The St. David's Archidiacnonal Service for Mothers' Union was recently held at St. Mary's Church, Tenby. The service began with some 19 banners representing MU branches within the Archdeaconry being processed into St. Mary's Church. The choral service of Evensong then took place, the Office being sung by Rev. Michael John with Rev. Dennis Baxter in attendance. St. Mary's choir beautifully sang the anthem Jubilate Deo by Somervell; their presence was much enjoyed by all who attended. The Diocesan Mothers' Union president, Mrs. Ann Gill, read the first lesson from St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians and the Mothers' Union chaplain, Rev. Bryan Witt read the second from the books of Acts. The prayers were led by Mrs. Val Petherick, the faith and policy co-ordinator for Mothers' Union. The Rector, Rev. Andrew Davies, began his sermon by asking for a vote. He had prepared two sermons - one some 450 pages long and would probably take about one-and-a-half hours to deliver and was on the doctrine of the atonement. The other was a mere four pages -fortunately for all, the second was chosen. The service was taking place, the Rector explained, on the eve of the feast of St. Matthias, not a great saint and nowadays certainly not rememberied in the same way as St. Valentine or St. David, but Matthias was elected as the replacement for Judas who had betrayed Christ. The disciples had to choose between Joseph and Matthias and Matthias had won the election. Rev. Andrew likened this to the elections of recent days - Boris Johnson had been elected as Mayor of London, the local government elections had been held and Pembrokeshire County Council now had new members. Voting continues week by week for the part of Nancy in the new musical adaptation of Oliver. The Diocese is facing a difficult time when questions and doubts have been raised and an election is to be held to appoint a new Bishop. There has been a great deal of sadness by the events in the Diocese, but we are resurrection people, continued the Rector, and we must raise our sights with both reflection and penitence and draw a line around what has happened and try to mend the hurt and sadness that has occurred. We are the body of Christ and the people of the resurrection. Hymns sung during the service included: I hear Thy welcome voice, Come down O love divine, I the Lord of Sea and Sky, Christ triumphant ever reigning and Crown Him with many crowns. Following the service, all present were entertained by St. Mary's and St. Nicholas Mothers' Union to refreshments in Church House.