St. Issell's

with Amroth Mothers' Union

The Mothers' Union meeting held on February 10 was opened by Mrs. Georgina Butler, with Mrs. Rosemary Hayes conducting the Prayers for National Guidance Week, Family Life, the Fellowship of Life and prayers for two members, Mrs. Lucille Daniels and Mrs. Valerie Griffiths who, through ill-health, were unable to attend.

Before the business of the meeting took place, a minute's silence was observed for Mrs. Judith Davies, who died recently.

Mrs. Butler reported that Mrs. Veronica Davies had taken over the treasureship from Mrs. Daniels and then introduced the speakers for the afternoon, Mrs. Rosemary Hayes and Mrs. Yvonne Webley, whose subjects were 'Memories'.

Mrs. Hayes reminisced about her family and her early years in Saundersfoot, as did Mrs. Webley, who spoke of her youth in Narberth. Both talks elicited interesting responses from the members.

A vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Snellgrove and they were presented with gifts.

The meeting on March 10 opened with prayers for Lent and Family Life. Mrs. Butler welcomed Mrs. Lucille Daniels's return after her illness, and on behalf of members commented on her retirement and thanked her for 23 years of sterling service as treasurer.

Mrs. Butler then introduced the afternoon's speaker, Mrs. Heather Witt, from St. Clears Deanery. Mrs. Witt's subject was the painting of icons, popular in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, and traditionally objects of widespread veneration in Russia and Greece in particular.

Displaying a number of colourful examples, she explained how the painters often believed they were inspired by God to carry out their work.

On behalf of the members, Mrs. Daniels thanked Mrs. Witt for an interesting insight into the icon world and presented her with a gift.

The meeting ended with Mrs. Butler reminding members that the branch was entering a team in the Rotary Club Quiz at the Merlewood Hotel. The Lady Day service will be in St. Issell's Church on March 25, at 10 am, and the Deanery Quiet Evening will be in St. Mary's Church, Tenby, on March 31.

Hebron Baptist Church

Last Sunday, Mr. Anthony Standing led the service and gave a warm welcome to all the congregation, which included visitors. The speaker was Mr. Mike Jones and his selected Bible reading was 2 Samuel, chapter 9. The pianist was Miss Helen Standing and the welcome stewards were Mrs. Jill Chatwin and Rebekah.

Mrs. Standing continued the illustrated theme, 'People who met Jesus'. Two brothers, whom Jesus named 'sons of thunder,' were hardy fishermen used to shouting over the noise of the rough sea when out fishing. One day when they were attending to their nets in the boat by the shore, Jesus came by and called them to 'Follow Me.'

The brothers became close friends with Jesus and were with him and Peter when they went to the home of Jairus and witnessed Jesus give his daughter new life. These three rough fishermen, who had all been brought up with the scriptures, perhaps needed the Lord's guiding hand even more than the rest of the 12 disciples. John was destined to travel overseas and write his gospel, letters and a record of his visions in Revelation, while James was to witness closer to home and be the first disciple to die for his faith.

Wherever we live or wherever God calls us, there is always a work to do for Him.

Mr. Mike Jones' s message was based on King David showing loving-kindness and mercy to a crippled man named Mephibosheth who had done nothing to deserve the king's favour, but was the beneficiary of a promise made between David and his friend Prince Jonathan. Today, many promises are made, and a lot aren't kept, but David kept his word. In 2 Samuel 9, the grown up Mephibosheth, crippled from boyhood, is remembered, though the mistakes of his grandfather Saul meant he no longer deserved the benefits of Royalty, yet he still received them.

This is an Old Testament picture of how the Lord Jesus wishes to show grace and favour to sinful people who will confess their sin and call out to Him for mercy and forgiveness. God honours his promise to us and we will receive far more than Mephibosheth did. Jesus personally dealt with our mistakes by giving his life for us.

There will be a Family Service led by Mr. Anthony Standing at 11 am on Mothering Sunday. Young people will be taking part with music, songs and prayers. All are welcome. Refreshments will be available after the service. Tuesday Club for young people will be held at The Poppies from 6 pm. Bible Study is on Thursday at 7.30 pm in the Church Hall.

For more information about services and activities, call 811697 or visit http://www.hebronbaptistsaundersfoot.org.uk">www.hebronbaptistsaundersfoot.org.uk

THOMAS MEMORIAL CHURCH

On Sunday, the service at 11 am will be conducted by Mr. Scanlon.

METHODIST CHURCH

The service on Sunday had the heading of 'The Book' and was led by Brian Howells. He spoke on Nehemiah, chapter 8. The Israelites have returned from Exale and all the people are called together to hear Eyra read from the book of the Law of Moses. The Levites explained what was read, then sent them away to celebrate, saying "the joy of the Lord is your strength."

The Bible as we know it is made up of 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament, covering from creation to revelation. It is for us 'The Book' from which we can learn so that we can say the joy of the Lord is our strength.

This Sunday morning at 11 am, the service, which will include Holy Communion, will be taken by Rev. Alan Jenkins. All are welcome.