Sunday, March 18, provides Penally church members with a much-needed break on their Lenten journey towards Holy Week and Easter. Sometimes still called Refreshment Sunday, but now more fashionable to celebrate as Mothering Sunday. On that day, church members thank God for their Christian faith and all that belonging to their church means to them. The old tradition was that 'on Mother's Day above all others every child should dine with his or her mother'. Today, young people say thank you for the gift of life, for their mothers and family, presenting them with a present, flowers and at Penally Church with a posy. The 9.30 am 'All Age' Eucharist, when children take part and there is contemporary music, will this year, the church hopes, be a celebration of family and village life. Everyone is welcome. In changing times, Penally and the village children are both facing fresh challenges to connect with young people and new residents. Sunday, March 18, is a special occasion and there will be an opportunity to meet over coffee after the service. 'The Penally Experience', May 26-28, will be a weekend celebrating arts, crafts and music from the past and in the present. Encouraging progress and interest is growing in this event. On Shrove Tuesday, the social committee's Pancake Party raised £163 for the church. Everyone who came enjoyed the pancakes and the friendly atmosphere.
