A beautiful July morning and the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - Sea Sunday. A large congregation was present to celebrate the morning Eucharist.
St. Mary's Church was beautifully adorned with 250 memorial posies and over 30 flower arrangements. Each floral display, depicting a holy Saint, had been skilfully arranged by the numerous churches and societies of Tenby, Penally, New Hedges and Gumfreston. The heady perfume and the wondrous colours were a feast for the eye and nose. Rev. Michael John welcomed all to this special service and thanked all who had contributed in whatever way to the Flower Festival.
The first and processional hymn was 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.' Mrs. Suzanne Bevan gave the first reading of the morning from the Book of Isaiah, while Mrs. Jane Perry read the second from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians.
Rev. Michael gave the third reading from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus appointed 70 followers, and sent them in pairs to all the towns. "I am sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves. Whatever houses you enter, say 'Peace to this house'." Rev. Michael went on to deliver the sermon. As we have had readings from Luke's Gospel for most of the year, we have grown to know him. Luke was a physician and noted for his accuracy, and he recalls Jesus' compassion to misfits and outcasts. He states that Jesus sends out 70 disciples. These 70 represented the nations of the world - as understood then. Why not in groups? A bigger number would have been a safer strategy in first century Palestine.
Jesus told them to take the essentials, not encumbered by luggage and possessions and reiterating what all parents say 'eat what's put in front of you'. He sends them out quickly 'Don't delay'. The harvest of men is ready for gathering, delay a little and we will forfeit the crop. Thus, the 70 left, unencumbered, focused and were sent out like lambs amidst wolves.
Why then in pairs? Because vulnerability was part of the message they were bringing to the towns. They were hungry, no bed and very reliant on the generosity of others. People would be more receptive to the message if they themselves had something to give. Their instinct would have been to look after two vulnerable people, to minister to them and then they would take on board the travellers' message.
Our inclination as Christians is to go in displaying that we are self-sufficient and having everything. If we go in empty-handed and humble, how much more beautiful and enriching the encounter would be for them to minister to us.
The Saints represented in these flower displays started on their journeys with nothing and received so much in return. Why don't we try this evangelism? Leave the clobber behind, embrace the uncluttered freedom, and allow others to give to you and me.
Mr. John Morgan led the prayers. He asked the Lord to keep us strong in faith and to direct us in all our doings. Also, bless the merchant seamen, the fishermen and all who go down to the sea in ships. The offertory hymn was 'The Church's one foundation.'
Rev. Michael asked all to join him in communion, during which, the choir sang the motet 'Lead me Lord.' The final hymn was 'Glorious things of thee are spoken.'
The evening service was a Flower Festival Songs of Praise. Rev. Michael John had asked five members of the benefice to choose their favourite hymn. He interviewed each contributor in turn and found out the reason for his or her choice. The hymns were interspersed with readings by Rev. David Hammon from the Book of Genesis and Mr. Alec Freeman from the Gospel of Mark, along with delightful contributions from St. Mary's Church. The choir sang 'Ave Verum Corpus' by Mozart, 'Jesu Priceless Treasure' by Bach and 'O Jesu King most wonderful' by Tallis.
Dr. John Harrison chose the first hymn - 'Come down O Love Divine,' followed by Mrs. Jane Parry's 'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind.' Mrs. Ruth Webb's choice was 'Great is the Faithfulness' and Mrs. Valerie Paley chose 'Take my life and let it be.' Mrs. Gwen Nicholl chose the final hymn, 'Fill Thou my life, O Lord my God.' Rev. Michael John stated that most of the Saints represented in the flower arrangements had met gruesome deaths for their faith. They showed bravery and courage in the name of something worthy, and this is the bravery we should emulate. They stood up in the face of danger and gave their courageous lives over to Jesus Christ and freedom. Let us celebrate and consider the lives of these Saints and let us be as courageous as them as they bore their Holy witness and paid the ultimate price. This Sunday, July 15, there will be an RNLI service at 4 pm at Tenby Harbour. On Tuesday, July 17, there will be a concert by Tenby Male Voice Choir at St. Mary's at 8 pm and the following evening, July 18, there will be a concert at St. Mary's by the Griffon Choir and St. Mary's Handbell Ringers in aid of Tenovus.
On Thursday, July 19, at St. Mary's, there will be the Mothers' Union Wave of Prayer, from 1 to 1.20 pm.