On Sunday, the cold weather outdoors was a stark contrast to the warmth inside as the congregation of St. Johns welcomed back the Rev. Nanette Lewis-Head as visiting minister; in her own words, "the shortest retirement on record."
The large attendances at the concerts and the warm fellowship shared these past few weeks as St. Johns and friends said a fond farewell to Nanette as their minister, are an endorsement of the high esteem in which she is held, not only amongst the congregation of St. Johns and pastorate, but also in the community. Both young and old have a story to tell of friendship and faith. We now look forward to a positive future because of her endless commitment and encouragement. Although we wish her a very happy retirement, we are hoping that she will continue to spend time sharing with us. God bless you, Nanette.
The opening hymn, 'As we are gathered, Jesus is here', was sung by the choir, accompanied by Mrs. Sheila John. Dylan read the children's welcome.
Nanette's opening words, "Lord, as we come to worship you this morning, let us be lost in wonder and joy," were followed by the reading of the congregational psalm, Psalm 111, 'O praise the Lord'.
"Are you good at asking questions?" Nanette asked the children. "We all need to ask questions," she told them. "It is through asking questions that we learn." In class, they explored the meaning of these words, using the story of Jesus teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
Two junior school children celebrated their birthdays, Dylan, who is seven, and Kasey, who is four, a brother and sister who at Christmas took centre stage as Mary and Joseph in the Nativity play. It was good to share with them on their special occasion.
Mrs. Liz Storey read from Mark, chapter 1, verses 21-28, 'A man with an evil spirit', and 1 Corinthians, chapter 8, verses 1-13. Nanette used the reading from Mark as the theme for her address on Education Sunday, 'teaching with authority'.
Jesus taught with authority, with a gentle, but deeply effective authority. As people of faith, we have come to understand that this authority in the person of Jesus is uniquely powerful because it is related to God. So how do we relate this understanding of Jesus as speaking with authority to our daily lives? How do we use our authority? Do we use it for good? Do we use our authority to help and lift people up and support them? These are the questions we must ask ourselves. Let us use the inborn authority each one of us has to spread the good news of God's love. Let us go out and influence and touch others with the light of Christ.
In the words of Nanette's opening prayer, "Go forth now and live to the full, where you have questions to ask, ask them. Where do you think you have found answers, share them and may our gracious God meet you with peace, hope and joy." Thank you, Nanette.
After prayers of intercession, the final hymn, 'O come let us sing of a wonderful love', was sung and the Grace was shared.
To conclude worship, the choir sang the blessing, 'May the grace of Christ our Saviour'.
This Sunday's worship will be at 11 am and will be led by the Rev. Chris Cole. All are welcome.