Rev. Nanette Lewis Head welcomed everyone to the Toy and Carol Service on Sunday. She gave a special word of welcome to the representatives of Social Services, who had come to receive the gifts of toys, to distribute to needy children in Pembrokeshire. Janet and her children William and Thomas lit the third Advent candle, thoughts this week being centred upon a child from Zambia. More young people contributed to the worship as they hung further symbols on the Jesse tree, while Mrs. Sonia Hurlow gave the appropriate readings. The children also led the procession to the Christmas tree to take their gifts. One of the young people asked if Charlie, the young baby great-great-grandson of Mrs. Gwenith James, was one of the gifts. Nanette welcomed him, all the way from Geneva, before returning him to his mother. She also said how good it was to have Joanne Copp with us, on leave from the Royal Navy, following her tour of duty in the Mediterranean. Readings by Mr. Graham Stubbs from Isaiah 40 'Comfort ye comfort ye my people', by Mrs. Anne Maggs and Mr. Lew Day of the Christmas narrative from Luke and of John 1 by Mollie Neate, were interspersed with items from the choir and a violin solo by Mr. Jim Walker, accompanied by Mrs. Pat Stubbs on the piano. Nanette led the closing prayers and thanked everyone who had taken part in this worship. It had truly been a service reflecting many gifts - material ones to enhance Christmas for many children, also the many gifts through word, music and song, including that of Mrs. Sheila John as organist. Thank you also to Nanette, who will again lead this Sunday at 10.30 am, when the young people present their nativity 'Shine on star of Bethlehem'. They invite all to join them for this service and for coffee immediately following.
