HEBRON BAPTIST CHURCH

It was a busy time for the fellowship at Hebron last weekend. On Saturday, 40 people from the Bridgend Torch Group for the blind visited Saundersfoot. Later in the afternoon they came to Hebron for a service then enjoyed afternoon tea.

On Sunday, Mr. Anthony Standing welcomed friends and visitors to the Harvest Thanksgiving service, leading the worship. The speaker, Mr. Mike Jones, read from Matthew 13 v 24-30, 36-43. Mrs. Helen Trimmings prayed in thankfulness to the Creator God providing food for our bodies and living water to our souls. The musicians were Miss Helen Standing (piano) and Rebekah Chatwin (flute). The welcome stewards were Mr. and Mrs. Chatwin.

Mrs. Standing's illustrated talk featured two harvests. In a parable Jesus told of the rich fool who had an abundant harvest, tore down his barns and built bigger ones. He planned to eat, drink and be merry, living off his wealth. God called him a fool because he would have to leave his wealth and possessions behind in death. The riches God has prepared for us in heaven are beyond anything we can acquire on earth

In the Old Testament, a king had two dreams that puzzled him and no-one could tell him what they meant. A prisoner who understood dreams was sent for. The man said, 'God alone interprets dreams', then proceeds to explain. Both dreams had the same meaning, a warning to the king it would soon take effect. In the dreams, seven thin cows ate seven fat cows and seven thin ears of corn ate seven full ears of corn.

Joseph said that seven years of bumper harvest would precede seven years of famine and suggested a plan to store surplus grain in the good years for the coming years of crisis. The king gave charge of the plan to Joseph. Unlike the rich fool, Joseph loved God with all his heart and cared for the needs of others. Jesus said, 'Where a man's treasure is, there his heart is.'

Mr. Jones said, 'God's promise never fails'. In the parable in Matt ch13, there was a season of sowing, growing and harvesting. Good seed was sown, then another came to sow weeds. The farmer let them grow together so the crops would not be uprooted by mistake. At harvest, the weeds were gathered and burned, but the crop was stored in barns.

Some people trust God and know His love for them (the crop). Others around them get in the way and try to distract them from God's purpose in all aspects of life (weeds). Those who know God keep rooted in Him and will be gathered in by Him one day. As people grow and develop, it is evident whether they are trusting God or pre-occupied with this world and material wealth. Jesus has a purpose for us all.

There will come a harvest time when those who trust God will be taken safely into His presence, but those who disobey will be separated just like the crops in the parable. God has a purpose for every life and He is sorrowful for those who didn't follow His plan. Even though things may not be secure in today's climate, we can have eternal hope in God. God knows our hearts and Jesus gave his life in order that we would know eternal security.

On Monday evening there was a Harvest Dinner and Auction. A sum of £392.75, the proceeds of the weekend, will support two children through Compassion for the next year.

This Sunday at 11 am the speaker will be Mr. Brian Rogers, with activities for young people in the hall during the message. Tuesday club will meet at The Poppies at 6 pm and Oasis Lunch Fellowship will be held in the hall at 12.30 pm on Wednesday.

THOMAS MEMORIAL CHURCH

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

CHARITY QUIZ

A quiz organised by Sharon Edwards and the committee of Cancer Research in memory of Bambi Edwards and his wife, who both died of cancer 12 months ago, was held at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot.

Question master was Mr. Dickie Parcell and doorman was Mr. John Morgan, both from Saundersfoot Sports Club.

Twenty-three teams entered and winners were 'My Family', who kindly gave their prize money to Cancer Research.

A holiday given by Powell's Holidays and a Welsh rugby shirt signed by the Welsh team were both auctioned, with the lucky recipients being Mr. Tony Ormond and Mr. Steve Cole, respectively.

A huge raffle of 70-plus prizes was also drawn at the end of the evening, all helping to raise a grand total of £1,105.

Bowling Club

Whist drive

The ever-popular whist drives resume after the summer break at Saundersfoot Bowling Club on Monday, October 6, at 7 pm prompt. Organiser Beryl Lawrence extends a warm welcome to whist players old and new.

A taste of crystal therapy

Local crystal therapist, Karen Deverson, SNHS Dip, SWCH Dip, MNCHM, ACHORP, is offering free crystal therapy taster sessions in Saundersfoot Pharmacy, The Strand, Saundersfoot on Thursday, October 16, from 10 am, and asking for a donation - however small - for Breast Cancer Care.

Please call Karen 01834 814295 or 07917 197839 to book or ask in the pharmacy.

METHODIST CHURCH

On Sunday morning, Brian took a readers service with the theme 'Make love your aim'.

The opening hymn, Charles Wesley's well-known 'Love Divine, all loves excelling', speaks to us of God's love, 'pure unbounded love thou art' and how we should respond to that love.

The New Testament reading from Matthew 5, verses 43-48, is Jesus' teaching not to love only your friends, but also your enemies and pray for them.

In that context, the first line of the final hymn is very relevant 'I need thee every hour'!

This Sunday morning at 11 am the service will be led by Mrs. Ladonna Mallams. A warm welcome is extended to all.