The Rev. Nanette Lewis Head conducted the service on Sunday in the absence of Rev. Coe, who was unable to attend due to the snow.
After the introit by the choir, accompanied by Pat Stubbs, words of welcome were read by Stefan. The opening hymn was 'Awake, Awake to love and work' and then the psalm for the morning, number 147, was read by everyone.
Nanette asked the children if anyone had received good news. Stefan replied that nearly everyone in school got snowed in and the best day in the world was Tuesday. A member of the congregation said that the best news was when the snow all went. Nanette told us of a gentleman in Yorkshire who said that the bad weather was an opportunity to help each other and in the reading for the day Jesus healed people, but asked them not to tell anyone.
After the young people left for their worship, Molly Neate read from Isaiah, chapter 40, verses 21-41, and Mark, chapter 1, verses 29-39.
Nanette said in her address that behind all the stories is the mystery of the authority of Christ. People tend to think 'why should God care about me?' but the reading in Mark tells us something different. All of us have something in us which prevents us offering what we can, but we all have something to give. The Christian church is perhaps the last place where to administer to anyone is a cause for celebration. We value servanthood because Jesus himself was a servant. Jesus came to serve so that we may serve God. How do our hands serve in healing and helping others in life. Jesus came and offered hope. When we pray for healing, it is for relief from pain and the symptoms of illness, but there is a far deeper meaning; putting right what things have gone wrong and experiencing God's gift of peace.
The service concluded with the singing of 'Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim' and the saying of the blessing.
Many thanks go to all who took part in the service and to Nanette for, once again, leaving us with much to think about.
This Sunday's service will be at 11 am and will be conducted by the Rev. David Hammond. A welcome is given to all.