The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the Eucharist Service evening of Maundy Thursday in Jeffreyston Church. The preacher was Rev. Sylvia Temple. The readings were Exodus 12. vv21-27, 1 Corinthians 11. vv 23-29. The Gospel reading was John 13. vv1-15, where we read of Jesus washing his disciples' feet. In a well-delivered sermon, Rev. Sylvia reminded us that, following the example of humility shown by Jesus, we should willingly look towards helping our neighbours. Fr. Paul then symbolically washed the feet of willing volunteers from the congregation. The Eucharist which followed was celebrated by Fr. Paul, assisted by Bob Lewis. Afterwards, the church choir beautifully sang 'The Spirit is willing', including a lovely solo by Eunice Prout. The altar was then stripped as the choir sang 'Stay with me'; then we read Psalm 88. The people left the darkened church in silence. Volunteers then took turns to keep watch near a model of the Garden of Gethsemane until midnight. Jeffreyston Church was well attended for the service of the 'Way of The Cross', on the morning of Good Friday, with members of the Sunday School taking leading roles. Fourteen icons are fitted around the church nave, showing the stations in the walk of Jesus Christ to Calvary. During the opening hymn, the collection was taken by Thomas and Nicholas. Fr. Paul then led prayers, after which he carried the cross around the nave and at each icon a member of the Sunday School read out a thought-provoking message, with responses from the congregation. The young people from the Sunday School taking part were: Hannah, Lorna, Naomi Raluca, George, Emma-June and William. The closing prayer was led by Nicholas, who was followed by young Ellie. After the last hymn we left the church in silence and proceeded to the Church Hall for delicious hot cross buns and refreshments. An enthusiastic group of worshippers gathered in Jeffreyston Church for the Service of Light on Holy Saturday evening. After an introduction by Fr. Paul, we assembled outside the church door with lighted candles. We read through a prepared pamphlet which was set out in three sections: The Thanksgiving for the Light of Hope, The Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism and The Thanksgiving for The Resurrection. Next we gathered at the font to re-affirm our Baptismal promises. During a short service which followed, the church lights were put on and Fr. Paul explained that the light was a symbol of our Christian Hope for the Resurrection of our Lord. We ended by singing 'Thine Be The Glory' and exchanged Easter greetings. Fr. Paul visited all four well-attended churches in the group on Easter Day and introduced the guest celebrants, also thanking all involved in the beautiful decorating and cleaning of the buildings for Easter. The reading was John 20. vv 1-18. The celebrant in St. James', Reynalton, was Canon D. G. Thomas, who outlined the growth of the church, encouraging us to tell others of the Christian message. In Jeffreyston Church, Fr. Paul led the service, assisted by Bob Lewis and Graham Thomas. He took as his sermon text words from verse 15 of the Gospel reading 'supposing him to be the gardener'. Fr. Paul said that the Resurrection is the basis for the churches witness to the world. The celebrant in East Williamston was Rev. David Faulkner and in Loveston Church it was Rev. Sylvia Temple. Evensong in Jeffreyston Church was led by Fr. Paul, assisted by Bob Lewis. The morning readings were repeated. In a well-delivered sermon, Fr. Paul chose as his text verse eight of the Gospel reading 'Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed'. Fr. Paul said that because of the Shedding of Blood, Death and Resurrection of our Saviour we are renewed in our Belief and Faith by the work of the Holy Spirit. Thanks were expressed to Mrs. Jackie Hooper who kindly donated Easter eggs to the children in memory of her late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Davies. The services for this Sunday, April 15, are: 9 am Eucharist, East Williamston; 10.30 am Eucharist, Jeffreyston; 12 noon Eucharist, Loveston.
