Worship on Sunday was led by Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, who thanked Thomas for reading the words of welcome at such short notice. 'I will exalt you O God my king' the opening line of Psalm 145, part of which was taken as the congregational reading. Nanette introduced the theme for the day, to the children, by asking them if they had been on a picnic. She referred to the story from Matthew's gospel about Jesus feeding a great crowd of people, which they were to look at more closely in Junior Church. Birthday greetings were shared with Sophie, Connor, Daniel and William. She congratulated William on having a new baby cousin, Archie. Everyone at St. Johns congratulates Nanette on the birth of her second grandchild Rhys Thomas, a brother for Rosie. Mr. Lew Day read from Isaiah 55 'God's offer of mercy' and the passage from Matthew 14 13-21. Nanette said that we should let the word of God, as heard in these scriptures, guide our prayers, and she began with the words 'Come everyone who is thirsty, here is water'. Nanette introduced her sermon by saying that it was a challenge. In the feeding of the great crowd, Jesus gave a practical demonstration of how God can use our gifts. Jesus prayed over a small gift of food. God blessed it and it was shared out with much to spare. So God can take the apparently small gift that we have and use them in this work. As we went into the celebration of Holy Communion Nanette posed two questions 'What has God given to us?' and 'How do we share it?' This time at the Lord's Table was an opportunity for new commitment. Let us not send people away let us share. Thank you to Nanette for the inspiration and challenge of this worship and all who took part. This Sunday at 10.30 am, the worship group will lead. All are welcome.
