A LARGE GATHERING came together from the churches of Cardiff and Penarth Pastorate to celebrate Pastorate Day at City URC. Pastorate Minister Rev David Dean led the morning and closing services that set the tone for the day.
Before the morning service, coloured paper hands and small polished stones were distributed to the congregation. During prayers of intercession, David asked people to think of those who had been a light to them on their faith journeys, and to couple that with remembering those who needed a hand right then, and to place a paper hand in their honour on the table around the candle. He then asked people to place the polished stones on the table around the candle to honour those who had supported them, been a rock or foundation for them.
People filed up and down the aisle to lay their paper hands and polished stones on the table around the candle
After the morning service, people enjoyed their picnic lunches, with hot and cold drinks available throughout the day.
A variety of activities were on offer for the afternoon. Environmentalists Dr Julia Edwards talked about Clouds, showing how to identify and name different skyscapes. Marianne Barwise ran a Crafting session, and there was Creative Writing with Katie Munnik and Flower Arranging with Beverley Clay. There were activities for Children and Youth.
Groups were organised by Rev Martha McInnes, who was not able to attend Pastorate Day, herself, as she was representing the National Synod of Wales at URC General Assembly that weekend.
Making thing with the young
– and the not so young …
Around the activity groups
Katie sheds some light on how to approach writing fiction
Julia off some skyscapes and Beverley (right) prepares for the Flower Arranging sessions
For the more energetic, Paul Graham led a Deep Time Walk. For the more musical, John Cheer ran a singing and instrumental session.
Taking a break on the Deep Time Walk
John strikes the note
Activity sessions were followed by an afternoon tea. With scones, butter, jam and cream and a selection of cakes.
