Seven visitors from Anglesey joined the small congregation on Sunday evening. They had read about Hesed on the website, http://www.hesed.co.uk">www.hesed.co.uk

Rev. Peter Richmond, the pastor, continuing his series on Acts, talked about Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul spent two years, mostly preaching during the heat of the afternoon in a hall belonging to a lecturer whose name means 'tyrant.' Many heard the Good News about Jesus from him and there were many converts. They took the message to the surrounding area and through them all seven of the churches mentioned in the Revelation were founded.

Now, Paul did not just believe Jesus existed, he attached great importance to him and performed extraordinary miracles in his name. Ephesus was a centre of occult practice and housed the Temple to Diana (Artemis). Some people tried to counterfeit Paul's power by using the name of Jesus.

"Beware of second-hand Christianity!" warned the pastor. If you were in need of a doctor, you would want one who was trained and experienced, not just someone who had watched 'Casualty.'

So when some men tried to cast out demons in the name of Jesus, the devils replied "Jesus we know, Paul is known to us, but who are you?" As a result, there was widespread conviction of sin throughout the city. The power of their magic arts and spells was in secrecy, but now they were being confessed openly, and something like 150 years' salary went up in smoke as people abandoned one of the ways in which they made money.

When the business of the idol sellers dwindled, Demetrius led a revolt against the Christians using emotionally charged claims, as if to say, "our religion, our mothers and our city's identity are all under threat."

A wise city clerk let Demetrius and a whipped-up crowd carry on bellowing for two hours until he stopped them with a warning that they could be charged with rioting and invite the wrath of the Romans.

"God has given the church power to withstand its enemies, so don't give up," concluded Peter.

There will be no service this Sunday, as several people will be away from the area.

Next Sunday, August 2, a service of dedication for two young children will be held in the morning, starting at 10.30 am. The evening service at 6 pm will be a 'Songs of Praise.' Regular worshippers are reminded to give their song choices to the musicians during the week.

The pastor can be contacted on 01646 681805.