Rev. Nanette Lewis Head thanked Thomas for reading the words of welcome and said how cheering they were on such a dull, miserable morning.
Nanette also thanked those who had worked so hard for Christian Aid during the week, including the Welsh cake makers and those who had helped at the coffee morning. Although the final figure was not known, it was nearing £500.
Psalm 98, 'O sing to the Lord a new song', was read by the congregation.
In her talk to the children, Nanette said how much Jesus speaks about love throughout the gospels. She told the story of a missionary in China, who made biscuits for the children with slogans on them, such as 'Jesus loves you'. Nanette then posed the question, 'How do we tell people that God loves them?'
Mrs. Sue Powell read from John 15, 11-17, which concluded: 'This then is what I command you, that you love one another.'
Following prayers, the choir, with Mrs. Pat Stubbs as organist, sang 'Spirit of the living God.' This gave a quiet time for reflection.
In her sermon, Nanette developed the theme which she began with the children, basing her thoughts upon the reading from John's 1st Epistle. She repeated the question 'How do we share God's love with others?' Love that puts others before self, love that is ready to sacrifice even to death for a friend. God's unconditional love reached out on the crop. We move from Easter towards Pentecost when the gift of the Holy Spirit enables Christians to give out this love. As a church we should be a welcoming community, without walls or barriers, open to all people, loved for what they are.
Before prayers of intercession, Nanette announced the death of Mrs. Mair Davies and led a warm tribute to her saying that Mair's time at St. Johns had been short, but she had shared so much of herself with so many people. As the congregation stood, Nanette led prayers of thanksgiving for Mair's life and witness.
Thank you to those who took part in the worship, playing, singing, reading and just being there; and thank you to Nanette for guiding on the journey to Pentecost. She will again lead worship this Sunday at 10.30 am. All who attend are assured of a warm welcome.