Dear Friends,

After a disappointing summer, the weather seems to have taken a turn for the better. The air is milder and the evenings seem longer again after a chilly, misty start to autumn in the Chew Valley. It has been a trying year for our farmers and growers. As we celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving across our parishes this month, we will do so mindful of the challenges faced by those who work the land as we share our gratitude for their perseverance.

This spell of warm, settled autumnal weather might be known as ‘St Luke’s Summer’ in honour of the saint whose festival day falls on October 18th. Luke is an important figure in Christianity. You might recognise him as one of the four writers of the gospels (along with Matthew, Mark and John), but he also wrote a second volume in the New Testament which gives us the history of the spread of the early church in the years immediately following the resurrection of Jesus (called The Acts of the Apostles).

We know that Luke was a physician. So, his Feast Day might be an opportunity for us all to thank God for the tireless work of our NHS staff in our local hospitals and in the community. It can also be an opportunity for us to pray for our paramedics, our Air Ambulance Service and for those who care for family members at home.

If you have a Bible at home, why not read some of his Gospel this month. It is the story of the Good News of Jesus told from the perspective of an outsider (Luke was not one of the twelve disciples). Luke’s Gospel is a wonderfully inquisitive and fresh book told with an eye to human need. He tells the story of Jesus in such a way that challenges us to care for the poor and needy—we have Luke to thanks for recording the parable of the Good Samaritan, for example. Luke was also a champion of the equal role of women in society and understood that healing involves the body, mind and spirit.

So, read it for yourself. Who knows, the healing warmth of Luke the physician and evangelist might lift the autumnal chill this year, even when his Summer gives way to winter.

Yours in Christ,

Rev’d Dr Ian K Mills

Prayer

 Our Benefice Contemplative Prayer Group meets on the first Monday of each month between 10.30am and 11.30am in St Andrew’s Church, Chew Stoke, led by Rev Dr Victor Barley.

 Community Choir

The next Community Choir session will be held on Wednesday 9^th October at 7.00pm in St Mary & St Peter’s, Winford. 

Midweek Holy Communion

Holy Communion with intercessions for Healing is celebrated in our group of parishes on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 10.30am.

Wednesday 2^nd October 2024

St Katharine’s, Felton at 10.30am

 Wednesday 16^th October 2024

St Andrew’s, Chew Stoke at 10.30am

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’

 (Matthew 11:18)

Mini Melodies & Jubilee Children’s Choirs

Our young singers from Mini Melodies and Jubilee Children’s Choirs have commenced rehearsals and it has been wonderfully encouraging to welcome new members.

Is your child aged 7–11? Do they enjoy singing? Could they benefit from the many rewards of singing in a choir and learning the basics of music and rhythm?

If so, we would love to hear from you. Rehearsals are held in Chew Stoke Church School on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school term. Please contact the Rector or Carole Hope for more information:   CHope@chewstokeacademy.org

Mind & Spirit

The next meeting of Mind & Spirit will be held at 10.30am on Wednesday 9^th October in Felton Village Hall. These sessions are intended to support those living with conditions affecting the memory and those who care for them through conversation, Bible study and prayer. For more information, please contact Revd Fran:  curatechewvalleywest@gmail.com

Contact

 Revd Dr Ian Mills, Rector & Area Dean

The Rectory

4 Parsonage Lane

Winford

BS40 8DG

(01275) 474504

Revd Fran Smettem, Curate

 (01934) 340682

www.chewvalleywest.org