A beautiful May morning and the eight bells of St. Mary's rang out on the seventh Sunday after Easter, the Sunday after Ascension. The service, in the care of Canon David Jenkins, was very well attended. The Processional Hymn was 'Hail the day that sees Him rise.' Canon David welcomed all and thanked those that had attended the coffee morning and drew the congregation's attention to the final banner in the 'I am' series, made by the banner group. The first reading was from the Book of Ezekiel and read by Mr. Peter Samuel. The Lord stated that He would collect the Israelites from all countries and place them in their own land. 'A new heart and a new spirit I will give you and put my spirit within you and I will be your God.' Mr. John Bevan read from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas were going to prayer and a slave girl, a fortuneteller, followed them shouting 'these men are slaves of the Most High God.' This she did for many days. This troubled Paul and he asked the spirit that was within her to leave 'In the name of Christ' and it came out that very hour. For this, Paul and Silas were arrested, tried, flogged, and imprisoned and their feet placed in stocks. Whilst in their cell, praying and singing hymns an earthquake occurred, the foundations shook, the doors opened and their chains unfastened. When the jailer saw this, he drew his sword to kill himself, since he supposed the prisoners had escaped. Paul shouted 'Do not you harm yourself, we are all here.' The jailer ran in, fell on his knees before Paul, and asked 'What must I do to be saved?' Paul replied 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your household will be saved.' This the jailer did. The sermon was delivered by Rev. John Potter. He took as his text 'The harvest of the spirit is patience.' St. Paul patience immediately after love, joy and peace. Rev. John stated that Canon David had shown a great deal of patience during his ministry in the Benefice and was especially patient with his crew of retired clergy. Rev. John stated that we must now be patient as we await a new Rector's coming. The interregnum can be a time of pulling apart or of coming together. Let us not be pulled apart due to impatience. Life goes on, it is not a time of stagnation and the Team Vicar will look after us. Let us pray for a patient Pastor, who will care for his sheep both in and outside the fold, and that he will have a complementary ministry of word and sacrament. So, let us be patient while 'God is working his purpose out.' The prayers were led by Rev. David Hammon. He asked that we be patient, forgiving and loving with one another, and that we remember all who have lost the faith and are without hope. Let us all pray that Madeleine is well and safe. The offertory hymn was 'Crown Him with many crowns.' Before communion, Mrs. Ellen Jenkins presented Mrs. Oonagh Holland with a certificate to mark her 50 years of faithful service to St. Mary's Mothers' Union. Canon David welcomed all members of Christ's family to join with him in communion with our Risen Lord. During communion, the choir sang the motet 'Jesu dulcis memoria' by Vittoria and 'Rejoice in the Lord alway' by Purcell. The final hymn was 'All hail the power of Jesu's name.' A reminder that all those wishing to order a memorial posy, please hand names and monies (£5.50 each) to Barbara Morris and Mary Smith as soon as possible.
