The Service for the World Day of Prayer at St Mary Methodist Chapel was a colourful occasion reflecting the people of the Cook Islands a tiny island    nation only two thirds the size of the Isle of Wight and was written by the Christian Women there.    Flowers are an integral part of the Cook Islands’ identity, symbolising love, friendship and respect. People frequently wear flower crowns and leis and flowers often appear on their fabrics, art, clothing and quilts. We were  all given a spray of heather and a paper flower, to maybe put in our hair, when we arrived and the Leader Jenny Taylor wore a wide brimmed hat decorated with colourful flowers.  The theme of the service was “I Made You Wonderful” and the songs joyfully praised and glorified God for the marvellous way in which we are made and the beauty of the world with its differing landscapes.  Life has not been easy for the people of the islands, children at school were expected to speak English and would be punished for speaking their  indigenous language, feeling devalued by this, but their faith in God did not waver.  The joy and praise for God we shared in the service the women of the Cook Islands’ had written was spread all over the whole world during the 24hrs of the World Day of Prayer .  What a wonderful thought. 

  

The Spring Bazaar in the Gott Hall found many people happily buying the articles on sale, or enjoying a session of ping pong to win a prize or if unlucky a  booby prize, or in trying to get as many marbles as possible  through the hole in an upturned flower pot with a small wooden spoon. Barrie Galley managed to get 58 in the pot to win  and Dylan won the children’s prize,    winning Easter Eggs.  If unsuccessful at these two games there was still the tombola with a chance to win.  There were bacon rolls to indulge in or even the choice of sausage or eggs or even all three together or perhaps just a nice slice of cake. There was the usual array of homemade cakes and preserves and at the end of the day £950 was raised with more donations coming in later. 

  

The Little Lambs have been busy this term making things to do with all the different forms of transport and there work is displayed on the board in the Bishop Gott Memorial Hall  where they have gradually built up a scene of the countryside and sea with boats, planes, bicycles, tractors and cars, all the different modes of transport and now it is almost finished and looking really good. Make sure to have a look when you are there. 

  

Through Lent we have had Stations of the Cross on a Friday morning and there is also the opportunity of visiting Treverbyn or Charlestown for Stations of the Cross within our group of churches.  The Par Churches Together Lent Course has been well attended at both sessions this year, the subject being the Fruits of the Spirit and has been led by leaders of each of the different denominations each week.  AW