The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the Harvest Evensong in the Church of Saint Jeffrey and Saint Oswald in Jeffreyston on Friday, October 10, which was well attended for the occasion. The preacher was Rev'd Graham Lloyd.
Fr. Paul first congratulated all those involved in the beautiful decoration of the church for Harvest.
The Old Testament reading was from Deuteronomy chapter 26 and from the New Testament the Gospel of John 6.vv 35-51.
For his sermon, Rev'd Lloyd referred to the reading from Deuteronomy and in an interesting review exhorted the congregation to put God first in their lives.
Fr. Paul led the morning joint parishes Eucharist service in Jeffreyston Church on October 12. The readings were Isaiah 25.vv 1-9, and Philippians 4.vv 1-9. The Gospel reading was Matthew 22.vv 1-14, where the Parable of the Wedding Banquet was read.
For the benefit of some younger attendees, Fr. Paul decided to use his sermon to explain the significance of the elements used in the Eucharist service, concentrating on the bread and wine. He used as a text, words from verse four of the Gospel reading ". . . everything is ready; come to the marriage feast." Fr. Paul explained that Jesus is the 'Bread of Life', as shown in the Gospel of John chapter six.
At the end of the service, Fr. Paul was proud to show the congregation the colourful invitation sheets made in the Sunday School to match the theme of the day concerning a welcome and thanks for a banquet. Lorna beautifully read the closing prayer based on this.
After the congregation had left church, they all attended a sumptuous Harvest lunch held in the church hall, which was set up by members of the Mothers' Union.
Church services for Sunday, October 19, are: 9 am - Eucharist, East Williamston; 10.30 am - Eucharist, Jeffreyston; 12 noon - Eucharist, Loveston.