A beautiful crisp, sunny morning - the fifth of November. Truly a day to remember for the confirmees, their families and friends at the Confirmation and Eucharist Service at St. Mary's. The service began with a processional hymn - 'For all the saints who from their labours rest.' The procession was led by Mr. Lynn Rees - the cross bearer, followed by the choir and the organist and choir master, Dr. John Harrison. The servers and acolytes led the clergy - Canon David Jenkins, Rev. Michael John and Rev. Dennis Baxter. The Bishop of St. David's - Bishop Carl was escorted by the churchwardens, Mrs. Valerie Paley and Mr. Clive Webb. Canon David Jenkins warmly welcomed the confirmation candidates, their families and the rest of the congregation to St. Mary's on this very special day. He also extended a warm welcome to Bishop Carl. Bishop Carl responded by welcoming one and all. The first reading was given by Mrs. Anne Sterlini from the Book of Deuteronomy in which we are reminded and commanded that 'the Lord is our God, the Lord alone and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might.' Jules Farrow read the second from the Book of Hebrews, reminding us that the blood Christ shed for us will 'purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God.' Rev. Dennis Baxter gave the third reading from the Gospel of Mark. Jesus was asked by a scribe 'Which commandment is the first of all?' He replied saying "the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is that you love your neighbour as yourself." Bishop Carl delivered the sermon. He stated that we are now living in a technological revolution. He began by showing us his new mobile phone. His children were adept at using these and their fingers were a blur while he is a little more pedestrian. His new phone could send and receive texts, e-mails, photographs and even the TV. If you go back 10-12 years, the www. was not well known, but since this revolution, we are all familiar with the World Wide Web. Bishop Carl encouraged us all and especially the confirmees to be www. Christians. First of all we must wait - not as in queuing or standing around, but as in waiter/waitress. To tend and be aware of the needs and desires of others and to be attentive. We are called to wait on God. Be aware that it's not what you want, but what others want that's important. In his four-and-a-half years as Bishop, he has confirmed over 3,000 candidates. Lots of those who have been confirmed have not learnt to be people of worship. The candidates today are promising to worship, giving worth to God in all that you do and how you live your lives. Thirdly, we are called upon to witness. Christian faith is not private, go public and come clean, share with others the good news of Christ. It is sometimes difficult for schoolchildren as other pupils poke fun at them. It takes strength of character to say 'I am Christian.' The Bishop's prayer for the confirmees was that 'we will learn more and more in this technological age and be www. Christians and respond to the call. I am, and you should be proud of the step you have taken today.' The confirmation candidates were Hayley Ann Brown, Olivia Rose, Rhiannon Farrow, Emily Rhiannon Gleed, Martha Louise Griffiths, Matthew Adam Harris, Anna-Mae McBeth, Harrison David Sharp and Lilliray Pamela Williams. The offertory hymn was 'O Jesus I have promised to serve Thee to the end.' The newly confirmed were the first to receive communion from the Bishop at the High Altar. The closing hymn was 'Stand up, stand up for Jesus'. The congregation was invited to Church House for coffee after the service. On Remembrance Sunday there will be a service at the Cenotaph at 11 am, followed by a service at St. Mary's at 11.15 am. On Tuesday, November 14, there is a PCC meeting in Church House and on November 11, a coffee morning, 10 am - 12 noon, in aid of St. Mary's Choir.
