The choir opened the service, accompanied by Alan Adams, and the Rev. Nanette Lewis Head welcomed all to the church. She then wished God speed to Martin, Eleanor and Lewis Sevenoaks, who are shortly to leave the area.

After the first hymn, all joined together in the reading of Psalm 850, 'God is our refuge and strength.'

Nanette asked if we had washed that morning. There is a campaign on TV at the moment , since the advent of swine flu, advocating the washing of hands. Jesus was criticised because some of his disciples did not do the ritualistic washing. Jesus' reply was that unless your heart is clean, you can never be clean.

Bron Hurlow read from Mark, chapter 7, verses 1-8 and 14-23, and James, chapter 1, verses 17-27.

Nanette said that in the words from James, every generous act of living brings its reward. Children recite 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me,' but words can be used as a weapon or healing.

In the Jewish tradition, the Ten Commandments are known as the Ten Words. The God behind the laws expects people to live honorably. Priests see disciples eating with unclean hands and condemn them, but Jesus does not agree.

Are we trying to conform, during our life, with a set of rules? We, this morning, should be excited at the abundance of God's grace and forgiveness. James tells us that we must live out the word in our lives, which is how we keep our covenant with God. We must let God's love have its full effect on our lives.

When we gather together as Christians, we sometimes hear different things. Our acts of love happen because of what we think we hear. All around us are forces to distract us and derail us. Life tests us, but God gives all good gifts.

Mother Theresa once said: "Please remember that our community does not contain those who are already saints."

Nanette says that she often thinks of those words. God's love is with us every step of our lives. She concluded: "I think that God just wants us to accept it"

After prayers of intercession led by Nanette, the service ended with the singing of the hymn 'Lead us Heavenly Father lead us.' The congregation then said the grace and the choir sang 'God be with you 'til we meet again'.

Many thanks go to Nanette for the message she passed onto us. Also to the choir, Adam and all others who took part in the service.

This Sunday's service will be at 11 am and will be conducted by the Rev. A. Wilcox. It will also include Holy Communion. All are most welcome to attend.