A glorious day of celebration and praise marked the first Sunday School Anniversary since the pandemic restrictions began.

Bunting and balloons gave a spirited welcome to the large congregation who gathered for the afternoon service when the Sunday School children and leaders gave a splendid performance incorporating use of the recently installed projector and screen. The technology provided a channel for looking back over past anniversaries as well as encouraging audience participation. Of particular interest was an animation of the story of Joseph produced by Jay, displaying a gifted presentation which delighted everyone.

As the chapel is celebrating a belated Bicentenary (1821-2021) the programme, led by Rachel assisted by Louise, focussed on celebration, producing a spectacle of colour and praise. The proceedings began with the delightful junior choir together with the congregation singing ‘Joy is The Flag, complete with flag waving by all. This was followed by a welcome from Louise and a reading and prayer from George and Josh. Musical items were given by Alice, Maisey and Millie, Magi, Penny and Primrose, Arthur and Elin .

Recitations were given by George, Arthur, Elin, Magi and Penny.

Several clips from the past caused amusement as former members relived their childhood, with their own children now taking part.

The congregation joined together again to sing ‘I’ve Got The Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart’ followed by a musical offering from the ladies of the Sunday School, who sang ‘To God Be The Glory’.

The Junior Choir also sang: ‘King of Me’; ‘Be Bold’; ‘Come On and Celebrate’. A final rousing rendition of ‘Shine’ complete with animated actions, was performed with energy and enthusiasm by everyone. Rachel then rounded off the service of celebration by thanking former Sunday School leader, Jenny and former Choir Conductor for over 25 years, Elizabeth, for their commitment to the work of the Sunday School, whilst Louise presented each with a gift and card.

Pastor Gooding then offered prayer, bringing to a close an afternoon of worship and thanksgiving to God for His blessings to the Sunday School family over many years.

Later in the day, the evening service was led by the Adult Choir with Mr. Deric Brock, a longstanding friend to the fellowship at Pisgah, presiding. The Choir began with a taste of ‘Pisgah Past’ by singing ‘We’re Marching to Zion’ before Pastor Gooding welcomed everyone and invited the congregation to join in the singing of another Pisgah favourite – ‘Come Let Us Sing The Song of Songs’.

The choir, trained, conducted and accompanied by Val, opened the programme with the rousing ‘Build your Kingdom Here’. Pauline read from the scriptures and Louise prayed a prayer of thanksgiving. A varied selection of recitations and readings were enjoyed from Janice, Monica, Sarah and Elin, with a reading by Maureen retrieved from documents belonging to Rev’d Annie Lodwick Lewis, a former minister at Pisgah and the first female minister in Wales. Solos, both modern and traditional, were given by Rachel, Dave and Robert, with a trio, ‘There is a Balm in Gilead’ sung with feeling by Robert, David and Stewart. The Ladies’ part-piece was the soothing melody ’ I Watch The Sunrise’ - a reminder of God’s creative beauty on the earth, with the men’s choir echoing that sentiment with the beautiful Welsh air ‘ Myfanwy’. A quartet comprising of Robert, Elizabeth, Janice and Trevor sang an old favourite ‘ Resting in the Everlasting Arms’. The Choir’s repertoire also included ‘’It Is Well’, ‘There’s Power In The Blood’ culminating in the final piece’ You’ll Never Walk Alone’ – a reminder that God is always walking beside us, whatever we face.

“It was a joy to be joining together to worship God in song once again, whilst also sharing fellowship with one another and the local church family,” said one member of the congregation.

“We praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that’s to come.”