The words 'St. Johns is Great' written on the newly-acquired white-board welcomed the congregation of St. Johns on Sunday. The Introit was sung by the choir, accompanied by Mrs. Sheila Noot.
This was followed by the young people's welcome read by Rachel, "Loving God, we are your children. We know you love us, and so we gather ready to worship you."
Mr. Graham Powell thanked Rachel and welcomed the congregation on behalf of the 'Worship Group', which this week included Mrs. Janet Drogan, Mr. Graham Powell, Mrs. Sue Powell and Mrs. Mollie Neate.
Janet then began her talk to the children about 'Tuning in to God'. She illustrated her talk using a television aerial, and on the whiteboard she drew a church (St. Johns), a socket, a television and the Preseli Mountains with a TV mast. She then discussed with the children if it was as easy to tune into God as it is to get a TV reception.
"Much easier," she assured them, "for God is all around us. We need nothing other than ourselves. All we need to do is 'switch on.' As in Rachel's words, "Loving God, we know you love us."
Psalm 119 was recited by the congregation, verses 9-16, from 'Psalms/Now' by Leslie F. Brandt, 'O God, I want so very much to please you, to walk in your ways and to carry out your purposes'. The choir responded by singing, 'St. Patrick's Prayer'.
After the children had left to continue their studies in Junior Church, Mrs. Mollie Neate read the following passages. Firstly from the Old Testament, Jeremiah, chapter 31, verses 31-34, and then from the New Testament, Hebrews, chapter 5, verses 5-13 and John, chapter 12, verses 20-33. These texts formed the basis of Janet's address.
Janet linked the readings and related them to issues in our everyday lives.
"The theme today is Covenant," she said. Jeremiah prophesied that one day God would make a new Covenant with all peoples and it would be written on individual hearts. This is where our faith begins - handing over to God in our hearts. As in the children's talk 'Tuning in to God'.
When we read the passage from Hebrews, it points to Jesus' life as an example of total covenant obedience. As Jesus turned to God, his Father, in his darkest time, we too can find God when we encounter difficulties.
Then in the final passage we again glean the basic message of obedience that Jesus followed God's will to the last. We are told of Jesus' internal struggle and then the acceptance of his reason for coming to earth. "My time has come," he says.
As we journey towards Easter, where do we come in? How do we relate these passages to our everyday life? Are we 'tuned in' to God? Can we say along with Jesus, "The hour has come."
Prayers of Intercession were led by Mrs. Sue Powell.
Worship was concluded with the singing of the final hymn, 'Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end', and the saying of the Grace.
It had been a stimulating morning's worship. Thanks must go to the 'Worship Group' for leading us so joyously on our journey of faith.
This Sunday, which is Palm Sunday, worship at 11 am will be led by the Rev. M. Thomas. Everyone is more than welcome to join with us as we journey through Lent towards Easter and the Cross.