The Eucharist service last Sunday was celebrated by the Rev. Robin Webley. He opened his sermon with an old prayer, of a Cheshire man over one hundred years ago at the turn of the century. Lord in this New Year help us to recinder our paths. Footpaths at this time were very often made of cinders, and when first laid were very rough and lumpy to walk on and it was only from constant pounding of clogs and boots it became more comfortable to walk on. The Rev. Webley illustrated this point with a tale of a young son urging his father to walk in the road where the going was easier. His dad replied 'Nay lad, let's stick to the path, someone else will have to tread it down if we don't'. So the old prayer would be that the path be in good order and help everyone in mind and spirit. The paths in our lives need to be kept in good order in our walk with Christ to help others. We can keep it in good repair by honesty, the habit of prayer, Sunday worship, regular reading of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, by being gracious for our souls simple habits as indispensable as recindering paths - others have already partly flattened it for us, we need to do our part to keep it in good order. The service this Sunday is Epiphany 3 at 11.15 am. A very warm welcome is extended to all. If you would like a lift to any services at St. James, please ring 871604 or 871591 and this will be arranged. For anyone with any form of disability, the new door on the north elevation is now open for services and the path from the car park to this new door has no steps and takes you straight into church. This also makes easier access for wheelchairs and mothers with pushchairs.
