Sunday, third in Lent – The mass began with the singing of the processional hymn “Jesus lover of my soul.”

In place of the prayers of penitence, which are usually made at this point of the service, the prayers of confession, part of the Lent litany, were sung. The cantor was Father Stephen Drakeley, priest-in-charge. “To thee redeemer, on thy throne of glory; lift we our weeping eyes in holy pleading.”

The first lesson, Exodus chapter 17 v 1-7, was read by Barbara Martin. This tells of the journey of the Israelites from Egypt encamped in the wilderness without water and how their needs were met by God.

David Cunliffe then read Psalm 95. The second reading, part of Paul’s letter to the Romans chapter 5 v 1-11, begins with the momentous statement “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. The reader was James Davies and John chapter 4 v 5-42 was the gospel proclaimed by Fr Stephen.

The story of the meeting of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well is one of the better known stories of the New Testament. “Water” was the subject of Fr Stephen’s address. He argued that while water is a necessity, the needs of everyday life can get in the way of seeing God. giving us tunnel vision.

James Davies then led the prayers of re-affirmation of faith; belief in the Triune God. Frances Martin led the prayers of intercession and Linda Thomas those of pre and post communion; chalice administrators at the eucharist were Sally Maynard and Barbara Jenkins; Jane MacLennan was the server for the mass; sidespersons were Alan Burkac-Williams and Frances Martin; organist was Matthew Seaton. The final hymn was “Forth in thy name O Lord I go” and Matthew concluded the mass by playing Prelude – Fugue in G Major by J S Bach.

On Sunday, Mothering Sunday, the family parade mass will be held at 10am.