Dear Friends,

This week’s readings from Acts 9 and John 10 (links below) both speak to us of the Resurrection Hope that Jesus offers to those who know and love him. In our passage from Acts, we encounter the story of Tabitha (also called Dorcas)—a faithful disciple of Jesus and his church who is known for her compassion and service. Her death strikes a deep blow to the Christian community in Joppa, but Peter, through prayer and the power of Jesus, raises her to life. This miraculous act doesn’t just restore one woman—it revives an entire community’s faith, and many come to believe in the Lord.

In our Gospel passage from John 10, Jesus speaks to affirm his identity as the Messiah and the Good Shepherd. He assures those who follow him that they are safe in his hand and will never perish. His promise—’I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand’—resonates deeply with the resurrection of Tabitha. Her return to life through Peter’s faith reflects the living presence of Christ’s power and promise.

Both passages remind us that Resurrection is not only a future event, but a present reality that breaks into our lives now. Tabitha’s story gives the community tangible hope in the midst of grief, and Jesus’ words assure believers of an unbreakable relationship with the God of life.

These texts should challenge us to live with courage and compassion, knowing that the Good Shepherd who gives life is with us. As Jesus raised Tabitha, so he also raises us—daily, spiritually, and ultimately, physically—to new life in him.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 11th May 2025

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

STOWEY St Nicholas & St Mary

8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)

NEMPNETT THRUBWELL St Mary

9.30am Eucharist

FELTON St Katharine

11.00am Eucharist (Founder’s Day)

Next Sunday:

Sunday 18th May 2025, The Fifth Sunday of Easter

8.30am Holy Communion (Regil);

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

Readings & Collect

Acts 9: 36-end

John 10: 22-30

Almighty God,

whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:

raise us, who trust in him,

from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,

that we may seek those things which are above,

where he reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

Almighty God, who shewest to them that be in error

the light of thy truth,

to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness:

Grant unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,

that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their profession,

and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;

through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

For your prayers

We pray for the CHURCH, for Bishop Michael and for all who lead, teach and minister in Christ’s name … we pray for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters as the conclave to elect a new Pope is underway …grant that we may be nourished in our faith and understanding, and bear daily witness to Christ’s love;

We pray for our WORLD, especially for peace between its nations … for the people of India and Pakistan, Ukraine and the Middle East … we pray with thanksgiving for 80 years of peace on our continent and for those who gave their lives to secure the peace and prosperity which we enjoy … strengthen Charles our King and the leaders of the nations … give them gifts of wisdom, courage and integrity, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven;

We pray for the people we are called to serve in our neighbourhoods and communities … for our schools, especially Jenny Campbell who has been appointed Headteacher of Winford Church of England Primary School … as we pray for them we pray for those who learn at Chew Stoke, Bishop Sutton and Chew Valley Schools … for Verity, our Flourish Chaplain, for her work and ministry to our young people;

We pray for those who suffer from illness, loneliness or loss … for those known to us who are ill and who have asked for our prayers, and for those who have no one to pray for them … raise them from despair to hopefulness and health;

We pray for the faithful departed, among them Brian, Eric, Rosemary, Sonia, Simon and Marjory … strengthen those who mourn with faith that nothing, not even death, can separate us from Christ’s love. Amen