Porthleven

10:31am Thursday 27th March 2008

PORTHLEVEN

PORTHLEVEN METHODIST CHURCH: Despite the inclement weather, attendances were good at events throughout Holy Week and on Easter Day itself. Maundy Thursday evening saw a different' style of Holy Communion, with participants enjoying food together prior to the distribution of the symbolic bread and wine.

The Good Friday service was conducted by the Reverend Colin Short and took the form of a meditation on the hymn When I survey the wondrous Cross'.

On Saturday there was a special Easter Coffee Morning, which included the judging of a competition for collages depicting New Life. These were used to help decorate the chapel for Easter Day, when the Lenten Cross, which had been a focal visual aid for worship during the past six weeks, was dressed, according to custom, in colourful flowers.

The Reverend David Pountain officiated at the first Easter service, the 8am Holy Communion. Elsie Balme was the leader for Morning Worship, assisted by members of the Sunday School. Chloe Billing opened the service with a cornet fanfare, specially composed by Caitlin Strike. Justin Strike was on the drums throughout for the very lively singing. Also taking leading roles were Victoria, Katie, Neythan and teachers Venessa Williams and Sharon Strike, who read the lessons. David Philp was at the organ. The preacher for the Evening Service was Mrs Mildred Baxter from Prussia Cove, who led a meditation on the meaning of the Resurrection to the various disciples of Jesus. Organist was Mr Paul Benney.

This has been a quieter week, but as usual included Holy Communion on Wednesday at 9.15am, followed by the weekly Coffee Morning at 10am. A special challenge' service is planned for Sunday, March 30, at 3pm: this will be followed by tea.

APOSTOLIC CHURCH, THOMAS STREET: On March 22 the chocolate themed coffee morning was a great success, with no calorie counting!

The speaker at all the Easter services was Pastor Eric Horley. On Good Friday his message focussed on the extent of Jesus' love for each and every one of us. On Easter Saturday the choir performed songs from the He's Alive' concert.

Pastor Horley spoke on the risen Jesus meeting two despondent disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus spoke to them on the prophecies in the Old Testament, which had foretold of his death and his resurrection.

On Easter Sunday, Pastor Horley spoke on Jesus, alive today, whose death paid the price for all sin and makes it possible for each one to have a personal relationship with God. Followers of Jesus receive the Holy Spirit, just as the first disciples did in Jerusalem all those years ago.

On Easter Monday, a Family Easter Lunch was held at The Shires.

Events at the church this week: On Tuesday evenings at 7pm until 8pm a prayer meeting is held.

On Friday, March 28, the Youth Group are attending the Space South West Concert in Truro. The Youth Group is for young people over 11 years and if you are interested in attending the concert please ring Sarah Chaplin on 01326 560278.

Due to the Easter break there will be no Alpha Meeting today, no Parents and Toddlers Group meeting tomorrow, nor Rock Solid Meeting on Friday.

On Sunday, services take place at 10.45am (crèche facility) and at 6pm when Pastor Glen Chaplin continues the course on Freedom in Christ'.

Forthcoming events - The next Seniors Luncheon Club will take place on April 5. The next coffee morning is on April 19.

ST BARTHOLOMEW'S CHURCH: Easter Services were well attended. Father Harry Pugh led the procession on Easter Day for the solemn Eucharist, blessing of the Easter Garden and renewal of Baptismal Vows.

The readers were Maggie Higgins and Joan Ford. The Rev Judy Harris preached a thought-provoking sermon. The church's flower arrangements incorporated many lilies donated by members of the congregation in memory of loved ones.

Services this week will be on Thursday at 10am (Holy Eucharist) and Sunday at 8am (Holy Eucharist) and 9.30am (Solemn Eucharist).

Events this week: Thursday - closing date for new applications to join the church electoral roll. Saturday, 10am, Public Hall, St Bart's Spring Sale.

Forthcoming events: April 9, 2.30pm, Fashion Show at St Bart's. April 10, election of Churchwardens.

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