The Eucharist service last Sunday was celebrated by the vicar, Rev. Victor Millgate. The readings were from Zephaniah 1.7, 12-18 and 1 Thessalonians 5. 1-11 The Holy Gospel was from Matthew 25, 14-30.
In his sermon, the vicar said within the new Lectionary reading that all churches are now following, the time of the year is called the Kingdom Season, a time of looking forward to times to come. The Prophet Zephaniah predicts a time of great suffering and St. Paul in Thessalonians warns that 'the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night,' both of which might cause us to be worried or gloomy, but, St. Paul says, 'for God has destined us not for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us.'
Rev. Victor said this is a ray of hope; if we accept Christ as our Saviour, we need not be worried or dismayed with unpleasant things because we know God has promised eternal life. The Gospel reading, however, a parable told by Jesus, shows us that we should not be complacent and accept God's goodness just for ourselves, God wants us to profess our Faith and spread the good news with others and bring them into his everlasting Kingdom.
Do remember tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon in the Parish Hall there will be lots to see - you will enjoy yourselves.
The service this Sunday will be Holy Eucharist at 11.15 am - a very warm welcome is extended to all.