BP Aden Kids

FIRST CHILDREN'S SERVICE AT ST PETERS, LITTLE ADEN.
                        (Conducted by Mr Ieuan J Sims.)
                                            1968.
.

1) Parental Address.

I'm sure all you young folks in the front of the church here
are eager to get on and do your parts in the service, but I must
ask you to excuse me for a short while whilst I have a word or
two with your Mums and Dads..

This evening's service is predominantly a children's service
and it represents an attempt on the part of The Church Council
to encourage the children of the community to take an active part
in it's religious sphere.

   It could perhaps be considered a sort of graduation from the
Sunday School, and the Council is delighted at the enthusiasm
with which the children have received the idea.

   We do not disguise too, the fact that we hoped it would lead
to an increase in the size of our congregations, and in this
context, it is gratifying to see so many here this evening..

It is probable that we will have more of these family type
services in the future, and we trust that you will give them
the same enthusiastic support afforded this first venture with
our children.

   Finally, I would like to mention that the alms collected
later this evening will go towards helping to buy a wheelchair
for a little Arab girl up at our hospital who is paralysed and
may never walk again. Please be generous, so that through a
little financial sacrifice on our part tonight, a human being in
extremely unfortunate circumstances may know a little bit of
living instead of a mere corrosive existence.

   We all know the old saying "Variety is the spice of life" and
most would agree that taken in it's right context, nothing could
be more true.

   The Christian sects have never exactly been famed for their
tolerance for others in the past - indeed, it could be seen that
they weren't particularly tolerant of each other either!

   However, recently, and you'll probably all agree not before
time, we've become aware to some extent of the winds of change.
A genuine desire has emerged to carry out the commandment "Love
thy Neighbour," and with it has come the realisation that the
plan can't even get off the proverbial "Drawing Board" without
TOLERANCE!.

Here in St Peters, this change has been effected quite pain-
lessly, and we are proud of the fact. This church comes under
the jurisdiction of the Bishop in the Sudan, a Diocese of the
Church of England, but with his blessing, and the tolerance of
his flock and those of other denominations, it has become
possible for a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist like myself for
example, to conduct a service here according to my idea of one..

In our new found tolerance, no one considers me wrong. It is
happily accepted that my interpretation just happens to be
different!.

In the same context, the children of our community who will
be taking part tonight are by no means all C of E but like us,
they learn from the same bible and all their voices are sweet as
they sing of the glory of God..

On behalf of the Church Council, I would like to take this
opportunity before starting the service to thank Miss Groves our
Head teacher for honing the singing and reading talents of our

2) Lets now sit through Mrs C.F. Alexander's lovely hymn No 4428
"All Things Bright and Beautiful" as Miss Sharon Paylor sings
the first verse and all the children sing the rest. .

3) Lynda will now lead us in prayer.

Thank you Lynda. You do pray beautifully..

Master Andrew Morgan will sing the 1st verse, Miss Sara Anderson will
sing the 2nd and all the children will sing the rest..

5) 1st Reading. I now call on Master Craig Young who will read
us extracts from the Gospel according to St Luke.

6) 3rd Hymn. This hymn will be read by Miss Ann Martin and
Master Linsey Stuart and will then be sung by the children. It's
"Gentle Jesus Meek and Mild" No 451 in the Hymn Book..

7) Our 2nd Reading is by Miss Edwina Preston who has chosen
extracts from the Gospel according to St Luke and the Book of
Isiah The Prophet....

8) 4th Hymn. Miss Karen Wilson and Master Nigel Stoneman will
read the 1st and 2nd verses respectively of hymn No 452,
"There's a Friend for Little Children." The children will then
sing this hymn conducted by The Head, Miss Groves and I would ask
the parents to join in the last verse.

9) I now call upon Master Kevin Michael to lead us in prayer..

"Oh God Who's Son Jesus went about healing the sick and
helping those in trouble, we pray Thee to have mercy upon all
who are ill, at home, or in the hospitals.
   Give the doctors and nurses the skill to make them well
again, and grant that we who are strong and healthy may never forget
those who cannot run about and play like us.
   Be with the ministers of Thy church and the teachers in the
schools and help us to be worthy of their teachings.
   We thank Thee for the talents Thou hast given us. Grant Oh
Lord that we use them in the service of our fellow men and to
the glory of Thy Holy Name."   AMEN.

   Thank you Kevin. That was a very nice and important prayer..

11) Our final hymn is No 431 "Now the day is over" and Simon and
Sara will read the 1st and 2nd verses respectively after which
we'll all stand to sing this beautiful hymn together.

While we are singing, Sharon and Fidelma will collect alms
whilst the very youngest of the class, Anna, Roland and Mark
will proceed to the door to collect the books and service sheets..

LIST OF LAY READERS, LAY PREACHERS AND ASSISTANTS IN 1968.

(THESE I CAN REMEMBER. SORRY IF I’VE LEFT ANYONE OUT.)