down a corridor, where the storeroom was. Jenna smiled as they went in. Haven't been in here since last October, when I seduced Josh the curate and took his virginity. The room was still as untidy as ever."One of these days, we really must make time to sort this room out," Reverend Morris said. "It's a disgrace and I'm ashamed I've let it get such a mess.Gordon placed the chairs in the corner. "Get Oakwood Road Methodist Church to clear out all their junk first. They've been sharing with us for years. Isn't it about time they got their own storage place?""Hmm, yes. I'll have to have a word with Reverend Ewing."Jenna rearranged some of the box files. "While we're here, we could straighten a few things, argh, there's a massive spider on the wall!""It'll be more scared of you than you are of it," Reverend Morris said."Simon, that doesn't make me feel any better! You know I hate spiders!""Where is the offending arachnid? I'll squash it with my shoe.""You'll do no such thing, Gordon," the vicar interrupted. "It's one of God's creatures and it's Easter Sunday. Let it live. See look, it's scuttled into the air vent up there. It's gone. Nothing to worry about, Jen.Amidst the uproar over the spider, none of them noticed or heard the storeroom door being pulled shut and locked."Now the fun begins," a voice sniggered, opening an app on an iPhone."Right, well I've had enough re-arranging for today," Gordon said. "It's time for another cuppa and a rest." He tried the door. "Hey, what? This door is locked!""What?" Reverend Morris rushed over. "I don't believe it, how is it locked? It can't be locked without a key.""Some silly bugger's gone and locked the door without realizing we're in here!" Gordon groaned. "I bet its old Jack Bradley, thinks of himself as caretaker for the church hall. Daft sod is always locking up and forgetting to turn the lights off. I really think Norman should be given the job of locking up in future.""Wait, so we're trapped in here?" Jenna said."For the moment, yes. Oh don't worry, it's not like a bank vault or anything. We won't run out of air. I'll just phone Josh the curate. I know he keeps a spare set of keys." Reverend Morris reached in his pocket. "My smartphone, where is it? Oh damn, I left it in the car. I always do that when it's the Sunday Eucharist. I have a phone-free morning. It's my little rule.""Really helpful, Rev," the organist groaned. "Don't you have a hotline to God 24 7? Maybe a prayer or two will unlock the door. Luckily, I have my smartphone on me. He pulled it out of his pocket and swiped the screen."Oh.""Problem?""Um, looks like the battery's dead. I swear there was 5% charge still on it but guess I was wrong.""Boys, worry not. I have my phone, and it's always fully charged," Jenna said, lifting her smartphone from her handbag. "Ta-dah. Fully charged." She called the curate. After a long period of ringing, it went to voicemail."This must be the first time ever that Josh's phone has gone to voicemail," Reverend Morris said. "The lad needs that phone of his surgically removing."Okay well for whatever reason, he's not picking up. He could be driving. I've left a message. We'll just have to wait. But what's the rush to leave?" Jenna grinned. "If you ask me, we should make the most of our time here."The vicar and organist looked at each other. "What do you mean, Jen?"That familiar naughtiness appeared on her face. "Well you both know I gave up sex for Lent, right?"They cleared their throats. "Yes.""Lent's over. Let's have some fun.""Jenna, what are you suggesting?" Reverend Morris spluttered."I think your lovely wife is suggesting a threesome, Vicar." Gordon replied, fully up for it."How about it? It's nice to share, yes? Like we all did when it was my birthday?"Reverend Morris was his usual reserved self at first, but there was no denying, like Gordon, he was as horny as a rutting stag."Well, um, there are no security cameras in here, are there?""As if," Gordon laughed. "There's nothing worth nicking in here, apart from old furniture and dusty hymn books. No cams, but there is rising damp on that lower left wall."Jenna began unbuttoning her dress. "Naturally, my dear husband gets to go first. After all he is my holy man. You don't mind, you do Gordon?" Jenna then laid on her back, across a long narrow banquet table."Oh, not at all," the organist said, rubbing his crotch. "Don't keep me waiting too long though, eh? The Wurlitzer is already rising,"The sinister scandalIn the passenger seat of a parked car, the unknown person with the iPhone stared at the screen and observed the antics in the storeroom, thanks to the hidden cam that had been installed."Well I never. I knew there was something going on with the organist and the vicar's wife! Looks like the vicar himself is prepared to overlook some of the Ten Commandments. Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery? Thou Shalt Not Covet?""Hopefully it'll be the downfall of that little tart once and for all," the driver of the car replied. "I've never forgiven her for bringing her filth and depravity to this church a year ago. Marries the vicar, whilst carrying on with the organist on the side. She managed to break up my marriage, and I can't wait to send this footage to the tabloids.""Oh Patricia, you're not going to go that far are you, dearie?" Jenna's a lovely girl really. I thought we were just going to have a bit of fun. That's why I asked my grandson to install the camera and set up this app thing so we could watch. I wanted to make the organist sweat a little."Mrs. Norris narrowed her eyes. "I haven't set foot in that church since the vicar married her. This sordid carry-on can't be allowed to continue!""Oh look, things are getting a wee bit steamy in there!" Mrs. Wilcox replied, gawping at the smartphone. "Good heavens, my glasses are steaming up! Look where Gordon's putting his tongue. He's such a skilled organist,""Disgusting behavior," Mrs. Norris fumed. Yet she continued to watch intently.Gordon opened his mouth again, and ran it from Jenna's belly to her chin. She began moaning. On the next lick the organist started even lower, right on her clit. Jenna moaned loudly as his tongue slowly climbed up her, stopping briefly at her chest. He went back to between her thighs again, and then he began fingering her cunt. Jenna began to moan loudly as she climaxed.When she glanced up at him, she noticed he was fully aroused. She rolled over, onto her belly while he dropped his trousers and underpants, and presented his large, engorged member to her."Did you miss my organ pipe?""God yes!"The organist's entire body shuddered under Jenna's touch. With that, she propped herself up on her elbows on one edge of the table. He ass hung over the opposite edge. She grasped his cock with both hands and began rubbing hard, enjoying the reaction she was getting from him. She decided to take it a step further, and started to lick his cock, all the while continuing jerking him off. She licked up and down the thick shaft and finally stopped at the head. Precum oozed from the tip. With one fluid motion, she deep throated the head of his penis as far as she could. Gordon cried out in joy."Fuck yes, I've missed this so much!"At the same time, Reverend Morris unzipped his trousers and approached behind his wife."Whilst you are playing the organist's organ, I shall now enter your Holy Temple, which has been closed off to me since the start of Lent."He pressed his member against her cunt. Jenna gasped as her husband applied pressure, and slid his cock into her."I've missed your Holy Rod, my love."He slowly thrust in and out of her, which drove her wild. She reached one hand down to rub her clit, which stimulated the already overwhelming pleasure. simon sped up his thrusting, his cock ramming against her cervix. She moaned. A few minutes later Jenna bucked harder and faster as she felt her orgasm build up. Reverend Morris did the same as his cock twitched in her."Ah, oh God, yes!" The vicar's wife threw her head back and screamed as she came. Her cunt walls contracted tightly around her husband's cock as her love juices leaked out of her. His own orgasm hit shortly after, and he shot a huge load of warm seed deep into her."Bloody hell," Gordon gasped. That had to be the most intense orgasm he'd ever seen Jenna have. He felt a brief moment of doubt, fearing he wouldn't be able to match the pleasure her husband had given her. Something tugged at his heart, a nagging ache. He shrugged it off, but it remained. He didn't want to think about the fact he was starting to fall deeply in love with this red-haired beauty who'd seduced him so skillfully last September, with a blowjob whilst he sat on the organ stool.This was always meant to be just a bit of no-strings naughty fun, he thought to himself. But it's gone way beyond that. I never imagined she'd have this effect on me,Reverend Morris gently pulled out of her and Jenna rolled over & sat up, cum oozing from her throbbing womanhood."Don't keep Gordon waiting, Jen," he whispered to her. "He needs more than a quick blow of the organ pipe."She nodded, kissing him. "I won't. I intend to make this just as special for him as it was for you."Gordon brightened up. "What, you mean I'm getting the full Monty?""I really enjoy that organ pipe of yours inside me, Gordon," she winked.He was more than happy with sloppy seconds.Sitting him down in one of the metal folding chairs, Jenna straddled him, and in one motion, plunged herself down on his hard cock. His hands found her breasts, and she squirmed on his lap deliciously. Gordon began to thrust himself into her, slowly at first, increasing speed gradually, until they were fucking for all they were worth.All the pent-up desire that Jenna had been holding inside throughout Lent, all the desire for this older man, was unleashed. Much as she loved her husband, she'd also had a thing for Gordon, way more than all the other men of the church she'd bedded. He was special. Those daddy vibes. They'd never gone away.When he paused for breath, she pulled him up & onto his back on a table and mounted him again. Ever so slowly, she undulated on his cock, and, eyes closed, fingered her clit while he moaned beneath her at the sight. When she started to shake and groan, the sight became too much for the organist and he knew he was joining her, whether he wanted to or not.With a yell, Gordon grabbed her hips and shot spurt after spurt of thick cum into the goddess above him."Wow, now that's the kind of worship that truly comes from the heart!" Reverend Morris said, amazed at the organist's stamina. "That's what I like to see; Jenna fully satisfied!""Oh Gordon," Jenna sighed, when they'd finally recovered. She kissed him softly on the lips. "That was wonderful." She noticed he had tears in his eyes. "Hey, are you alright?""Never better Jen," he mumbled. "Bit dusty in this room, eh? Think it's irritating my eyes a bit.""We're the two luckiest men in the world aren't we?" Reverend Morris said, sensing Gordon's awkwardness. "To be both loved by this amazing woman. God has truly smiled on us. It's all part of His plan.""And I love you both," Jenna said, slipping her arms round the two of them.Gordon felt himself filling up, but he held it together.Gladys watches"Utterly vile," Mrs. Norris cringed, still watching on the iPhone with Mrs. Wilcox. "All three of them should be cast out of the church and prosecuted.""Prosecuted?" The old lady replied. "Dearie, I think what we've just witnessed is a very modern love story. Gordon is in love with Jenna. Jenna loves him. The vicar knows that she loves them both.""How the hell can you say that? He's a dirty old man if you ask me.""When you're as old as I am, you just know these things. Human nature's a fascinating thing. And you're never too old to have fun either. I'm so glad that Norman Winstanley called round to fix my kitchen door!""So you're not going to give me the footage?" Mrs. Norris snapped."No dearie, I'm not. I'm deleting this video right now.""No don't!"But it was too late. The recording on the phone was deleted, along with the app. "I've remotely shut down the camera in the storeroom too," the old lady smiled. "I'll get my grandson Dwaine to remove and destroy it.""You treacherous old bag. You tricked me!" Mrs. Norris yelled, eyes bulging behind her horn-rimmed glasses. There was a knock on the car window and she almost jumped out of her skin. The hulking figure of Dwaine appeared."Everything alright, Gran?""Oh fine, dear," she said, getting out of the car. "I'm ready to go home now. It's been a rather eventful church service! But first, I need to pop into the church hall. I think I've forgotten to switch off a light, "Her plans to destroy Jenna thwarted, Mrs. Norris accepted defeat and drove off, away from St. Michael's church forever.Jenna, Reverend Morris and Gordon had just finished getting dressed when the door of the storeroom was unlocked."Oh Vicar! I'm so sorry! How careless of me! I'd finished sweeping up and thought you'd all gone home. Jack left me in charge of locking up. Blame it on a senior moment. I had no idea you three were in the storeroom!" The four of them walking into the hallway."No worries, Gladys, there's no harm done. We were only in there half an hour."As they all headed out of the hall, Josh the curate came rushing inside, out of breath."Jenna! I just got your message! I'd just driven Bishop George home when I read it. Oh I'm glad you all got out of there!""Not the end to the Easter service I was expecting, but it's something we can laugh about in years to come!" Reverend Morris said and he turned to Jenna and Gordon and grinned. "Come, let's all go back to the Vicarage and have a drink. Mrs. Wilcox. Your grandson is most welcome to join us too."The vicar, his wife and the organist remained blissfully unaware of how close they'd come to having their passionate threesome revealed to the entire world. Once again, peace and happiness remained at St. Michael's Church, and it seemed Jenna's amazing way with bringing joy to the lives of church men was stronger than ever,One month later"We now we look forward to Ascension tide," Reverend Morris said, a few Sundays after Easter. “The Feast of Pentecost follows.”Jenna returned from the church toilets. She'd been feeling off-color for the past couple of days and now knew why."Simon, I must speak with you and Gordon," she said, as the church began emptying."What's wrong Jen? You don't look too good."Gordon was tidying up his music books and switching off the organ, when the vicar appeared."Jenna has something to tell us," Reverend Morris said. "She says it's very happy, but life-changing news."The organist put down his books immediately. This sounded serious, and he felt his stomach jump. "What's up?""Well you two, how do I break this to you gently? It seems there's been some sort of miracle. My contraceptive pill has failed. I'm pregnant. And, well”Both men's jaws dropped.Gordon spluttered, terrified. He feared his future was in for trouble. He feared his two best friends over this. He feared the gossip. He loved his church and didn't want anything to change. He was barely able to process this information.Simon embraced his wife and beamed. “The child is mine. I take great joy in the arrival of a life. My opportunity to raise a child in a wonderful home, with the wife God has blessed me with. Perhaps God will give us more, in years to come!”Jenna beamed. She turned to Simon and asked; “Simon, have you ever been a godfather?”To be continued.By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

It's been quite a brutal start to the year, but that hasn't stopped East Ruston Old Vicarage from turning out some showstoppers this winter! From bulbs in the garden to shrubs under glass, Alan Gray shares some of the plants bringing him joy in the garden. Plus updates from behind the scenes. And, of course, some FLOMO*!*FLOMO = FLoral/plant-based fear Of Missing OutPLANT LISTFuchsia 'Lottie Hobby'Narcissus cyclamineus 'Englander'Crocus sieberi 'Ronald Ginns'Solanum laxum 'Crèche du Pape'Griselinia littoralisLathyrus grandiflorusDianthus 'Mrs Sinkins'Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum' Pittosporum tobira 'West Acre Gold'Reinwardtia indicaScilla bithynicaPrimula meadia

Alan Gray and Thordis are feeling festive and they're celebrating with some seasonal Show and Tell from Alan's 32 acre garden on the Norfolk coast, from the plants you'd expect to be dazzling in December, to some unseasonal surprises.PLANT LISTGalanthus 'Santa Claus'Galanthus plicatus 'Three Ships'Galanthus elwesii 'Peter Gatehouse'Narcissus 'Cedric Morris'Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête'Jasminum nudiflorumArum italicum subsp. neglectum 'Miss Janay Hall'Iris unguicularisLonicera fragrantissimaDaphne bholua 'Darjeeling'Viburnum × bodnantenseSarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis ‘Dragon Gate'Camellia sasanqua 'Rainbow'Camellia hiemalisCamellia 'Sparkling Burgundy'Camellia 'Sugar Dream'Paeonia lactiflora 'Bowl of Beauty'Viburnum tinus 'Israel'Taxus baccata 'Standishii'Griselinia littoralis 'Dixon's Cream'Griselinia littoralis 'Bantry Bay'Forsythia suspensaErysimum 'Parish's'Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve'Salvia curvifloraTradescantia 'Maiden's BlushFuchsia 'Lottie Hobby'Amarine belladiva 'Anastasia'Helleborus nigerSkimmia japonica 'Rubella'EuonymusRuscus aculeatus 'John Redmond'Hebe 'Simon Delaux'Abutilon 'Gerdmann'S Red'Abutilon 'Estella's Little Bird'Solanum laxum 'Album' syn. Solanum jasminoides AlbumSolanum laxum 'Crèche du Pape'Coronilla valentina subsp. glaucaCoronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina'Hedera colchica 'Sulphur Heart'Ilex 'East Ruston Gold'Arum pictum 'Primrose Warburg'

This week we take a look at The Borgvattnet Vicarage in a tiny Swedish town! We're not sure how we hadn't heard about this place until recently!  Sponsor Master Class – MasterClass.com/GRAVEYARD Check out our sources below for more info and to continue learning! Please Rate & Review us wherever you get your Podcasts!  Mail us something:  GYT Podcast PO Box 542762 Grand Prairie, TX 75054 Leave us a Voicemail or shoot us a text! 430-558-1304 Our Website WWW.GraveYardPodcast.com Patreon https://www.patreon.com/GraveYardTales Youtube: Youtube.com/c/GraveYardTales Rumble – GraveYard Tales Podcast Do you want GraveYard Merch?!?! Go to https://www.teepublic.com/stores/graveyard-tales?ref_id=22286 to get you some!  Visit Podbelly.comto find more shows like us and to get information you might need if you're starting your own podcast. Thank You Darron for our Logo!! You can get in touch with Darron for artwork by searching Darron DuBose on Facebook or Emailing him at art_injector@yahoo.com Thank you to Brandon Adams for our music tracks!! If you want to hear more from Brandon check him out at: Soundcloud.com/brandonadamsj Youtube.com/brandonadams93 Or to get in touch with him for compositions email him at Brandon_adams@earthlink.net Our Contacts WWW.GraveYardPodcast.com Email us at: GraveYardTalesPodcast@gmail.com Find us on social media: Twitter: @GrveYrdPodcast Facebook: @GraveYardTalesPodcast Instagram: @GraveYardTalesPodcast Sources https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/borgvattnet-vicarage/ https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/borgvattnet-vicarage https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/borgvattnet-swedens-haunted-village/ https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/8-most-haunted-locations-in-scandinavia https://swedesinthestates.com/borgvattnet-the-most-haunted-house-in-sweden/ https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art183907.asp https://www.goragunda.com/activities-/sweden's-largest-haunted-house https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/borgvattnet-vicarage https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/8-most-haunted-locations-in-scandinavia https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/borgvattnet-vicarage/ https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/borgvattnet-swedens-haunted-village/ https://swedesinthestates.com/borgvattnet-the-most-haunted-house-in-sweden/ https://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art183907.asp https://www.goragunda.com/activities-/sweden's-largest-haunted-house 

But she finds new Uses For Old Organ Pipes.A series in 17 parts, by Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.  The third Sunday of Lent had arrived. Reverend Morris was counting down the days until Easter in the same way a prisoner counts down the days until their release. He was dreading today's morning Eucharist after the embarrassment of last week."I still can't believe I was stupid enough to mix up that erotic story with my sermon!" He exclaimed. "Why did I print it out?""Ah relax, Simon. It was a fantastic first attempt, and that vicar from Manchester seemed to enjoy it!" Jenna replied, making herself a coffee."Yes I know but, well I suppose you're right. Nobody made a complaint. I'm just glad the youth & children were already dismissed to their classes. I'd have had a load of outraged parents begging for me to be defrocked!""No damage done," Jenna smiled. "And you truly do have hidden talents. I had no idea you were so good at writing erotica. You should try it again sometime!"This Sunday's service passed without incident, and most of the congregation were no doubt disappointed that the vicar's sermon had returned to its familiar, boring self. Afterwards, Gordon peered over the top of the organ and smiled as he noticed Jenna."Morning!" He said."Hello Gordon!" Jenna replied. "How are you getting on with, you know?" She winked."Ah that," he laughed. "You weren't kidding when you said use lots of lube, were you? It's fun, but," Gordon lowered his voice. "It doesn't match up to you. I miss our organ lessons.""Me too. We're halfway through Lent. Stay strong. You'll get through it!""I'll try my best! Oh, are these of any interest to you or Simon?" He handed her two tin organ pipes, one smaller than the other. "I know you're into arts and crafts. Thought you might have some use for these. Some of the old pipes have been replaced.""These are nice!" Jenna said, holding up the pipes. "Great condition.""They make great wall ornaments. I see loads of them for sale on eBay. Some go for really high prices.""I'll see if I can get creative. It'll be a fun spring project for me. Thanks Gordon! Oh before I forget, you couldn't do a favor for a member of the church, could you?""Certainly!""Gladys asked if you could call round and fix a new door handle on her kitchen door. I know you're really good at D I Y; you fitted new wall sockets in the church hall."The organist's face fell. "Um, oh right. Yes. I'm sure I can.""Great! She'll be thrilled. Right, I'd better get going. Simon's taking Christopher out for some father-son time, so I'll be home alone. I'll see if I can get creative with these old organ pipes!"Gordon gulped. The thought of calling round to see Mrs. Wilcox terrified him."My God, the old girl will pounce on me like a lioness ambushing a gazelle!" He noticed the churchwarden heading up the aisle. "Norman! Could you do me a favor?"Jenna arrived back at the vicarage, wondering how to spend the rest of the afternoon. She looked carefully at the two organ pipes, running a finger down the smooth, dull metal."Hmm, this larger one, it could be just the right size!"Up in the bedroom, Jenna lifted her skirt and pulled her panties down to the floor and stepped out of them. Feeling horny, she imagined Gordon walking in and catching her with her legs spread with an organ pipe buried deep in her cunt. The larger pipe measured about 11" long from pointed tip to end of the tapering foot. She remembered what Gordon had told her about organ pipes.Flue pipes are also known as labial pipes. The foot is the bottom portion of the pipe, usually conical. At its base is the toe hole, through which wind enters it."Ooh yeah." Jenna reached between her legs and discovered that she was already dripping wet. She fingered her cunt and clit. Damn, she needed to be filled. She took her time greasing up the organ pipe until it was dripping lubricant."Ah!" Jenna began sliding the pipe into her well-lubed cunt, one leisurely inch at a time. When she'd taken about six inches inside, she began slowly pushing it in and out, coating the pipe with her juices.Her fingers rubbed her clit softly and covered it in her essence. The pressure and speed of her fingers built. She imagined Gordon's thick fingers deep inside her, whilst she lay naked on the organ stool in the church,Jenna wanted more, wanted it harder. She increased her speed and moved the organ pipe in and out faster. Suddenly, her whole body tensed, the sweet feelings of ecstasy were almost torture. She need to come but wanted the pleasure to last longer. She was almost there, almost tipping over the edge of orgasm. She pushed the pipe still deeper into her womanhood, then reached for the smaller one,Norman's SubmissionNorman Winstanley turned into Rosebay Gardens, the quaint little cul-de-sac where Mrs. Wilcox lived."Nice place for old folk," he mused, parking up in front of the small bungalow. He picked up the small tool bag, headed up the drive and knocked on the door.Glancing round, he was amused by the pair of garden gnomes on the front lawn. They were dressed in bondage gear.The front door opened and Mrs. Wilcox appeared. "Oh, hello Norman! What are you doing here?""Here to fix your kitchen door, my dear!" Norman replied. "Gordon sends his apologies but something came up.""Dearie me," the old lady replied, not fooled for a moment. "Oh well, you'll do nicely! Right this way!" She ushered him inside and gave his arse cheeks a squeeze.Norman raised an eyebrow, but ignored her actions. After all, the old bird was eighty-six."God, this feels so amazing!" Jenna gasped as she thrust the small organ pipe up her arsehole. She moaned loudly, her cunt pulsing hard around the larger organ pipe. Her whole body shook with the force of her orgasm."Fuck, yes!" The vicar's wife screamed out as she found a new use for the old organ pipes."Don't forget to polish the sideboard, dearie!" Mrs. Wilcox smiled as Norman entered the living room and brought her a glass of sherry. He was naked apart from a frilly apron."Right you are, Gladys," the churchwarden replied. This was more of a thrill than he ever imagined.And here I was worrying how I'd survive six weeks without sex from the vicar's wife! He thought."Norman!" Mrs. Wilcox snapped. "I asked for a schooner! This glass isn't a schooner! I'm afraid I'll have to discipline you. Turn around at once!"Norman did as she asked and she struck his bare buttocks with a riding crop."Ouch!""You're a very naughty boy!" Mrs. Wilcox said. "What are you?""I'm a very naughty boy!" Norman replied.Jenna Breaks Her Lent Vow, In Order To Aid The Bishop.Bishop George lay in a hospital bed between sleep and vague drowsiness. He was hot, frustrated and uncomfortable. Waiting. Waiting for the nurses to bring him food. Waiting for them to change him. He loathed being dependent on others like this. He'd always gone his own way, not caring whom he offended. Then again he was lucky to be alive, and boredom and frustration were the least of his worries. His leg had been reset, but he was very much troubled by the thought of infection developing.Bishop George closed his eyes and wondered if he'd be well enough to attend the Easter service at St Michael's Church. He'd been looking forward to it for ages, and it was only two weeks away. Reverend Morris had just departed, having spent an hour with him. The visit had lifted the bishop's spirits and he was thankful for the vicar's kind words."That bloody cyclist! He shouldn't have been on the pavement in the first place!"He'd been walking down the street and had been sent flying when a careless cyclist had crashed right into him. His right leg had been broken in three places. It had been a terrible ordeal, but he didn't expect to remain in hospital for long. You were soon booted out these days.Bishop George sighed. He wasn't looking forward to his sister Anne, coming to care for him whilst he recovered. Anne was notoriously bossy.Meanwhile, back at St Michael's Vicarage, Jenna sipped a coffee and idly ran her finger down the cup."Poor George," she said, as Reverend Morris returned from visiting him in the hospital. "You know something, why don't we let him stay with us while he recovers? We have two spare bedrooms, one for when Christopher stays over, but the smaller room would be ideal for George. It's got a foldaway bed."Reverend Morris thought for a moment. "You're absolutely right, Jen. You're a true Christian. The Bishop has been very good to me since I took over at St Michael's. We could provide all the care he needs. Whilst his sister might mean well, she's a rather, fierce individual!""I only met her once. She scared me!" Jenna admitted.The vicar nodded. "Besides, having him staying with us will help keep my mind off, er, you know. I've been struggling recently with what we've given up for Lent."Jenna smiled. "I know Simon. You've done really well. Not much longer now. When Easter comes, He will rise, I'm not just talking about Jesus, by the way,"Reverend Morris bit his lip. "He might be rising already, Oh! I can't wait to have sex again, must restrain myself. Right, I'll go call George, and prepare the spare bedroom for him."The bishop was more than delighted when Reverend Morris arrived to collect him from the hospital, the next day."You're quite sure about this, Simon?" He said as the vicar pushed his wheelchair down the aisle. "I don't want to be a burden to you and Jenna. Busy weeks ahead for you, what with Holy Week and so on. And your son, doesn't he stay over on Fridays?""Think nothing of it, George. We have two spare bedrooms at the vicarage. There's room for everyone. Jenna and I are glad to have you staying with us. It'll be peace of mind knowing that you'll be safe and well-looked after."Bishop George smirked to himself. He was definitely looking forward to perhaps getting some special therapy off Jenna. He remembered the little birthday ceremony he'd taken part in just before Christmas,"Must say, I'm glad to be out of that hospital," he muttered, as he was helped into the car. "The bloke in the bed next to me, he lay there for two hours before someone realized he was dead. Poor sod. I said a few prayers for him.""That's awful," Reverend Morris replied. “But on the bright side, the soul enjoyed a very prompt wake, with no less than the bishop presiding!”George finally chuckled at the realization of his good service.Changing the subject, Simon added; "Well hopefully, you'll find the vicarage a lot more relaxing, and our meals a lot more edible. We both enjoy cooking."He drove out of the hospital car park and headed for the motorway. "The nursing staff said you were a difficult patient." Simon probed."I see. Quite the compliment." Bishop George said. "I'm sure they were exaggerating. Any news from church?" Is Jenna still learning to play the organ?"The traffic noise was loud, as rush hour was approaching."Oh yes! She's made remarkable progress there. Gordon is a fantastic teacher. She's of a good enough standard to stand in for him, on the rare occasions he isn't able to do the Sunday service.""I'm sure," he replied.She is very talented indeed at playing a man's organ too!

Alan Gray and Thordis take a look at the plants still packing a punch, even though East Ruston Old Vicarage closed to visitors last month...from fab foliage to seasonal blooms.PLANT LISTIris unguicularisIris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard'Iris unguicularis 'Walter Butt'Cestrum fasciculatum 'Newellii'Viola 'Parme de Toulouse'Begonia luxuriansIlex verticillataCallicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii 'Profusion'Hosta 'Empress Wu'Galanthus reginae-olgaeGalanthus 'James Backhouse'Griselinia littoralis 'Dixon's Cream'Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'Buddleja davidii 'Santana'Nerine 'Hotspur'

Today, we're starting season 15 off by diving into a powerful conversation on mental health, beauty, and the healing power of quietness with Sarah Clarkson, author of Reclaiming Quiet. Growing up in a Christian home, Sarah faced a traumatic diagnosis of OCD at the age of 17 and battled intrusive, troubling thoughts. In the midst of her struggle, she grappled with doubts about God's goodness, especially as the world around her seemed to mirror her inner chaos. Yet, it was through glimpses of beauty—whether in nature, literature like Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, or the touch of a loved one—that she found an anchor for her faith. Sarah's journey reveals how God often breaks into our darkest moments in subtle, beautiful ways, reminding us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." She shares her insight into how cultivating quiet isn't about withdrawing from the world, but about listening for God's voice amid life's noise. By setting intentional rhythms, practicing liturgical prayers, and honoring her limits as a finite being, Sarah found a way to reclaim her peace and deepen her connection with the infinite God. With anchor verses like Psalm 27 and Psalm 37, Sarah's story is one of choosing beauty, quietness, and trust in God's goodness—even when life feels overwhelming. Be sure to check out Sarah Clarkson's Reclaiming Quiet, available starting tomorrow. This is a book for anyone longing to find peace amid mental health struggles, busyness, and doubts, and to discover that God is present, creating beauty even in our brokenness. Bio: Sarah Clarkson is a writer exploring the realms of beauty and quiet, suffering and imagination. She's the author of seven books, including the upcoming Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention. She studied theology (B.Th, MSt in modern doctrine) at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and lives in an old vicarage with her Anglican priest husband and four small children. Anchor Verses: Psalm 27 Psalm 37 Connect with Sarah: Website: sarahclarkson.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwanders/  Blog: From the Vicarage (⁠sarahclarkson.substack.com⁠). ***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

Alan Gray and Thordis take a look at the plants stunning the visitors at East Ruston Old Vicarage this month, including some unusual foliage plants.PLANT LISTLapageria roseaPassiflora semiciliosaBougainvillea spectabilisMandevillaPleroma urvilleanum syn Tibouchina urvilleanaAbutilon 'Fool's Gold'Iresine herbstii 'Brilliantissima'Strobilanthes dyerianaPlectranthus ciliatus 'Easy Gold'Tradescantia 'Maiden's Blush'Streptocarpus saxorumCamellia sasanquaBerberis gagnepainii var. lanceifolia 'Fernspray'Acer rubrum 'Oktober Glory'Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'Salvia leucanthaDahlia 'Magenta Star'Dahlia coccinea var. palmeriDahlia 'Labyrinth'Dahlia 'Edith Jones'Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling'

Welcome, my ghouls! In a remote Swedish village lies a vicarage with a history of eerie, unexplainable events. From shadowy figures to the unsettling sound of furniture moving on its own, the walls of Borgvattnet Vicarage are said to harbor more than just memories of the past. Over the decades, countless witnesses have encountered its restless spirits, and one daring priest even tried to banish the hauntings for good. But no one has been able to silence the vicarage's ghostly residents. Will you dare to enter and face the horrors that await?Listener Discretion is Advised***************Leave Us a 5* Rating, it helps the show!Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-unlocked-the-podcast/id1522636282Spotify Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/37MLxC8eRob1D0ZcgcCorA****************Follow Us on Social Media & Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!Instagram:instagram.com/beauty_unlockeds_podcast_hourTikTok:tiktok.com/@beautyunlockedthepodYouTube:@beautyunlockedspodcasthour****************Music & Sound Effects:Epidemic SoundFind the perfect track on Epidemic Sound for your content and take it to the next level! See what the hype is all about!

In which our hero is nowhere to be seen.

Alan Gray and Thordis look back at East Ruston Old Vicarage's starring role on BBC show Gardeners' World, plus container planting, greenhouse overhauling and Hedychiums.PLANT LISTManihot grahamiiPtilotus exaltatusBegonia fuchsioidesTradescantia 'Maiden's Blush'Salvia involucrata 'Bethellii'Ageratum petiolatumPhlox drummondii grandiflora 'Sugar Stars'Coleus argentatus syn Plectranthus argentatu Coleus argentatus 'Hill House'Helichrysum petiolareOsteospermumRicinus communis 'Carmencita'Dahlia 'Jomanda'Hedychium deceptumCanna brasiliensisDahlia 'Ken's Rarity'Dahlia 'Magenta Star'Dahlia coccinea var. palmeri

Not really, we are in no way affiliated to the BBC but the title of this episode will make sense when you listen to it. Matt, Sam and Adrian return with plenty of EFL chat across all 3 divisions - Best of the week - Scouting Reports - Previews - Predicitions - The perils of a chairman tweeting ​​https://quinnbet.click/o/L5trHE?lpage=DXbdHH  How good is this? The guys at QuinnBet have enhanced their UK Welcome Offer, where you can now get a Free Bet up to £50 & 50 Free Spins. Its for New Customers that sign up only. You can check out the full terms and conditions at https://www.quinnbet.com/promotions/sports-up-to-50. It's 18+ and remember folks, Always Gamble Responsibly. Check out Gamcare.org– they are the leading provider for gambling support & run the National Gambling Helpline.

Renovaré Book Club begins September 23. Learn more at renovare.org/bookclub.----Nathan welcomes author Sarah Clarkson to the show to discuss Scottish preacher and fiction writer George MacDonald—a key influence on Sarah's literary career as well as her faith.Show NotesYou can find Sarah writing regularly at her Substack, From the Vicarage (sarahclarkson.substack.com) or discover her books at sarahclarkson.comRecommended by SarahFree online version of The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories Free online version of Princess and the Goblins, one of Sarah's favorite children's novels by MacDonaldFree online version of Lilith, Sarah's favorite adult fairy tale by MacDonaldSarah's friend, Dr. Amanda Vernon, is a MacDonald scholar and children's literature enthusiast.A website dedicated to books, articles, art, and music about, or inspired by, George MacDonald's sermons, lectures, poems, prose, and prayers.Recent Word on Fire edition of The Golden Key.

It's our final interview of season 3! Host Rebecca Thandi Norman talks with G.T. Karber, the creator and author of Murdle murder mystery puzzles. What started as an online game has become a whole universe, with books, a board game, live events, and event the upcoming Murdle Junior! Karber and Rebecca discuss the first Miss Marple novel, Murder at the Vicarage, and how Miss Marple changes over the course of her series. The chat about Miss Marple's power of invisibility, comfort reading, and why Rebecca loves Murdle so much.Get your Murdle book here.Thanks for joining us this season! We'd love to hear from you. If you have any comments, feedback, or just want to say hi, reach out at teaandmurderpodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram at @teaandmurder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the climbers impressing Alan Gray this summer to the ways he's updating container planting, here's our latest special on the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage.Talking Dirty is taking a little summer break, but we'll be back with an East Ruston Old Vicarage September Special.PLANT LISTHelichrysum petiolarePhlox drummondii grandiflora 'Sugar Stars'Petunia exsertaBegonia 'Erythrophylla'Geranium 'Rozanne'Streptocarpus saxorumArgyranthemum 'Jamaica Primrose'Brugmansia × candida 'Shredded White Fantasy'Sparrmannia africana 'Variegata'Lantana camaraAbutilon 'Ashford Red'Passiflora caeruleaAbutilon 'Orange Hot Lava' Punica granatumHydrangea 'Runaway Bride'Podophyllum versipelle 'Spotty Dotty'Begonia fuchsioides Red FormNeopanax laetus syn Pseudopanax laetusAbutilon 'Gerdemann's Red'Passiflora semiciliosaTropaeolum smithiiJasminum polyanthumTropaeolum ciliatumLonicera glabrata 'Damchin La'Salvia ‘Phyllis Fancy'Brassaiopsis mitisManihot grahamiiEnsete ventricosum 'Hiniba'Musa nagensium

August 10, 2024 Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 12 - Psalm 34:8-10; antiphon: Psalm 145:16Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 25:23-44; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Introit for Pentecost 12; Psalm 34:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Many of our readings this past week revolved around the theme of eating. God gave the Israelites manna in the wilderness. In our last Catechism reading concerning bodily eating and drinking in the Sacrament, Dr. Luther invited us to rejoice in the words of Jesus: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Even yesterday's reading from 1 Corinthians 3 concerning the ministry began with Paul's concern that the Corinthians get solid spiritual nourishment. Last Sunday's Gospel ended with the people's intrigue over Jesus' words about the bread of heaven that gives life to the world and the people's desire to know more (John 6:34). Jesus will flesh that out more in tomorrow's Gospel reading.Tomorrow's Introit follows suit, reminding us that the Lord sees to our needs. You have a God who provides for you and takes care of you. It's just as we confess in Luther's explanation of the First Article of the Creed, “He richly and daily provides me all that I need to support this body and life.” In the explanation to the Third Article, we confess that in the Christian Church, God the Holy Spirit “daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers.” Your God provides now and for eternity.The Psalmist graciously invites you to “taste” this delightful truth. David prayed this when God had delivered him at a time when he was on the run from Saul, shortly after David and his men were given the Bread of Presence to satisfy their hunger (1 Samuel 21). The Psalm is not some guarantee of earthly prosperity. It's a word of witness and encouragement of one individual from the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us as we run the race looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1). David was running the race, trusting God's promise, His presence and protection for refuge in the midst of real danger.You come to the Divine Service for refuge in the Lord. You bring your sins and all of your scars from running the race with endurance. Taste and see that the Lord is good! Taste the sweet Absolution that declares you forgiven by the One who suffered, died, and rose for you. Taste His body on your tongue and His blood on your lips, and know with absolute certainty that the Lord is good. Blessed are you as you take refuge in Him. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.That this forever true shall be He gives a solemn guarantee: In this His holy Supper here We taste His love so sweet, so near. (LSB 634:3)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 9, 2024 Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 25:1-22; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:5-6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Your pastor is a gift from God. It doesn't matter if he's your favorite or not. It doesn't matter if his sermons aren't the most exciting ones you've ever heard. What matters is that he is faithful to God as he preaches, teaches, provides pastoral care, and leads a holy life. You may attend a church that has a long history or one recently planted. Either way, a foundation was laid. That foundation is Christ and Him crucified. Your pastor's preaching builds on that foundation. The irony about many in the Corinthian congregation is that they thought they were super spiritual when they were really quite immature. In the first two chapters, Paul oriented them away from themselves toward the cross of Christ. The Corinthians thought all that to be foolishness. Surely, the Christian faith can't be about a suffering and dying Savior; it must be about signs and wonders, speaking in tongues and with great spiritual eloquence. Paul chucks all of that when he says, “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, infants in Christ” (1 Cor. 3:1).Their spiritual immaturity manifested itself in so many ways, including their favoritism with regard to pastors. Apollos was supposedly a very talented preacher. Paul himself was trained in rhetoric. But he reminded the Corinthians that he did not come among them with lofty speech so as not to detract from Christ (1 Corinthians 2:1). Paul planted churches. Apollos watered. God gave the growth. It was all Jesus. It's no different today. Your pastor waters. He carries out his call faithfully to give you Jesus.The Corinthians were gifted people. There were amazing pastors who served them. But look at what a disaster Paul encountered there: pride, divisions, sexual immorality, idolatry, and the list goes on. Nevertheless, he addressed them as brothers. He took them to task with the Law for being immature and of the flesh. But he reminded them whose they are: “You are Christ's.” So it is for you, dear Christian. Rejoice that your pastor does the same. He nourishes you with God's living and powerful Word and the Sacraments so that you grow into Him, who is your Head, even Jesus Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Help, Lord Jesus, help him nourish All our children with Your Word That in fervent love they serve You Till in heav'n their song is heard. Boundless blessings, Lord, bestow On his faithful toil below Till by grace to him be given His reward, the crown of heaven. (LSB 681:3)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 8, 2024 Today's Reading: Catechism: How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 24:1-22; 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things? Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” These words, along with the bodily eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness of sins.” (Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Did your mother ever say to you, “Eat something, and you'll feel better”? Often, eating does make us feel better when we're down. Eating can give us pleasure. But the opposite can also be true. For those who struggle with overeating, eating can bring guilt and shame. Either way you look at it, eating can do something. However, when it comes to the Sacrament of the Altar, obviously, eating is part of it, but it's not the main thing. It's not what does great things.You can go to the Lord's Table, receive His Body and Blood under the bread and wine, and feel great! There are times that I've gone to Communion and I return to the pew feeling such peace. That's wonderful. But there are other times when I've received the Sacrament and still felt guilty and unworthy because of the weight of my sin. It's not really about what you do or what you feel. In his explanation of the Sacrament of the Altar in the Small Catechism, Dr. Luther points you to the words of Christ Himself: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”Every time that the Lord's Supper is celebrated, the pastor speaks the very words that Jesus spoke when He instituted this most holy meal. These aren't magic words, but they are powerful words. They are the words of Jesus for you. You hear Christ's words also during the distribution. As you receive the cup, the pastor or maybe an elder in the church usually says, “The blood of Christ shed for you.” Then you eat and drink.Eating and drinking are part of the Sacrament, sure. After all, Jesus instituted His Supper for us Christians to eat and drink. But our actions never bring about God's grace and forgiveness. God does it all. Jesus accomplished your salvation on the cross. Faith grabs hold of this amazing Gift of forgiveness offered to you in the Supper. Faith clings to those sweet words of Jesus, trusting His promise and resting in the peace of sin forgiven. And even faith is a Gift of God worked by His Holy Spirit. To God be the glory! Great things He has done and still does for you! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We eat this bread and drink this cup, Your precious Word believing That Your true body and Your blood Our lips are here receiving. This Word remains forever true, All things are possible with you, For you are Lord Almighty. (LSB 622:4)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 7, 2024 Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 20:24-42Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 20:24-42; 1 Sam. 21:1-23:29; 1 Cor. 1:1-25For as long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” (1 Samuel 20:31)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Saul was paranoid. He was obsessed with retaining his royal power. Even though he knew that David had been anointed king of Israel in his place, his jealousy and his pride fueled a murderous rage against the son of Jesse. Saul's rage was so intense that even his own son Jonathan got caught in the crosshairs and almost became a casualty. Saul was only interested in an earthly kingdom; he saw his son as the future heir.Sometimes, in our short-sightedness, we get lost in our little earthly kingdoms and forget that God's kingdom is much bigger. Whether it involves our place in the family, with friends, at school, at work, or even at church, we like to have it our way and maintain things just the way we like them. Last Sunday's Gospel revealed what kind of king the Israelites wanted: one who could feed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, with plenty of leftovers. They couldn't see beyond their own self-interests either. So it is with the Old Adam.Israel wanted a king so they could be like the nations, even though Yahweh God had called them to be distinct. Yahweh Himself was their king. Nevertheless, Yahweh made provision for a king. Saul proved to be a failure, following his own impulses rather than God's Word. Yahweh chose another king–David. In 2 Samuel, we see again that God is working something much bigger than establishing the nation Israel in the Promised Land. He's at work to establish His eternal kingdom in Christ. He's at work for you.No wonder Satan drove Saul into a murderous rage against David! Something bigger than the kingdom of Israel was at stake. Kings wanted Jesus, the Son of David, dead. Remember murderous Herod? The religious establishment wanted Jesus dead, too. They lied, deceived, and plotted to kill Him. He didn't fit into their vision of the kingdom. They nailed the King of the Jews to a cross. Their murderous plot succeeded. But like St. Paul says, “The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). At the cross, God was at work for you, for your eternal salvation. Baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, you have a place in God's eternal kingdom. Rejoice and sing! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Crown Him the Lord of Life, Who triumphed o'er the grave And rose victorious in the strife For those He came to save. His glories now we sing, Who died and rose on high, Who died eternal life to bring And lives that death may die. (LSB 525:4)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 6, 2024 Today's Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 20:1-23; Acts 28:16-31There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call– one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4–6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Ephesians 4 confesses that the Holy Christian Church is one, even as our God is one. The Church is a reflection of her Lord. Sadly, it doesn't always appear to be one here on earth. In the two thousand-plus years since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, countless denominations of Christian churches have appeared. It can be confusing and discouraging. It can even be offensive to some, so much so that they abandon the Church altogether.We can't make the Church one by our doing. Many have attempted and still attempt to do so today by stripping away what they think gets in the way–doctrine, a pure confession of faith based on God's Word. In the end, non-denominational churches end up being another denomination. They often put more focus on what the church does–love and good works, which may look great on the surface, but it is a false unity. The biggest casualty of all is the Gospel–the Good News of salvation through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus for you. It gets lost and left behind as no longer useful.When you confess in the Creed, “I believe in the Holy Christian Church,” you recognize and affirm that the Church is an article of faith. It's God's beloved creation through the Gospel. Sure, the Church has an outward manifestation, too. The marks of the Church are the Word and Sacraments. Where Christ crucified is preached, there you will find true believers. There will likely be unbelievers there as well. Jesus said that the wheat and the weeds would be mixed together until He comes again (Matthew 13:30).If you look in the mirror of God's Word, you see your own sinfulness. You're pretty good at seeing the sinfulness of others as well. Thanks be to God that appearances are not all they're cracked up to be! Thanks be to God, who works faith that clings to Jesus and His promises of forgiveness and life. By faith in Christ, you are justified, declared righteous, holy, and forgiven before God. The word “one” appears seven times in this passage–one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all. That's the number of completion. It's all His doing for you. Thanks be to God! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Elect from ev'ry nation, Yet one o'er all the earth; Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth. One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food, and to one hope she presses With ev'ry grace endued. (LSB 644:2)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 5, 2024 Today's Reading: Exodus 16:2-15Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 19:1-24; Acts 28:1-15“I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'” (Exodus 16:12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Last week, we read that David cut off Goliath's head so that the whole earth would know that there's a God in Israel (1 Samuel 17:46). God's power testifies to who He is. We have every reason to know Him: to fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. But self-absorbed sinners often quickly forget. The Israelites proved this time and again.Their grumbling over empty stomachs happened on the heels of what God had done for them at the crossing of the Red Sea. They had seen His power over Pharaoh and his army. Freed from bondage in Egypt, they were making their way to the Promised Land. When Pharaoh and his army were in pursuit, God's display of power and protection for His people was so incredible! He parted the sea for His people to cross, then put an end to Pharaoh and his army. Afterward, Moses and the people sang, “The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2).God's miracles are powerful testimonies to who He is. But when the Israelites were hungry, they threw God's mercy back in His face and accused Him of evil. “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger” (Exodus 16:3). But what was God's response? “Behold, I am about to rain down bread from heaven for you” (Exodus 16:4). God provided manna and quail. God continually acted to show them that He was their one true God.While you were still a sinner, God acted. Christ died for you. St. Paul says that's how God shows you His love for you (Romans 5:8). In Christ, you know for certain that He is your one true God. Paul says that in the context of suffering. The road from Egypt to the Promised Land could not have been easy. Your pilgrimage isn't easy either. It's filled with ups and downs. In the midst of such uncertainty, God rains down manna from heaven. He gives you His Son, not just some spiritual boost, but Christ's very Body and Blood for forgiveness, life, and salvation. Now, you can sing God's praises with joy as you journey from Baptism to resurrection on the Last Day. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell everyone what He has done. Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name. He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia, alleluia. (LSB Divine Service, Setting One- Thank the Lord)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 4, 2024 Today's Reading: John 6:22-35Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 18:10-30; Acts 27:27-44Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus exposes the motives of those who sought Him after the feeding of the five thousand. They were chasing after food that perishes. Their primary target was what they needed for day-to-day life. That's important. You gotta eat! But it can't be what drives you. We work to put food on the table and have money in our pockets to buy what we think will satisfy us. None of it lasts. Jesus calls us to look beyond our day-to-day needs to our eternal needs, to Him who gives life to the world.Doesn't it please God to do our duty each day as we live out our vocations? Isn't it God-pleasing to work and put food on the table for our good and the good of our families? What could be more godly than that? When Jesus challenges His hearers on this, they ask the natural question: “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” So Jesus tells them what is God-pleasing: Believe in Him! Faith in Jesus pleases God.When people hear that the Christian faith is about Jesus, believing and trusting in Him for eternal salvation, many of them are disappointed and turn away. Isn't religion supposed to make you a better you? Shouldn't the Christian faith make this a better world? You know just how evil this world is. The “religious” Jews put Jesus to death. They rejected Him and His kingdom. You reject Him in your sins, too. God knows how evil it is. In Jesus, God stepped into this world. He became a physical, human part of it. He did this to redeem the world, to redeem you from all the evil of sin, death, and the devil.Jesus did come to make a better world. His resurrection is the greatest sign that the new creation is upon us. Faith clings to Jesus and longs for the end of this evil world and the dawn of the new, eternal one. Faith in Jesus, the Bread of Life, indeed pleases God. Your faith is nourished by the Bread of Life at His Table. He strengthens you with His Body and Blood to go out and love your neighbor, to provide for his or her needs, driving them right into the loving embrace of Him who gives life to the world. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful Father, You gave Your Son Jesus as the heavenly bread of life. Grant us faith to feast on Him in Your Word and Sacraments that we may be nourished unto life everlasting; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 3, 2024 Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 11 - Ps. 78:23-25; antiphon: Ps. 78:72Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:48-18:9; Acts 27:9-26Man ate of the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance. (Introit for Pentecost 11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In college, I sang a beautiful piece with two friends called “Panis Angelicus,” Latin for “bread of angels.” If I had to describe the sound of it all, I would say that it was heavenly. Music and other earthly gifts can work on our emotions, transporting us out of the humdrum of life to feel and experience amazing things. That's truly wonderful. But as “heavenly” as it all sounded to me, as good as it felt, the emotional high faded not long after the music stopped.God gives us good gifts that make us feel good, but they're not the be-all-end-all. When we talk about worship, much of our discussion often revolves around music. Some music, whether you'd label it traditional or contemporary, is highly emotional. That's not necessarily bad, but it is when it drives everything. Worship isn't about what we want. It's not driven by our feelings, our likes or dislikes. Worship drives us to Christ.In Psalm 78, the Psalmist recounts the great deeds of the Lord, which should be shared from generation to generation “so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments” (Psalm 78:7). He reminds Israel that God brought them out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and fed them in the wilderness. Nevertheless, the people continually forgot it all.Like Israel of old, we're stubborn. We complain. We test God. We sin against Him. We forget His awesome deeds for us in Christ. The beauty of the Divine Service is that God remembers us. He gathers us in His presence. He reminds us of His awesome deeds for us. We confess our sins. We receive His word of pardon. We hear the Gospel, the story of Jesus and His saving works. We confess our faith in God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We sing His praises. How does it all culminate? God gives us the bread of angels. He gives us the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness, life, and salvation. The liturgy prepares us and carries us to that glorious culmination at the Lord's Table, where we eat the bread of angels. It's literally heaven on earth. We're in the presence of our Lord, at His banquet, with Him both host and meal.The antiphon from tomorrow's Introit echoes, “With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand” (Psalm 78:72). Tomorrow in the Divine Service, Jesus shepherds you and guides you with His nail-pierced hands to His Table. He opens the doors of heaven and rains down upon you food in abundance. It doesn't get more heavenly here on Earth than that! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.King of kings yet born of Mary, As of old on earth He stood, Lord of lords in human vesture, In the body and the blood, He will give to all the faithful His own self for heav'nly food. (LSB 621:2)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 2, 2024 Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 17:20-47Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:20-47; Acts 26:24-27:8This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (1 Samuel 17:46).In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Wasn't it enough that David slew the giant Goliath? Did he really have to cut off his head, too? Often, God's acts of judgment seem extreme to us. It's enough to turn a lot of people away from the Old Testament and even the Church. Sometimes, the blood and gore do seem extreme, but when it comes down to God's enemies, He goes all the way to make sure that you are saved and protected from all evil. He leaves no stone unturned. God is almighty and powerful. God saves His people.So often today, Bible stories like David and Goliath are twisted into turning you and me into the hero. They'll say if we believe enough or trust God enough, He'll make us strong to defeat our enemies, whatever “Goliath” in your life stands against you. No! Sure, David was revered after he defeated the giant. He became more and more popular with the people. His success grew. But David didn't slay the giant Goliath for his own glory. He did it so that “all the earth would know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:46). After a small stone from a sling brought the giant down, David put the fear of God in the Philistines by leaving no doubt that their champion was dead by the hand of God. The Philistines fled.God acts so that all may know that He is God. It was the same for the Israelites when God acted to bring them out of Egypt. The ten plagues, the drowning of Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, all of it was so that Egypt and the nations would know that Yahweh was the one true God. Yahweh is mighty in power. Yahweh saves His people.The blood and gore of the cross are gruesome, but God left no one in doubt that His only Son was dead. He was cut off from the land of the living (Isaiah 53:8). But so that all may know that He is the One True God, He raised His Son to life again, life imperishable. Not even death can stop the Lord from saving His people. Jesus has defeated death. He cut off its head.Isn't it enough that Jesus died and rose? Does He have to wipe out all of God's enemies? Even the New Testament can get pretty gruesome when it comes to the final defeat of God's enemies. Jesus treads the winepress and is covered in the blood of those who defied the living God. Remember: God acts so that all may know that He is the One True God. In Jesus, He acts for you. At His return, the victorious Christ brings the final defeat of sin, death, and the devil and renders them powerless, all for you so that you can “live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness” (Small Catechism, Explanation of the Second Article). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Wisely fight, for time is fleeting; The hours of grace are fast retreating; Short, short is this our earthly way. When the Lord the dead will waken And sinners all by fear are shaken, The saints with joy will greet that day. Praise God, our triumph's sure. We need not long endure Scorn and trial. Our Savior King His own will bring To that great glory which we sing. (LSB 668:3)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 1, 2024 Today's Reading: Catechism: What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:1-19; Acts 26:1-23What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. (Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In today's Old Testament reading, the Philistines and the Israelites are lined up for battle, with a valley between them. The Philistines stood strong with their champion, Goliath of Gath, in front, taunting the Israelite army, so much so that Saul and all Israel “were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11). Israel had no such giant champion. At the end of the reading, David, the shepherd boy, arrives, not even to save the day but to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers and the commander of the army. And there, God does something extraordinary with what is ordinary. David defeats Goliath.In the Lord's Supper, God takes something ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Sometimes, we Lutherans are like the Israelites, lined up for battle. A large portion of modern evangelical Christianity says that there's no benefit, no Gift given to those who partake of the Lord's Supper. They say that the Lord's Supper is just bread and wine, symbols that represent the Body and Blood of Jesus in a meal that we eat merely to remember His sacrifice at Calvary. There's a huge valley between them and us.Now, we're not literally lined up for battle, certainly not against fellow Christians. But we are lined up for battle against the devil who takes every opportunity to diminish Christ, steal you away from Him and His Gifts, and leave you in doubt about His love for you. In the midst of your doubt and fear, God brings His Word and promise. Dr. Luther rejoiced in the words of Christ: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Faith clings to the promise of Jesus. Faith receives exactly what Jesus promises–forgiveness, life, and salvation.The Sacrament of the Altar may appear weak and insignificant. It may not make sense at all that in it, God gives you Gifts of eternal significance. But when you're lined up for battle against the devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh, the Lord stands ready to strengthen you in this holy meal with His divine Gifts. Even when you're at your weakest in the fight, the Son of David comes with the provision of His Body and Blood, by which He defeated sin, death, and the devil for you. He sends you forth, not in fear and doubt, but strengthened in His certain victory over death. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God descends with heav'nly power, Gives Himself to me this hour In this ordinary sign. On my tongue His pledge receiving I accept His grace, believing That I taste His love divine. (LSB 620:4)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

July 31, 2024 Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 16:1-23; Acts 25:13-27Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.”  (1 Samuel 16:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In the Old Testament era, God's Spirit came upon certain individuals and was manifest in different ways. Often, He gave the gift of prophecy, but not always. Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God to equip him for craftsmanship in the building of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:3). God took “some of the Spirit” that was upon Moses to put upon seventy of the elders of Israel to assist in the work of serving the people (Numbers 11:17). When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. Joshua was “a man in whom was the Spirit” (Numbers 27:18). The Spirit of the Lord was upon judges like Othniel (Judges 3:10), Gideon (Judges 6:34), Jephthah (Judges 11:29), and others. When Saul was anointed the first king of Israel, the Spirit came upon him, and he prophesied (1 Samuel 10:10).The Spirit also rushed upon David when he was anointed by Samuel as Saul's successor, the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). Whereas the Spirit often remained for a time on others, the Spirit remained continually with David. He was the Lord's anointed. Later, in Psalm 51, when considering the reality and gravity of sin, David prayed, “Take not your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11). Perhaps he was remembering when God removed His Spirit from hard-hearted Saul, rejecting him as king over Israel. David continually needed God's Spirit to serve God's people faithfully as their king.The Holy Spirit descended upon the Son of David at His Baptism. John the Baptist said, “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him” (John 1:32). The Spirit confirmed to John (and to you and me) that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Spirit confirmed that Jesus is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. After Jesus' bloody Baptism on the cross and His resurrection, He sent forth His apostles to make disciples by baptizing and teaching.At your Baptism, the Holy Spirit rushed upon you and remains on you. He sanctifies and keeps you in the one true faith, anchoring you in Jesus to bear good fruit. Through the Means Of Grace, He forgives your sins, equips you for daily life in your vocation, and enables you to confess Jesus. He keeps you awake and watchful for the final resurrection. Come, Holy Spirit! Come, Lord Jesus! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord, With all Your graces now outpoured On each believer's mind and heart; Your fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Your light In holy faith Your Church unite From every land and every tongue This to Your praise, O Lord, our God, be sung: Alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 497:1)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

July 30, 2024 Today's Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 15:10-35; Acts 24:24-25:12Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Are your prayers big? Jesus teaches us to ask (Matthew 7:7-8; 21:22), so pray! Ask! Go big! We probably think our prayers are big. We pray for our loved ones who are sick and need healing. We pray for miracles, like when a dear one has cancer or is near death after a tragic accident. We pray that God would bring peace where there is war. Those are big prayers! But even the smaller ones can tend to seem big at the time, like asking God to make things work out with my crush or to get into the college I've dreamed about. But are any of these things really that big? I don't mean to minimize our requests or discourage praying for any of those things. Jesus says to ask, so ask! Ask big!In Ephesians 3, St. Paul prays for the spiritual well-being of the Ephesians. He had just rejoiced in the mystery of the Gospel, namely that “the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (3:6). That's BIG, bigger than what most Jews could think or ask. When some people brought Jesus a paralytic for healing, Jesus first forgave his sins (Matthew 9:2). A paralytic getting up and walking is big, but isn't the forgiveness of sins even bigger?Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). That's a BIG prayer. It's one that you and I pray often, just as Jesus taught us. Thy will be done! It's a hard prayer to pray when we want that loved one healed. But, just as Paul teaches the Ephesians, God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (3:20). God has indeed done the biggest thing of all. In Christ, God has saved you from eternal death by His suffering and death on the cross. That's God's good and gracious will for you and certainly bigger than anything we could ask or think.Paul prays that the Ephesians would get just how BIG God's saving love is. It seems rather small that Christ dwells in your heart through faith, but in Him, you are filled with the fullness of God. By His Spirit, you experience the breadth, length, height, and depth of God's love for you in Christ. Rooted and grounded in THAT love, with the power of His Spirit at work in you, everything else appears pretty small. Sure, you still pray for your loved one to be healed. Of course you do! But faith clings to the promise of eternal life in Christ. Faith clings to Jesus, even when our prayers aren't answered in the way we had hoped. Faith rejoices that even death itself is undone in the One who loves you so much that He died and rose again for you.The last part of Luther's explanation of the Third Petition of the Lord's Prayer in the Small Catechism reads: “God's will is done when He strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and faith until we die.” That echoes Paul's prayer for the Ephesians and for you and me. To God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hear us, Father, when we pray, Through Your Son and in Your Spirit. By Your Spirit's Word convey All that we through Christ inherit, That as baptized heirs we may Truly pray. (LSB 773:1)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

July 29, 2024 Today's Reading: Genesis 9:8-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 14:47-15:9; Acts 24:1-23I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Floods destroy! The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says that floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States and average over 2.4 billion dollars in losses per year for the past decade. Even just an inch of water can cause costly damage. A flood that destroys the earth? Wow!It's not just the earth that was destroyed; it's “all flesh.” Moses writes, “And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind” (Genesis 7:21). We see on the news and around us the destruction of homes, buildings, and other property devastated by floods. Some floods bring catastrophic death tolls. But none of that even compares to the destruction wrought by the great flood. All flesh perished, with the exception of eight people.Why were Noah and his family saved? Noah didn't walk on water, but he walked with God (Genesis 6:9). Noah was righteous. That doesn't mean he was sinless. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). True for Noah. True for you. Sin brings death. Noah died. He didn't die in the flood, but he still died. Genesis 9 concludes: “All the days of Noah were 950 years, and he died” (Genesis 9:29). But Noah died fearing and trusting in God.Noah and his family were preserved in the ark from death by water. They were saved from worldwide destruction. God promised never to destroy the earth again with water. He put a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant promise. But that promise anticipated an even greater one. As the line of humanity continued, God's promise to Adam and Eve to redeem all flesh through the son of the woman endured. God spared Noah and his family to save you from the evils of sin, death, and the devil. Jesus, God in human flesh, was cut off (Isa. 53:8), taking upon himself the punishment you deserve at Calvary.Now Jesus has unleashed a life-giving flood that saves you– Holy Baptism. In Baptism, God has established His covenant with you. You're dead to sin and alive to God in Christ! You are righteous. You walk with God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ! I have comfort even stronger: Jesus' cleansing sacrifice. Should a guilty conscience seize me Since my Baptism did release me In a dear forgiving flood, Sprinkling me with Jesus' blood? (LSB 594:2)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

July 28, 2024Today's Reading: Mark 6:45-56Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 13:1-18; Acts 23:12-35He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” (Mark 6:48–50)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Israelites needed a path through the Red Sea as they fled from Pharaoh and his chariots. Jesus needs no path. He doesn't need a boat or a jet ski. He is Yahweh incarnate. He can take a stroll on the water. He is Lord over all creation. God tramples the waves of the sea (Job 9:8).After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sent His disciples away in a boat. From John's account of that miracle, Jesus went away quickly as the people tried to make him their king by force. He went off by Himself to pray but found himself alone on the shore without a boat by evening. He needed to get to the other side of the sea. So He sets out on foot. He saw the disciples in their boat, fighting the headwind as they made their way across. Mark says that Jesus meant to pass them by.“Jesus passing by” brings up images from the Old Testament. Yahweh passed by Moses and proclaimed His name and His Gospel-forgiving nature (Exodus 34). Yahweh passed by Elijah, and a great wind followed (1 Kings 19). On the Sea of Galilee, Yahweh incarnate almost passed by His disciples. They saw Him and cried out in terror and desperation, thinking He was a ghost. God is spirit, but real flesh in the person of Jesus. Jesus heard the fearful cry of his disciples but didn't keep going. He got into the boat and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”Jesus hears your cries as you row against the headwind of sin and death, making no headway. He doesn't just pass you by. He comes to you with the life-giving fruits of His cross. He comes to you in the water of Baptism and pulls you into the ark of His Church. He doesn't merely pass you by at His Table but puts His very Body and Blood into your mouth. The disciples were astounded and still didn't understand. But Jesus leaves you with no doubt of who He is for you– your God, your Savior, who carries you through death and the grave to life eternal. Take heart! He is God in the flesh for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and most merciful God, the protector of all who trust in You, strengthen our faith and give us courage to believe that in Your love You will rescue us from all adversities; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

From propagation successes to exciting new container combos, here's our latest special on the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage.PLANT LISTMitraria coccineaBeschorneria yuccoidesAgave montanaFuchsia 'Delta's Sara'Begonia grandis subsp. evansianaBegonia 'Torsa'Hedychium densiflorum 'Assam Orange'Dahlia excelsaCampanula mediumMelica uniflora f. albidaDahlia 'Hadrian's Midnight'Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Baron'Oxalis vulcanicola 'Sunset Velvet'Oxalis vulcanicola 'Plum Crazy'Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Sugar Stars'Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Creme Brulee'Helichrysum petiolareBegonia 'Black Knight'Hydrangea macrophylla 'Wedding Gown'Hydrangea 'Runaway Bride'Dendromecon rigida

We're back for another East Ruston Old Vicarage special via a bit of belated Chelsea Flower Show chat, including some plants which caught our eye in the pavilion.PLANT LISTTropaeolum majus 'Hermine Grashoff'Tropaeolum majus 'Margaret Long'Anthyllis vulneraria 'Dark Red form'Papaver dubium subsp. lecoqii 'Albiflorum'Bupleurum ranunculoidesGeranium nodosum 'Fielding's Folly'Rhododendron ‘Daviesii'Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillère'Astelia chathamicaMyosotidium hortensiaMelica uniflora f. albidaRosa 'American Pillar'Rosa 'Jubilee Celebration'Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' ThalictrumAquilegiaIris germanicaCedrus atlantica 'Glauca'Crinodendron hookerianumCrinodendron hookerianum 'Ada Hoffmann' Crinodendron hookerianum 'Alf Robbins' Lycianthes rantonnetii syn Solanum rantonnetiiHeliotropiumArgyranthemumOxalisLysimachiaSenecio polyodonMeconopsis betonicifolia

Screams in the middle of the night, Shadows on the walls, apparitions and weird noises all coming from a remote village in the north of Sweden. The old Vicarage building is the scene of a strange story and not a lot of information is available about its history but the stories about the hauntings seem to abound especially now that it is used as a bed and breakfast. What makes this place so haunted? Join your hosts, Anne & Renata to explore the mystery of this building, judged by many as one of the most haunted spots in Europe. Sweden's Most Haunted House - A True Hauntings Podcast SUPPORT THE ADVERTISERS THAT SUPPORT THIS SHOW This Show is Sponsored by BetterHelp - Visit www.BetterHelp.com/P60 for 10% off your first month. Mint Mobile - To get your new wireless plan for just15 bucks a month, and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, go to www.MintMobile.com/P60 Rocket Money - Start saving money and reclaim control over your finances with www.RocketMoney.com/P60 Haunted Magazine - https://bit.ly/hauntedmagazine Tarot Readings by Winnie - https://www.darknessradio.com/lotus-love-tarot Follow Anne and Renata: Facebook: @AnneAndRenata Instagram: @AnneAndRenata YouTube: @AnneAndRenata TikTok: @AnneAndRenata Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back for another East Ruston Old Vicarage special. From the plants Alan Gray is growing from seed this year to the secrets of his Brugmansia success, this is a quick look at what's going on in his wonderful garden this May.Ps It's possible our recording time was restricted by a tiny human ;)PLANT LISTBrugmansia × candida 'Grand Marnier'Ipomoea lobata syn Mina lobataZinnia 'Benary's Giant Purple'Centaurea montana 'Bella'Catananche caerulea 'Alba' Alstroemeria 'Indian Summer'Stachys byzantinaEuphorbia × martini 'Ascot Rainbow'Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains'Borago officinalisBegonia grandis subsp. evansiana var. alba hort.Schizanthus x wisetonensis 'Dr. Badger's Hybrids' Mix Persicaria orientalisPapaver commutatumPapaver rhoeas 'Shirley Poppy'Tulipa 'Purple Doll'Tulipa 'Doll's Minuet'Rosa 'Pompon de Paris'

Miss Marple is one of Agatha Christie's famous creations. In today's episode, Brook and Sarah discuss the books and short stories that feature this fascinating detective and are surprised to learn how many of Christie's works Miss Marple appeared in.Discussed"Tuesday Night Club" (1927) Agatha ChristieThe Thirteen Problems (1932) Agatha ChristieMurder at the Vicarage (1930) Agatha ChristieSleeping Murder (1976) Agatha ChristieThe Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side (1962) Agatha ChristieAt Bertram's Hotel (1965) Agatha Christie4:50 From Paddington (1957) Agatha ChristieA Murder is Announced (1950) Agatha ChristieThe Secret Adversary (1983) London Weekend TelevisionAgatha Christie's Partners in Crime (1983) London Weekend TelevisionMurder She Said (1961 film) MGMThe Mirror Crack'd (1980 film)Murder She Wrote (1984-1996) CBSAgatha Christie's Marple (2004-2013) BBCMarple: Twelve New Mysteries (2022)The Mysterious Affair at Styles (1921) Agatha ChristieFor more informationInstagram: @cluedinmysteryContact us: hello@cluedinmystery.comMusic: Signs To Nowhere by Shane Ivers – www.silvermansound.comSign up for our newsletter: https://cluedinmystery.com/clued-in-chronicle/Join the Clued in Cartel: https://cluedinmystery.com/clued-in-cartel/Transcript

What is the Vicarage Placement Service and what's it like to experience this? Henry and Stacey Eising, second-year seminarian family at Concordia Seminary, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about what a vicarage is, what preparation happens before vicarage assignment day, how field work and classes prepared Henry to serve, the planning that happens before moving for vicarage year, and what happens after vicarage.  Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Time to return to one of our happy places. The garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage on the Norfolk coast is bursting with plants at every time of year, but in April seed-sowing is underway in earnest and there are treasures to behold everywhere you look! In this week's episode the garden's owner Alan Gray shares just some of what's going on with Thordis.PLANT LISTTulipa 'Yellow Crown'Tulipa sprengeriAmaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'Amaranthus cruentus 'Velvet Curtains'Anemone coronaria 'Bordeaux'Smyrnium perfoliatumTropaeolum tricolorTropaeolum pentaphyllumTropaeolum hookerianumPlumbago auriculataRosa 'Iceberg'Rosa 'The Generous Gardener'Abutilon vitifoliumAbutilon vitifolium 'Album'Drimys winteriHyacinthoides non-scripta ‘Silver Cobalt'Agapanthus 'Queen Mum'

With a spring in our step we bring you the March Special of our Talking Dirty series on the garden at East Ruston Old Vicarage. From the Magnolias Alan Gray wakes to see out of his bedroom window, to the Tulips he's been spending a pretty penny on, here are some of the highlights from the garden this month.PLANT LISTMagnolia 'Caerhays Belle'Magnolia 'Genie'Magnolia × soulangeanaRosa 'Rambling Rector'Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate' Rosa 'Mme. Alfred Carrière' Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad'Dahlia 'Hollyhill Serenity'Narcissus 'Jetfire'Narcissus 'Rijnveld's Early Sensation'Tulipa sprengeriTulipa orphanidea 'Flava'Narcissus 'Turncoat'Narcissus 'First Born'Narcissus 'Actaea'Hedychium 'Tara'Narcissus 'Articol'Narcissus 'Rataplan'Narcissus 'Mrs Langtry'Tropaeolum majus 'Gleam Salmon'Tropaeolum tuberosum var. lineomaculatum 'Ken Aslet'Syringa vulgaris 'Princess Sturdza'

Whodunnit in "Murder at the Vicarage!?"This month we're releasing 6 more old Caper Captains Episodes originally released on patreon.com/booksboys. From next month, we'll begin Playboys Of Attica, a new series of Darkplace Dreamers, and Film Fellows archived episodes. Get our complete back catalogue plus early access to all our current shows on patreon!booksboys.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest of our series looking at Alan's garden - East Ruston Old Vicarage - month-by-month, we're focussing on some fab February plants. From the Edgeworthia hardly any one can grow to Alan's latest purchases and plans for the shade planting around his north-facing front door. This is an episode packed with plants and plans!PLANT LISTEdgeworthia chrysanthaEdgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon'Galanthus 'Alan Gray'Polystichum setiferum ‘Green Lace' Eranthis hyemalis 'Dooze'Galanthus elwesii 'Daphne's Scissors'Tulipa sprengeri Tulipa orphanidea 'Flava'Galanthus plicatus 'EA Bowles'Galanthus elwesii 'Claud Biddulph'Galanthus 'Fieldgate Forte'Galanthus nivalis 'Anglesey Abbey'Galanthus woronowiiDelphinium 'Alice Artindale'Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'Camellia × williamsii 'Saint Ewe' Dahlia 'Brown Sugar'Dahlia 'Creme De Cassis'Tithonia rotundifoliaOrlaya grandifloraDaphne bholua 'Mary Rose'Acer 'Red Flamingo'Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'Narcissus 'St Patrick's Day'Buxus sempervirens 'Aurea Pendula'PhillyreaGriselinia BrugmansiaDaphne odora 'Aureomarginata'Daphne odora 'Rebecca'Galanthus 'Trumps'Galanthus 'Cowhouse Green'Galanthus 'Trumpolute'Galanthus 'Princess Bennie'Cotoneaster horizontalis

Release Date: July 14, 2014Inspector Black is called in to investigate threats against a beloved local vicar.Original Air Date: August 21, 1951Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netSupport the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netCheck out all our social media links and connect with us at http://www.greatdetectives.net

Have you ever got drunk with a Vicar in a Vicarage? Would you believe it, that's Dominic Byrne's weekend plans! It's the Chris Moyles Show on Radio X Podcast and this week it's been all lads-lads-lads as Pippa has been away on her jollies. Joining Chris in the studio was Derren Brown to talk about his West End show that he is not, in fact, performing in, and Matt Lucas, who reckoned Chris would have smashed the vicar in his new musical novel (it's not quite how it sounds). Chef Tom Kerridge called into the studio and, in classic Chris fashion, had his new recipe book pulled apart. I mean, a pie should have fully enclosed pastry sides, right? New host of The Late Late Show (the irish one, not James Corden's replacement) Patrick Kielty also came by the studio as well as everyone's favourite Eastenders actor turned gang fighter Ross Kemp. In amongst all of those guests, Chris found time to wage WAR on LBC's Nick Ferrari over false allegations of stolen Kedgeree. No presenters were harmed in this war, but we are still suffering from the stench… Anyway, this week we also had: Chris does magicDom finds a new favourite song in a supermarketUnheard bits from James' Birthday SurpriseEnjoy!The Chris Moyles Show on Radio XWeekdays 6:30-10am

What's in the true detective fiction fan's library? Be aware: there are no major (ending!) spoilers in this episode but there are plot descriptions given of the books listed below. Books recommended: — Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell — The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley — Murder in the Basement by Anthony Berkeley — The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley — The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle — A Pocket Full of Rye by Agatha Christie — Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie — And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie — Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie — Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie — Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie — The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie — The Hollow by Agatha Christie — Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie — The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie — The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo — The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo — Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers — The Crime at Black Dudley by Margery Allingham — Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham — Fear For Miss Betony by Dorothy Bowers Episodes mentioned: — The Great Gladys — The Psychology of Anthony Berkeley — Young Sleuths — Dining with Death — Queering The Golden Age — The Christie Completists — The Honkaku Mysteries — Lifelong Fan — The Evolution of Margery Allingham — The Mysterious Dorothy Bowers NB: Links to Blackwell's are affiliate links, meaning that the podcast receives a small commission when you purchase a book there (the price remains the same for you). Blackwell's is a UK bookselling chain that ships internationally at no extra charge. To be the first to know about future developments with the podcast, sign up for the newsletter at shedunnitshow.com/newsletter. The podcast is on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as @ShedunnitShow, and you can find it in all major podcast apps. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss the next episode. Click here to do that now in your app of choice. Find a full transcript of this episode at shedunnitshow.com/shedunnitrecommendstranscript. Music by Audioblocks and Blue Dot Sessions. See shedunnitshow.com/musiccredits for more details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The spirits haunting our podcast are becoming a bit more active… Sven?! This is the house of the most haunted house in Sweden, the Borgvattnet Vicarage. Nearly every living soul to dwell, visit, or experience the Borgvattnet can confirm it is haunted. Not by one, not by two, but by many spirits.  Referenced in the episode: Beware of Ghosts plaque Have ghost stories of your own? E-mail them to us at twogirlsoneghostpodcast@gmail.com Two Girls One Ghost Live: The Conjuring House. Live shows run Sept 7th - Nov 5th, 2023. Find a show NEAR YOU! This episode is sponsored by: Honeylove - Treat yourself to the best shapewear on the market and save 20% off at honeylove.com/TGOG. BetterHelp - Let therapy be your map, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/TGOG today to get 10% off your first month. If you enjoy our show, please consider donating to our Patreon. We promise to make it worth your time and we promise not to haunt you. We have a variety of different tiers that will give you access to bonus content, special shoutouts, discounted merch and more! Patreon.com/twogirlsoneghostpodcast. Finally, please Rate and Review the podcast on iTunes & Spotify and follow us on social media! Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Discord. Edited by the very talented Cristina Lumague and original music by Arms Akimbo! Disclaimer: the use of white sage and smudging is a closed practice. If you're looking to cleanse your space, here are some great alternatives!