On Sunday, August 3, St. Johns Church in Tenby will be celebrating a very special occasion. It does seem, at times, that St. Johns is always celebrating something or other, as each year, the Daffodil Festival grows and there are often 'special services' to denote particular Christian events and festivals.

However, this August, St. Johns will be celebrating 140 years since the church 'opened'.

The Minister, the Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head and members will be arranging a 'service with a difference' as various 'departments' of the church, like the singing group and the musicians and the young people are being asked to contribute in their own unique way to remind the congregation of the many long years that St. Johns (formerly the Congregational Church) has served the town. The purpose of this first notice of the event, is to invite anyone and everyone who has ever had or still has a connection to the church, to come along on that occasion, to celebrate with the current congregation.

Were you married on 'Cong. Corner' years ago? Were your children or grandchildren christened there? Have you enjoyed coffee mornings at the church for years, but never been to a service there? Do you know Nanette, but not through Sunday service?

We, at St. Johns, know that thousands of people have 'passed through' the church over the years and many of them still live in or near Tenby, but have 'lost touch'.

We are inviting you all to come on August 3 to join in our 140th birthday celebrations. Following the celebratory service, there will be a faith lunch. These are very popular, well-supported events. Often, lucky visitors who come to church service on a Sunday when faith lunches are being given after service have been very agreeably surprised at being invited to stay and share our delicious meal - all contributed by members and friends. There is such a thing as a free lunch!

The service on August 3 will start at the usual time of 11 am and will end at about 12 noon. If you want to know more about it at this stage, or you'd like to 'put your name down', please 'phone Mollie on (01834) 843147.

We'd be delighted to hear from you, or better still, to see you on Sunday, August 3, at St. Johns.

M.N.