The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the Eucharist service on Sunday, the Fourth after Epiphany. The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, Candlemas was also celebrated this day. The readings were Haggai 2 vv3-9; 1 Peter 2 vv4-10 and the Gospel reading was Luke chapter 2 vv22-35.
On entering the church, each person was handed an unlit candle held in a safety shield. After an initial prayer, the candles were lit during the singing of the first hymn to indicate Christ as the 'Light of the World'.
After the reading of the Gospel, the candles were extinguished.
As the text of his sermon, Fr. Paul chose words spoken by Simeon, recorded in verse 30 of the Gospel, 'For my eyes have seen your salvation'.
Fr. Paul said that Simeon had realised the potential greatness of Jesus and he challenged us with the question "are we fulfilling our potential for God's service?"
At the end of the service, young Emma June richly entertained us with a recorder solo. Fr. Paul then held up a colourful poster 'Jesus is the Light of the World', which had been made by Daniel as a sample of the morning work from the Sunday School. Wesley and Katherine then led us in the closing prayer.
Fr. Paul, assisted by Bob Lewis, led Evensong in Jeffreyston Church. The readings were 1 Samuel 1 vv20-end and the Gospel reading Luke chapter 2 vv22-35.
In his sermon, Fr. Paul expanded on the same morning's teaching.
All enjoyed the Emmaus Course on Thursday evening in the Jeffreyston Church Hall when we continued our Bible studies of the Old Testament.
Everyone is welcome to join us. No previous knowledge is necessary. It starts at about 7.30 pm each week.
There will be a Bingo Evening on February 13, at 7 pm, in East Williamston Village Hall, to raise money for the Church Restoration Fund.
The church services for Sunday, February 8, are: 9 am Eucharist, Reynalton; 9 am Eucharist, Jeffreyston; 10.45 am Combined Family Service, Lawrenny; 6 pm Evensong, East Williamston.