Dear Friends,

Connecting this week’s readings (links below) is the theme of being called to serve God despite and because of our unworthiness.

Isaiah is telling us about the day he received his vocation—God calling him to be a prophet and to speak on his behalf. God gives him a vision of a heavenly court before he is overcome with a sense of shame. Only an angel holding a burning coal to his lips gives him the confidence to fulfil the task which God has called him to do. As we read on in Isaiah we learn that his mission was far from straightforward; God had called him to speak to people who seemed totally immune to his words.

The setting for the calling of Simon Peter and the first disciples of Jesus could hardly be more different. There is no temple, nor some grand vision of heaven. Instead they are busy at work by the lake in the heat of the day, trying to earn a living as fishermen—but on this occasion without much success. Like Isaiah, Simon Peter protests his unworthiness and urgently seeks reassurance—’go away!’ he shouts at Jesus. But the words and actions of Jesus on that day compel Simon, James and John to drop everything, to leave behind life they knew and to follow him unconditionally.

How often do we protest our unworthiness to do anything in Jesus’ name? There is reassurance and challenge in remembering that God has never called anyone to do anything because they are clearly the best person for the job. Discipleship doesn’t work like that. St Paul knew this and reminds the church in Corinth of his own unworthiness (1 Corinthians 15: 9-10), yet he is so convicted by the life-transforming knowledge of Jesus that he has received that he cannot help but share it with them.

Like Isaiah, Simon Peter and Paul we must learn that there is no application process to do God’s work; neither is there an ideal time and place to begin this work. Through our Baptism we are called to do his work as disciples in our time and place—not filled with excuses, but in gratitude that God has allowed us to involved in his life-giving and world-changing mission.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 9th February 2025

The Fourth Sunday before Lent

STOWEY St Nicholas & St Mary

8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)

NEMPNETT THRUBWELL St Mary

9.30am Eucharist

BISHOP SUTTON Holy Trinity

10.30am Morning Worship

FELTON St Katharine

11.00am Eucharist

Next Sunday: Sunday 16th February 2025

The Third Sunday before Lent

8.30am Holy Communion (Regil);

10.30am Eucharist (Bishop Sutton); 6.30pm Evensong (Chew Stoke)

Readings & Collect

Isaiah 6: 1-8

1 Corinthians 15: 1-11

Luke 5: 1-11

O God,

you know us to be set

in the midst of so many and great dangers,

that by reason of the frailty of our nature

we cannot always stand upright:

grant to us such strength and protection

as may support us in all dangers

and carry us through all temptations;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

For your prayers

We pray for our WORLD and for the peace of the nations … as disciples of Christ, the Prince of Peace, may we actively work towards peace in our relationships, community, and the wider world through acts of love, forgiveness, and non-violence … we pray for global peace … for the Middle East, especially those who are displaced, traumatised and bereaved … for all those suffering from disaster, war or oppression … bring justice and harmony to all people;

… for the CHURCH, giving thanks for all that we receive through its worship, teaching and fellowship … for Bishops Michael and Ruth, our clergy and lay ministers… for all who disciple others in the faith … for those who struggle to follow the way of Christ … that we may be renewed by the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Christ’s love in our communities;

…for those in SPECIAL NEED, giving thanks for the skills of those who attend to the sick … make us good disciples by offering spiritual support and practical assistance to those who are vulnerable … bring healing, comfort and encouragement to those suffering from ill-health, pain or frailty;

… for THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED … giving thanks for those who have died and whose memories are still treasured … grant us with them and with all the saints a share in your eternal Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.