The final day of a stormy January, and the fifth Sunday in the month, brought us to the fourth Sunday in Epiphany. At our 10 am Eucharist service the Gospel reading continued the story from last week of  Jesus teaching in the synagogue in his home town of Nazareth. After recognising his ability to teach the crowd turned on him, furious that he, a local man, should suggest himself as the Messiah.They wanted to throw him off a cliff, but he turned and walked through them and left the area. In his sermon, Father Stephen explored the idea that this story both looks back to the Prophets, and forwards to His Passion. That Jesus throws into relief the contrasts of good and evil, the struggle that ends on the cross here he died for our redemption.

The Choir sang 'If ye Love me' by Thomas Tallis as the anthem. There was coffee after the service.

Our Italian themed events of last week were very successful, and highly enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks to Margaret and Stephen for sharing their lovely pictures of Venice, and providing delicious wine and nibbles, and to Hilary, Michael and the team for all the lovely food on Saturday evening. A pleasing total of £600 was raised towards the new parish rooms!

Next Sunday for the Family Service we shall be celebrating Candlemas.