The Rev. Alan Wilcox made a welcome return to conduct the service which opened with the singing of 'Come Lord be our guest' by the choir, accompanied by Sheila John. Molly of the junior church read the words of welcome.

After the opening hymn, the Rev. Wilcox said he had heard a story about a very ugly princess whose father wished she was beautiful. An old woman, really a fairy godmother, told him to ask all his subjects to bring milk, at night, to fill the swimming pool. In the morning, there was only water in it. Everyone expected others to bring milk.

The Rev. Wilcox thought that being a Christian was something like that. Asked by God to do something, each thought that others were better qualified.

The reading for the morning was from John, chapter 19, verses 16-30.

In his sermon, Rev. Wilcox spoke of verse 30; the last words of a dying man. To the people who heard, what did these words really mean? To the soldiers, it was the end of another day's work; probably like many other crucifixions. To His mother it was the end of her first born with all the anguish that entailed. To Pilate, the end to the threat on his authority and to the priests, the end of the threat to their way of running affairs. Now this thorn in their flesh was gone.

To the crowd, it was the end of the excitement for the day. His enemies could rejoice and His friends, disciples and followers had their hopes dashed. It was over! They could go back to their fishing and tax collecting; back to where they had been three years before.

But what did they mean to God? The words of a prophet called and commissioned by God to do a job. Jesus had revealed God's character and nature. He had said "It is not my will, but the father's." Jesus came and showed the world the nature of God. So His final words were "It is done."

On the cross he assumed the role of a priest. Priests offered sacrifices on behalf of people, but Jesus was different. John the Baptist, when he baptised Jesus, had said "Behold the Lamb of God come to take away the sins of the world". On the cross this happened.

Never did the cross look like a crowning ceremony, but Pilate had written 'Jesus, King of the Jews'. That cross and words showed Jesus to be the King of Kings. He was entering into His kingdom which is not of this world. We must recognise Him and give Him his dues.

After the serving of Holy Communion by the elders, the service ended with the choir singing 'May the Lord bless you and keep you'.

Many thanks go to the Rev. Wilcox 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. Alan Jenkins. All are most welcome to attend.