At the Harvest Evensong last Sunday, the vicar, Rev. Victor Millgate, welcomed the guest speaker, Rev. Nigel Bryan, to St. James, and also thanked those responsible for the beautifully decorated church.

The readings were from Deuteronomy Ch 8, verses 7-20, and Matthew Ch 13, verses 24-30, and our hymns included 'Come ye thankful people come' and 'We plough the fields and scatter.'

The Rev. Bryan chose from Psalm 65, verse 9, for the text of his sermon. A passage which showed how God cared and heard the prayers of the people, suffering three years of devastating drought by sending rain.

He said God looks after our physical needs; however does not expect us to sit back and do nothing. We have to plough, sow, reap to do our part, we should sow with hope and reap with joy.

Rev. Bryan referred to this as God's first visit, but how grateful was man? Despite his goodness, there was much moral and spiritual darkness and sin in the world, so God sent his son Jesus Christ for our spiritual needs and well-being.

However, he was not made welcome and died on the cross for our sins and salvation. He referred to this as God's second visit.

The third time God will visit us is in judgement and we must make sure we sow, reap and share the goodness before this third visit.

After the service, the ladies served light refreshments, which were enjoyed by all - thank you ladies.

This Sunday there will be a service celebrating the Holy Eucharist, commencing at 11.15 am.

A very warm welcome is extended to all and if you require a lift, please ring either (01834) 871604 or (01834) 871591 so that this can be arranged.