The service opened with the singing of the introit, 'God's Graceful Moment', by the choir, accompanied by Alan Adams on the organ. After words of welcome read by Rachel Bonser and the first hymn, 'O Worship the King all glorious above', the minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, talked about the theme for the day, which was to be 'Thanksgiving' as it was their Gift Sunday. The young people left for their worship and Mrs. Bron Hurlow read from the Second Book of Kings, chapter 5, verses 1-3 and 7-15, and from Luke, chapter 17, verses 11-19. In her talk, Nanette asked what made us shout for joy. Naman did not feel like shouting for joy. He expected to be asked to do something much more difficult or dramatic than bathing in the Jordan to cure his leprosy, but after he was persuaded to do it, he believed in the Lord. Ten lepers were cured in the narration in Luke's Gospel, yet only one of them returned to thank Jesus. Nanette asked where we, as a church, had to go to meet people on the fringes of society. We have a responsibility to pray and worship, for there are no favourites with God. We should be building up our faith as we need it more than ever. It is not only the nine lepers who failed in their thanks, but all of us, for everything we have, including the breath in our body, comes from God. All gifts are simple, but accepting them with faith and gratitude takes real humility. His loves says 'Come to me just as you are'. After prayers of intercession and the final hymn, the benediction was sung by the choir. Thanks go to Nanette for her thought-provoking words and to all others who took part in the service. This Sunday's service will be at 11 am and will again be conducted by the minister, the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head. All are most welcome to attend.
