Reynalton Church was filled to capacity for the Harvest Thanksgiving Evensong held on Thursday, October 9. The Rector, Fr. Paul, first congratulated all those willing people who had decorated the church so beautifully. The Rev. Martin Cox, of Monkton parishes, was the guest speaker. The Old Testament reading was Deuteronomy 26: 1-4 and the Gospel reading was John 6: 27-35.

In a clear and inspiring sermon, Rev. Cox said that the Harvest season was a time when people can recapture the need for God and go forth in faith and trust. At the end of the service, Fr. Paul announced that one faithful worshipper, Mary John, would be 92 the next day. All gave her a hearty clap!

Jeffreyston church was well attended for the Jeffreyston Parish Harvest Evensong on Friday. The special speaker was Rev. Paul Flavell, of Neyland parishes.

Fr. Paul again thanked those who had contributed harvest gifts to the church, which would be used to benefit others. He particularly thanked the Mothers' Union for the knitted goods, which would be given to the Missions to Seamen in Milford Haven.

The Old Testament reading was Deuteronomy 8, verse 7 onwards, and the Gospel reading was Luke 8: 4 -15. For his sermon, Rev. Flavell used John 12, verse 24: "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

In a colourful sermon, Rev. Flavell explained the meaning of the text, adding that we need to give full support to young people, for they are the seeds.

This was followed by an excellent Harvest Supper in the Jeffreyston Church Hall. Funds raised from this and the raffle are to be sent to Bishop Carl's Lesotho appeal, to which also is to be added money raised from a forthcoming sale of the produce. Thanks were expressed for the kind donation of ham from Ray and Chris Hughes, of Yerbeston Gate.

The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the morning Eucharist service on Sunday, the 17th after Trinity. He first thanked all those who had helped at the Harvest Supper.

The Bible readings were Isaiah 44:6-8, 1 Corininthians 3: 10-15 and the Gospel reading, Matthew 7, verse 21 onwards.

In his sermon, Fr. Paul reviewed the Gospel teachings, saying that as Christians we need to base our lives on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ.

This was followed by a combined Family Service for the Jeffreyston and Templeton Groupings held in Lawrenny Church, being led by Rev. Sylvia Temple and Fr. Paul.

In attendance were some pupils from St. Oswalds VA School, being led by Mrs. Brown and staff members.

The theme of the service was 'Built on Christ'. Max first clearly read the Gospel, Matthew 7: 24-27 and later, using visual aids, Fr. Pul and Rev. Temple demonstrated the difference in building on different types of foundations. Jessica, Hannah, Josh and Macauley then said prayers.

The service collection is to be sent to the Lesotho appeal. Refreshments were provided afterwards.

East Williamston Church was full for the Harvest Thanksgiving service on Sunday evening. Fr. Paul led the service and the special speaker was the Rev. Hew Gregory-Smith, of Pembroke. Fr. Paul thanked all those who had provided and helped to beautifully decorate the church for the harvest season.

The Old Testament reading was Deuteronomy 26: 1-11 and the New Testament reading was Matthew 20: 1-16, which records The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.

In a clear and thought-provoking sermon, Rev. Hew said that so many in the world are hungry because of our greed. He added that we need to focus on God's gracious benefits, and be thankful for what we have.

After the service, we were all treated to a cup of coffee and delicious Welsh cakes.

The church services for this Sunday, October 19, are: 9 am - Eucharist, East Williamston; 10.30 am - Eucharist and Sunday School, Jeffreyston; 12 noon - Eucharist, Loveston; 6 pm - Eucharist, Jeffreyston.