On the third Sunday after Easter, after the inclement weather of last week, the sun shone brightly to welcome the congregation to St. Johns. Worship began with the choir singing the introit, 'God's graceful moment,' accompanied by Mr. Alan Adams, the organist, after which, Rachel read the words, "We come with joy and thanksgiving for Jesus is alive and among us, O come let us give thanks to the Lord." This welcome was affirmed by the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head. The opening hymn, 'Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father,' was followed by the congregational reading of Psalm 23, a well known and much loved Psalm, which was to be the theme of Nanette's address. Before the young people left for their own worship, Nanette asked them if they thought their parents would recognise their voices in a crowd. All the children were positive they would. We are reminded of God's love for us. He finds us even in the midst of the darkest shadows and knows each of us by name. Mr. Lew Day then read from John, Chapter 10, verses 1-10 and Acts, Chapter 2, verses 42-47. When Nanette began her address, she returned to the words of Psalm 23, 'The Lord is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing.' God offers us everything we need, not in the material sense. In today's modern world we have seen how misguided that can be, but in the security that he will never let us go. Jesus is the good shepherd leading us to God, promising us a life in all its fullness. Not always an easy life. In this season of Easter we are reminded of how Jesus warned us we would all have crosses to bear; the psalmist warns of 'the valley of the shadow of death.' One thing, however, is certain, God never deserts us, he calls each of us by name. This is an incredible word to hear today. Thank you, Nanette, for the inspiration of your words. The hymn, 'The king of love my shepherd is,' led us into the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and reminded us again of how God loves and nurtures us. After the sharing of the bread and wine, the children returned for a blessing from Nanette. To conclude a wonderful morning of worship, the choir then sang, 'I'll go in the strength of the Lord,' a foot-tapping, rousing hymn, which brought a happy smile to everyone's face. Thank you, Nanette, also the choir, Alan, Lew and Rachel for their participation in enhancing the service. This Sunday, worship will be at 11 am and will be led by the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head. Everyone is welcome.
