A wonderful Pentecost morning and a large congregation of regular and visiting worshippers attended St. Mary's for the morning Eucharist. To begin the service, the choir sang the introit, 'Spirit of God', in St. Anne's Chapel. The first and processional hymn was 'Come down o love divine.' The service was in the care of Rev. Andrew Davies. He wished all present a 'Happy Pentecost.' After a brief discussion, it was decided that the Benefice would send funds to Christian Aid in support of the Burma Appeal. Mr. John and Mrs. Suzanne Bevan gave the readings of the morning. Suzanne read from the Book of Numbers and John from the Acts of the Apostles. John related the time of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit and tongues - as of fire - descended upon the disciples. Rev. Michael John read the third reading from the Gospel of John. The disciples were locked in a room for fear of the authorities and Jesus appeared among them. 'Peace be with you, as the father has sent me, so I send you.' Then he breathed on them and said "receive the Holy Spirit." Rev. Michael went on to deliver the sermon. 'The disciples were gathered in the Upper Room and were truly frightened of reprisals from the authorities. What were they going to do, now that Jesus had gone?' It would be reckless to leave the room, should they stay and be safe? Should they celebrate the Eucharist there and wait for people to come to them? Was Jesus being poetic and using metaphors when he said 'Go out'? Then the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they went out into the streets of Jerusalem and spoke in languages that were understood by the myriad foreign peoples present. All fears and doubts were removed, the Church was on the move, and it was not locked away in the Upper Room, but out on the street. The Holy Spirit was given to us to enable us to draw people to what we proclaim. The Acts of Apostles list all the languages the disciples used, but the Holy Spirit gave the disciples more than linguistic abilities, it had given them the ability to connect with all, irrespective of age, gender, background, origin or religion. The Holy Spirit is driving us to be the same today. If we are going to be serious, we must be ready to go out to the street and speak the language of Pentecost in a way all will understand. Do we dare to do this? Yes we do. Mrs. Ruth Webb led the prayers. The offertory hymn was 'Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost.' Rev. Andrew, the celebrant, invited all to join with him in communion at all altars. During the Eucharist, the choir sang, 'O Lord give Thy Holy Spirit' and 'If Ye love me'. The recessional hymn was 'Father, Lord of all creation.' The Flower Festival will take place from August 14 -17 at St. Mary's. There will be a meeting at St. Mary's on Monday, June 2, at 7.30 pm, for all the participants. All those wishing a memorial posy, please give names to Mesdames Maureen Webb, Mary Smith and Barbara Morris along with fee of £5.50 per posy. There will be a Friends of the Community coffee morning on Saturday, May 17, at Church House. There will be a Christian Aid Concert at St. Mary's on Sunday, May 18, at 6 pm, and midday concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 22 to 24, at 12.30 pm.
