Worship on Sunday, the last before Pentecost, was led by Rev. Nanette Lewis Head. She thanked Thomas Dunlop for reading the words of welcome and later shared greetings with his brother William on his ninth birthday. Nanette talked to the children about Ascension, celebrated last Thursday, and said how difficult it was for the disciples to say goodbye to Jesus. She likened God's plan for the world to a jigsaw in which all pieces are important, just as all his people are important in the task of sharing God's love, in Jesus, with others, for the picture to be complete. Worship included the induction of three elders, Mrs. Mollie Neate, Mr. Ron Hurlow and Mr. Tony Scullard. All had previously served as elders and had already been ordained. Promises were renewed by the elders and the church. Readings included Psalm 98 'O sing to the Lord a new song', read by the congregation, and passages from John 17, 20-26, 'Jesus prays for his disciples', and Acts 16, 16-34, 'In prison in Phillipi', both read by Mr. Lew Day. In her sermon, Nanette continued the theme of Ascension. Jesus left in a blaze of glory. He could say that he had finished his work on earth. We have a wonderful picture of Jesus and his father in complete harmony. The disciples had the comfort of knowing that Jesus prayed for them. 'I pray that they may be one just as I and the father are one'. The disciples and all followers of Jesus are to share the good news. Christianity is not an individualistic creed. We should be one in Jesus and with each other, without hindrance of race, gender, class etc., that all the world might believe. What a challenge! Following prayers of intercession, Nanette said that she would share greetings from the church with Vi and John, who were to be married following the service. During the notices, Mr. Tony Scullard announced that £300 had been raised at the coffee morning for Christian Aid. Thank you Nanette and all who took part in the worship, including the singing group and organist Mr. Alan Adams, Thomas and Mr. Lew Day. Nanette will again lead this Sunday's worship at 10.30 am, a celebration of Pentecost, which will be followed by a faith lunch. All are welcome.
