Glorious spring sunshine filled the church on the first Sunday in Lent as if defying the sombre vestments and absence of flowers.

In her sermon, Betty Booker, lay reader, said this austerity was to help worshippers through the coming six weeks to follow Jesus to the Cross, beginning by going with him into the barren wilderness where he was tempted by the Devil. Betty spoke of the nature of temptation, of the whispering voices that say “You can do it” even if it means trying to manipulate God.

The Rev Dorothy Noakes presided at communion, assisted by Canon David Miller, who also led the prayers. Elizabeth Goodfellow read the lesson. After communion the choir sang a sequence of Lent prose, conducted by Chris Bradbury and accompanied by Richard Berry, organist. Richard also played “Trelawney” as a recessional in honour of St Piran.

The congregation was saddened by the news of the death of Ruth Willey, a prominent Helstonian and much loved member of the church.