The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the morning Eucharist services in the parishes on Passion Sunday, April 2, the fifth Sunday in Lent. The celebrant in Jeffreyston was the Rev. David Hammond. The Bible readings were Jeremiah 31.vv 31-34; Hebrews 5.vv 5-10. The Gospel reading was John 12.vv 20-33, where we read of Jesus predicting his forthcoming death. For his sermon, Fr. Paul highlighted words from verse 26 of the Gospel reading, 'Whoever serves me must follow me and where I am, there will my servant be also'. In reviewing the reading, Fr. Paul explained that Jesus, being human, was dreading the impending crucifixion, but realised that he needed to take the sins of the world on himself, for God had sent him into the world to die for our sins. Fr. Paul said that, despite troubles which arise in our lives, we have God alongside us. At the end of the service, during the reading of a prayer, Harvey extinguished the fifth candle on the Advent ring, after which Fr. Paul was proud to display the lovely coloured booklets, and potted plants, which had been prepared in the Sunday School, based on the theme of the day. Then William clearly read out the closing prayer, again based on this. Fr. Paul, assisted by Bob Lewis, led Evensong in Jeffreyston Church. The morning biblical readings were repeated and, in his sermon, Fr. Paul expanded on the teaching from the Gospel of John, chapter 12. He highlighted verse 24 of the Gospel reading, 'I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit'. Fr. Paul explained that the death and resurrection of Jesus showed his power over death, which power he gives to all who trust in him. He added that we can face up to the challenges of this world by following in his footsteps. Thanks were expressed for the Lent lunch held on March 31 at Jeffreyston Grange, courtesy of Tony and Christine. The remaining Lent lunch is to be held at Masterland today (Friday), to be kindly provided by Margaret, Kevin and Celia on behalf of Christian Aid. Lunch will be served between 12 noon and 2 pm, costing just £2.50. All are welcome. The church services for Palm Sunday are: 9 am - Eucharist, East Williamston; 10.20 am - Eucharist, Jeffreyston (weather permitting assemble at the Jeffreyston Inn car park for blessing of palms and procession to church); 12 noon - Eucharist, Reynalton; 6 pm - Evensong, Jeffreyston.
