In an effort to attract new worshippers, the membership of St. James Anglican Church in Somerset decided two years ago to have Sunday services in January focus on women?s fellowship and those in February to focus on the needs of men.

This year, a prayer breakfast last Saturday at Willowbank marked the start of the women?s focus. There, Rev. Lynette Raynor Pastor of Long Bay Methodist Church in Somerset addressed some 70 women.

The following day Women?s Day organisers Marie Symons and Patricia Telford-Holder packed the 300-plus seats of St. James with worshippers. Rev. Dr. Maria Seaman spoke on faith and had the congregation spellbound with her message.

Ms Seaman is a young married mother of three daughters, a dedicated science teacher at the Berkeley Institute and full time servant of God. She told the congregations that she gave her soul to God when she was just seven.

Supporting the theme ?Women of Faith?, she based her sermon on Luke chapter 8 verses 40 to 48. She gave a concise account of the unclean woman who for some 12 years was trying to rid herself of illness. On finding her saviour and touching the blue and white garment of the great healer, the ill woman became completely free and was made whole, having found faith through belief. The congregation and women in particular were urged to press on with their lives, not allowing themselves to become non believers.

Ms Seaman drew on every aspect of her faith and belief as she led the captivated congregation through this highly energised Biblical lesson.

Church lay members Frances Spring and Patricia Kemp led the service with Canon Thomas Nisbett. Dr. Karol Sue Reddington played the organ and led the special women?s day choir through D. Bilbrough?s ?Let there be Love?. Lisa Trott gave a stirring rendition of the famed Negro spiritual, ?Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child. ?

Men?s Day is scheduled for Sunday, February 13 with guest speaker Rev. Rudolph (Rudy) Ebbin, all are welcome.