The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the Eucharist services on Sunday, the fourth after Easter. The readings were Acts 8.vv 26-40; the First Letter of John 4.vv 7-21. The Gospel reading was John 15.vv 1-8, where we read of Jesus being the True Vine.
In discussing the readings, Fr. Paul highlighted verse 8 of the Gospel reading, 'My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples'. Father Paul explained that Christ is the Vine and God is the gardener caring for the branches to make them fruitful; the branches being all those who claim to be Christians.
Fr. Paul said that God expects us to be happy, being blessed by the Holy Spirit and showing love and joy in our daily lives.
At the end of the service in Jeffreyston, Fr. Paul was proud to show us cleverly coloured posters of vines, also accompanying worksheets, which had been made in the Sunday School to highlight the theme of the day. The closing prayer, which was based on this, was clearly read out by Jack and Sam. Rev. Sylvia Temple was the celebrant for the Eucharist service which followed in St. James' Church, Reynalton. The daily readings were repeated and in his sermon, Fr. Paul continued the teaching about the True Vine from the Gospel of John.
Evensong in Jeffreyston Church was led by Fr. Paul, assisted by Bob Lewis. The reading from the Old Testament was Isaiah 60.vv 1-14 and from the New Testament it was the Gospel reading for the day. In his sermon, Fr. Paul continued the teaching from the Gospel of John.
On May 31, Cream Teas will be held in the Jeffreyston Church Hall between the hours of 3 pm and 5 pm.
The church services for this Sunday, May 21, are: 9 am - Eucharist, East Williamston; 10.30 am - Eucharist and Sunday School, Jeffeyston; 12 noon - Eucharist, Loveston; 6 pm - Eucharist, Jeffreyston.