The Rector, Fr. Paul led the morning Eucharist service in Jeffreyston Church on February 3, the Sunday before Lent. It was also a day of celebration for Candlemass, the Festival of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. The readings were Malachi 3.vv 1-5; Hebrews 2.vv 14-18. The Gospel reading was Luke 2.vv 22-40, where the congregation read of the Presentation of Jesus Christ in The Temple.
On entering the church, everyone was given a printed sheet for Candlemass outlining the procedure, also an unlit candle. After the welcome and opening prayer, a hymn was sung, during which all candles were lit. The Nunc Dimittis was then sung before the continuation of the Eucharist service. The candles were all extinguished after the Gospel reading.
During his sermon Fr. Paul outlined the account in Luke of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and drew attention to the words of Simeon when he took Jesus in his arms 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel'.
At the end of the service, Fr. Paul was proud to show to the congregation the lovely coloured paper plates made in the Sunday School. These carried the words 'One World, One Family', reflecting the Gospel story. The closing prayer on this was led by George.
There was good attendance in the afternoon at Jeffreyston Church for the Christingle Service, with members of the Sunday School in attendance. After Fr. Paul had welcomed everyone and led the opening prayer, a hymn was sung, then the children led the Thanksgiving. Next came a hymn and a reading from Isaiah chapter 9.
Fr. Paul next gave a description of the Christingle: The orange represents the world, the red ribbon around represents the blood of Christ, the four cocktail sticks with fruits represent the seasons of the year. The candle represents Jesus the Light of The World. Later, all children were invited up to the church altar to receive a Christingle which was later lit.
After prayers for needy and troubled children, these Christingles were extinguished. Those children taking part were: George, Vali, Raluca, Naomi, Hannah and Lorna (all readers), also Arabella, Rhiannon, Rosie and Ebony.
The collection from this service is to be sent to the Church in Wales, Family Projects Fund. Today (February 8), 12.30-2 pm, the first Lent Lunch will be held at Masterland Farm, Broadmoor, by kind invitation of Margaret Davies and family. Tomorrow (Saturday, February 9), a coffee morning will be held at Jeffreyston Church Hall in order to raise funds for Shelter Cymru. There will be delicious pancakes on sale, also a cake stall. All are welcome!
On February 17, there will be a special morning Eucharist in Jeffreyston Church which will incorporate a commemoration of marriage. Church services for Sunday, February 10, are: 10.30 am - Eucharist and Sunday School, Jeffreyston; 12 noon - Eucharist, Reynalton.