The Last Pirates of Cefn Fforest
Sea Sunday at St Thomas Church, Cefn Fforest, Parish of Fleur-de-Lis
Although Cefn Fforest is situated a fair way from the sea, on a hill surrounded by two non-navigable Rivers, Sirhowy and Rhymney, Sea Sunday and those who work in the industry were remembered with an unusual theme.
The All Age worship service for ‘Sea Sunday’ was full of action with nearly a full church of regular worshippers, Sunday school, guides, brownies and youth choir. The theme was based upon a missionary ship bound for the Americas early in the eighteenth century being attacked by a pirate ship captained by the dreaded Jack Blackbird (Philip Williams). The captain of the missionary ship, Captain Morgan (guess who?) was set upon and narrowly escaped walking the plank. Only being saved when Jack Blackbird was struck with a blinding light in an enactment of the conversion of Saul (Acts, Chapter 9).
Good overcame evil and as a result the whole crew of pirate plunderers became Christians and escorted the missionary ship safely to the New World. The theme was brought into today’s world with a reading and talk by Maureen Morgan
The Sea Sunday Theme was brought to a wonderful reality when Dennis Hart gave a witness talk about his life as sub-mariner in the US Navy and about the strength of his faith and Christian life and dependency on others during the long periods at sea below the water.
The service was led by the worship team and various groups, including our ladies' singing group and Sunday school, took part. The youth choir sang and also joined with the guides to sing ‘I the Lord of Sea and Sky’. After the service we enjoyed refreshments in the hall with a celebration cake. Many thanks to all who helped to make this service a wonderful time of worship together and helping fill the church.
Revd Trevor Morgan