Narberth RFC 100 Plus Club
Winners of the February draw were: first prize - £30, Allan and Gill Harries, of Narberth (number 65); second prize - £20 - Eric Bates, of Templeton (number 96); and third prize - £10, Simon Griffiths, of Narberth (number 100). Winners of the March draw were: first prize - £30, Edith Thomas, of Narberth (number 65); second prize - £20, Gordon Hallwood, of Narberth (number 125); and third prize - £10, Margery Phillips, of Narberth (number 90). Anyone wishing to be a member can still join. Annual membership is £10 which is for the 2007/ 08 season. Enquiries should be addressed to the club steward, Anne Lonsdale, at the clubhouse on (01834) 860462.
Christian Community Church
This Sunday's service will be in Bloomfield House Seminar Room at 10 am. The speaker will be Steve Blunt from Maenclochog who works for the Prince's Trust. House groups will be held on Thursday at 7.30 pm. A warm welcome to all.
Narberth, Templeton and Reynalton United Reformed Churches
A united service will be held at Templeton United Reformed Church, on Sunday, at 9.30 am, and will be led by Rev. Llunos Gordon, of Templeton. A warm welcome is extended to all. Croeso cynnes i bawb.
CHURCH SERVICES
St. Andrew's, Narberth: Sunday - 10 am Sung Eucharist; 4 pm Evensong; Wednesday - 10 am Holy Eucharist; 4.15 pm Club X. Holy Cross, Robeston Wathen: Sunday - 11.30 am Holy Eucharist.
NARBERTH BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP Thomas was one of Jesus' 12 disciples - he goes down in history as 'doubting Thomas' for his refusal to accept the testimony of others, but demands his own experience of the risen Lord. How quick we are to make Thomas the all time doubter. Yet one of Thomas's great virtues was that he absolutely refused to say that he understood what he did not understand. We should rename him 'Honest Thomas'. Jesus came to Thomas and offered him what he needed to believe: "Touch me, Thomas. Do not be faithless, but believing." (John 20:27) He is often pointed to as the icon of the later church: the second, third and umpteenth generation of Christians who inherit the stories of the risen Lord, but must, at some point, insist on their own experience of Christ. In that way, Thomas becomes for us not a symbol of faithlessness, but of integrity and courage. Doubt is often equated with unbelief, but they are different things. Doubt is "confusion or uncertainty about just what or where the right way is." Is it 'heads' or 'tails'? Unbelief on the other hand is "an exclusion or cutting off of the right way." It is to be unwilling to acknowledge 'heads up' when it is right in front of your eyes. It is normal to have doubts in the Christian faith, we sometimes struggle to know how to understand God or the Bible or the spiritual path. But that does not mean we do not believe. Rather it means that we accept we do not know it all and are not addicted to certainty. NBF meet 6.30 pm Sundays in the chapel at Pant-y- Gorphwys farmhouse near the Penblewin roundabout. All welcome.
55-plus swimming club
At the club's annual general meeting held in February at Bloomfield House Narberth, chairman, John Wretham spoke of various social events over the past year and the aims of the club, which were to promote health and friendship. The officers of the club were returned as follows: chairman - John Wretham; vice-chairman - Wyn Rees; treasurer - Rod Richards; secretary - Sheila Edwards. The awards lunch was held at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth, earlier in March. The following members achieved ASA certificates and badges for swimming distances gained over the year, Joanne Taylor, 20 miles, Peter Taylor, 40 miles, and Eira Phillips, 150 miles. Members now look forward to a summer programme of events at Narberth pool, also some day trips and theatre trips, while a group will be spending a fortnight in Menorca during May. New members are always welcome and may telephone (01834) 831502 for further information.
Meat Draw
Winners of the Narberth RFC Supporters' Club meat draw this week are as follows: beef - Anne Lonsdale; lamb - Emma Richards; pork - Steven Poole. The Supporters' Club raises money each week on behalf of the Rugby Club through the meat draw. Supporters interested in having a ticket at £1 per ticket with three chances to win a joint of meat for the weekend, should contact Shelley Morris on (01834) 861897 or any member of the supporters' committee. The draw takes place every Friday evening.
Bethesda Baptist Chapel
Services at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth, this week are as follows: Sunday School starts at 10.15 am. Morning service takes place at 10.30 am and the evening service, followed by communion, at 6 pm. Both services will be taken by Rev. Chris Rees, minister of Bethesda Chapel. The Bible study and prayer meeting takes place on Tuesday at 7.15 pm. A Christian bookstall will be held in the Country Market in Narberth's Queen's Hall on Thursday between 9 am and 12 noon.
Cricket Club
Winners of the National Lottery bonus ball draw organised by the ladies committee of Narberth Cricket Club this week were: Group A - Albert Smith; Group B - Sharon Owen.
Ever wondered what it's all about?
Over two million people in the UK and 11 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life. Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over thought- provoking weekly sessions. The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend. Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 courses are currently running across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city. People find out about the Alpha course in a number of ways - a recommendation from a friend, a poster, flyer, newspaper article or advert, or through the website or an internet search. Guests attend for a wide variety of reasons - some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples' beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Alpha commences on Wednesday, April 9, 7.15 for 7.30 pm. There is a meal, short talk and discussion. There is no charge for the course. Further details from the Liberty Cafe, or by telephoning 01834 861777.
Rugby Fixtures
Tomorrow (Saturday), Narberth are home to Llangennech in Division One West of the ASDA Welsh National League. Kick-off will be at 2.30 pm and there will be free ground admission for children under 16. The Folly Farm Balcony Suite match sponsors are Narberth Fire Service and the Otters' Holt match sponsors are Dorian Phillips and Partners, of Llanboidy. The match ball sponsors are St. Clears Running Club, Eric Bates, Emyr Jenkins, the Bystanders, Owain Howell, Lloyds Bank, Eagle Signs, Clive Edwards, Castle Scaffolding and DP Building Supplies. Narberth Former Players Association will hold a reunion in the Players Bar. Further details of sponsorship can be obtained from sponsorship officer Brian Murray on (01834) 891534 or club secretary Tony Jones on (01994) 448400. Hot drinks and light refreshments, including delicious home-made soup, burgers and hot dogs, will be available from the food hut in the car park and a full range of club clothing, personalised gifts and other merchandise can be obtained from the well-stocked club shop. Supporters are advised to park cars in parking areas outside the ground and to avoid obstructing exit from and entry to the Fire Station. The popular 'Open the Box Draw' will take place after the post-match presentation ceremonies. Winner of the initial draw for £25 will have the opportunity to choose a key to open the box for the jackpot prize. On the same day, Narberth Athletic are away to Mumbles in the Polypipe Civils Championship West Wales Premier League and the Youth team are home to Pembroke.
Grace Church You are welcome to attend Grace Church on Sunday, April 6, at the Queen's Hall, Narberth. The speaker will be Carel Berndt, who is the senior pastor of Hatfield Christian Church North, Pretoria, South Africa - a large multi-racial church that has seen significant growth in a relatively short time. On several occasions, Paul and Pearl Dando, senior pastors of Grace, have visited HCCN and have been warmly received by Carel and the church. So they are delighted that Carel, making his first visit to Wales, is able to speak in Narberth. The service commences at 10.30 am and coffee is served from 10 am. There is a programme for children and crèche.
Templeton Heritage Group
Templeton Heritage Group are holding a musical evening 'Past Tymes & Good Company' by the acclaimed Renaissance band 'La Volta' on Wednesday, April 16, at 7 pm, in Templeton Church Hall. The music will be popular music from the Tudor and Stuart periods and played on the type of instruments that were used by musicians of that era. This will be an interesting and enjoyable evening for all music lovers. Tickets £3 (children accompanied by an adult free) are available at Templeton Post Office or at the door.
GLANRHYD BAPTIST CHURCH
This Sunday, the service at 10.30 am will be conducted by Rev. T. Elwyn Williams, of Haverfordwest.
COUNSELLING COURSES IN NARBERTH A 10-week twilight course, Introduction to Adlerian Counselling, starts on Wednesday, April 23, 6.30 - 9 pm, at the Counselling Centre at 56 St. James Street, Narberth. Also the Counselling Centre has now started recruiting for the one year part-time Certificate in Counselling ( Mondays) and the two-year part-time Diploma (Thursdays), both starting in September 2008. 'Phone Anne Sayner, administrator, on 01834 860330, or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] for more information or application form.
Fair Trade Narberth
Narberth Town Council recently passed a resolution to make Narberth a Fair Trade town. This is being co-ordinated by the Deputy Mayor, Clr. Suzanne Radford-Smith, and Clr. David Norcross. Any business wishing to become involved in the process or anyone requiring information can e-mail Suzanne on [email protected]">[email protected]
Carvan Chapel The service at Carvan Chapel, Tavernspite, this Sunday, at 2 pm, will be conducted by Mrs. Melony Ablitt. A warm welcome is extended to all.