A rainy, cold winter's morning and the congregation at St. Mary's were ready to celebrate the second Eucharist before Lent. The processional hymn was 'Alleluya, sing to Jesus.' Rev. Michael John welcomed all to the service. Mr. Wilf Hardy gave the first reading of the morning from the Book of Genesis, in which he related the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Mr. John Morgan gave the second reading from the Book of the Revelation of St. John the Divine. In heaven stood a beautiful throne surrounded by other thrones occupied by elders. Around the throne are living creatures singing day and night 'Holy, holy, holy the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and is, and is to come.' Rev. Michael read from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus went out in a boat with his disciples. They put out from shore and Jesus fell asleep. Before long, a storm blew and the boat started to fill with water. They woke Jesus, "Master we are perishing." Jesus calmed the wind and waves and asked them "Where is your faith?" Rev. Michael went on to deliver the sermon. On Friday, he had been caught in the snow at Carmarthen, travelling 300 yards in four hours. After making snowmen in the central reservation and listening to the radio, he decided to concentrate his mind and prepare for Lent. We have 10 days to make serious preparations and make these 40 days a time of transformation, growth and joy, to anticipate carefully something wonderful and to focus on what God wants to give us. Get ready and prepare so that when Ash Wednesday comes we are ready to take off. We must ask ourselves, "What does God want to give me this year? We must slow down, not bother with trivialities, and listen to our inner spirit. We must measure the way we purchase food and material items - there is a big difference between want and need. Let us prepare our homes for this time of holiness and have images to remind us of the meaning of Lent; maybe a cross, a candle, a Bible, a bowl of water, the symbol of healing and renewal. This preparation will shape our Lenten journey. Mrs. Glynis James led the prayer. Mrs. James prayed for guidance for a world that bungles its self- centered way with bigotry and materialism. Let us stand for the principles of the Gospel and be counted. The offertory hymn was 'Lord of beauty, thine the Splendour.' This was followed by communion at both altars. During the Eucharist, the choir sang the motet 'Cantate Domino' by Pitoni. The final hymn was 'Christ is the world's true light'. During February, the Electoral Roll will be on the North Door notice board. Easter Vestry will be on Sunday, March 25, at 6.45 pm, in Church House. Notes or contributions to the parish magazine should be in by Sunday, February 18. On February 20, there will be pancakes at Penally Village Hall from 2 pm onwards.
