The choir opened worship on Sunday with the Introit 'Spirit of the living God', accompanied by Mr. Alan Adams. Rachel then read the young people's call to worship, "Together let us pray for each other, for those who sit beside us, and those in the circle of faith, and those whose prayers are joined with ours." These words set the tone.
Later Rachel was wished a happy 12th birthday by the Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head, who also thanked her warmly for her contribution to church life. Rachel has attended junior church since a baby and has rarely missed a Sunday.
Welcoming the congregation, Nanette introduced the theme for Sunday, 'The challenge of mission'. Psalm 122, 'I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord', was the congregational reading.
Matthew, chapter 9, verse 35, chapter 10, verses 1 -8 and Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 5, verses 1-8, were read by Mrs. Marion Griffiths as an introduction to Nanette's address.
Matthew's words describe the time when Christian life was extremely dangerous and urgent. "When they persecute you in one town flee to another," he wrote.
"What missionary strategy does our time demand?" asked Nanette. Times have changed so much, Christian faith is no longer scorned, it is ignored. Yet in our modern materialistic world there is real evidence that many people are seeking some kind of spirituality. They feel that the love they experience in their families must have a wider application. In other words, many people are reaching towards the very convictions that the Christian faith has.
Therefore, as Jesus instructed his disciples to take the good news out to the people, it is now our turn to do the same in our communities and show by example what difference God has made in our lives. Firstly we must start with our own congregation, then those who sometimes feel that the Church has in some way failed them and draw them back showing compassion and love as Jesus taught. We must learn to value everyone's experience of God, meet them where they are and encourage. Go forth in the name of Christ, go forth rejoicing in the power of the spirit. We need nothing else and it is time to go.
Thank you, Nanette, for challenging each of us to follow in the words of Jesus to go out and proclaim the love of God.
After prayers of Intercession, the hymn, 'God is working his purpose out, as year succeeds to year', concluded worship.
The Grace was then shared and the choir sang the blessing. Thanks also go to Mr. A. Adams, Mrs. Marion Griffiths, Rachel and the choir for enhancing worship.
This Sunday's worship will be led by the Rev. Peter Trow, the new ecumenical officer, and will be at 11 am. All are very welcome.
The weekly coffee mornings have now restarted. They are held every Wednesday from 10.30 am - 12.30 pm. It is a good time to meet up for a chat with friends. Do come along.