Worshippers at St. Michael’s church, Shap enjoyed a lively and inspiring service to mark Pentecost or Whit Sunday. Following a welcome by church warden Elsie Davidson, the service was conducted by Canon David Jenkins, the Director of the Diocesan Board of Education.
Lessons were read by Lois Whittaker and Ruth Boustead, both teachers at Shap CE Primary School, and a group of girls from the school gave readings about what happened on the first Pentecost, before performing a dance they had choreographed, this ended with them bringing out a birthday cake to mark the birthday of the Church. Those taking part were Molly Woof, Lucy Judson, Emily Slack and Katie Stubbs. Prayers were led by Doreen Lee and the organist was Janet Wood.
In his address, Canon Jenkins said that barriers of communication were broken down on that first Pentecost when all people could hear the Good News in their own languages. He went on to say that today there are barriers to communication between different nationalities, colours and creeds, but reconciliation is possible, he cited the cases of Northern Ireland and South Africa where those who were enemies are now friends and working together. He urged anyone with rifts in their families or friendships to not give up working to reconcile the situation.
The offertory was taken by the children and the service concluded with a celebration of the Eucharist.
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