The service on Sunday was conducted by the minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head. After the singing of The Introit by the choir, accompanied by Sheila John, Rachel Bonser, of the junior church, read the words of welcome. The opening hymn was 'Great is Thy faithfulness', after which Nanette told the young people that the service was based on how necessary it is to learn about our Christian Faith. Jesus was telling his followers that they must follow the laws of Moses, but not slavishly as leaders can be wrong. She likened some leaders to a balloon; which is a bag of wind. Jesus says 'my kingdom works. It is based on love'.
After the junior church left for their devotions, Connor Bridge read from Joshua, chapter 3, and Matthew, chapter 23, verses 1-12.
Mrs. Mary Squirrel then read a very moving poem, dedicated to the men and women who had died in the wars, entitled 'Remembrance'.
Nanette commenced her talk by saying that our children and grandchildren go through phases and crazes for different things. She remembers her two boys wanting to go camping. They saved their money and she took them shopping for necessities, but after they had them all packed in a rucksack, they could not lift if from the floor.
It reminded her of the teachers of Law and the Pharisees in the reading from Matthew. Moses gave the law, but Jesus teaches of new relationships with God. Our lives are controlled by God's message of love. Jesus says to listen to Scribes and Pharisees, but there is no need to carry the heavy burdens they advocate.
This teaching by Jesus is saying, look around and see what you can do in this world to ease others burdens. As we come to the communion table, we are invited to be disciples and work and follow Him.
After the singing of the hymn 'We come as guests invited', communion was served by the elders.
Prayers of intercession were said and all joined together in the singing of the final hymn and the blessing. The choir then sang the Benediction.
Many thanks go to Nanette, for her interpretation of Matthew's words, and to the choir, Sheila and all others who took part in the service.
This Sunday, Remembrance Day, the service will be at the earlier time of 9.30 am and will be conducted by the minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head.