Heavy rain and strong winds did not deter the congregation from attending Rogation Sunday and the Civic Service at St. Mary's; a service to celebrate the election of Clr. T. J. Trevor Hallett as Mayor of the town of Tenby. The church was filled with Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Sea Cadets, schoolchildren and representativies of the numerous organisations of Tenby.
After the civic procession, the Rector, Canon David Jenkins, welcomed the new Mayor, Clr. Trevor Hallet, Tenby Town Council, the town clerk, Mr. Andrew Davies, the town crier, Mr. John Thomas, and Mayors and consorts of neighbouring towns and boroughs.
The Rector stated that Trevor was following a long line of Lady Mayors - nine in fact. Trevor was a keen photographer and also a lover of wildlife, flora and fauna, but birds in particular. He wished Trevor well in his year of office and prayed for God's blessing on all the council's work.
The service began with the hymn, 'Praise to the Lord, The Almighty, the King of creation.' The first reading was from the Book of Hosea and read by the Mayor. The reading reminded us to return to the Lord, let us press on to know the Lord; His going forth is as sure as the dawn. The second reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans was read by Mr. Darryl John. St. Paul considers that the suffering of the present day is not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Canon David delivered the sermon. He said that the council was given grace to do what is best for Tenby and if they turned to God in prayer, He would answer. They might not always get the answer they want, but to trust in Him. Sometimes we cannot see the whole picture. The children who work in the carpet factories of Rabat in Morocco do not see the whole pattern as they deftly weave the wool to the backing. They only see the pattern when it is complete.
Canon David believes that God has a Master Plan for us. We are called to weave the strands of life and are guided by our God with divine love and wisdom. Sometimes we do not like the cards that are dealt to us, but His guiding hand will bring light out of darkness, good out of evil and life from death. To bring about His purpose, respond with faith, love and obedience to that call and work to bring the strands of His love together to make the finished picture.
Rev. David Hammon led the congregation in prayer. This was followed by the offertory hymn, 'O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end.' Before communion, Canon David presented Miss Ella Griffiths with a certificate for good attendance at the Sunday Club. He then invited all members of Christ's family to join with him in communion with our Living Lord.
The closing hymn was 'Guide me, O thou great Redeemer', followed by the National Anthems, 'Mae hen wlad fy nhadau' and 'God Save the Queen.' Thank you to all who supported the St. Julian's coffee morning and the Christian Aid concert. On Sunday, June 4, at 6 pm, there will be a Songs of Praise at Tenby Harbour.
There will not be Evensong at St. Mary's that evening. A reminder that those wishing to have a memorial posy in memory of a loved one at the Flower Festival should, as a matter of urgency, give names and monies (£5.50 per posy) to Mrs. Ellen Jenkins.