The service of holy communion for the 11th Sunday after Trinity was celebrated by the priest-in-charge, the Rev Andrew Stevenson.

In his sermon, Andrew said that obedience appears to be out of fashion at the moment, yet it is one of the core qualities required of the Christian.

In the gospel for today Jesus said that those who would come after Him must take up their cross and follow Him and that those who wanted to save their lives would lose them and those who gave up their lives for the sake of the gospel would be saved. All of this requires obedience to the word of God, and that was exactly how Jesus went about His life and ministry. All of us who would follow Jesus must walk the same path, taking up our crosses which will come in all shapes and sizes, and get on with living our lives as best we can to the glory of God and willing to lose our lives, if not literally but metaphorically for the sake of the gospel.

The Old Testament reading from Jeremiah chapter 15 v 15-21 was read by Margaret Chapman and the New Testament reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans chapter 12 v 9-21 was read by Jean Morris.

Mr Stevenson read the gospel passage from Matthew chapter 16 v 21-end and gave the prayers of intercession. Music was provided by Joan Treloar and Luke Stevenson on keyboard and organ, and the singing was lead by Mary Stevenson, James Stevenson and Tom Treloar.

The Flushing and St Peter’s Church Summer Fete was held on Bank Holiday Monday and was a great success. The weather was very kind to us, the attendance was excellent and everyone enjoyed it immensely. The takings were actually up a little on the 2013 figure and ten per cent was given to ShelterBox.