Sunday morning worship was conducted by the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head and she was given a very warm welcome on her return to St. Johns. The choir opened the service singing 'Spirit of the Living God', accompanied by Alan Adams. The call to worship was read by Robert of the Junior Church. Nanette said how good it was to be with them and that the thought for the morning was of the growth of the mustard seed.

After the first hymn, the Junior Church conducted worship. Stefan led in prayer, followed by Rachel, who played a verse of 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God' on her clarinet and then Lara read the parable of the mustard seed from Mark. Rachel played another verse and Isobel and Molly then talkedof two worlds. Rachel played the final verse and Steffan read a poem.

Nanette, in her talk to the young people, said she had two things in her bag; a knife and an apple. The apple was cut to discover three seeds. She told them to take the seeds home, plant them and water them to produce apple trees. Seeds are so valuable. Every year in Britain three-million apples are thrown away. How many seeds and trees would they have produced?

Nanette then presented birthday gifts to Lara, Molly, Wesley and Rachel, after which the young people left for their own worship.

Lara then read from Corinthians, chapter 5, verses 6-10 and 14-17.

Nanette's sermon was based on the growth of the mustard seed from the smallest seed to the largest plant. Jesus talked of everyday things such as this, which the crowds loved, but he then spoke to the disciples, when they were alone, of their significance. We live in an age which expects instant results, but growth takes time.

Did the gardener who planted the olive trees at Gethsemane realise that the trees which sheltered Jesus would be giving fruit in the 21st century? Today all over the world people will be planting seeds. In war-torn lands young men will be guarding the safety of people, there will be peace makers and carers. All these will be planting seed.

But of course there will be some who never think of others. We have to make a choice, for the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which when sown grows. The choice to live in the Kingdom of God comes to us every hour of every day. We reap what we sow.

After prayers of intercession, the final hymn was sung and the blessing said.

Thank you, Nanette, for a sermon which we all went away thinking about and thanks go to all others who took part in the service.

This Sunday's service will be at 11 am and will be conducted by the Rev. J. Potter. All are welcome.