Hebron Baptist Church

Last Sunday was a Missions Sunday when there was opportunity to see and hear the most recent news of Rwanda Restored. Mr. Anthony Standing led the service, giving the many regular visitors a warm welcome. There were also some visitors from New Zealand. The reading was James 1 v 19-27. Miss Helen Standing was the pianist and Rebekah Chatwin played the flute. The welcome stewards were Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin. The illustrated talk for the young people was about a man who put his servants in charge of his wealth whilst he was away. Two of the servants invested the money wisely and doubled the amount, but the third servant buried the money, he didn't even put it in the bank where it could get interest. When the master returned he commended the two servants but the third servant lost everything. The master gave the buried money to the first servant. God wants us to use all the gifts and talents he has given us to His honour and glory. Using PowerPoint, Mr. Standing was able to report on the development of the school in Rwanda. The first phase opened in January with 60 pupils. Sadly, some children who hoped to board at the school had to be sent home until the next phase of building is completed. A total of £11,000 will be needed to complete phase two, which will accommodate classrooms and dormitories. Ground has now been cleared in readiness for starting phase three. When the secondary school is completed it will have around 1,200 pupils. Primary schools in other areas have also been built to the delight of the children. Several schools in Wales have donated art work by pupils, and some have even sent school uniforms. One young man sponsored by donations to go to school full-time only attended half the time. Enquiries were made how the rest of the funds were used. The boy's sister had to stay home because there was no-one to sponsor her, so the brother gave half of what he was given so that his sister could go to school as well. Many of the widows make the most beautiful embroidered cloths, pictures, hankies and chair covers and others, along with some of the orphans, make beautiful cards using finely cut banana bark. Many of the items are sold here in Britain and the money earned is spent on basic necessities, food and shelter and education. Some of the blankets our local ladies have been making, along with some of the donated clothing aid, have gone out to Rwanda. Many local people are involved either by donating clothing or helping with knitting projects. On Sunday at 11 am, the speaker will be Rev. Roy Shearman, with activities for young people in the hall during the message. There will be no mid-week meetings this week. We give you a warm welcome to our services and activities. More details from http://www.hebronbaptistsaundersfoot.org.uk">www.hebronbaptistsaundersfoot.org.uk or call 811697.

METHODIST CHURCH

The preacher on Sunday, Rev. Anthony Gregory took as his subject 'faith in a God who makes promises and keeps his promise.' He started with Abram in Genesis 12. He had faith in God and obeyed his call to leave his native land and go to the land which God promised to him. From Matthew 9, verses 18-26, he spoke on two healings received throughout faith. Finally, in Romans 4, verses 13-25, Paul argues the points that it is not through the law nor good marks that we can be accepted as righteous but by God given faith alone. On Sunday morning at 11 am, the service will be led by members of the congregation. A warm welcome is extended to all.

THOMAS MEMORIAL CHURCH

The communion service this Sunday, at 11 am, will be conducted by Pastor Peter Morgan.

Historical society

Attention is drawn to the forthcoming day trip of the society on Wednesday, June 18, to the Plynweinog Silver Lead Mines. The coach will leave Saundersfoot Strand at 8.30 am. To summarise the last meeting which was held at Wisemans Bridge on May 21, could I'm sure fill a couple of pages of this newspaper. Suffice to say, the speaker on this occasion, Eirionedd Baskerville had such total command and knowledge of her subject, which was Patagonia. The influx of Welsh immigrants to this small region of Argentina started as early as 1861. The main body of these early settlers came from the three counties of Cardiganshire, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Many of these early settlers were Welsh speaking ministers and very quickly made their mark with the building of chapels throughout Patagonia, many of which are very much in evidence and used today. During the early years, immigration continued at a steady pace. Many would have been craftsmen and engineers, and were responsible for the building of factories and a railway system, much of this work being subsidised by the British Government of that day. Many farming families from Welsh regions sought a better life at this time from their poor existence in Victorian Wales. Evidence today certainly shows that these early settlers in a strange country became very successful and progressive in the farming industry in Patagonia. It was also pleasing to learn that our national game of rugby was not left behind in the valleys, but continued to be played throughout the school system in Patagonia. A most interesting talk from a very enthusiastic Eirionedd Baskerville. A vote of thanks from chairman Mr. Don Johns brought the evening to a close.

Saundersfoot in Bloom

At the recent annual general meeting, the following officers were elected: chairman - Keith Williams; secretary - Rosemary Hayes; treasurer - Joan Nicholls; vice-chairman - Joan Allen. Chairman Keith paid tribute to life president Duncan Hilling and the members for their work during the past year. Treasurer Joan Nicholls, in presenting the balance sheet, stated the takings at the flower festival were up on the previous year. This year, the flower festival will be held at St. Issell's Church, by kind permission of Rev. Canon Michael Butler A.D., between June 24-28. Judging for the main garden competition will be on Wednesday, July 23, and the judges will be Duncan Hilling, Valerie Paley and Alwyn James. Entry forms will be available at the Tourist Information Centre from July 1. Members are looking forward to another successful flower festival and lots of entries for the best garden competition.