Ascension : From St Mary's Church
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 21.03.2012 (Article Archived on 04.04.2012)

Many thanks to the children of Two Boats School, the teachers, and mums

 St. Mary’s Church

Ascension Island (Diocese of St. Helena)

From: FATHER CHRISTOPHER BROWN

Many thanks to the children of Two Boats School, the teachers, and mums who made it possible for the children to give flowers to their mothers on Sunday last.

Thank you too to the musicians , and to young Kirsten Augustus who played the opening hymn. Mrs Alison Birkett , a busy  island mum with two children gave an insight into the joys and pressures of raising children. Father Chris made the point that it is the importance of the family, and the high value put on family life by the people of St. Helena ,which is their greatest strength.

For those who missed the service, a poem  by Diane Loomans was read entitled:

“If I Had My Children To Raise Over Again”

If I had my children to raise all over again

I would build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I would finger paint more and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I would take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less and know to care more.

I would take more hikes and fly more kites.

I would stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I would do more hugging and less tugging.

I would see the oak tree in the acorn more often.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I would model less about the love of power,

and more about the power of love.

This coming Sunday is the fifth Sunday in Lent ; there will be a Eucharist at the usual time of 10-30a.m.. Easter Sunday this year is on April 8th.; the guest preacher will be Dr. Bill Hardy.

Details of the services in Holy Week are now posted on the public notice boards.