This morning we met at 10 am on a glorious spring morning for our parish Eucharist celebrated by Father Roger. At last spring is looking as though it is here! 

We were without Joanna today, so we were accompanied on the piano by Sylvia, and the choir sat in the south transept to be near to the piano. We continue to sing Easter hymns, and this Sunday the theme of Jesus as a shepard of his sheep continues.

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles (see below) tells the story of the miraculous raising of Dorcas from the dead, and Father Roger told us more about this story and the whole issue of miracles in his address, which was very thought provoking and interesting.

We heard the Banns for 3 couples who are planning to marry at St Mary's this summer and our prayers and good wishes go to each couple as they prepare.

There was coffee after the service in the rooms.

Once again we are still looking for help with the Fete! Car park attendants are in short supply, Chris and Janet would be very please to hear from you if you could do this important job!!

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.

In Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, 

which in Greek is Dorcas. 

She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.

At that time she became ill and died. 

When they had washed her, 

they laid her in a room upstairs. 

Since Lydda was near Joppa, 

the disciples, who heard that Peter was there, 

sent two men to him with the request, 

‘Please come to us without delay.’ 

So Peter got up and went with them; 

and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. 

All the widows stood beside him, weeping 

and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made 

while she was with them. 

Peter put all of them outside, 

and then he knelt down and prayed. 

He turned to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ 

Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 

He gave her his hand and helped her up. 

Then calling the saints and widows, 

he showed her to be alive. 

This became known throughout Joppa, 

and many believed in the Lord. 

Meanwhile he stayed in Joppa for some time 

with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. 

It was winter, 

and Jesus was walking in the temple, 

in the portico of Solomon. 

So the Jews gathered around him 

and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? 

If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ 

Jesus answered, 

‘I have told you, and you do not believe. 

The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 

but you do not believe, 

because you do not belong to my sheep. 

My sheep hear my voice. 

I know them, and they follow me. 

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. 

No one will snatch them out of my hand. 

What my Father has given me is greater than all else, 

and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 

The Father and I are one.’