The Rector, Fr. Paul, led the morning Eucharist service in Jeffreyston Church on Sunday, the Sunday before Advent, the Feast of Christ the King, and also called Stir-up Sunday.

The readings were Ezekiel 34.vv 11-16 and 20-24 and Ephesians 1.vv 15-23. The Gospel reading was Matthew 25.vv 31-46, where we read about the Judgement of the Nations.

For his sermon, Fr. Paul used as a text, words from verse 34 of the Gospel reading "...the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you...'

In an interesting review, Fr. Paul explained the significance of the Gospel reading and drew our attention to 1. Peter, chapter 2, verse 9, which reads 'but you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light'.

Fr. Paul said that God loves us and cares for us. Our duty is to respect and love one another, as we love ourselves.

At the end of the service, Fr. Paul drew our attention to the sumptuous Christmas pudding mixture which the Sunday School had been working on for 'Stir-Up Sunday'. This was later brought out to the church entrance so that each person on leaving could give the pudding a stir and say a short prayer. Emma June led the closing prayer.

Rev. Sylvia Temple was the celebrant at the Eucharist service which followed in St. James' Church, Reynalton. The preacher was Fr. Paul. The earlier readings were repeated.

In his sermon, Fr. Paul expanded on the lesson from the Gospel reading of St. Matthew, chapter 25. In his sermon, Fr. Paul said that the thief on the cross at Calvary had recognised the special standing of Jesus Christ, regardless of the shame of the cross.

Fr. Paul led Evensong in Jeffreyston Church and again the morning readings were repeated. In his sermon, Fr. Paul again expanded on the teaching from the Gospel of Matthew 25.

Fr. Paul reminded us that our relationship with God must be from ourselves and does not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence. Jesus demands our personal involvement in caring for others.

The services this Sunday are: 10.30 am - Combined Parishes Eucharist and Sunday School, Jeffreyston.