The service last Sunday was conducted by the Rev. John Potter. After the Introit by the choir and words of welcome spoken by Rachel Bonser, John said he wished to welcome a family party which was in the church. They had come from the Midlands to celebrate the ruby wedding of Chris and John Williams who had married in St. Johns 40 years ago. They were also celebrating Chris's sister Janice's 34 years of marriage.
John said that his theme for the day was marriage and family life. He asked us to think of a young man he knew who met and fell in love with a young teacher. They got engaged, so he gave her a silver ring with two tiny diamonds in it. When showing it off at school one stone was missing. There was a great search and then the head teacher saw a long scratch on the blackboard and the missing stone was found below it. How happy it made the girl who was to become John's wife.
After the young people had left for their worship, Melanie Walker read from Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 32-34, and Timothy 2, chapter 2, verses 8-13.
In his address, John said that he would never forget next Sunday which was the anniversary of his marriage to Miss Jillian Ellis. He said that she was the best of all the lovely things that Tenby had given him.
To be happily married is not the glitzy wedding, but to stay together through everything. God is for happy, secure, stable marriages, for God is love. Sixty-one years ago he was in 'hate school', in preparation for the invasion of Japan, where all the recruits were taught to hate the enemy. In contrast, marriage is God's love school where we learn to love by instinct until ready to be the first to say 'sorry' and the first to forgive.
After half a century of marriage, he wants to shout 'Hallelujah' from the pulpit.
Do we really believe in God? According to the 'faith' of Atheism there is no god. You must not only believe in God, but trust him and be faithful to him. Even at times when our faith is wavering, His never does.
The service concluded with the Benediction sung by the choir and the blessing.
Many thanks go to John for his message; also to all others who took part in the service.
This Sunday's service at 11 am will be conducted by the minister, Rev. Lewis Head, and will include Holy Communion.