The sun shone for our Big Family Gathering at Tern Hill Hall last Sunday. We began with worship
songs, prayers and a reading of John 3 v.16-17, our redemption through Jesus.
Rev. Rob Cotton gave a short address showing God’s love and forgiveness in the story of the prodigal son. No one is
perfect but all are welcomed by God because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. To show our readiness
for the spiritual journey we were invited to make a thumb print on a wooden cross and to attend a
course on Bear Grylls’ book, The greatest story ever told, starting on Tuesday at 7pm at the
Methodist Church, Shrewsbury Road. Rob repeated the Gaelic blessing.
The mayor, Tim Manton, opened the fun session and children enjoyed bouncy castles, maypole
dancing, giant jenga etc. Rob and the mayor volunteered to be pounded with wet sponges in the
stocks. There were artisan stalls, excellent burgers, hot dogs and ice cream as we enjoyed our
picnics with music from several local choirs and ensembles. Later the puppet team illustrated a
story for the children and the afternoon ended with more rousing songs.