Harvest Sunday at St. Mary's and even though the grey morning was a little disappointing, it soon blossomed into a glorious day.
A large congregation had gathered for the Harvest Festival, with visitors from as far afield as South Africa.
The church was beautifully decorated with flowers of autumnal hues, corn, fruit and vegetables, thanking God for his bounty.
The processional hymn was 'Come ye Thankful people come'.
The service was in the caring hands of Rev. Andrew Davies and he warmly welcomed all to this special service. He blessed the harvest offerings brought to the altar by the children of Sunday Club.
The first reading of the morning was from the Book of Deuteronomy and read by Lady Penelope Meyrick. The second reading from St. Paul's second letter to The Corinthians was read by Mrs. Julie Watts.
The Sunday Club with the youth leader - Denz, presented the Latest Bible News.
Simon Leyshon, who was curate at St. Mary's back in the '90s, but is now a school chaplain, delivered the sermon.
He asked the congregation if they had seen the latest 'Hovis' advert where a young lad runs out of a bakery in 1888 and runs down the years with all their historical events to his mother in 2008. This advert generates a sense of wonder and how the humble loaf represents 'wholeness' - feeding the generations along the way. We are all sustained by the bread of Christ which is as good today as it has always been - Jesus said: 'This is my body' the sign of eternal wholeness - the Bread of Life'.
The prayers were offered by Rev. Andrew Davies.
The offertory hymn was 'All things Bright and Beautiful'.
The Eucharist was celebrated at both altars and all were invited to join in Holy Communion with our Lord. During communion, the choir sang 'Panis Angelicus'.
The recessional hymn was 'We plough the fields and scatter'.
In the evening, harvest supper was held at Church House. The gentlemen of the benefice had gathered to arrange, prepare and serve the meal. The evening was a resounding success and all enjoyed a wonderful three-course meal. The profits of the evening will go to WaterAid.
There will be no morning service at Penally Church on October 12 as there is a Benefice Service at St. Mary's at 10 am, with the Archdeacon of St. David's preaching.