The last Sunday of June and the Nativity of John the Baptist. The morning Eucharist at St. Mary's was well attended and in the care of Rev. Michael John. The processional hymn was 'Ye servants of God ye master proclaim'. Rev. John took the opportunity of introducing Amanda Craven to the congregation. Amanda is in the Benefice for one month as part of her theological college training. The readers for the morning were Mrs. Heidi Griffiths and Mrs. Jennifer Richards. Heidi read from the Book of Isaiah and Jennifer read from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians. Rev. Michael gave the third reading from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus had arrived in the country of the Gerasenes opposite Galilee. When he stepped from the boat, a man - not in his right mind, fell at his feet and shouted, "What have you do to with me, Jesus? Do not torment me I beg you", for Jesus had commanded the demons to come out of the man. Jesus asked, "What is your name?" The man replied, "Legion," for he was possessed by many demons. On Jesus' command, the demons left the man and entered the swine that were feeding nearby. The herd of swine ran down the bank into the lake and was drowned. The man was restored to his right mind and Jesus told him to return to his family and declare to all what God had done to him. Rev. Michael delivered the sermon. The nativity of John the Baptist is normally the time that people are ordained into the Diaconate and Priesthood and this occasion affords people the chance to choose a new name, especially nuns, monks and friars. Christenings and Baptisms are also deemed to be naming ceremonies. Being named and called is at the heart of the scriptures, and it is our duty to listen long and hard, for the name God is calling us. In the reading from Luke, the possessed man named Jesus immediately. When naming is established and we all know who everyone is, confusion ends. When we respond, having heard, at that point we stop relying on the false identities and recognise our truest self. What inhibits us? Some external factors stop us hearing the name God has given us. What am I denying? What am I refusing to see in myself and what am I trying to avoid? If we answer these truthfully, we remove what inhibits us. Jesus has a name for us and what is most wonderful is that He keeps calling and this name will set you free. Amanda Craven led the prayer. The offertory hymn was 'O Jesus I have promised'. Rev. Michael led the communion and asked all to join him at the high altar. During communion, the choir sang the motet by Harper - 'O Lord give thy Holy Spirit'. The final hymn was 'Christ is the world's true light'. Tomorrow (Saturday), there will be a Coffee Morning at Church House in aid of the Sea Scouts, 10 am - 12 noon. Volunteers are required to help in making the memorial posies. Please add your name to the list at the North Door. The Flower Festival will run from July 5 to 9. Final date for ordering a memorial posy is June 30. No orders will be taken after this date.
