A beautiful spring morning and a large congregation had gathered at St. Mary's for the morning Eucharist on Sunday.
The service was in the caring hands of Rev. Andrew Davies and he welcomed all. The processional hymn was 'Behold the Saviour of the Nations'.
Rev. Andrew's first pleasant duty was to present Mr. John Morgan with the parishioner of the month certificate for all his hard and varied work in the parish.
The readings were given by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Peake. Mr. Peake read from the Book of Exodus, while Mrs. Peake read from St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians.
After the singing of Psalm 19, the Rector read from the Gospel of John relating the time when Jesus threw the money exchangers and the dealers out of the Temple.
Mr. John Morgan delivered the sermon and took as his text the last reading.
'A market was always held in the Temple at the time of the Passover. Jesus went to the temple on the Sunday and was upset when he saw the traders selling animals at greatly inflated prices and the money exchangers were charging a high fee to change the Roman coins to temple coins as the priests would not accept coins with a Roman Emperor's head on them. He was so angry and annoyed that these hard working people were being taken advantage of.
'The following day, he returned to the Temple and upturned the tables of these traders as he felt so badly let down. He was sick and tired of these practices then and is sick and tired of the same today. God is sngered by people who come across as Christians, but who do not live as Christians - the title is not backed by conduct and action.
'The church is made up of 10 per cent who are willing to work and 90 per cent who are willing to let them do it. Each Christian should be producing some fruit; honesty, love and respect are the fruits of service in Christ. It's not easy to live according to the teachings of Christ, but what a privilege, honour and reward it is to be called a true Christian'.
Prayers were offered by Mr. Macolm Stacey.
The offertory hymn was 'My soul there is a country'.
The Eucharist was celebrated at the high altar, during which the choir sang 'Thou knowest Lord' by Purcell.
Rev. Andrew chatted with the children of Sunday Club who had been busy making posters. These posters depicted the countries of origin of most of their clothes.
The recessional hymn was 'Stand up, stand up for Jesus'.
Volunteers are required to help make Mothering Day posies tomorrow (Saturday) morning in Church Hous from 9.30 am. Please come.
A new magazine distributor is required for Oakridge Acres please; any volunteers gratefully received.
The flower festival meeting will be held at St. Mary's Church on Monday at 7 pm when themes and places will be allocated.