On the 22nd September I was invited to join Councillor Zaphne Stretton, of Cannock Chase District Council, at the Chairman of the Council’s Civic Service and Reception.
The service, which was held in St. James Church, Norton Canes, began with the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful. This was followed with an introduction by the Minister and the Lord’s Prayer. Councillor Carl Bennett then read the First Lesson, Psalm 119, verses 33 -40, before we all stood to sing Jerusalem. The Second Reading, the Gospel according to St. Matthew read by Ryan Tipton, was followed by the sermon, which was delivered by Father Neil Hibbins.
Prayers of Thanks were given before we all sang the next hymn, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind. The Act of Dedication was followed by our last hymn, Guide me O thou great Redeemer, before the service was concluded with the Blessing and National Anthem.
After this civic service, the congregation enjoyed a reception at the Civic Centre in Cannock.
I would like to thank Councillor Zaphne Stretton for her invite and to everyone who made the service and reception such an enjoyable event.