Dear Friends,

Our readings for this Sunday before Lent (links below) are all connected by experiences of transformation and transfiguration on the mountaintop—the place where God reveals himself to His people.

In our Old Testament reading from Exodus 34, Moses ascends Mount Sinai where an encounter with God causes his human face to shine with the reflection of God’s glory. This transformation causes awe and great fear among the Israelites, forcing Moses to veil his face except when in the presence of God in the Tabernacle.

In our reading from 2 Corinthians 3, St Paul is interpreting this strange, historic event for the people to whom he is writing. Paul contrasts his own ministry with that of Moses, explaining that the law, once veiled, is now fully understood in Christ, who has removed the veil and revealed God’s glory to us. Through the death and resurrection of Christ, the love and power of God is no longer veiled from his beloved creation—we see God clearly in the living Jesus.

In our Gospel passage from Luke 9, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up another mountain where they witness his appearance being changed. The full, divine glory of Jesus is revealed as his clothes shine with dazzling white while the disciples look on in amazement and confusion. Moses and Elijah appear and talk with Jesus, revealing Christ as the ‘fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets’. This intimate moment, overwhelming in its splendour, connects Christ to the history of Israel and affirms his identity as the chosen Son of the same Almighty God who revealed the law to Moses.

This moment of ‘Transfiguration’ is the culmination of Jesus’ public ministry. It is also something of a turning point. Jesus must descend the mountain and, from this point onwards, begin his journey to Jerusalem to complete the work he has come to earth to do. It is a journey which will see his glory revealed not in bright spectacle on a mountaintop, but in the loneliness and suffering of the cross.

This season of Lent challenges us to journey with our Saviour in faith and trust.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 2nd March 2025

The Sunday before Lent

WINFORD St Mary & St Peter

9.00am Morning Worship

CHEW STOKE St Andrew

10.30am Eucharist

STOWEY St Nicholas & St Mary

6.30pm Evensong

Next Sunday: Sunday 9th March 2025

The First Sunday of Lent

8.30am Holy Communion (Stowey); 9.30am Eucharist (Nempnett Thrubwell);

10.30am Morning Worship (Bishop Sutton); 11.00am Eucharist (Felton)

Readings & Collect

Exodus 34: 29-end

2 Corinthians 3:12 – 4:2

Luke 9: 28-36

Almighty Father,

whose Son was revealed in majesty

before he suffered death upon the cross:

give us grace to perceive his glory,

that we may be strengthened to suffer with him

and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

BCP Collect:

O Lord, who hast taught us that all our doings

without charity are nothing worth:

Send thy Holy Ghost,

and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity,

the very bond of peace and of all virtues,

without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee.

Grant this for thine only Son

Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Ash Wednesday

The season of Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday, 5th March 2025. Christians are called to keep a Holy Lent by prayer and self-reflection.

There will be two services in our group of parishes on Ash Wednesday with the opportunity to receive ashes available at both:

10.30am Eucharist (Felton)

7.00pm Eucharist (Chew Stoke)

World Day of Prayer

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome

you to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.

We look forward to holding a special service to mark this year’s World Day of Prayer on Friday 7th March at 7.00pm in St Mary & St Peter’s, Winford.

The service will be led by Revd Fran Smettem with contributions from women from the across the parishes within our group.

Everyone is welcome to attend this short service of prayer, readings and hymns which will be followed by refreshments.

For your prayers

Our Father in heaven, we bring to you the needs of our broken WORLD, knowing that you hear our prayers and work out your good purpose through those who believe … we pray for the people of Ukraine, Sudan, the Middle East and all parts of our world torn apart by violence … we pray for peace and for justice and that evil will be overcome with good;

… for the CHURCH in this diocese of Bath and Wells, for all Christians preparing to begin the season of Lent … that it may be a fruitful season of spiritual deepening and growth … for our bishops, clergy and lay ministers … that more people will respond to the call to serve Christ in his church … bless all who are training for ministry and preparing for Holy Baptism … grant us your Holy Spirit that together we may walk the way of Christ;

…for those in SPECIAL NEED … for those suffering pain or ill-health … for those who are emotionally exhausted or distressed … bring healing, strength and encouragement through those who care for them;

… 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.