Worship on Sunday, the third in Advent, was a celebration in readings and carols led by the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head.
Following the introit, 'Spirit of the living God', sung by the choir, in her words of welcome Nanette made special mention of the friends from the Avenue Centre, who had brought a painting, by one of their members, to present to St. Johns (see above). This was received with many thanks by Nanette.
After reading the notices, Mr. Tony Scullard, church secretary, thanked everyone who had supported the Christmas fayre which raised £690 for Christian Aid's work in Bangladesh.
The children distributed stars with 'A prayer of love' on them as a thank you from Christian Aid. The prayer ended 'Love reach out, change our world for ever, bring life to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. In your precious name Jesus. Amen." Mrs. Beryl Lodey and Mrs. Janet Drogan read words reflecting upon the significance of the lighting of the third Advent candle.
A meditation was read by Mrs. Gwen Nicholl which led into lessons and carols. Bible readings and contemporary narrative, with carols sung by the congregation and items from the choir, told the Christmas story in the celebrated traditional way. Nanette thanked all who had taken part and added her own thanks to those of Tony for the generous giving at the Christmas coffee morning and for the gifts totalling £444 at the previous Sunday's Christmas gifts service. The gifts bought were as diverse as bags of seeds and fertiliser to a village water supply.
Nanette's closing words before the final carol 'Hark the herald angels sing' were: "Each one of us matters to God in his love for us." Thank you, Nanette.
This Sunday's worship will continue the Advent journey to Bethlehem when the young people will be leading. All are invited to join us in once more exploring the real meaning of Christmas.