Rev. David Faulkner led the morning Eucharist service in Jeffreyston Church on Sunday, April 26, the third after Easter. The readings were: Acts 3.vv 12-19, 1. John 3.vv 1-7. The Gospel reading was Luke 24.vv 36-48, where the congregation read of Jesus appearing and talking to His disciples after His death and resurrection.
In an interesting sermon, Rev. Faulkner explained how the people at the time were affected by the events of Easter and how they should influence us today. He referenced words from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 28 verse 2. "And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone . . . " He added that the stone outside the tomb was meant to be the end of Jesus, but He became very much alive.
When the children from the Sunday School came to join the congregation, Rev. Faulkner was proud to show everyone the lovely pictures which they had made. These bore the words 'Jesus is alive and cares for me'. Afterwards, William clearly read out the closing prayer which was based on this.
Rev. Sylvia Temple led the Eucharist service which followed in Saint James' Church, Reynalton. The earlier readings were repeated. The text for her sermon was taken from verse 44 of the Gospel reading: 'Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled'. She also referred to words from verses 47 and 48 of the same Gospel: '. . . Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations'.
Rev. Sylvia said that the cross and resurrection was part of God's plan to point to Jesus as the Messiah, who with the Holy Spirit opens the scriptures to our understanding.
Church services for Sunday, May 3, are: 9 am - Eucharist, East Williamston; 10.30 am - Eucharist and Sunday School, Jeffreyston; 12 noon - Eucharist, Loveston; 6 pm - Eucharist, Jeffreyston.