The morning service on Sunday was led by our Diocesan Bishop, the Very Rev. Wyn Evans, assisted by the Rector, Fr. Paul, and the server, Graham Thomas. It was a combined service of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Jeffreyston Church was nearly full for the occasion.
The readings were Malachi 3. vv 1-5, Hebrews 2. vv 14-18. The Gospel reading was Luke 2. vv 22-40, where we read of the Presentation of the Boy Jesus in the Temple.
During the sermon, Bishop Wyn reviewed the circumstances of the presentation of Jesus and the expectation of Simeon. He highlighted verse 32 of the Gospel reading 'A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory of thy people Israel'. Bishop Wyn impressed on us that Jesus is the light of the world, which we carry in our lives.
Bishop Wyn baptised Sam, followed by the confirmation of Haydn, Sam, Kirsten, Samantha, Jacob, Emily and Julie.
At the end of the service, Fr. Paul was proud to show to the congregation an example of the lanterns being made in the Sunday School. These carried the words 'Jesus is the Light of the World'.
Later, all went to the church hall for light refreshments, kindly provided by the Mothers' Union.
Afterwards, Bishop Wyn and Fr. Paul thanked the candidates and presented each one with a gift as a memento of this special occasion.
Fr. Paul led the evening Eucharist service in Jeffreyston Church. Rev. Sylvia Temple was the preacher. The earlier readings were repeated.
In her interesting sermon, Rev. Sylvia again spoke on the presentation of Jesus in the temple. She said that Simeon is an example to us, for he identified Jesus as the one to be the light of the world.
Services for this Sunday, February 8, are: 10.30 am Eucharist and Sunday School - Jeffreyston; 12 noon Eucharist - Reynalton.