NARBERTH BAPTIST FELLOWSHP

Do you believe that the world will end? Christians since early times have believed that the world will end with the return of Jesus Christ to this world as its rightful ruler and Judge.

World War I, the so-called 'war to end all wars', saw a rise in predictions about the return of Christ and the ushering in of an age of peace. The re-establishment of Israel as a state in 1948 boosted even more predictions. In the early 70s, Hal Lindsey led the unceasing pack of end-time books with his, The Late Great Planet Earth. It sold multiplied millions of copies.

Just before his death, Jesus taught his disciples, "See to it that no one misleads you,f or many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ', and will mislead many."

Our generation is not the only one that has had the likes of Rev. Sun Myung Moon and David Koresh and Jim Jones. Messiah-figures have sprung up throughout time.

Christ also speaks of rumours that spread like wildfire among people. "You will be hearing of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom."

The divine clock of judgment continues to wind down to the point of the end. It is part of the ebb and flow of human history - all serving as reminders that judgement is coming, so we must be prepared to stand before the Judge and King of the universe. It further reminds us of how temporal our existence is in this world, and that only the kingdom of God stands forever.

NBF meets 6.30 pm Sundays in the chapel at Pant-y-Gorphwys Farmhouse on the main A478 from Penblewin to Narberth - do visit.

Meat Draw

Winners of the Narberth RFC Supporters' Club meat draw this week were as follows: beef - Eddie McCabe; lamb - Cathy Howells; pork -Heather and John Howell.

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 the club steward, Anne Lonsdale, on (01834) 860462, or any member of the supporters' committee.

The draw takes place every Friday evening.

Alpha Course

Every Wednesday evening, 7.15 for 7.30 pm, at the Liberty Cafe, Court House, Narberth. The evening commences with a meal, followed by a short talk - say 20 minutes - and a discussion. There is no charge for the evening.

Over 11 million people worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations, and at universities, in prisons and on military bases across the world. It is low-key, friendly and fun - and is supported by all the main Christian denominations.

The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers. 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. 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.

If you would like to attend, just go along to the Liberty Cafe on a Wednesday evening.

Templeton and Reynalton United Reformed Churches

The united service this Sunday will be held at Templeton United Reformed Church at 10.30 am and will be led by Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, of Pembroke. A warm welcome is extended to all visitors.

Narberth Ladies Probus Group

In May, the group was again delighted to welcome members and several guests to the monthly meeting at Plas Hyfryd Country Hotel.

In these comfortable surroundings and with excellent food, it always seems too soon when meetings are brought to a close, as members enjoy themselves so much. Thanks go to the hotel staff who look after everyone so well.

With the main business completed, the group was treated to a most interesting talk by member Mrs. Connie Bate. Her subject was a very unusual one, 'Keeping hawks and falcons as a hobby sport'.

Everyone was truly intrigued to hear of the many aspects of the training and flying of her enormous birds. A very rewarding hobby, but apparently requiring a huge amount of patience, particularly during training.

Thank you, Connie, for a very interesting talk.

The group looks forward to another happy and successful year, during which it is hoped to welcome more members.

The next meeting will be held at Plas Hyfryd Country Hotel on Friday, June 5, at 11.45 am, when they will welcome a speaker from the Samaritans organisation.

Ladies who are interested in obtaining further information about meetings, talks, social outings and membership can telephone Margot Parker on (01834) 891471 or Ann Green on (01437) 711107.

Grace Church

Imagine a following of thousands, so pleased with what you are doing they want to crown you king. Wherever you are speaking on land or across the sea, they are eager to follow. Difficulties though are slowly mounting because here are a people who see literally and not spiritually.

Previously, a man by the name of Nicodemus, when hearing about being born again, asks 'does that mean I have to go again into my mother's womb?' A lady at a well, when told of a water of life that she could drink and would never thirst again, queried Jesus 'that he did not even have a bucket.' Now when thousands are told to eat of his flesh and they would never hunger, think they are going to be cannibals. So they begin a murmering campaign, debate and argue amongst themselves, and when that happens, people leave.

'From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.'

This was part of the talk of 'Bread of Life' by Paul Dando at Grace on Sunday, in the series 'Let's talk about Jesus'. The series continues for six weeks, you can go and listen to any one, and easily pick up the truth of the account.

So what are you doing this Sunday? You can find all kinds of things to do; sure you don't need anyone to suggest a few. However, first things first. Grace Church guarantee that if you give a Sunday morning to go to their 10.30 am morning service, you will be pleasantly surprised. You will find people of all ages, different backgrounds and nationalities meeting as one family.

Grace will do their best to make it well worth getting up for, to enjoy serious fun, to hear a talk that is Biblical, challenges and is applicable to life today, good music and find new friends. You will be greeted and served by some of the amazing people who are part of Grace. Go on your own, with friend or family, you are most welcome.

Grace meet every Sunday at 10.30 am at the Queen's Hall, Narberth. Coffee is served from 10 am. There is an active programme for children and a crèche when the speaker commences.

Grace have their offices at the Court House, Market Square, Narberth, which also houses the Liberty Cafe.

Cricket Club

Winners of the National Lottery bonus ball draw organised by the ladies committee of Narberth Cricket Club this week were: Group A - Peter Hughes; Group B - Michael James.

Main sponsor is Young Brothers, Llandissilio, while junior sponsor is Wood Office Caravan and Tent Park, Cold Blow, and maintenance sponsors are Mark and Wendy Wood, Angel Inn, Narberth.

Williams Vision, Narberth, Balcony Suite man-of-the-match was Kyle Quatermaine with 3 for 24 and two catches. Monday's man-of-the-maych was Aaron Keane.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the 1sts are home to Cresselly, the 2nds are away to Llanrhian, and the 3rds are home to Stackpole 2nds. Match ball sponsor for all three games is Costcutter, Narberthy.

Tonight (Friday), the Under 13s play away to Kilgetty in the Welsh Cup, then play at home to Haverfordwest on Monday and away to Kilgetty on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Under 15s are at home to Whitland in the Welsh Cup.

All money raised at the Harrison Allen, totalling £185 from the raffle and BBQ, was given to the Shelley Harries fund.

Narberth AFC

The Super Lotto draw numbers were any three from 24, but there were no winners of the £1,030 sum.

The next draw to be held on June 8 at the rugby club with their kind permission, is a rollover and will be in excess of £1,030.

National Lottery bonus ball winners on Saturday, with number 12, were Helen Hallwood and Colin Williams.

GLANRHYD BAPTIST CHURCH

This Sunday, the communion service at 10.30 am will be conducted by Mr. Rob Duncan, of Tenby.

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 at 6 pm, both of which will be taken by Rev. Chris Rees, minister of Bethesda Chapel.

The Bible study and prayer meeting is on Tuesday at 7.15 pm.

The Ladies Fellowship meeting is on Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm in the schoolroom when the speaker will be Dilys Thomas.

A Christian bookstall will be held in the Country Market in Narberth's Queen's Hall on Thursday between 9 am and 12 noon.

All are very welcome to these meetings.

Church services

Sunday (Whit Sunday): Holy Cross, Robeston Wathen - 10 am United Benefice Holy Eucharist; Wednesday - 10 am Holy Eucharist.