KCF - TENBY
The fellowship's various musicians and vocalist started the service on Sunday with a selection of modern hymns. The service was captured on video in order to allow private viewing to anyone wishing to watch the events in their own home.
Members were privileged to welcome professor Roy Peacock as their speaker. Roy is the inventor of the Peacock Slot, a device for gas turbine engines. He is the chief executive officer of a high tech company in the aerospace and power generation industry and has written several books.
Roy linked two portions of scripture readings in Isaiah 55 and John 7, which gave an invitation to thirsty people to come and drink water.
The reading in Isaiah makes it clear that the water will be provided free of charge and is a gift without any payment being necessary. John records the exhortation from Jesus on the last day of the feast of tabernacles to any one who was thirsty to come to Him and quench their thirst.
It becomes apparent that the Bible references are not referring to natural water, but to the watering of the human spirit, the satisfaction of the deep desire within the human race to be filled with refreshment of the soul.
As a scientist and a christian, Roy declared that these readings remind him that this spiritual refreshment is a gift of God; it is an act of grace and we can do nothing to earn our divine salvation.
However, he did go on to say that those who accept this free gift would discover the price demanded, for the ensuing christian life would be everything they possessed. It would result in a profound change in lifestyle.
As a result, they would need a fresh focus in their lives and God has provided for this through His Holy Spirit who will help them in their Christian walk.
The function of the Holy Spirit is to guide us, to speak to us, to reveal God's word and purpose to us. He removes the effect of past sin in our lives and he gives us a fresh start. He changes the motivating forces within us, we will find ourselves behaving a more righteous way. He guards us from the things that wait to trip us up in the future.
Before receiving the freedom given to those of us who turn to Him, we are enslaved to many things that rule our lives. After accepting Jesus we will find ourselves seeking to be governed and helped by Him and we will gladly surrender our own will and desires in order to be a pleasure and delight to Him. This is the God we serve, our God who gives freely and who delights to satisfy the deep yearnings inside of us as we surrender to His will and purposes in our lives.
KCF meet at 5 pm in the Augustus Place Community Centre (opposite the multi-storey car park). Everyone is welcome. Further information is available from (01834) 861777 or 861400.
TENBY BRIDGE CLUB
There was a bumper entry on Wednesday, January 21, with 14 pairs, half of whom got over 50 per cent.
Results were: 1. Lee Collier and Renee Cox 62.84 per cent (30 IMPs); 2. Carmel Wiseman and Graham Hadlow 62.50 (24); 3. Brenda Harris and Peter Oeppen 60.58 (18); 4. Jill and John O'Sullivan 58.65 (12); 5. Margaret Day and Sheridan Bradley 57.69 (6).
Wednesday, January 28: 1. (joint) Sheridan Bradley and Margaret Day and Jill and John O'Sullivan 56.25 per cent; 3. Renee Cox and Lee Collier 54.86.
Friday, January 30: 1. Coral Jones and Doug Silcox 68 per cent; 2. Marjorie Wilkinson and Renee Cox 63.
Tenby Bridge Club plays duplicate bridge every Wednesday and Friday evenings at 7 pm in the function room at Tenby Bowling Club, Sutton Street.
For membership, ring secretary Lee Collier on (01834) 871753.
For partner information, ring Coral Jones on (01834) 814164.
HESED CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Many preachers have tried to interpret the mysteries of the last book of the Bible, the Revelation. The Pastor of Hesed, however, had no trouble in admitting that he doesn't know what it all means.
"Like some modern art," said Rev. Peter Richmond, "the meaning is hidden in imagery. We'll only understand completely when we see the events happening."
In this way, the powerful images that tell of a war in heaven, a dragon and a beast were studied with humility as people met together in Carringtons restaurant on Sunday.
What this part of the Revelation seems to suggest is that one day a leader will appear who unites the religions of the world and solves global problems, but this is the antichrist, and people should look to God for their answers, not to this leader.
Rev. Richmond reminded people that Jesus was promised the world if he would bow down to Satan. Christ resisted the temptation, but the antichrist is prepared to make such a deal with the devil.
The Pastor then gave the good news: happily, the rule of the antichrist is short, and God is still in control. For those who belong to God, he is their hope and protection. His plans will come to pass.
Margaret Banfield told everyone how God had answered prayers and provided healing recently.
Hesed Christian Fellowship meet every Sunday at 4.15 pm in Carringtons Restaurant, below the Atlantic Hotel on Tenby's Esplanade. All are welcome. For more information, telephone 01646 681805, or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]itydays
.co.uk
ST. MARY'S
MOTHERS' UNION
Despite the terrible weather on Tuesday, a large number of members attended the afternoon meeting in Church House.
The meeting commenced with a short service from the Mothers' Union Service Book led by Ellen. Betty Gordon read the portion of scripture from Jeremiah.
Enrolling member Ellen welcomed the Rev. Christopher Lunn and thanked him for attending at such short notice. The Rev. Lunn told about his experiences in the 1960s when he was involved in the creation of a new church near London. The new church was built in an area which was growing rapidly, young families were setting up home and there was a lively spread of people from different backgrounds and countries.
This project must have seemed daunting at the onset, but listening to the Rev. Lunn it obviously became an interesting and enjoyable task where everyone's talents were set in motion. There was a large Sunday Club for children and many services were televised from this modern church. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Southwark, Bishop Mervyn Stockwood.
The Rev. Lunn used photographs throughout to show the development of the church.
Mrs. Pat Davies said she was privileged to thank Rev. Lunn and said how thrilling it must have been to be involved in the beginning of a new church. His talk had given them a wonderful insight into how a church is founded.
Tea and biscuits were served by Christine, Thelma, June, Valerie and Margaret.
Dates to note: February 21 - Coffee morning in Church House, 10 am - 12 noon, for Plant Dewi. Collection boxes should be brought to Church House ready for the count. There will be a cake stall, and any contributions will be gratefully received.
March 6 - Mothers Union coffee morning in Church House, 10 am - 12 noon.
March 30 - Quiet Evening at St. Issell's at 7 pm.
Members are reminded that if they have been a member of Mothers' Union for 40 years they should inform Mrs. Jean John to enable them to have a certificate presented by Mrs. Nan Warlow on April 20.
The next meeting is on February 17 at 7 pm. This will take the form of a quiz.
ST. JOHNS
CHURCH
'O come let us give thanks to the Lord' - part of the welcome to worship read by Connor on Sunday.
The congregational reading following opening prayer, was Psalm 148, 'Praise the Lord'.
Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, who was leading worship, told the young people that she was going to do something that she had never done before and that was to shake hands with a gold medalist.
This she did, with Sydney, winner in the All Wales final at Bangor in the backstroke swimming race. Well done Syd.
The children read their creed before leaving for Junior Church.
The lessons were from Jeremiah 1 4-10, 'The call of Jeremiah', and Corinthians 13 'Faith, Hope, Love'. Both were read by Mrs. Bron Hurlow.
The previous Sunday, Nanette had spoken on the passage in Luke, where Jesus, at the beginning of his ministry, was rejected in Nazareth, 'Can a man be a prophet in his own town'.
This week, after exploring the significance of the prophets and prophecy and re-quoting the words of Jesus 'The spirit of God is upon me', she concluded with these words: "To discern the spirit working in our midst is the task of the people of God."
Holy communion was celebrated following prayers of intercession.
The choir, with Mrs. Sheila John as organist, once again enriched the worship.
Thank you to them and all who had taken part, not forgetting Nanette, who will again lead worship this Sunday at 10.30 am.
ST. JOHNS
FELLOWSHIP
Last week, the speaker was Mrs. LaDonna Mallams, who gave much food for thought as she talked about the necessary ingredients for baking cakes, and what is needed in a truly Christian life.
Mrs. Marion Griffiths took the chair and Mrs. Sheila Noot was the pianist. Mrs. Eluned Brown had suffered a fall and was unable to be present.
This week, the minister, Rev. Nanette Lewis Head, continued her theme about ships and likening people's lives to a voyage sometimes in calm waters and at other times in stormy seas.
Mrs. Margaret Day presided and Mrs. Sheila John was the pianist.
Next week, members look forward to a visit from a representative of Age Concern who will tell of the work done by the association. Meetings now begin at 2 pm on Tuesday afternoons.
Will members and friends please note that the February 17 meeting has been cancelled because of building work being carried out that week.
Also on February 24 preparations will be in hand for the Daffodil Festival to be held in the church from February 27 to March 1.
DEER PARK
BAPTIST CHURCH
The main message was to warn us that God may give us unpopular tasks to carry out for His sake and glory.
Worshippers were greeted at the door by Mrs. Carol Ansell and welcomed by Mr. Gerald Duffett, who read Psalm 96. Hymns and songs were led by songsters Mrs. Cheryl Payne and Mrs. Belinda Griffiths, with Mrs. Nan Dortez on the keyboard and church organ, and Mr. Alan Hunter on the guitar.
Before leading a time of open prayer, Mr. Richard Ford (deacon) invited resumés from the men who attended a conference at Aberystwyth on the previous day.
Pastor Tom Török read Jonah chapter 1, about how that prophet ran away from God, who had given him a definite message to preach to the Assyrian citizens of Nineveh. Tom mentioned the evidence in the British Museum that showed how cruel its citizens were before being overthrown in 612 BC. At present, its ruins lie on the bank of River Tigris opposite Mosul in Northern Iraq.
Tom emphasised that it is God's intention to tell all nations about the Lord. In verse 9, Jonah answered the sailors, who interrogated him during that severe storm. "I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land."
Tom sympathised with Jonah because God constrained Himself to warn fellow clergy that it is wrong for any Christian to belong to any so-called secret society.
The sailors responded by praying to Jonah's God and fearing the Lord.
After celebrating communion, Tom announced the closing hymn and gave the benediction before the worshippers entered the hall for light refreshments.
This Sunday, God willing, the preacher at the 10.45 am service will be Pastor Tom Török.
Anyone wanting more details, particularly about Alpha courses or Bible studies groups or prayer breakfasts is invited to telephone Tom Török on (01834) 845838.
HOMES WANTED
Tenby Animal Rescue Centre is this week looking for good homes for a nine-year-old Jack Russell bitch, a two-year-old Border Collie dog and a four-year-old Welsh terrier dog.
Anyone wishing to offer these animals a kind and loving home can contact centre organiser Mrs. Maureen Ward on 843712.
The Rescue Centre shop has premises in Tenby Market Hall and donations of bric-a-brac, but not clothes, will be welcome.
QUIZ NIGHT
A quiz night, hosted by Soroptimist International Tenby and District, is to be held at Cambrian Hotel, Saundersfoot, on Tuesday, February 17, at 7 pm.
Money raised will be used to support CEREBRA (helping brain injured children) and Women in Mind.
There will be a trophy and prizes to be won. Entry is open to teams of four - £10 per team. Contact Judy Brew on (01834) 843903.
CHURCH SERVICES
Services for the Rectorial Benefice of Tenby with Penally, Gumfreston and New Hedges this Sunday (Septuagesima) include:
St. Mary's, Tenby - 8 am Holy Eucharist; 10 am Sung Eucharist; 6 pm Evensong and Sermon.
St. Nicholas and St. Teilo, Penally - 9.30 am Sung Eucharist.
St. Anne's, New Hedges - 11 am Holy Eucharist.
St. Lawrence, Gumfreston - 11 am Morning Prayer.
St. Julian, The Harbour - closed for the winter.