The huge magnolia tree by the lych gate, recognized locally as a true harbinger of spring, was in full bloom for the second Sunday in Lent.

Canon David Miller both presided and preached at parish communion, assisted by the Rev Dorothy Noakes, the Rev Jane Bradbury and Betty Booker, lay reader. Canon David’s sermon theme came from John’s Gospel, chapter three, where Jesus explains why and how a believer needs to be spiritually born again and that it was because of God’s great love for the world that he gave his son, Jesus, so that all who believes in him may have eternal life.

Canon David took these mighty statements to show how the kingdom of God is not a nebulous concept, but a frontier-less territory where God’s love reigns, which all may see and enter. Greta Ross read the lesson and Diane Barlow led the prayers.

The choir sang “In the hour of my distress”, directed by Chris Bradbury and accompanied by Richard berry, organist. Richard also played “The Londonderry Air” in honour of St Patrick’s Day.