Hebron Baptist Church
On the second Sunday in Advent, Mr. Anthony Standing led the service and selected a Bible reading from Matthew 3 v 1-12. The pianist was Miss Helen Standing and the welcome steward was Mrs. Janet Roberts. Mrs. Standing reminded the congregation that God can speak to us in many ways, sometimes using unexpected ways to attract our attention. Zechariah and Elisabeth were an elderly, godly couple without children. When Zechariah was serving in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him with the good news that he and his wife would have the child they had long prayed for. Zechariah questioned how this would be possible. To show this promise was from the Lord God, Zechariah was struck dumb. To communicate he had to write everything. The couple had a son. People questioned Zechariah about the boy's name. He wrote, 'His name is John', confirming the name chosen by God, and given by Gabriel. Immediately Zechariah was able to speak again. Mr. Standing asked, 'How much do we know about John?' His birth was foretold by Isaiah 40 v 3-5, 700 years before the angel appeared to Zechariah in the Temple. Isaiah wrote 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness'. The same words are used in Matthew 3 v 3. John came as a forerunner of the Lord Jesus. In Eastern custom, a representative was sent to prepare the way for a visiting monarch though they did not have the same status in society as their king. Likewise, John was sent to prepare the Israelites for the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. He was a kind of bridge from the Old Testament to the New. John was very plain in his nomadic lifestyle, but still mixed with many people, sharing the message as he went. He was a powerful preacher. Jesus said, 'The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached.' John told of the need for repentance, of sins and forgiveness, and many came and were baptised. John was courageous and not afraid to speak his mind, and humble, recognising his role was to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet Satan sowed seeds of doubt in John's mind. In prison, he wondered. 'Was Jesus really the Promised One?' Report of Jesus' miracles gave him reassurance. Jesus had come to save anyone who believes, from any culture and time. Do you have the assurance of sins forgiven and that Jesus is preparing a place for you in his heavenly kingdom? If not, this Christmas is a good opportunity to turn to him and start out on a new life. On Sunday at 11 am The Family Carol Service will be accompanied by the Youth Orchestra with readings from the Guides and members of the church. There will be no mid-week meetings. Next Sunday (December 23), a United Churches Carol Service will be held at Thomas Memorial Church, High Street, at 11 am. The United Christmas Day service will also be held at Thomas Memorial Church at 10.30 am. If we can be of help to you in any way or for further information about Hebron's meetings and activities, please call 811697 or visit http://www.hebronbaptistsaundersfoot.org.uk">www.hebronbaptistsaundersfoot.org.uk
historical society
The recent talk at the monthly Historical Society meeting was well received by the packed room at the Regency Hall. The speaker on this occasion was Charles Hill, who is the planning officer for Cambria Archaelogy. His subject for the evening was, 'The Last 30 Years of Archaeology'. His experience was wide and varied, having spent many of those years in London researching many major sites, some of which showed evidence of the Roman period as early as the third century. The Great Fire of London during the middle of the 17th century was clearly in evidence in the sub- structure beneath the city. With the aid of some fascinating slides, Charles Hill gave his audience a most interesting show of some spectacular aeriel photographs showing some clearly marked sites across the country. These would have been castles and fortresses from a bygone age. With the use of modern technology, some of these sites were brought back to life with superimposed structures of wooden framed fortresses which preceded the stone castles of the medieval period. All fascinating stuff! Bringing a little local archaeology into his subject, it was interesting to learn of the endless miles of excavation resulting from the North Sea gas pipeline, in which our speaker was heavily involved. Charles Hill ventured to suggest that the evidence exposed by the diggings, might well have changed the early boundaries of the West Wales landscape. Members look forward to his return visit next year to continue with this never-ending fascination with this subject. Just a short reminder to members regarding the Christmas social evening at Wisemans Bridge Inn at 7 pm, December 19.
INNER WHEEL CLUB
President Olive welcomed a small number of members to the December meeting held at the St. Brides Spa Hotel. Many apologies had been received due to other commitments or illness. A business meeting followed and a full agenda was discussed. The Christmas cake for the raffle was displayed and admired and will be drawn on December 17. Arrangements were made for the forthcoming International Evening on January 10, 2008, which will be held at New Hedges Village Hall. Invitations have been sent out to neighbouring clubs and to friends, old and new, from overseas to join in celebrating Inner Wheel International Day. A Fish & Chip Supper will be held at the Mermaid on the Strand, Saundersfoot, on Friday February 29, 2008, with proceeds to Wales Air Ambulance. The price will be £10 p.p. and tickets are now available from members. This has proved a very popular event in the past, so don't miss it. Four members had attended the opening of Shalom House in November and reported on a very enjoyable day. Christmas cakes made by members will be distributed by Nesta and Margaret to participants of Meals on Wheels this week. The VIP's Club will be holding their meeting a week earlier than usual and two members of Inner Wheel will be serving the teas and mince pies. A donation has been sent to the Help the Aged Bangledesh Appeal. A Christmas card and letter of friendship was received from the Inner Wheel Club of Cosham, Hants, with news of their club and greetings from their president and members. A prompt reply was sent with Christmas greetings and both letters were read out. A fun evening then followed with games and a quiz prepared by programme secretary, Trevena, and helpers, and everyone agreed that the December meeting was very enjoyable. The next meeting will be the International Evening at New Hedges Village Hall on January 10.
METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday was the second in Advent when we remember the prophets. It was also Bible Sunday when we think of the work the Bible Society does in translation and distribution of the Bible in many languages. The lessons taken by the preacher, Rev. Anthony Gregory, were firstly Isaiah 11, verses 1-9, where he speaks of the coming of a new king from David's descendants. In the second, Romans 15, Paul speaks of the message of scripture and in verse 12 repeats Isaiah's prophecy. The third lesson, Matthew 3 verses 1-12, is of John the Baptist baptising in the garden, warning people to repent and speaking of "one greater than I" who is coming after him. This Sunday morning at 11 am will be a carol service with members taking part. A warm welcome is extended to all.