ON THE AGENDA

Among items due to be discussed at the next meeting of Tenby Town Council to be held in the Council Chambers, De Valence Pavilion, at 7.30 pm, on Tuesday, are the following:

Correspondence: PCC - consultation on Welsh in Education Strategic Plan; PCC - proposals for changing the way mobile library services are delivered in Pembrokeshire; Tenby and District Lions Club - beach wheelchairs; PCC - road closure, Bridge Street; PCC - review of fees and charges at Tenby and Lower Fishguard harbours

Other matters: accounts for January; Tenby town walls; Tenby road gullies.

ST. JOHNS CHURCH

On Sunday, the choir opened the service with 'Spirit of the Living God'. Graham welcomed "our old friend" Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, who in turn welcomed all on this rainy day.

After the first hymn, Norma read Psalm 27 v1, 5-14, and then thanked all the congregation for the welcome she had had during her four weeks training with St. Johns.

Judy read Isaiah 9 v2-7, and Matthew 4 v12-23. Nanette wondered then what did the parents of those first disciples who upped and went, think?

After a prayer, the congregation said the Lord's Prayer, and sang 'Love so amazing so divine demands my soul, my life, my al'.

Nanette then asked "Why fishermen, and why is Jesus by the sea at all? Why not a place of power like Bethlehem, or Nazareth? The Good News, said Nanette, is for everybody, even in unimportant places. Jesus calls first those who are poor and have to pay fishermen's rights. Forty per cent of the fishermen's income was paid in tax. They had unpredictable jobs, and storms in the middle of the Galilee Sea (Nanette said these are still common!). They need to go fishing everyday to survive, They have very early mornings. Jesus began his ministry with fishermen who understood it was a decision each new day to repent, i.e. a continuous call in God's direction. They had a three-year apprenticeship to hear, see, and learn to follow Jesus, and even after three years they made mistakes and had to be nudged in the right direction by God's spirit. Even if they are called by Jesus, they still had bad days just like us. The fishermen were not there with flies and bait, but they had to trawl and drag the nets into their boats. Jesus told every day stories and speaks to us today about everyday things.

Following Jesus is not easy and we need all the help we can get. God is saying to us "Are you prepared to be part of all this? Will you do everything you can to bring the gift of light into the world."

Jesus called people from the darkness to light and he still does. We come to worship to be part of a church that makes a difference to the world. And here Nanette interrupted her sermon to say "who would have thought a few hours ago that we would now be worshipping in the sun"!

Light, she said, breaks through in the most unlikely of places. Ordinary people have lived, shared, and given their life to God's service, just like the first disciples. "Will you come and follow me if I call your name?" Jesus says.

During the next hymn, Samantha, a toddler in church, laughed every time the congregation sang the chorus 'Shine on me'!

Nanette said a prayer of intercession, and after the blessing was shared, the choir concluded the service.

Notices: On Wednesday, the coffee morning is between 10 am and midday. Don't forget to come for your hot Welsh cakes too.

St. Johns is looking for volunteers to learn to play the organ, a budding journalist, and someone interested in IT technology, all on a rota. Want something to look good on your CV? Can you help?

The 11 am service this Sunday will be conducted by Rev. Chris Tolley. Come and join in the friendly fellowship of St. Johns.

STEPS2HEALTH WALK

Saturday may have dawned grey and cold, but the somewhat dismal weather did not deter 46 members of the Steps2Health group from enjoying a local walk (writes B.S.).

The fact that nearly 50 people turned out on such an uninspiring January morning says much for the spirit of the Steps2Health group. It is not just an hour of healthy exercise, but a morning spent in congenial company where friendships flourish and good humour prevails.

After crossing the Salterns car park, the group split into two. Walks leaders Paul and Val took the faster group along Marsh Road to Knowling Mead, where they cut through to Heywood Lane, then along Serpentine Road and down Narberth Road to access the North Walk via Gas Lane. From the harbour they made their way to No1 Esplanade for welcome refreshments.

Janice and Barbara led a short walk to reach the North Walk by way of St. Johns Hill and Merlins Gardens.

Everyone then enjoyed a sociable hour at 1 The Esplanade.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the minibus leaves Tenby 10 am for Carew. To find out if there are still any vacancies on the bus, ring Val 843951. Motorists park in the mill pond car park opposite the castle. Coffee is by kind invitation of Dave and Julia.

TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD

After a New Year greeting from president Rosemary, wishing everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful year, and a short business session, the first Guild meeting of 2014 took the form of a most enjoyable relaxed social afternoon with a fun bingo session and, of course, the usual tea and chat.

Their next meeting is an important one for Tenby Guild as it is 60 years since it was formed and members are now looking forward to their birthday celebration - a buffet lunch in Church House at 1 pm next Thursday, February 6, when they will be joined by representatives from Federation and other Guilds for what should be a most pleasant and convivial occasion.

St. Mary's

Mothers Union

There was a very good attendance at the first meeting of the Spring session on January 21. Members met in church for Eucharist; it was a very joyful occasion as we had only just learned that our rector Andrew and our curate Alex had recently become engaged. We send our love and best wishes to them both. They both officiated at the Eucharist. Pat and Janet read from the Old Testament and New Testament, respectively.

During the service, Mary and Sandy were enrolled as members of the Mothers Union; we hope they will enjoy our meetings and find friendship within the group. Gail was also welcomed as a prospective new member.

Following the service, members retired to Church House for tea and a business meeting. Pat welcomed everyone and wished all a happy new year. She congratulated Andrew and Alex on their engagement and presented Alex with a bouquet of flowers with love and support from Mothers Union members.

The programme for the coming session was announced.

The next meeting is February 4, at 2 pm, when Annie Jeremias will speak about her trip to Sangam, India.

February 18 - the annual general meeting.

March 4 - Cawl Lunch, at Church House, tickets £5.

March 7 - Womens World Day of Prayer. Service at St. Teilos at 2 pm.

Deer Park

Baptist Church

Introducing the worship service on Sunday was Mr. Bryn Rees. The congregation was somewhat depleted because of the inclement weather. Mrs. Tessa Ovenden chose, introduced the hymns and open prayer time.

The guest preacher was the Rev. Geraint Michael. Geraint read from Isaiah 53 where the prophet describes the sufferings and glory of Jesus. In his sermon, the question was posed, How do we see Jesus? God was expressing Himself in human form. God, through his spirit, enables in Christians, His glory to be seen. The challenge for us is, through our human nature and personalities, to express His glory and life.

Bible study and prayer meeting will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2.30 pm in the school hall.

A CD disc is available of all our services.

'Phone (01834) 843392 for further details.