In a remarkable sermon, pastor of Hesed Christian Fellowship, Rev. Peter Richmond, used the Carringtons Restaurant venue to shed new light on the familiar parable of the 'prodigal son' on Sunday afternoon. By interpreting the story within the context of Jesus' listeners, the meaning was greatly enriched. For example, it was most untoward of a son to ask for his inheritance while his father was still alive; land may have been allotted, but the father still would have had complete control over that land, having a right to any harvests it yielded. The son's request would have brought public disgrace on his father - it was tantamount to wishing his father dead. Then there is the job of looking after pigs. Rev. Richmond pointed out what should have been more obvious: that pigs are considered unclean by Jews. By working for a gentile and tending pigs, the prodigal was lost to any security or authority he once knew. He is a symbol of anyone who thinks they know better than God, and tries to make their own way in life, disregarding the truth. Yet the loving father was still out looking for his son, and when at last he returned, he was accepted back into the family. A robe showed his acceptance; sandals for his feet restored him to a position of sonship, for servants and hired hands would not have been allowed such a privilege; a signet ring from the father would allow the son to conduct business on his behalf, and a calf was used for a celebration which would have involved the whole community in rejoicing over what had been lost and now was found. The loving Father is still ready to accept those who humble themselves and surrender control back to Him. He calls them his children, shares his riches and trusts them with his power. And the whole community of heaven has a celebration over this welcome return, said the pastor. There was much more material besides, transforming a story which had previously seemed so familiar. John Newton's 'Amazing Grace' seemed a fitting accompaniment to such a talk, and was sung amid other songs which talked about the fatherhood of God. Hesed meet every Sunday at 4.15 pm in Carringtons Restaurant. For more information about services and other meetings, please telephone 01646 681805.