It was wonderful to see the Carew Wesley Methodist Chapel full when the Sunday School children performed their musical 'The Peace Child' on Sunday, December 19. The story tells of two rival tribes, the Sotongis, led by Nathan, and the Wannakikis, led by Laura. A river and years of hatred divide the tribes. A question is asked: 'Why did God send His son to earth when it must have hurt so much to let him go?' A journey to the mystical land of Mambica, where the tribes live, helps to reveal the answer. The two tribes differ in their daily lifestyles and this was shown by a display of strength, with the Sotongis performing their award-winning Hakka - in their own inevitable style - the Wannakikis responding with gentle poetry and mediation. They live their lives on either side of a river until the arrival of a western TV crew. The reporter (Rebecca) saw the Sotongis as the perfect subject for a new documentary. Together with her translator (Elizabeth), camera person (Sarah) and sound technician (Rachel), they were soon imagining just how famous this would make them. Their plans did need re-thinking when those 'no-good' bears (Hannah, Lauren and Jessica) decided that they would steal the equipment. Undeterred, they then saw the Wannakikis and decided it would be much better with a bridge so they could film both tribes and unite them at the same time. As the bridge was built by the infamous builders, Bert (Paul) and Fred (Jamie) - after only one or two little tea-breaks and other minor hiccups, the tribes began to feel the threat of war. In the midst of all the tension comes a joyful event, the Wannakikis' chief's wife (Emma) gives birth to the chief's first son. However, this happy occasion was marred as the prospect of war drew even closer. When everyone thought that there was no way out, the Wannakiki chief has a dream with a very important message in it. He must sacrifice his son to the Sotongi tribe as a 'Peace Child'. The cost of this was told in a beautiful ballad, 'My Life, My Love', sung by Laura and Emma. The war no longer a threat and the hope of peace rekindled, the tribes slowly cross the bridge and intermingle with each other. The story over, we are reminded by the presence of Mary (Trisha) and Joseph (Cassie) that God's gift to us of the baby Jesus was so that the world would know peace and love. The story was complemented by some wonderful songs, so well performed by the children. A big thank you to all who helped, especially Colin, Val and Jane. Wannakiki tribe members - Jess, Mollie, Charlie, Rosie, Holly, Naomi, Bethan, Ebony, Elle, Shannon and Hayley. Sotongi tribe members - Oliver, James, Andrew, Marcus, Joel, Oliver and Lydia.
Musical encore in aid of disaster appeal
The young people at Carew Wesley Methodist Chapel have been so saddened by the tidal wave disaster in Asia that they have decided to again present their Christmas musical, 'The Peace Child', at Sageston CP School on Friday, January 7, at 7.30 pm, when all the money raised will be sent immediately to Christian Aid for the earthquake relief.
Carew Wesley Methodist Chapel
It has been a wonderful happy Christmas at Carew Wesley, with large congregations attending to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many of the celebrations during the month of December have already been reported in the Observer. The Christmas Eve and the Boxing Day service congregations were the largest to attend Wesley during the Christmas period. The Christmas Eve service was conducted by Rev. Anthony Gregory and the Boxing Day service by Miss Sharon Knox, assisted by members of the junior chapel. It was a memorable service, bringing together all who attended in a very happy and interesting way, highlighted by the touching violin solo by Rebecca Hobbs. The fund-raising for the National Children's Home is now over £600, the total being made up by carol singers from the Youth Club and chapel, and by Sue and John Shaw's autumn outing. There will be a New Year's service in the chapel tomorrow (Saturday) at 11 am, which will be conducted by Rev. Anthony Gregory, and will be followed in the Youth Centre by a simple love feast. The Sunday services are as follows: Sunday School 11 am. The afternoon service at 2.30 pm will be conducted by the Rev. Anthony Gregory, who will also conduct the special covenant service at 6 pm, during which the Lord's Supper will be administered, and a retiring love offering taken, which will be sent immediately to support the victims of the terrible disaster in Asia. The chapel is open daily, 10 am to 4 pm, for prayer and meditation, and a prayer sheet is open in the chapel porch for anyone needing prayerful support. A warm Christian welcome is given to all, to share in church and chapel services held in the parish of Carew.