Dear Friends,

Our readings for this first Sunday in the season of Lent (links below) invite us to reflect on the parallel between the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness by the Israelites and the 40 days that Jesus spends fasting in the wilderness. Both experiences involve temptation, and both required resilience and reliance on God’s Word.

In our first reading from Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the Israelites, after being nourished in the wilderness and entering the Promised Land, are reminded to share their blessings. Because they were once oppressed refugees, they are called to remember their struggles by offering hospitality and generosity to those who are currently marginalized. This call to compassion extends to the aliens and strangers among them.

In our reading from his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul reminds us that, in Christ, all people are equal before God. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek, as God’s love is universal, extended to all who call on Him.

The Gospel reading from Luke 4:1-13 presents Jesus preparing for his ministry by isolating himself in the wilderness, fasting for 40 days and facing three temptations which resonate strongly with our lives today: to satisfy his hunger selfishly, to seize power at the expense of God’s will, and to turn religion into mere spectacle. Each of these temptations is a challenge to God’s authority and the promise of the Kingdom. Jesus overcomes each, rebuking the tempter with words of Scripture.

Lent is an opportunity for self-reflection, not only that we might resist temptation but so we might deepen our relationship with God. Will our Lent in 2025 be a time to explore your own temptations, recognize our wilderness, and prepare for the acceptance of God’s Kingdom?

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 9th March 2025

The First Sunday of 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 March 2025

The Second Sunday of Lent

8.30am Holy Communion (Regil); 10.30am Eucharist (Bishop Sutton); 6.30pm Evensong (Chew Stoke)

Readings & Collect

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Romans 10: 8b-13

Luke 4: 1-13

Almighty God,

whose Son Jesus Christ

fasted forty days in the wilderness,

and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:

give us grace to discipline ourselves

in obedience to your Spirit;

and, as you know our weakness,

so may we know your power to save;

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

BCP Collect:

O Lord, who for our sake

didst fast forty days and forty nights;

Give us grace to use such abstinence,

that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit,

we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness,

and true holiness, to thy honour and glory,

who livest and reignest with the Father

and the Holy Ghost, one God,

world without end. Amen

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

Lord Jesus, in the wilderness you refused to turn stones to bread when you were hungry because, for you, nourishment of the spirit was as important as feeding the body. May our love for God be nourished and deepened this Lent … through prayer, through abstinence and through listening to your Holy Word;

Lord Jesus, you refused to throw yourself down from the top of the Temple in a reckless act of self-promotion. Help us to learn to take the lower, humbler place, to serve others and to put our trust in you. We pray for our church … guide us all in the ways of faithfulness, holiness and humility;

Lord Jesus, you refused to take political power because it would have served the devil’s plans .. guide all who exercise authority today, especially the leaders of the nations … give them wisdom in their decisions, integrity of life, and dedication to work for the good of all people;

Lord Jesus, in the wilderness you faced loneliness, physical distress and temptation. Give us the wisdom and strength to resist the lure of the selfish way out of difficulties … bring healing and encouragement to those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness or any other adversity;

Lord Jesus, we remember with thanksgiving those who have died … grant us with them and all the saints the joys of eternal life with you. Amen.