The Holy Eucharist last Sunday was celebrated by the vicar, Rev. Victor Millgate. The readings were taken from Ezekiel 36, 24-28, first letter of John 5, 9-13 and the Gospel St. John 17, 6-19.

In the vicar's sermon, he reminded us that in the Gospel reading, Jesus is praying to his heavenly Father for his friends, the disciples that they will soon receive the Holy Spirit and continue to spread the word of God as he had taught them, into the world. Jesus had risen to heaven on Ascension day and this was the fulfilment of all he, Christ, had come to do.

Since that time the church has continued to spread and grow, albeit maybe not as quickly as we would like today. These days when there is so much corruption, worries about financial and government mismanagement, we are aware this is because much is built on false foundations, all the world is finite, indeed even our own building St. James is stricken with dry and wet rot. also with woodworm.

But the church is infinite, the word of God, his promise to take care of us in this world and the next, is as true today as it ever was 2,000 years ago, and free to all who accept his ways. We should all work hard to continue to spread his word.

This Sunday, there will be no service at St. James Church, but we are all joining in a United Service at St. Florence, commencing at 10.30 am, and as always everyone is warmly welcomed.

In the evening there will be Evensong in Hodgeston Church, commencing at 6 pm. This will be an opportunity to celebrate a service at this church which has been closed for a number of years.