The introit, 'Holy, Holy, Holy', was sung by the choir, accompanied by Pat Stubbs, to start the service and Stephan, of the junior church, read words of welcome.
After the reading of Psalm 27 (844), Nanette told the young people that this morning they would be thinking about the baptism of Jesus by John. Baptism means you belong to the church and the fellowship of God's people. Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan. He needed to be baptised as he knew that he had a hard task before him and needed God's blessing, guidance and help.
After the junior church left for their worship, Mrs. Eluned Brown read from Genesis, chapter 1, verses 1-5, and Mark chapter 1, verses 4-11.
Nanette started her talk by quoting some verses from Acts chapter 19, in which Paul met some disciples who did not know of the Holy Spirit, but had been baptised in the way of John the Baptist. Paul baptised them in the name of the Lord Jesus and they received the Holy Spirit.
How many people grow up without love or being told they have done well! But God looks at us and says 'You are my dear child. I am delighted with you'. This is what the Christian Gospel is all about. Mark says 'Learn to live in this beautiful vision'. Without God's Spirit, the church simply cannot be. Jesus knew that he needed the ritual of baptism and the blessing. What chaos are we facing this year? There is no other rock and I call on God's blessing.
There followed prayers of intercession asking for His blessing on His church and ministry in the world and for guidance in proclaiming the Good News.
The service ended with the saying of the grace and singing, by the choir, of 'God be with you 'till we meet again'.
Many thanks go to the minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, for her thoughtful words and also to all others who took part in the service.
This Sunday's service will be at 11 am and will be conducted by Rev. Wilcox. All are welcome to attend.