There was a good attendance in St. Michael’s church, Shap for the Mothering Sunday service. Everyone was welcomed by Revd Beverley Lock and during the first hymn children carried baskets for flowers to the altar, the Mothers Union banner was carried by Elsie Davidson. In the opening prayers everyone was asked to pray for Gary Ion who was returning to Africa that day for another phase of his mission work.

The Village Children’s Choir who had been tutored by Alison and Stephen Mott sang two songs conducted by Mrs Mott and accompanied on the keyboard by Janet Wood.  It was announced that the choir are at present rehearsing for a special concert scheduled for Thursday 25th March in aid of the Haiti appeal.

Lessons were read by Elaine Allison and Jean Scott-Smith, the organist was Mrs Wood.
The guest preacher was Keith Speck a Methodist Local preacher; he read children’s responses to the question ‘Why did God make mothers?’ and these were very amusing.   He then asked what we are passing on to our children; he went on to list several attributes such as teaching, patience, love and faith, saying that sincere faith has a ripple effect.

The children led the prayers then the flowers were blessed and distributed to all the mothers present.