DEER PARK
BAPTIST CHURCH
Colin Evans, visiting preacher, illuminated the story of how Jesus calmed the storm (Luke 8 verses 22-5) for the congregation on Sunday. Colin posed the questions: How does this story have relevance today? What may we learn from it? What does it say to me personally?
We may panic, we may get a sick feeling in our stomach and all our problems seem to come on top of us. We try to sort them out, but often the more we try, the worse things seem to get.
Like the disciples, we need to reach out to Jesus and say "Master - I am drowning, I need your help." We need to ask ourselves "Do I have enough faith in Jesus's ability in this particular situation?"
Why do we struggle so long in such situations before we ask the Lord? He should be our first point of call (Seek ye First, the Kingdom of God). We should not see how we can sort out our problems ourselves because we know He is willing and can help us, but He may need our 'hands off' first.
Whatever the problem may be, be it an anxiety, a health problem, a job situation, we need, always, to avail ourselves of the promises of scripture. They (possibly unlike ours) are never unreliable.
Philippians 4, verses 6-7, states: 'Do not be anxious, about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and hands in Christ Jesus.'
Be it a sorrow, a bereavement, a friendship which has faltered, Psalm 116 declares 'I was overcome by trouble and sorrow, then I called on the name of the Lord - O Lord save me.'
Be it making an important decision which may prove difficult, always we have the power of prayer when storms hit our lives. Do we reach out to Jesus and say Jesus help me?
Sometimes we may have to go through the storm to learn an important lesson. We may not always have an answer, but we need always to trust Him.
Because He will always be there in the storm with us and will bring us safely through the storm and out the other side.
The previous week, Tom Torok, minister of Deer Park, took Exodus 3, verses 1-20, as his theme at Sunday morning's service. He talked about God as deliverer and those who are to be delivered.
Tenby ladies circle
At the recent November meeting, chairman Karen extended a very warm welcome to president Denise and honoraries Averil, Kath and Dilys, and thanked Sue for hosting.
Matters arising included the Boxing Day Swim: who was willing to take part and what theme could be portrayed?
A Christmas card coffee morning will be held on Saturday, November 29. Those Circlers who are able to help are asked to be at Church House from 9.30 am and are reminded that a cake and a dozen mince pies must be provided.
Various correspondence was received by Julia, including details of next month's Round Table Ladies Night, on Friday, December 5, 7-7.30 pm at the Giltar Hotel - please contact Dave Randalls, of Round Table, if you wish to attend.
Haverfordwest Ladies Circle have invited members to the Area Friendship Challenge on Monday, November 24 - please contact Candy if you wish to take part.
Monthly reports were as follows: Karen John reported on the Pembrokeshire dinner; Judith reported on the annual Guide Dogs for the Blind Cycle Ride; Julia Sharp gave the report on Round Table's 'Children's Wish Giant Bike Ride; and Candy gave the report on the 'Black and White' mystery trip.
This year's Christmas dinner takes place on Saturday, December 20, at The Mews, and is open to all Tangent members and Circlers - please contact chairman Karen if you wish to attend.
Towards the end of the meeting, Sue awarded a medal and certificate to Candy for her achievements in the recent RNLI swimathon and president Denise thanked everyone for their support in recent months.
The meeting ended with Katie fining most members for various reasons as she was 'Sargeant-in-Arms'.
The next meeting is on December 11 at Ruth's and members are reminded that gifts are to be given!
HESED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
On Sunday afternoon, Hesed Christian Fellowship met at the usual venue of Carringtons Restaurant, below the Atlantic Hotel, on Tenby's Esplanade.
The Pastor, Rev. Peter Richmond, continued to tell the true story of Ruth, a woman of pagan origins who had decided to follow the God of Israel and stay with her late husband's mother.
In this episode, Rev. Richmond showed how Ruth's mother-in-law, eager to provide her with the security of a new husband, encouraged her to seek marriage from Boaz.
As he told how Ruth washed, dressed and prepared herself to meet Boaz, the Pastor asked how we prepare ourselves to meet for worship.
The role of Boaz was as a 'kinsman redeemer', a family member who was to buy back any land that was sold, and provide for the family's survival.
With his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus, our redeemer, bought back our inheritance of eternal life with God, and continues to provide for those in his family.
Services are held every Sunday in Carringtons at 4.15. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments are served free of charge after the service.
TENBY AND DISTRICT ARTS CLUB
Last Friday, the speaker for the evening was Mrs. Pearl McCabe who worked for the BBC for 25 years, starting as a costume designer and finishing in charge of the whole costume and wardrobe department.
In her programme, 'A Peep Behind the Scenes', Pearl McCabe began by outlining the structure of the BBC at first in radio and later in the development of television. During the 1960s and '70s culture became all important with the emergence of high profile drama and the adaptation for television of classic serials, always aiming at standards of excellence.
In the 1980s costing became paramount and the introduction of independent television caused an upheaval. Many departments were closed or became privatised as an economy measure.
Pearl McCabe then proceeded to explain the layers of management in the drama department and gave the audience a real insight into the complexities of her own work. Her responsibilities included researching, designing, making and maintaining costumes as well as liaising with authors, script writers and actors.
Pearl McCabe was a fascinating and entertaining speaker and her enthusiasm held the audience spellbound. After answering many questions, she was warmly thanked by the chairman, Mrs. Joy Griffiths, and applauded heartily by the audience.
This Friday, November 21, the Tenby Players will be performing a one-act play by Chekov. Non-members are welcome.
Last Thursday, many members enjoyed a visit to Swansea Grand Theatre for a performance of Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' by Welsh National Opera. Grateful thanks go to Ros Oak for arranging this splendid evening.
SALVATION ARMY
Inspiring and encouraging meetings were led on Sunday by Peter Greenway and Gerald Duffett. Their ministry was much appreciated.
During the week there will be coffee mornings on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10 am and 12 noon. The Over 60s Club meets on Friday at 2.15 pm and the speaker this week will be John Johnson, who has an interest in aircraft and buses.
The Winter Fayre takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at 10 am. Stalls include cakes, toys, crafts, nearly new and bric a brac and ideas for Christmas presents.
On Sunday, the meetings are at 10.30 am and 6 pm.
In the new year, a CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) for ladies will be starting, meeting on the third Monday evening each month for a chat, demonstration, etc. This is for all ladies and is a chance to meet new people and enjoy their company. For more information, call Irene on 01437 781167.
TENBY BRIDGE
CLUB
Results for Wednesday, November 12, were as follows: 1. Jill and John O'Sullivan 64.88 per cent; 2. Lee Collier and Renee Cox 63.69; 3. Liz Crockford and Kevin Thomas 54.17.
Friday, November 14: 1. Marnie Owens and Kevin Thomas 62.5 per cent; 2. Irene Delahunty and Cindy Middleton 55.83; 3. Coral Jones and Doug Silcox 52.5.
The Tenby Bridge Club plays 'duplicate bridge' every Wednesday and Friday evening at 7 pm in the Tenby Bowling Club function room, which is in Sutton Street.
Visitors and new members are always welcome.
For membership, ring secretary Lee Collier on (01834) 871753. For partner information, ring Coral Jones on (01834) 814164.
ST. JOHNS CHURCH
Last Sunday's worship was led by the Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, who began by thanking Thomas and William for their enthusiastic welcome to the congregation.
The congregational Psalm that followed was Psalm 16, 'Preserve me O God, for in you have I taken refuge', words of comfort to many in difficult times.
During Nanette's talk to the children, Llewys's ninth birthday was celebrated, and he was thanked for the part he played in the life of the church, as did the other children. Their presence every Sunday is an encouragement to us all for the future of the church.
The New Testament readings were taken from Daniel, Chapter 12, verses 1-3, and Mark 13, verses 1-8. Both were read by Mr. P. Neate.
In response to the readings from the Gospel and prayer, the hymn, 'I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord' was sung.
Nanette's address was based on Jesus's reflection on society as he saw it.
The challenge to Christians today is what would Jesus think of our society as it is now. In what or whom do we actually put our trust? We are called to put our trust in the promise of God. We are called to keep the faith. Not always an easy path to follow. In several areas of the world, God's children are experiencing hardship and persecution, we must be mindful of Jesus's warnings. We have a story to tell, let us go forth and tell that story.
This awakening address was followed by the hymn, 'Give me the faith which can remove and sink the mountain to a plain'.
To conclude the morning's worship, the blessing was sung by the choir and the grace was shared. The organist last Sunday was Mrs. M. Neate.
Worship this Sunday at 10.30 am will be led by Rev. N. Lewis-Head. All are most welcome.
WRVS Joans Club
The Christmas Dinner this year will be held on Thursday, December 11, at the Giltar Hotel, sitting at 12 for 12.30 pm.
Could all members please give their names in by next week.
The annual Christmas shopping trip is to Llanelli on Thursday, December 4, leaving the South Parade at 9 am.
There are a few seats still available to non-members - please ring 01834 844436 for more information.
BOWLING CLUB WHIST
Results for Thursday, November 13, were as follows: Top score - Jill Groom; first lady - Gladys Irvine; second lady - Mair Marquiss; first gent - Elsie Breadnam; second gent - Marnie Owens; first half winner - Gladys Cleaton; second half winner - Joan Dorling; longest sitter - Robert Irvine (would you believe 15 times at the same table?); raffle - Gweneth James and Jill Groom.
Saturday, November 15: Top score - Roly Hughes; first lady - Mabel Whitaker; second lady - Gerry Meaney; first gent - Robert Irvine; second gent - Lelgarde McCartney; first half winner - Joan Dorling; second half winner - Gladys Irvine; longest sitter - Gladys Cleaton; raffle - Joan Dorling and Gweneth James.
NB. Tenby Bowling Club whist is played at 7.30 pm sharp every Thursday evening and at 2 pm sharp every Saturday in the club's function room in Sutton Street. New members are always welcome.
CHURCH SERVICES
Services for the Rectorial Benefice of Tenby with Penally, Gumfreston and New Hedges this Sunday (Sunday before Advent) include:
St. Mary's, Tenby - 8 am Holy Eucharist; 10 am Confirmation and Sung Eucharist with the Bishop of St. Davids; 6 pm Evensong and Sermon.
St. Nicholas and St. Teilo, Penally - 8 am Holy Eucharist.
St. Lawrence, Gumfreston - no service.
St. Anne's, New Hedges - 11 am no service.
St. Julian's, The Harbour - closed for the winter.
CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Teilo's, Five Arches - Saturday Mass 5.30 pm; Sunday Mass 11 am.
St. Bride's, Saundersfoot - Sunday Mass 9.30 am.
Priest: Canon Johnson (842692).