A cup of blessing, 1 tablespoon of reflection, a handful of memories and a helping of hugs and laughter. Mix with love and forgiveness.

If God could close the mouth of the lions for Daniel, part the Red Seas for Moses, Make the sun stand still for Joshua, open the prison for Peter, put a baby into the arms of Sarah, and raise Lazarus from the dead, THEN He can certainly take care of you! NOTHING you are facing today is too hard for Him to handle.

Can I have your comments on the Pope’s idea of changing the wording? I think the extra word would help some people in the world understand better. Shirley, Editor

These are for anybody to borrow and return for someone else to read. The September Reform is very interesting reading about happenings in the United Reform Church.

It is announced with regret that Margaret Lewis died on 9^th December.

Lara Thomas has had another small operation just before Christmas.

Megan had her 2^nd Birthday during December. Various members attended the Tabernacle Church at Pembroke for their open day and Re-opening Service.

The Carol Service conducted by Mel Walker with a lot of help from readers and the choir was held on 10^th December, and the following week. On 17^th, the Junior Church took the Nativity Service with 4 very pretty angels in tutu dresses made by Hefina, the Junior Church leader. The other characters were of course, Mary and Joseph, who spectacularly led the donkey (not real!) around the church. A little Shepherd stayed on the steps, after the leaders, Carol, Sue and Hefina in turn became the shepherds and then wise men. The service included piano playing by Bethan and the choir singing. Graham read his own poem through out. At the end everybody spontaneously clapped the performers and Refreshments were served in the hall.   

The St Johns Christmas Tea was held on Friday 15^th December with the hall full of Christmas Spirit of all who were there. 

The Choir and other members sang carols at various care homes around the district, and are always welcomed and their singing enjoyed.

The Christingle service is on Christmas Eve at 4pm with all the Christmas Tree lights on in the dark. Rev Adrian Davies is taking the 11am service. On Xmas Day at 10am (note time) Rev Nanette Lewis Head is taking the service. 

Have you all thought out your New Year Resolution? Are you going to help Mum and Dad more with jobs around the house? Save some of your pocket money? Do all your homework before you start to play or watch TV? Have you written a thank you letter, or emailed, or spoken “Thank you” to all the people who gave you such lovely Christmas presents? Are you going to say a thank you to God each night for such a lovely day, for your friends or for anything you really like?

Gladys of St Marys Church told the St Johns ladies in the 25 Cafe on Sunday 10^th December the following: Regular fishermen, the Vicar from the Anglican Church, and the Minister from the Methodist Church, on one lovely day invited the Priest from the Catholic Church to come out in the boat with them. Whilst fishing, the Vicar said, “Darn, I forgot to tell my wife something” and with that he hopped overboard and walked back to shore, told his wife and walked back to the boat. A short time later the Minister said “My goodness I have forgotten to do one little job” and he hopped over board and walked to the shore and back. The Priest thought to himself I can’t let them beat me, so he said “I have to see someone” and he hopped over board, and sunk to the bottom. Whilst the Vicar and Minister were rescuing him, the Vicar said to the Minister “Didn’t you tell him about the stepping stones?”

An interesting “Epiphany Gifts Ceremony” still takes place on 6th January at St James Palace in London. British monarchs used to re-enact ritually the visit of the three wise men bringing gifts to the Christ-child. Since George III this has been done by appointed representatives. Gifts of gold (in the shape of twenty-five gold sovereigns) frankincense and myrrh are placed on the altar of the Chapel Royal, and blessed by the Bishop of London.