Morning worship on Sunday was conducted by the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, who made a welcome return to St. Johns. Also welcomed back was Mrs. Mary Squirrel after her recent accident. The service opened with the singing of an anthem by the choir, accompanied by Mrs. Sheila John, and then the call to worship was read by Rachel Bonser.

The opening hymn was 'Jesus is Lord of all the earth' and Nanette asked the children 'What comes out on the rose bush before the flower'. It is of course the thorn, and Paul used the strange phrase 'a thorn in the flesh'. He knew that the love of Jesus was what mattered most to him. Mark talks of sharing the gospel and Jesus told the disciples that they would be going out two by two. It is good to have a friend to rely on and stand by us. Jesus is this friend for us.

After the children had left for their worship, Mrs. Bron Hurlow read from Mark, chapter 6, verses 1-13, and 2 Corinthians, chapter 2, verses 2-10.

Nanette, in her sermon, said that the gospel describes Jesus going into the temple on the Sabbath to speak there, but many people rejected him because he was just a carpenter. We know that many considered him weak because his life ended in crucifixion.

Paul knew, in Corinthians, that it was no good lecturing people. Our lives are filled with people telling us what to do. Many believe that meekness is weakness and power is strength. Jesus was not looking for attention, but made a very powerful statement in that prophets are respected everywhere but their own home town.

Nanette said that she believes the message is that we hold onto Christ, with all our strength, with one hand and to loved ones with the other. We will never meet anyone person or group of people who do not need healing. Whatever skills God has given us, we should be prepared to use.

The third level of calling should be in prayer. There is a desperate need for those Christian people prepared to pray. We need healers. We know that miracles come in all shapes and sizes. May God be with you when you put one hand into the hand of God and one out to each other.

Prayers of intercession followed and then Mrs. Val Adams was received into membership of St. Johns.

The elders then served holy communion and the service ended with the saying of the grace.

Following the service, members gathered together in the schoolroom to wish God Speed to Tony and Audrey Scullard who are leaving shortly to move nearer to their family.

Many thanks go to Nanette for her powerful sermon and 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. David Hammond. All are welcome.