The fourth Sunday after Easter proved to be a dank, dismal day. The morning Eucharist was in the care of Canon David Jenkins and he welcomed one and all. The processional hymn was 'The King of love my Shepherd is.' Mr. John Morgan, Mrs. Suzanne Bevan and Rev. Michael John gave the readings. John read from the Book of Genesis, Suzanne read from the Acts of the Apostles, while Rev. Michael read from the Gospel of John. Rev. Michael delivered the sermon. On this Good Shepherd Sunday, he reflected on his own calling. The shepherd had to lead his flock to green grass, water, shade keeping them safe from the heat of the day and the prowling beasts. As he sits to play his music, it dawns on him that the Lord is his Shepherd. As He leads Michael along safe paths, sometimes the reality of painful things will come crashing into his life. He will fear nothing, for the tools of his trade - rod and staff - will protect him and what Michael thinks of as the Collies - Goodness and Mercy - will follow him all the days of his life. The sheepfold is the Lord's House, trust in Him. The prayer was led by Mr. John Morgan. He asked that Jesus bring us back to the fold when we wander. Faithful Shepherd lead us through darkness into light and through death to life eternal. The offertory hymn was 'There's a wideness in God's Mercy.' The Eucharist was held at the High and St. Nicholas's Altars and all were welcomed to join in communion with our Risen Lord. The final hymn was 'Thine forever God in love.' The parish family service was held at St. Mary's on the fifth Sunday after Easter. Canon David Jenkins welcomed the large congregation to church. The processional hymn was 'Come ye faithful raise the anthem.' Jasmine and Becky, of Sunday Club, carried the banner. Mrs. Ann Sterlini read the first reading from the Book of Genesis, while Mrs. Ruth Webb read the second reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Amelia, Bridget and Lillyray welcomed all on behalf of Sunday Club. Amelia was the first baby that Canon David had baptised at St. Mary's and all the other children that Canon Jenkins had baptised over the 10 years of his incumbency joined her. Looking over the congregation was a huge Goliath that the children had made; modelled on Rev. Dennis with his dark, swarthy good looks. Matthew, Jemima, Eleanor, Martha and Elise told the story of David and Goliath. Rev. Michael called for someone to help him re-enact this wonderful story. A very brave Tom came forward to play David. Michael said they could not use stones because of the , so it was decided to have a tug of war using Uncle Keith's tow rope. Michael - in his chariot, an old trolley - one end and brave David the other. David pulled with all his might and Goliath crashed his trolley into a pew. Goliath - a bad loser, insisted on best of three and was again trounced. Although the odds were against David, put your trust in the Lord, do the Lord's will and we shall all be God's Davids and we shall prevail. Canon David blessed the gifts given to St. Mary's in memory of Betty Alicia Lloyd. Betty was a member of St. Mary's Church, a staunch member of Mothers' Union and one of the lady brass cleaners. She was faithful and devoted to church and the Lord. She was happy within the four walls of St. Mary's and was a truly welcoming steward. The altar cloths and acolyte candles will be a reminder of a wonderful lady. Canon David went on to present certificates to Sunday Club. For 100 attendances - Amelia, Becky, Lydia, Grace and Cameron; for 200 attendances - Caitlin and Catrin; and for 300 attendances - Martha. The children then sang 'He's got the whole world in His hands'. Cameron, Rachel, Ella, Joshua and Imogen gave prayers. The offertory hymn was 'The day of Resurrection'. After communion and blessings at the altars, the final hymn - 'Jesus Lives' - was sung. May 13-20 will be Christian Aid Week. On Saturday, there will be a coffee morning in aid of Friends of the Community.
