Word by Garry Emlyn: A storm blew, the terrified disciples woke Jesus, doubting he cared. A woman with bleeding issues saw Jesus and believed, she touched his hem in hope, she was healed. The men cried out in fear, the woman touched Jesus’ cloak in faith, there’s a big difference.

Fear is not the answer, faith is, bringing blessings. Do your fears get buried by faith, or the opposite? When things aren’t going to plan we might say, “where are you God?” God sees everything, He’s never far away, He hears, you’re never alone. You can’t find the Kingdom Of God in a location, it’s in you! By God’s Spirit we have Gods Kingdom. Whosoever calls on The Lord will be saved.

Have you ever been so broken you called to Jesus on your knees?

The disciples had no idea Jesus would calm the storm, fear motivated them. Jesus said they had no faith. We have storms in life, don’t let fear dictate, let God lead. Pray in The Spirt in hard times, persist. Find God’s direction, read the Bible.

On the cross Jesus spoke to two thieves. One asked to be saved from the cross, if Jesus was God’s Son. The other asked Jesus to remember him, his faith saved him.

Do you question yourself, ask where you are with God, how’s your faith? False faith, religion, in people is difficult to tackle, but one speck of faith changes your life. Don’t look for answers in the world; turn to Jesus in faith today.

New Life Church. Amroth Parish Hall, Summerhill, Sundays 10.45am. Contact: 07765 935475.

As we commemorate the glorious event of Our Lord’s Baptism as the Christmas season ends, it’s important to ponder a simple question: Why was Jesus baptised? John’s baptism was one of repentance, an act by which he invited his followers to turn from sin and turn to God. But Jesus was sinless, so what was the reason for his Baptism?

Jesus’ true identity was made manifest through this humble act of baptism. “This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him,” spoke the voice of the Father in Heaven and the Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. Therefore, Jesus’ baptism is a public declaration of who he is, the Son of God, a divine person who is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. This public testimony is an ‘epiphany’ - a manifestation of his true identity for all to see as he prepares to begin His public ministry.

By his baptism, Jesus’ incredible humility is made manifest. He is the second person of the Most Holy Trinity, but he allows himself to become identified with sinners, to enter our sin and to enter into our death. By entering the water, he symbolically enters into death itself, which is the result of our sin, and rises triumphantly, allowing us to also rise with him to new life. Today we reflect on the meaning of our own baptism and how it relates with that of Jesus as members of His Body, the Church.

Masses from St Teilo’s and Parish events can be viewed on-line from the parish website www.stteilostenby.co.uk. and in the Parish Newsletter. Tel. 01834 84269.

The morning worship last Sunday at St Johns was led by the Minister the Rev’d Stella Hayton. Matthew Ch: 2 verses 1-12 tells of the wise men who travelled to visit the new King, the baby Jesus. We too travel along our life’s journey, our faith journey, seeking for signs, asking questions, looking in the wrong places, making mistakes and getting tired, bringing what we can offer to others, and wondering where God might be at work amongst it all. We all travel from different perspectives with different hopes and dreams, and some with fears and woes, we come to find God, knowing that He will find us.

Joining the congregation were members of the Inner Wheel club, who annually celebrate with attendance at one of Tenby’s churches followed by a lunch. They meet monthly throughout the year. Friendship and service are at the heart of all that the Inner Wheel does, which includes practical help to the community and fundraising events to support both local and international charities. It all speaks of compassion and wisdom, helping many people. Stella observed the club’s symbol, a wheel, with the rim as the world, all peoples can be drawn by the spokes of the wheel to come to meet God, through Jesus Christ. Anyone and everyone with friendships and service in this community and across the world, can have Jesus as the Hub and the centre of our lives, ‘Immanuel, God with us’ wherever we go.

Next Sunday Rev’d Stella Hayton will lead the morning worship at 11am. Monday, Craft club 2-4pm. Wednesday, Coffee and fresh Welsh Cakes on sale, 10am -12 noon. Everyone is always welcome at St Johns.

Sunday, January 15, 9.45am – Morning Praise

Wednesday, January 18, 7pm – Holy Eucharist

All are welcome at the services.

In the Church Hall: Mondays, 1 to 3pm – ‘Warm Space’.

Tuesdays – ‘Pebbles’ pre-school playgroup.

On Sunday morning, at our 11am Lighthouse Family Service, we heard about the effects of a bad conscience, writes Ian Rees.

King Herod was married to his brother’s wife while his brother was still alive. John the Baptist preached against the king, pointing out this was sin against the law of God. Herodias, Herod’s wife, was anxious about this and, to please her, Herod imprisoned John.

However, the dungeon was in Herod’s palace and Herod enjoyed listening to John preach. It was good entertainment. But Herodias became even more concerned because, as John preached to the king, Herod’s conscience was pricked and he began to reform his life. Would Herodias be one of the things he would put right, she wondered? Then she saw her chance. When her daughter danced before Herod and his court, he offered his daughter virtually anything she wanted - and she asked, at the prompting of her mother, for the head of John the Baptist.

Herod did not want to execute the prophet. He knew it was the wrong thing to do, but he went ahead anyway and his conscience was seared for ever. Murder is a terrible thing. Months later, Herod heard a man called Jesus was preaching and doing miracles. He refused to accept this. ‘It is not Jesus, it is John come back from the dead to haunt me’, he said. Isn’t it true that a bad conscience makes us fear all sorts of bizarre things and imagine all sorts of strange things. Herod had a pricked conscience, then a seared one, then a troubled one. Only God can cleanse our consciences - through faith in Jesus Christ. We would be glad to tell you how.

Our Coffee Shop will be open again on January 17, along with the Community Fridge and the Food Bank. God bless you.

Sunday, January 15, 2023:

10.30am – Morning Service. Preacher, Rev’d Martin Williams.

3.30pm – Afternoon Service. Preacher, Rev’d Martin Williams.

Friday, January 20, 2.30pm – Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. Rev’d Martin Williams presiding.

SERVICES:

Sunday, January 15, 8am - Said Holy Eucharist

Sunday, January 15, 10.30am - Holy Eucharist

“All are welcome to join us.”

Rev’d Lorette Hinson conducted the service at Saundersfoot Methodist Church last Sunday, when the Covenant and Holy Communion were celebrated. Passages of scripture were read by Don Mallams and Gwyneth Jenkins.

There will be no service at Saundersfoot Methodist Church next Sunday.

During a wedding, the minister spoke about the importance of listening to one another, being considerate in family life, saying, ‘Don’t be like the man who got all his exercise from jumping to the wrong conclusions.’

Every family has difficult times and there are many examples in the Bible starting with Adam’s family. Cain was so envious of his brother that he killed him (Gen 4:8).

Sibling envy and rivalry was the root cause of discontent and devasting situations affecting whole families.

Only a few minutes separated Jacob from the inheritance his twin Esau would receive. The situation rankled with both Jacob and his mother who aided him in a despicable deception, causing Jacob to leave home with murderous threats from Esau (Gen 27).

Jacob was deceived by family members and married the wrong sister. Favouritism of his 11th son Joseph caused deep distrust between the half-brothers. Having sold him into slavery, the brothers convinced Jacob wild animals had killed Joseph (Gen 37:12-36).

Family rifts need resolving. Lot lived alongside his uncle Abraham. The problem was resolved amicably (Gen 13:5-9).

Jealousy and rivalry also occurred between the sons of King David.

There was some discontent among the disciples over who would have the greater place of honour in heaven (Matt 20:21-28).

Jesus told a parable about problems between brothers when one was dissatisfied with his life, showing God’s love and forgiveness is always equally available to everyone (Luke 15:11-31).

Visit www.hebronbaptistsaundersfoot.org or call 01834 811697 for enquiries.

Grace Saundersfoot will continue with Hello Sunday on January 15 at Regency Hall Saundersfoot.

It is a fresh expression of church.

Starting with breakfast from 10am, it involves community, music, friendship and support. Bring your friends..and the kids...

Regency Rompers Baby and Toddler group will meet again at 9.30am on Monday, January 16, a chance for parents, grandparents and carers to bring their little ones to play in a safe, caring environment whilst chatting with others over a cup of coffee.

A new year and a fresh start causes us to re-evaluate life and ask bigger questions. The Alpha Course is an accessible, contemporary way of exploring the Christian Faith, giving opportunity to ask those bigger questions of the meaning of life etc. Grace Saundersfoot will be starting a course in the near future so please contact Grace Saundersfoot for more details if you are interested.

For more information email; [email protected]

Sunday, January 15, 10.45 to 11.45am – Morning Service in the Sanctuary with full organ and rose window, followed by refreshments in the Schoolroom. 5.30pm to 6.30pm – Evening Service in the Sanctuary with Baby Grand Piano.

Tuesday, 1.30pm to 4.00pm – Listening Post, share and listen, make new friends, all welcome in the Schoolroom;

6.15pm to 7pm – Refreshments before prayers in the Schoolroom;

7pm to 8pm – Prayer Meeting in the Schoolroom.

Thursday, 10.30am to 1.30pm – Coffee Morning, a lively group awaits the over 60’s.

“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry and He will say ‘Here I am.’” Isaiah 58.9

SERVICES:

Sunday, January 15,

9am – Holy Eucharist at St John’s Church, Templeton;

10am – Holy Eucharist at St. Andrew’s Church, Narberth;

11am – Holy Eucharist at Robeston Wathen Church.

Events:

St John’s Church, Templeton will be collecting for the Food Bank during January. Please leave donations in the Church.

Tuesday, January 17, 1.30pm – Craft Class in St Andrew’s Church, Narberth. All very welcome.

The ‘Benefice of Narberth’ facebook page gives information on events and services in the churches.

Contacts: Rev’d Martin Cox (Rector and Local ministry Area Dean) tel. 01834 861192 [email protected]

Rev’d Seamus Hargrave 01834 860611 [email protected] .

The service last Sunday was conducted by the Rev’d Hugh Michael of Pembroke Dock with Mrs Elizabeth Vaughan as organist.

The service this Sunday, January 15 at 10.45 am will be conducted by the Rev’d Arfon Thomas of Haverfordwest followed by the Communion service.

A warm welcome is extended to all.

The Worship service at 3pm this coming Sunday will be lead by Rev’d John Hayton. The Circuit will have a zoomed service at 6 pm. (See Circuit website for further information http://www.swwalesmethodists.org.uk/)

The lectionary readings for this week are from the Book of Isaiah 49.1-7; Psalm 40. 1-11; First Letter to the Corinthians 1. 1-9; the Gospel of John 1. 29-42.

The ‘Warm Hub’ will be open again this coming Monday, January 16, 2023. It will take place in the Youth Club Hall and will be open to all from 1pm to 4pm. If you feel the need for a warm place to go or would enjoy a time of fellowship with others, then come along and have a cup of tea. All are very welcome to enjoy this space.

Let us pray that all those in distress of any kind find healing and restoration to new life through Jesus Christ. May those who have lost loved ones also find solace in the Lord’s presence. May everyone have all they need and be at peace in mind, body and spirit.

The minister, Rev’d Lorette Hinson, may be contacted on Tel. 01834 218614. To book the Youth Club Hall please contact Paul Lister on Tel. 01646 672258.