Due to the machinations of Government Whitson, Pentecost no longer enjoys the festivities once associated with it.

Nevertheless not withstanding this fact, it is still celebrated as one of great feast days of the church and must always remain so. The dramatic happenings of that first Pentecostal Day, as recorded in the Book of Acts, chapter 2, was read by Frances Martin as the first lesson. The mass on Sunday began with the processional hymn “Lord enthroned in heavenly splendour.” The celebrant, Father Stephen Drakeley, priest-in-charge, then introduced the theme of the mass beginning with prayers, the response to which was “Fill us with Your Spirit” and followed with the singing of Gloria in Excelsis.

Sally Maynard read the second lesson, Romans chapter 8 v 14-17. Here Paul makes the declaration “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are Sons of God.” The gospel proclaimed by Fr Stephen was John chapter 14 v 8-27.

In response to Philip’s request “Show us the Father,” Jesus explains that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that was to come are one unity. Prayers were led by Maureen Roberts, Jan Cunningham and Barbara Jenkins; chalice administrators at the eucharist were Jane MacLennan and David Fittock joined by Jacob Clarke, they were also servers for the mass. Maureen Roberts and Jill Pardon were sidespersons, organist was Matthew Seaton.

Before the singing of the final hymn “The spirit lives,” Fr Stephen led the congregation in renewal of the oath “by the Spirit’s power we will”.

The mass concluded by Matthew playing “For Lane” by Francis Couperin.