A beautiful summer morning and a large congregation had gathered for the Second Sunday after Pentecost. The service began with the processional hymn 'Alleluya - sing to Jesus.' Rev. Dennis Baxter welcomed one and all to the service and read out the notices for the week. The first reading of the morning was from the Book of Kings. This was read by Mrs. Christine Kirkby. Christine related the story of Elijah. Mrs. Alison Cale read the second reading from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians, while Rev. Dennis read from the Gospel of Luke. The sermon was given by Rev. Baxter. The offertory hymn was 'O for a thousand tongues to sing.' Mr. John Morgan led the congregation in prayer, 'We come before you for hope and healing, health and help.' Rev. Dennis welcomed all to join with him in communion with our risen Lord. Draw near - Dwech yn nes.' Communion was given at the High Altar and at St. Nicholas's Altar. During communion, the choir sang 'How blest are they whose faith unshaken' by Bach. The final hymn was 'King of glory, King of peace'. The Third Sunday after Pentecost and St. Mary's morning Eucharist was again well attended. The service was in the care of Rev. David Hammon. Rev. David welcomed all and thanked those who had supported the St. Julian's Church coffee morning. The processional hymn was 'Awake my soul and with the sun.' Mrs. Joy Griffiths and Mr. Darrel John gave the morning's readings. Mrs. Griffiths read from the Book of Samuel and Mr. John read from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians. The third reading, by Rev. Hammon, was from the Gospel of Luke. Rev. Hammon also delivered the sermon. When he was in theological college, he often joined the chaplaincy team in Cardiff Prison. He had never before or since been surrounded by so many 'innocent' people. The majority had been victims of mistaken identity, miscarriage of justice or been 'fitted up.' Very few admitted their guilt and accepted responsibility for their actions. Accepting responsibility is a dying art - someone else is always to blame. We are quick to apportion blame so that we can feel virtuous and stand on higher ground. Litigation is now big business even for unintentional accidents. The problem with this mentality is that we are all looking over our shoulders; there is no room for creativity, as we fear criticism and blame. To confess our sins is to acknowledge that we are not perfect. Facing up to real sin is not easy - it hurts. Simon, a good man, invited Jesus to his house - that nuisance of a barefoot preacher. As a Pharisee, he kept God's law, but he was unable to peel away the layers and reveal his inner feelings. He avoided looking inwards. He criticised the woman for gatecrashing the dinner; he condemned her for being a prostitute, for the cost of the ointment she used to anoint Jesus' feet and for the show of emotion in using her tears to wash His feet. Jesus forgave Simon and asked him to overcome his outrage, his denial and that blind spot to his own failings. Rev. David's last plea was "As we pray for forgiveness of our sins, only those who love much are able to receive overwhelming forgiveness." Mrs. Kate O'Neill led the prayer. Kate asked that we learn to love one another and work together to spread the Lord's word. The offertory hymn was 'Jesu lover of my soul'. Rev. David asked all members of Christ's family to join with him in communion. During communion, the choir sang 'Lord for thy tender mercy's sake'. The final hymn was 'Ye that know the Lord is gracious'. Tomorrow (Saturday), at 7 pm, in St. Mary's, there will be a concert, 'With Flag Unfurled', by the Risca Salvation Army Band.
