Sunday Trinity 8 – The congregation were pleased to welcome Father Ian Froome as president and preacher for the sung mass. Fr Ian, a good friend of All Saints’, was standing in for Father Stephen Drakeley, priest-in-charge, who is on holiday. From past experience, members were sure that Fr Ian’s address would be though provoking and uplifting.

The mass began with the introit hymn “At the name of Jesus, followed by prayers of penitence and confession. Jill Pardon read the first lesson taken from the book of Amos chapter 8 v 1-12 – the Lord God tells the prophet of the future for the people of Israel, which was not to be a very happy one. Part of Paul’s letter to the Colossians chapter 1 v 15-28 was the New Testament lesson read by Sally Maynard – the apostle reminds them that Christ is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation, through him God was pleased to reconcile Himself to all things whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. The gospel proclaimed by Fr Ian was Luke chapter 10 v 38-42. This tells the story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, and their differing approach to following Jesus. The theme of his address that followed was listening to God. He suggested that the ill that befell the Israelites was because they had turned away from God and become engrossed in earthly prosperity. Furthermore he suggested this was not so different to our own age. It was becoming more difficult to seek to follow Christ because of this secular age was crowding out His message.

Celebrating at the eucharist he was assisted by Helen Bancroft; Chalice administrator was Jane MacLennon; Jane and Jacob Clarke were servers for the mass; prayers during the service were led by Ann Hill and Maureen Roberts; sidespersons were Sally and Geoff Maynard; organist was Matthew Seaton.

The final hymn was “Ye watchers and ye holy ones,” after which Matthew concluded the mass by playing “Rigandon” by Andre Campra.

In the afternoon members met at the home of Ken Eagles to enjoy a cream tea, arranged by ladies of the social committee.