Monday 29 September 2014

Welcome to the Mayor

Yesterday morning, Sunday 28 September, St Paul's was pleased to welcome Councillor Sarah Dickinson, the Mayor of Oadby and Wigston for the Annual Civic Service. As all the Guests, invited by Her Worship the Mayor, arrived, including the Borough Councillors, there was a display of gold chains such as St Paul’s had never seen before!

Apart from a late start (a move to 11 a.m.) the service followed our normal pattern with a mixture of hymns and modern worship songs.

Sarah Dickinson had chosen the theme of creation for the service and the theme of the wonder of God’s creation was echoed in the first reading, a Psalm. Our vicar, Steve Bailey, in his sermon explained how, sadly, we have often misused and abused the gift of creation and gone our own way – right from the earliest times.

But the Christian message is one of a God who forgives all those who turn to him.

It was Her Worship who read the second lesson, the parable of the three servants given some of their master’s wealth to use. Two received different amounts but used it well and were commended. The third was condemned for failing to use what they had. We were encouraged to use our gifts in the service of God and of the community.

The collection was for the mayor’s chosen charities, the Alzheimer’s Society and Wishes 4 Kids.

Everyone was invited to a meal that was held was held afterwards in the Barnabas Centre.

It was good that St Paul’s had been able to identify with our local community in this way. We wish the Mayor, Sarah Dickinson, every success in her year ahead.