DEER PARK CHURCH

On Sunday morning, Mr. Roy Hopkins gave a greeting at the door, while at the start of the service, Mr. Bryn Rees, made all welcome. Bryn passed on the news that the appeal for the tsunami victims had reached almost £1,000 and it would be sent away in the coming week. He passed on the following text from Isaiah Ch.23 v.1-3 for meditation: "You are mine, I will pass through the waters with you" and v.18 'Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. I am making a new thing.' Sal introduced songs of praise by first reading from Psalm 51. After the songs the children left for their own service. Mrs. Carol Ansell led the congregation in prayer time. A special prayer was said for David and Eirion Kinnard. The visiting preacher, Mr. Colin Evans, aimed the words of his sermon on those in trouble, taking Psalm 142 as text. David in sore trouble and danger in hiding from Saul in a cave. In this Psalm he encapsulates the lessons he has learned. He is comforted because God knows about his situation and while he feels deserted and betrayed by Saul, he finds strength in the knowledge that God will not fail him. We can all find ourselves in a similar mental cave of despair or difficulty which robs us of confidence and the joy of life. This Psalm of David shows us that the only way out of such trouble is through God alone. Friends can offer care and comfort or we can turn to books and counsellors for advice, but as Christians we can trust in the amazing promise of our Saviour. This Sunday morning at 10.45 am, the preacher will be Mr. Rick Jenn. There will be a prayer breakfast on Thursday at 7.30 am in the Vestry Hall. All are welcome.

ST JOHNS CHURCH

On Sunday, Rachel read the words of welcome and the choir sang the introit. Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, who was leading, thanked Rachel and said how good it was to be worshipping on such a sunny morning. She quoted the words from the welcome 'Come and follow me and I will help you to become fishers of men'. These words were the theme for worship. Mr. Lew Day, himself an fisherman, gave a most amusing talk to the children about fishing. This was very well received and Nanette, in summing up, said that to go fishing there were three basic requirements. To go properly equipped, to find fish and to have patience. The readings were Psalm 27 'The Lord is my light and my salvation' which read by the congregation, Matthew 412-33 'Jesus begins his work in Galilee' and 1 Corninthians 110-18 'Christian Behaviour', both read by Mrs. Eluned Brown. In the sermon, Nanette looked at the words of the theme. She talked about Jesus's early days of spreading the Gospel. It was not easy for him then, anymore than it is easy for us today, but it is the Christian call. He started where he was and that is our standing point, where we live and work, where we meet people each day. We have the calling and the assurance that the first disciples had. ' We have seen a great light. A light that shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it.' The call is to go and share that light. Before prayers of intercession, Nanette shared news of the church family. Mrs. Beryl Whetton was now back in Tenby. Mr. John Hurlow was at home and Mrs. Ann Gerrard's operation had gone well. Following the blessing, the choir closed worship. We thank them and Mrs. Sheila John as organist and all who took part, also Nanette who will again lead worship this Sunday at 10.30 am. All are welcome.

CHURCH SERVICES

Services for the Rectorial Benefice of Tenby with Penally, Gumfreston and New Hedges this Sunday (Sexagesima) include: St. Mary's, Tenby - 8 am Holy Eucharist; 10 am Sung Eucharist; 6 pm Parish Candlemas Service of Light. All welcome. St. Nicholas and St. Teilo, Penally - 9.30 am Holy Eucharist. St. Anne's, New Hedges - 11 am Holy Eucharist. St. Lawrence, Gumfreston - 11 am Holy Eucharist. St. Julian, 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: Monsignor Brian Kinrade (842692).

UNITED SERVICE FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

The United Service for Christian Unity was held at Deer Park Church on Sunday evening. Representatives from the different churches in Tenby took part in the service and the congregation enjoyed the music for the hymn singing provided by the Salvation Army Band, the Deer Park Music Group and the organ music played by Dr. John Harrison. Readings during the service were given by Mrs. Janet Drogan from St Johns Church and Brother John from St Teilo's Church. Canon David Jenkins and the Rev. Michael John, representing St Mary's Church, led Prayers of Intercession and Confession. The Rev. Bill Lewis preached on the importance of unity, which was stressed by the Apostle Paul, reminding us that Christ is the One Foundation. No-one can lay any foundation other than that already laid by Jesus Christ. He quoted from 1 Corinthians Ch.3 v.11 onward (the text chosen by the Church in Slovakia as the theme for Unity week) throughout his sermon, stressing the need for a sound foundation. Just as the foundation of a building is hidden below ground, our secret inner life of faith is of vital importance. We cannot rely on the faith of others nor that of the church, we need to develop our own and our own life with God. It is our privilege as Christians to know where we are going after this life passes and to know that others whom we love will be there with us. We know our destiny. Thanks be to God. At the end of the service, the members of the congregation blessed each other by saying 'The Grace' together.

TENBY AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

The second meeting in January had a strange beginning as a young artist from Russia showed off his work to a surprised audience. Following this, the president opened the meeting, which was better attended than of late. The secretary informed those present about three day trips which were being arranged. The trip to the college for lunch was on June 8 and would be followed by a visit to Milford Museum in the afternoon. The only anniversary boy for the day was the president, Ray Poole. The speaker was Tony Webster, who spoke about under achieving, with several stories to back him up. It was 10 minutes of laughter enjoyed by all lucky enough to hear it. The speaker for the meeting on February 2 will be Mr. Baker from Canada. He is a member of a Probus Club there, and members are anxiously awaiting what their visitor from the New World has to say. Any retired professional or businessman is welcome to attend the meeting, just ring Lew Day on 844633 for information.

LABOUR PARTY

Recently re-elected chairman of the Tenby and Saundersfoot Branch of the Labour Party, Mollie Neate, welcomed members to a well-attended monthly meeting on Saturday, January 15. As well as members and supporters from the immediate area of Tenby, the chairman welcomed those from Manorbier, Milton and Sageston. The Welsh Labour Party conference, to be held in Swansea from March 17-19 was announced. Five members wished to attend the full-day session on Friday, March 18. Norman Spence outlined plans for a quiz night to be held at the Merlewood Hotel, Saundersfoot, during the first week of March. (date to be confirmed). Please inform Mollie (843147) or Marjorie (842604), or the February meeting to confirm how many teams will be participating. The branch had sent a message of sympathy to the family of the late Mr. Bob Thomas of Saundersfoot, who had died recently aged 90 years of age. Many members still remember the convivial meetings held at his home during the 1970s when he was chairman of the local branch. Nick Ainger MP and his wife Sally attended the funeral. The speaker at the meeting on January 15 was local Tenby resident and branch member, Maria Battle. In her own enthusiastic style, she told members about her job as Deputy Children's Commissioner for Wales, and how in her legal professional status as a solicitor, she holds a senior pivotal position in a team committed to listening to children and young people, and to learning from and acting on what they hear. Maria was warmly applauded by the interested audience who asked some crucial questions. Nick Bland and Geoff Ferguson, as former social workers, made some constructive comments. Chairman Mollie thanked Maria for her talk, for her continued fight for social justice and the many difficulties that she has to overcome to achieve this. The raffle prize donated by Mansel and Gwyneth, was won by the speaker Maria Battle. The next meeting will take place at St. Teilo's Church Hall on Saturday, February 19, at 10.45 for 11 am. The guest speaker will be Paul Flynn MP for Newport West, Gwent, and member of the Council of Europe. The speaker has positive views on many issues of interest to a local audience. He will speak at 11.30 am and be pleased to answer questions. A warm invitation is extended to members, supporters, labour voters and like-minded members of the public. Further information regarding all branch events can be obtained from Marjorie on (01834) 842604.

HESED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

It was more or less 'full house' in Carringtons Restaurant for the Hesed service last Sunday afternoon. The Pastor enjoyed a rare day off while the first part of the service was led by church musician Patrick Ovenden; guest preacher was Rev. David Cardwell, whose theme was one of thanksgiving, praise and worship. Mr. Cardwell encouraged us to give thanks for the blessings we already enjoy, but also to praise God for the things that He is yet able to do. It would have been no use to Joshua if his army had said, "as soon as the first bit of Jericho's wall starts to crumble, we're going to praise God" - they had to praise Him in faith, and then the walls started tumbling down. Christians are also called to take their eyes off things and onto God Himself. At times of loss, there may seem to be nothing to give thanks for, but there is still good reason to worship the Father for who He is. The Bible study and prayer meeting on Tuesday was held in Penally. Genesis 4 was the subject of the study, and bread and wine were shared in remembrance of Christ's death. On Sunday, the church meets at the usual time of 4.15 pm in Carringtons Restaurant, The Atlantic Hotel, Tenby. Telephone Rev. Peter Richmond on 01646 681805 for any extra information.

Tenby Historical Society

A well attended meeting was held at Tenby Bowling Club on Friday, January 14, when Mr. Robert Scourfield, Conservation Officer with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, gave a talk and slide show on the local churches in the county from the earliest times right through to the 20th Century. Margaret Davies then outlined the structure of the society, suggested topics for research, and announced speakers for the forthcoming months. Speaker for the February meeting will be Polly Groom on archaeology in the locality. Guests and new members always welcome. For further information, please contact Margaret Davies on 844416.