Sunday was the First Sunday of Advent and the congregation were asked to pray for the mission of the church.

Parish Mass was concelebrated by Father Mark Mesley and Father Beverley Thompson. Mr D G Barnicoat and Mr J B Bray were servers and Brenda Pike organist.

The introit hymn was “Jesus shall reign where’re the sun” and then the first of the Advent candles was lit by Father Geoffrey Knox, a priest who have recently retired to Falmouth.

After the collect, Doreen Barnicoat read the first lesson from Jeremiah, chapter 33 v 14-16 and Fr Mark read the responsorial Psalm chapter 25 v 1-9 “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.”

Kathy Tregidgo read the second lesson from 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 v 9-13 and the gradual hymn was “The Lord will come and not be slow.”

Fr Beverley proclaimed the gospel, Luke chapter 21 v 25-36 and in his sermon, Fr Mark said that during Advent we must cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, stand up and be alert at all times because we do not know when Jesus Christ will come again.

The eucharist followed after the intercessions and the offertory hymn was “Wake O wake with tidings thrilling” and “Come thou long expected Jesus” was sung during communion.

Fr Mark gave the notices for the week: Wednesday, 10am, weekday mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit; 2.30pm St Michael’s Fellowship Group meetings in the choir vestry for carols with mulled wine and mince pies. Friday, 10am, weekday mass at St Michael’s. Saturday, 5pm, parish priest available for sacrament of confession in the Lady Chapel of St Michael’s. Sunday, 10a, Advent family eucharist at St Michael’s; 7pm Mission of Seafarers Carol Concert at St Michael’s.

The recessional hymn “Lo He comes with clouds descending.”

There was also a service of memories organised by W J Angoves at 3pm and the churchwarden represented Penwerris at the joint service at King Charles the Martyr Church in Falmouth for the commissioning of street pastors.