Sunday, Trinity Six – President of the sung mass was Father Stephen Drakeley, priest-in-charge, which began with the singing of the processional hymn “Alleluia, Alleluia hearts to heaven and voice raise.”

Then followed the prayers of penitence and confession which led to the singing of the Kyrie Elision and Gloria in Excelsis. Barbara Martin read the Old Testament lesson taken from the Book of Genesis chapter 29 v 15-28. This tells how Jacob worked for his kinsman Laban for the right to marry Rachel, his younger daughter. However, due to custom and practice and what some may term “underhandedness,” first of all married the elder daughter, Leah and then served another seven years before marrying his first love.

Jan Cunningham read part of Paul’s letter to the Romans chapter 8 v 26-39. The apostle assures his readers that all things work together for good, for those who love God, further asserting that there is nothing or no one that can separate from the love of Christ.

In Matthew chapter 13 v 31-33, 44-52, the gospel proclaimed by Fr Stephen, we find Jesus teaching by parables comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed, a woman making dough, treasure hidden in a field, a pearl of great value and a net thrown into the sea catching fish of every kind. In his address he began by asking the question of the congregation “who still possessed a childhood treasure?” The answer was surprising and then went on to examine the treasure of the gospel reading.

Celebrating at the eucharist he was attended by Helen Bancroft and Sally Maynard, chalice administrators; servers for the mass were Jane MacLennan and David Fittock; sidesperson, Frances Martin; prayers were led by Barbara Martin and David Cunliffe, who also accompanied the singing of the choir anthem. Daniel Shermon, church organist, presided at the organ. After the singing of the final hymn “At the name of Jesus” concluded the mass by playing Chas Stanford’s setting on a theme by Orlando Gibbons.

On Sunday at 10am there will be a mass to commemorate the start of World War I.