A beautiful spring morning for the fifth Sunday in Easter and there was a large congregation for the morning Eucharist. The service began with the choir singing the introit 'Rejoice in the Lord' in St. Anne's Chapel. The processional hymn was 'Christ is made the sure foundation'. The Rector, Rev. Andrew Davies, welcomed one and all, especially the visitors from Weston-Super-Mare. He thanked all who had supported the Mothers' Union coffee morning. He had been to McDonalds recently and had seen the poster for 'Employee of the Week' on the wall and thought it was a marvellous idea. From now on there would be 'parish member of the month' in the Benefice. The first recipient was churchwarden Clive Webb for all that he does in the Bell Tower, for 'all his organisation and help with matters in the church and Rectory.' A bashful and surprised Clive went forward to receive his certificate. Readings were given by Mrs. Joy Griffiths and Mrs. Nicole Evans, while Rev. Andrew gave the third reading from the Gospel of John. Rev. Andrew delivered the sermon and took his reading as his text. In life we meet with disappointments, it's one thing we all have to cope with. Not only the small disappointments of the weather or the 2.30 at Newmarket, but greater things like failing an exam or an adverse result to a medical test. In human relationships, we can meet with disappointment on a colossal scale, when lives are changed forever. When trust is lost, when one is let down by partner, friend or child, the hurt can be on a devastating scale. Jesus must have felt let down by Philip his disciple when he said "Show us the Father and we will be satisfied." Jesus was hurt when he replied "Have I been with you all this time and still you do not know me?" Philip had been one of the first disciples and had followed Jesus for three or more years, had been witness to the healing and the miracles, yet Philip still questioned Jesus. No wonder Jesus was bitterly disappointed and replied to Philip "He who has seen me has seen the Father." A staggering statement, for the face of God through Jesus had been shown for the first time. Moses never saw God, "Thou shalt see me from behind;" St. Paul said, "Christ is the image of the invisible Father, Jesus Christ is the window into God.' Philip should have known that Jesus Christ and God are one. However, Philip is not the only one to disappoint Jesus, we do as well. We spend a lot of time with Jesus, but do we actually know Him, have we our answer ready when He asks, "Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me?" You will find Jesus in each other; love one another for the Kingdom of God is within you. Jesus did not give up on Philip, we must not give up on each other, and we will find Jesus Christ. The offertory hymn was 'The Christ is one foundation'. Mr. Malcolm Stacey led the prayers. The Eucharist was celebrated at both altars and the celebrant was Rev. Dennis Baxter. He invited all to draw near and join in communion with our risen Lord. During communion, the choir sang the motets, 'O Thou, who at the Eucharist' and 'God be in my head', along with the hymn, 'Blessed Jesu, Mary's son'. The recessional hymn was 'Ye that know the Lord is gracious'. There will be a coffee morning in aid of the RNLI at Church House on Saturday, April 26, 10 am -1 2 noon. In addition, on Tuesday, April 29, there will be a concert at St. Mary's by Tenby Male Voice Choir.
