The stormy night had calmed by dawn and eased enough for the congregation at St. Mary's to brave the elements and attend the second Eucharist in Advent. The service began with the choir singing plainsong - the introit 'Creator of the Stars of Night' in St. Anne's Chapel. The first hymn was 'Hark the glad sound - the Saviour comes'. The service was in the caring hands of Rev. Michael John. He welcomed one and all on this inclement morning. After the collect, there were three readings. The first from the Book of Isaiah was read by Mrs. Nicole Evans, with Mr. John Bevan reading the second from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans. Rev. Michael read from the Gospel of St. Matthew. Rev. Michael also delivered the sermon. "We all know that Christmas is coming, as do most churches around the world, and so did John the Baptist, when he proclaimed to those baptised in the river Jordan. This was a specific time and a specific place - prepare for the way of the Lord. There is a message for all of us, do away with obstacles to God's presence in the world. We must not be preoccupied, we must prepare for repentance at Advent and open our hearts and minds to God. "When travelling in an aeroplane, the stewardess always reminds us of the realities of air travel by demonstrating the use of the mask and to 'put your own on first and then help your neighbour.' This makes common sense, but I have tended to forget to help my neighbour, to make it easer for them, to ease their path. "A gentleman turned up at church and finding his pew occupied, said to the occupant 'I think you'll find that you're sitting in my seat', to which the occupant replied, 'I didn't realise pews were still being rented'. "We must realise that we must smooth the way for someone to come to church. Let us not discourage noisy babes, let them come and experience the atmosphere of this loving Christian community. Welcome the children, they are not fodder for the future, but for the here and now. We know of people with 'critical, doubting faith' who bargain with God - if you give me this, I'll do that - make room for these, and we also know of people with 'owned, seasoned faith' who no longer bargain with God for they have faith. "Let us cleanse our hearts and souls and look for way to move obstacles and make it easier to invite someone. I don't like organised Christianity, and if you come to the Sunday Club Nativity, you will see what I love. "Let us listen to Isaiah's proclamation and prepare the way so that all may come to the Lord's presence." Canon John Potter led the congregation in prayer. The offertory hymn was 'Hills of the North rejoice'. The communion was held at both altars and led by Rev. Michael. During communion, the choir sang 'Blest are the pure in heart'. The final hymn was 'On Jordan's bank the Baptists cry'. Rev. Michael asked for volunteers to make Christingles at Church House tomorrow (Saturday) morning ready for the service on Sunday in St. Mary's Church at 6 pm. On Monday, at 7.30 pm, there will be a service of carols sung by the Nuns of the Diaconesti Monastery of Romania. On Tuesday, Tenby Mothers' Union hold a Christmas afternoon at 2.30 pm. A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols will also be held at Penally Church that evening at 7 pm and at St. Mary's on Sunday, December 23, at 6 pm.
