The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the morning Eucharist service in Jeffreyston Church on Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Easter. The readings were: Acts 11.vv 1-18, Revelation 21.vv 1-6. The Gospel reading was John 13.vv 31-35. In discussing the readings, Fr. Paul first highlighted words from verses 34 and 35 of the Gospel reading, 'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another'. Fr. Paul explained about situations when it would be difficult to show love when we have been wronged, but emphasised that when we obey the commandment we become friends of Jesus and our lives are then enriched. At the end of the service, Fr. Paul was proud to show the congregation the colourful worksheets made in the Sunday School. These showed Jesus having supper in the upper room and bore the words 'Love one another'. Afterwards, Hannah read a closing prayer based on this. Fr. Paul led Evensong in Jeffreyston Church. The Old Testament reading was from the second book of Samuel chapter 7. verses 4-13 and the New Testament reading was the Gospel of the day from John chapter 13. In an interesting sermon, Fr. Paul expanded on the subject of loving one's neighbour. He said that in times of difficulty, when we struggle to abide by the commandment, we grow closer to God. Services for this Sunday, May 13 are: 10.30 am - Eucharist and Sunday School, Jeffreyston; 12 noon - Eucharist, Reynalton.
