U3A
The History of Art Class went back to early civilizations this week. Don Jones used cave paintings to illustrate symbolism (writes David Dando).
These were possibly painted to enlist spiritual help in hunting, which might explain why they were not found in living areas and often hard to access.
Egyptian artists were unable to draw feet from the front, so they often drew legs and feet in profile. Comedy routines from Wilson Keppel and Betty to Morecombe and Wise have profited from these images.
The 'golden age' of Greek art gave us human statues heroically proportioned to look like gods. Technically perfect, they were too flawless for real life, but look good on a modern patio.
The poetry group run by Megan Hughes was its usual tonic. The current cold days tend to create gloomy minds, and members love to bring along examples of verse to share, and then leave looking on the bright side.
The beauty of verse is that it is often remembered and lines come to mind wherever you are. These may have just been heard in the group or etched in your mind from school. It is always worth following the example of Rumpole and having a few lines in your mental locker.
Retired from full-time employment. Time to take an interest in art, music, bridge, history, poetry, novels, Tai Chi, walking, gardening, Mah-jongg, or discussion.
Telephone 862964 or 860152 for more information.
Bethesda Baptist Chapel
Services at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth, in the week beginning Sunday, February 8, are as follows:
Sunday School starts at 10.15 am. Morning service takes place at 10.30 am and the evening service at 6 pm. Both services will be taken by Rev. Chris Rees, the minister of Bethesda Chapel.
The Bible study and prayer meeting takes place on Tuesday at 7.15 pm.
The Ladies Fellowship commences the spring term on Wednesday at 2 pm in the schoolroom.
A Christian bookstall will be held in the Country Market in Narberth's Queen's Hall on Thursday between 9 am and 12 noon.
All are very welcome to these meetings.
At the concert held at Bethesda on October 10, which featured soloist Trebor Edwards and the Whitland Male Voice Choir, the proceeds amounted to £1,460. This sum has been divided equally between the charities - Cancer Research and Leukaemia in Children. Mrs. Olive Morgan, who organised this event, extends her thanks to all who supported it.
CHURCH services
Sunday: St. Andrew's, Narberth - 10 am Holy Eucharist.
Wednesday: 10 am Holy Eucharist; 4.15 pm Club X.
Christian Community Church
This Sunday's service will be in Bloomfield House Seminar Room at 10 am. The speaker will be Mr. Bohdan Pawluk from Llechryd, near Cardigan. There will be a prayer meeting on Tuesday at 3.30 pm and Friday at 7.30 pm. A warm welcome to all.
Councillor's surgery
County Councillor Wynne Evans will be holding a surgery tomorrow (Saturday) at the Span Building between 10.30 and 11.30 am to address any issues local residents of the Narberth Town Ward may have.
Robeston Wathen Church
The winner of the Christmas Quiz, drawn recently by the Rector, Rev. Peter Lewis, was Mr. Thornley, of Narberth. Sincere thanks to all who supported and participated in this competition.
Templeton and Reynalton United Reformed Churches
The united service on Sunday will be held at Templeton URC at 6 pm and will be led by Mr. Gareth John.
Meat Draw
Winners of the Narberth RFC Supporters' Club meat draw this week are as follows: beef - Joyce John; lamb - Anne Lonsdale; pork - Joe Lidbury.
The supporters' club raises money each week on behalf of the rugby club through the meat draw. Supporters interested in having a ticket at £1 per ticket with three chances to win a joint of meat for the weekend, should contact Shelley Morris on (01834) 861897 or any member of the supporters' committee.
The draw takes place every Friday evening.
Rugby Fixtures
Tomorrow (Saturday), Narberth are without a Division One West league fixture because of the rugby international match at Murrayfield Stadium, between Scotland and Wales, on Sunday.
Supporters not travelling to Edinburgh for the match can watch the match live on the big screen at the Narberth clubhouse. Kick-off is at 3 pm, but television coverage starts earlier. Hot food will be available at an affordable price.
Although the first team players are out of action, the Athletic and Youth teams will have competitive rugby.
Narberth Athletic are home to Felinfoel in the Carmarthen Tyre Services Championship West Wales Premier League and the Youth team are home to Whitland in a Pembrokeshire League local derby.
Grace Church
What are you doing on Sunday? You can find all kinds of things to do, I'm sure you don't need anyone to suggest a few. However, first things first. We guarantee that if you give a Sunday morning to come to our 10.30 am morning service, you will be pleasantly surprised. You will find people of all ages, different backgrounds and nationalities meeting as one family.
We will do our best to make it well worth getting up for, to enjoy serious fun, to hear a talk that challenges and is applicable to life today, good music and find new friends. You will be greeted and served by some of the amazing people who are part of Grace.
We would love to see you this Sunday. Come on your own, with friend or family, you are most welcome. Grace meet every Sunday at 10.30 am at the Queen's Hall, Narberth. Coffee is served from 10 am. There is an active time for children and a crèche when the speaker commences.
Grace have their offices at the Court House, Market Square, Narberth, which also houses the Liberty cafe.
Life for many is hectic, too many shouts for attention and an endless list of responsibilities. The remote beach sounds attractive and living in an area where the coast is a National Park one appreciates beaches and rugged cliffs. If there is one thing that we need to take from our lives it is hurry. That is not achieved simply by less demands and lazy days. We are given a clear picture of 'rest for our souls' and it is not one of the beach, a picnic or a day in bed, but of ploughing a field.
Jesus' life was busy, but there was rest in the centre of it. The yoke that He places upon us is easy and his burden is light. Many would want to place demands, work loads and schedules upon us that we were never intended to carry. That same rest is there for us. It is worth asking what could a busy lifestyle rob me of?
Biblical rest is not stopping everything. We are offered something far better - rest in the centre of an active life. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me and you will find rest for your souls."
What can we cut out of our busyness to enable moments of rest in our week? What demands do we need to release that we were never intended to carry? What is God's Rest? It is the rest of grace here with Christ on earth and the rest of glory with Christ in heaven. Make every effort to enter.
The series 'Make every effort' continues on Sunday mornings at Grace.
GLANRHYD BAPTIST CHURCH
This Sunday, the service at 10.30 am will be conducted by Mrs. Mary Campbell, Haverfordwest.
'The Listening Post'
'The Listening Post is an informal and mutually supportive group for any age 18-plus.
They meet every Tuesday from 2 - 5 pm at Bethesda Chapel, Narberth (downstairs).
Teas, coffees, refreshments, chats, games, DVDs, gardening, walks, trips, speakers, activities and much more.
All are welcome.
NARBERTH BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP
In today's world, salvation has become a step toward self-improvement, self-actualisation, and bettering one's self-concept. One man's spoof on the famous hymn 'Amazing Grace' speaks volumes.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a stunted self-concept like me,
I once was stressed out, but now am empowered,
Was visually challenged, but now I see.
Instead of the spirit of St. Paul who wrote, 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,' people approach the gospel message with the attitude, 'What's in it for me?'
Like the rich young ruler that wanted the benefits of heaven without admitting his sinfulness, far too many consider Jesus Christ as only one means among many to their own self-improvement and self-advancement in life (Mark 10:17-27).
Christ would have none of this... Jesus does not smooth over the rough edges of life so that we will feel better about ourselves. Yet, even the early disciples jockeyed to see who would be favoured in the Kingdom of God. Jesus cut to the heart of their selfish ambitions (Matthew 18:1-5). They longed for a worldly kingdom, but Jesus' kingdom is radically different. The way of Christ's kingdom is the way of humility and trust in God, not the way of self-advancement. The Christian life is never an 'anything goes' approach to spirituality.
NBF meet 6.30 pm every Sunday and afterwards for a buffet meal. 'Phone 01834 861391, or just visit our chapel at Pant-y-Gorphwys Farmhouse on the main A478 from Penblewin to Narberth.
Cricket Club
Winners of the National Lottery bonus ball draw organised by the ladies committee of Narberth Cricket Club this week were: Group A - Albert Smith; Group B - no winner.
There will be a meeting on Monday, 7.30 pm, at the rugby club.
Carvan Chapel
The service at Carvan Chapel, Tavernspite, this Sunday, at 2 pm, will be conducted by Rev. Hywel Jones. A warm welcome is extended to all.