Worship on Sunday was led by Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head.
St. Johns, together with other churches in the Synod of Wales, throughout the United Reformed Church, was invited to celebrate the ministry of the Rev. David Fox. David began his ministry in Tenby; he remained here for 10 years.
A man with a deep spiritual faith, one of his concerns was for the unity of the church; in every aspect of his ministry he shared a passion that all God's people should be one. We are grateful for David's work as Synod clerk, for his wisdom and understanding and all that he has done to build relationships between the churches of the Synod.
David had been blessed with many diverse gifts to fulfil his ministry, which included hymn writing and needlework (of which he was very proud). Two of the hymns which David had written were sung during worship. The banners he embroidered during his time in Tenby are hung in St. Johns for all to see.
David is remembered with much affection; we are grateful for his generous care as a minister and his friendship. A prayer of thanksgiving was read by Mrs. Marlys Thomas.
David's disappearance while on a walking holiday in Slovenia brings much sadness to everyone who knew him. We thank you gracious God for the love that heals and blesses.
'Spirit of the living God' was sung by the choir to open worship, led by Mrs. Melanie Walker and accompanied by Mrs. Pat Stubbs. Steffan read the young people's welcome and was thanked by Nanette.
The congregational reading was Psalm 103.
By asking the children, if since going back to school they had made any mistakes when writing with their new pencils, Nanette introduced the theme for Sunday; forgiveness. "Did you then rub out those mistakes with the rubber at the top?" "God 'rubs out' our mistakes", she told them. "He forgives and loves us." The collage the children had begun last week in junior church was continued to include 'forgiveness'.
Connor Bridge read Genesis chapter 50, verses 15-21, and Matthew chapter 18, verses 21-35, to further develop the theme of forgiveness and lead us into Nanette's address.
Forgiveness is the core aspect of Christianity without which we cannot progress, be it personally, nationally or internationally. Over recent years we have been faced with many acts of hatred in the world; it is not always easy to forgive. Very often we cannot forget the hurt, but we can choose to forgive. This does not always exclude hate and anger, but only as we forgive are we able to move on and become the more Christ-like person that God has called us to be.
The hymn 'Amazing Grace' was sung in response.
News of the church family included a sad farewell to two much-loved members of St. Johns, Marion and Derek Griffiths, who are making their home in Lichfield to be nearer their family. We wish them well and look forward to seeing them next year at the flower festival. Mrs. K. Apps is now at Pencoed Residential Home and is looking forward to visits from her friends.
After intercessionary prayers, the hymn 'I need Thee every hour' was sung, and to conclude morning worship the Grace was shared.
Thank you, Nanette, and everyone who contributed.
This Sunday, worship will be at 11 am and will be led by Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head. All are welcome.