REVEREND Preb Norman Wallwork led the Crediton Methodist Church service on Sunday, February 28, from the church, when his theme was "Counting the Cost".

The family challenge was to describe things that were difficult for us and things that gave us joy.

Not being able to hug our friends and family, home schooling, newscasters and journalists and bad TV all made people sad whereas the fact that God loves us made people glad along with ability to gather "on line", spring flowers, beautiful countryside and the Covid vaccine.

In the reading from Mark 8, Jesus predicted His death and rebuked Peter who could not accept what Jesus was saying.

Rev Wallwork said that Jesus tells us that we are in the Kingdom Business to win, so it is all or nothing for His sake.

We should deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow Him. The agenda is surrender.

Rev Wallwork spoke of early Christians who were martyred for their faith. He said there were more people tortured and killed for their faith in the last century than ever before.

We have to take up the cross by daily and lifelong obedience, prayer and Bible study. We have to learn to serve where we live and work. We have to give and not count the cost and learn to walk in the footsteps of Christ and be able to say "Now to be yours alone, O Lamb of God I come".

The church is closed again. If you would like to join us live at the Sunday morning services at 10.30am, please contact the AV team using the email: [email protected] .

Individual help will be given to work out how you can best access the worship. Alternatively you can watch the service at a later date by going onto: www.creditonmethodist.org.uk .

Bronwyn Nott