Last Sunday, the congregation of Penuel Baptist Church, Manorbier, was delighted to receive little Robert Thomas McKinley and his baby sister Martha Sarah, for the service of the 'Blessing of Children,' based on the example given by Jesus who took the young children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. The McKinley children represent the fifth generation associated with the chapel. The parents, Gaynor and Robert, were accompanied by little daughter Isabel and in the presenting of the children to God were supported by their close friends, Jackie and Clive. The grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Nevitt (Heather and Sid), completed the family group gathered around the children. Our thoughts were with the other grandparent, Mrs. McKinley, of Belfast, who was not able to be with us on this occasion. The officiating minister, the Rev. David Cardwell, gave a short talk based on the words of Jesus, 'Except you be converted and become as little children you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.' He drew the distinction between being 'childish' and being 'childlike,' and suggested some ways in which childlikeness should characterise us as adults in our approach to God. To illustrate his message based on various scriptures, he told some captivating, real life stories of children, some humorous and others, 'pulling at our heart strings.' He also quoted lines from some well-known hymns which suggest a childlike dependence upon God; 'Hold thou my hand, so weak I am and helpless, I dare not take one step without Thine aid,' and from Toplady's famous hymn, 'Rock of Ages,' 'Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling. Naked come to Tee for dress, helpless look to Thee for grace.' The parents were presented with dedication certificates, and the children were each given a child's New Testament. Martha's was bound in pink and of course Robert's was in blue. The hymns used were, 'Jesus loves me this I know;' Jesus wants me for a sunbeam;' and 'God make my life a little light.' Before the Benediction was pronounced, Gloria and David sang, to guitar accompaniment, 'He's got the whole world in His hand,' and incorported the children into the song - 'He's got Robert and Martha in His hand,' and included all the children by singing 'He's got all the little children in His hand.' The congregation joined in the song with happy enthusiasm. On Sunday coming, the service will be led by Mrs. Melanie Ablitt. A warm welcome awaits you.
