Possibly the longest designated lesson reading in the church calendar (Year A) is that for Sunday, second before Lent, this is the story of creation, as described in Genesis chapter 1 and part chapter 2.

The task of reading this lengthy portion of scripture fell this year to Doreen Barnicoat. The sung mass began with the processional hymn “All my hope on God is founded”. This was followed by the prayers of penitence and confession led by Father Stephen Drakeley, priest-in-charge.

The New Testament lesson was then read by Paul Jenkins. This was part of Paul’s letter to the Romans chapter 8 v 18-25. This begins with words as relevant to today’s believers as they were when first written “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.”

The gospel proclaimed by Fr Stephen, Matthew chapter 6 v 25-34, also rings true for today “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” For his address Fr Stephen took the subject of worry. He pointed out that it can cause physical illness. However, the opposite carries the risk of being don’t care. What is to be borne in mind he suggested is the promise that God does not burden us with more than we can bear.

Prayers were led in this part of the mass by Linda Thomas and Maureen Roberts. Celebrating at the eucharist, Fr Stephen was assisted by Helen Bancroft and Jane MacLennan. Jane was also server for the mass; sidespersons were Amy Seaton and Angela Kirk; Matthew Seaton, organist and it was he who concluded the mass at the singing of the final hymn “Thou whose almighty word” by playing “La Royal” by Charles Piroye.

The service booklets have wings – In August 50 new mass booklets were put in use, now 12 remain in church. Inspirational as they are, All Saints’ would like to have it back if you have one.