Sunday, Trinity Five – The All Saints’ Bulletin of this week contains the first reference to the recent decision of the General Synod to consecrate women Bishops.

It makes sombre reading for those who in good conscience cannot accept this decision. Perhaps the saddest point made refers to the excessive emotional demonstrations made when the result was announced “it seems to illustrate a lack of maturity in those very persons who might themselves be considered for consecration.”

The sung mass was presided over by Father Stephen Drakeley, priest-in-charge. It began with the processional hymn “Blessed Assurance”.

The first lesson was read by Doreen Barnicoat, taken from the Book of Genesis, chapter 28, v 10-19. This tells of a dream that Jacob had of a ladder reaching to Heaven from earth with angels ascending and descending on it and the promise God made to him.

Hazel Bennett then read the second lesson, part of Paul’s letter to the Romans chapter 8 v 12-25. The apostle compares the resultant difference in “living according to the flesh” and “living by the Spirit of God”. The gospel message read by Fr Stephen came from Matthew chapter 13 v 24-30 and 36-43. Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds and then explains the meaning to the disciples at their insistence.

Fr Stephen began his address with the words “It isn’t fair” illustrating some of the times we use this expression. He went on to suggest that if God treated us fairly in the way we deserve we would be in dire straits.

Prayers were led in this part of the service by David Cunliffe and Paul Jenkins. Chalice administrators at the eucharist were Helen Bancroft and Jane MacLennan. Jane, in company with Jacob Clarke were servers for the mass. Sidespersons were Hazel and Russell Bennett. David Cunliffe, deputy organist, accompanied the choir and then Daniel Shermon, church organist, played the organ for the mass and also played the voluntary minuet suite Ethique by Boellmann after the singing of the final hymn of the mass “Great is thy faithfulness.”