Message from Churchwardens
Par Parish News: 

The Baptism of Esmae Janet Louise Brown at the beginning of November was a joyous occasion with Fr Paul.  Esmae was adorable and was so quiet throughout the service.  In fact no-one would have thought there were so many young children in the church, there was not a peep from them.  Even at the time of the Baptism and when Fr Paul poured the water on Esmae’s head and she turned her head at the same time taking the water full on in her eyes, she did not make a sound.  I am sure the family found the whole service  a memorable occasion. 

 Remembrance Sunday as usual was celebrated at St Mary’s and after the    service the Act of Remembrance took place around the War Memorial where    Fr Barry read all the names of those who gave their lives in the Parish of Par.  Angeline played the Last Post and the 2 minutes silence was kept, the choir sang the Mike Sammes arrangement of “For the Fallen” (They shall grown not old) and the National Anthem was sung.  Both churches were suitably decorated with poppies and in the Good Shepherd the photograph found in Par of an “Unknown soldier” was displayed before the War Memorial. 

 The Baptism of Mhari and Jonty was held  during the Sunday Service of Holy Communion.  Fr Derek led the service and we were not sure what would happen and were not disappointed.  He had brought his guitar and we sang “Jesus bids us shine” at the beginning and finished with Twinkle Twinkle    Little Star with actions to finish, and a composition of a song he had written 50 years before during the sermon.  Both children are at school and being older and familiar with the weekly services, both having attended Little Lambs and Junior Church, they knew Fr Derek and the songs were familiar to them. Mahri read one of the Epistle readings so clearly, making sense of a difficult passage, it was a joy to listen to her.  When it came to the Baptism Mhari was able to stand at the font but Jonty needed a little lift from his dad.  It was lovely to see them both taking such an active part in the service and I am sure they will always remember the day. 

 On 9th December Ruth and some of the choir will visit Hendra Court for a short Christmas Service with carols and welcome others to join  with us.  We are very much looking forward to going into Biscovey Infants School again this year to talk about the meaning of the Christingle during assembly and then to make Christingles with the whole school so that each child has one to take home.  We are also very pleased to welcome the Biscovey Juniors to  St Mary’s again to perform their Nativity Play. 

I wish you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas and we pray for a Peaceful New Year.   

Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season 

AW