The first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the new year in the Church, is always a time of celebration, joy and expectation. Rector, Canon Andrew Grace, was delighted to welcome our Bishop, the Right Rev. Joanna Penberthy to this special service last Sunday (writes G.D.).

Not only was this the beginning of Advent, but it was also the launch of The Big Read, a year-long project in which each day a chapter of the New Testament will be read by church members. By this time next year we should have completed the entire New Testament and hopefully have been refreshed and renewed by a daily dose of scripture. We start this week with the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1. Daily readings are to be found each week on the pew leaflet and by email from Rector Andrew.

At this, the 10th anniversary of the formation of the legendary Soupermen catering team, it was decided that it was an auspicious time to welcome our Bishop into this remarkable culinary group! It was the pleasure of Terry Evans to present Bishop Joanna with one of the exquisite blue aprons signifying membership of this fabled team! She responded with great enthusiasm, particularly when informed that she was on washing up duty after the service!

The congregation were led throughout the service by our gifted choir, led by choir master, Mark Thompson. Particularly moving was their rendition of the introit, Arwain fi, and the motet, O Radiant Dawn.

Pembrokeshire Historic Buildings Trust have recently held a competition for secondary school pupils. One enterprising and talented pupil from Greenhill School decided to base his study on our much loved St. Mary’s Church. We were so very pleased to welcome Billy Evans, along with his mum and dad, Michelle and Sean, to show us his excellent project, along with his trophy and certificate for gaining second place overall. The standard of the presentation and content of Billy’s project file was magnificent and many members of the congregation greatly enjoyed reading through it. A very proud Billy was warmly congratulated by Rector Andrew, Bishop Joanna and all those present.

Basing her sermon on words from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans, the Bishop urged us to accept the challenge to wake from sleep and put on the armour of light and to live honourably by accepting our Lord Jesus Christ.

Following the Holy Eucharist, the children from Sunday Club joined worshippers, bringing with them the beautiful lanterns which they had made and gifts for Bishop Joanna. They also delighted all present with their singing of ‘This Little Light of Mine’.

The Soupermen served delicious canapés and liquid refreshments at the end of the service and a time of fellowship and friendship was enjoyed by all present.

From December 8 our annual Crib Festival will begin and all members of our community are encouraged to visit St. Mary’s to view the cribs and relearn the true message of Advent. On December 11, the Friends are hosting a Christmas Afternoon Tea at 3 pm in Church House. Tickets are £7.50, available from Ruth, Christine, Judy or Lindy. The Handbell Ringers are performing at a short concert in aid of Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice on Saturday, December 14, 1 to 1.30 pm, in church. Please support this incredible charity and enjoy traditional Christmas music.