Dear Friends,

This week’s readings from Acts 11 and John 13 are connected by love!—the love of God that breaks down our man-made boundaries and redefines how we live in community. Both passages reveal God’s inclusive vision and urge us to embrace our brothers and sisters beyond the limits of tradition, culture, or expectation.

In Acts 11, Peter recounts his vision and subsequent experience with Cornelius—a Gentile. Initially hesitant because of Jewish purity laws, Peter comes to understand that God’s message of salvation is not limited to the Jewish people: ‘If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?’ (Acts 11:17). This rhetorical question highlights a crucial realisation: the Holy Spirit’s presence is the defining marker of God’s people, not ethnic identity or adherence to the law. This passage marks a turning point in the early Church’s understanding of who belongs in the community of faith.

Similarly, in our Gospel passage from John 13, Jesus (after Judas departs to betray him) turns to his disciples and delivers what is often called the New Commandment: ‘Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another’ (John 13:34). This love is not based on merit, similarity, or even mutual affection; it is modelled after Jesus’ self-giving love. The command to love becomes the new standard by which discipleship is measured: ‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35).

Together, these passages call us to recognise that God’s love transcends barriers and that Christian community is not built on uniformity but on grace and love. Acts 11 shows the practical outworking of the commandment given in John 13. As the early Church opens itself to Gentiles, it reflects the radical, inclusive love that Jesus embodied and commanded. These texts challenge us, the Church today, to continue breaking down walls that divide and to be marked by love that welcomes all people.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 18th May 2025

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

REGIL St James

8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)

BISHOP SUTTON Holy Trinity

10.30am Eucharist

CHEW STOKE St Andrew

6.30pm Evensong

Next Sunday:

Sunday 25th May 2025, The Sixth Sunday of Easter

9.00am Morning Worship (Felton);

11.00am Eucharist (Winford); 6.30pm Evensong (Nempnett Thrubwell & Stowey)

Readings & Collect

Acts 11: 1-18

John 13: 31-35

Almighty God,

who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ

have overcome death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:

grant that, as by your grace going before us you put into our minds good desires,

so by your continual help we may bring them to good effect;

through Jesus Christ our risen Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

O Almighty God,

who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men;

Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest,

and desire that which thou dost promise;

that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world,

our hearts may surely there be fixed,

where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For your prayers

Gracious God, we pray for your holy CHURCH throughout the world … strengthen all who minister in your name, that they may proclaim the gospel with courage and compassion … may your Church be a beacon of hope, unity, and love in these parishes and throughout every land;

Lord of all nations, we pray for PEACE in every place torn by conflict and violence … for the people of India, Pakistan, Ukraine and the Middle East … guide world leaders with wisdom and integrity … break down walls of division and help us to see one another as your children, created in your image;

Loving Father, we lift before you the SICK, the lonely, the poor, and those in despair … surround them with your healing presence, and inspire us to be instruments of your comfort and care … be especially near to those we name in our hearts;

God of compassion, bless our homes, neighbourhoods, and workplaces … bless the schools and businesses within our parishes … help us to live in harmony with one another. …give us hearts open to the needs of those around us, and lead us in ways of justice, kindness, and humility;

Eternal God, we remember before you those who have died in the fait, especially Sonia, Marjory and Marjory … grant them rest and light perpetual … comfort those who grieve, and give us hope in the resurrection of your Son, our Saviour.

Commissioning of a new ‘Anna Chaplain’

Our Lay Reader, Mrs Sandra Edgerton will be commissioned by the Rector as an ‘Anna Chaplain’ on Sunday 18th May 2025 during the Eucharist at Holy Trinity, Bishop Sutton at 10.30am. Anna Chaplains offer spiritual care and support to those in later life.

We congratulate Sandra on completing the necessary training which this special ministry requires. You are warmly invited to join us at this service as we support Sandra as she begins this new role.