Dear Friends,

The Feast of Pentecost which we celebrate this Sunday marks a profound moment in the life of the Church—the coming of the Holy Spirit with power, as promised by Jesus. In our reading from Acts 2:1–21 (links below), we see the Spirit descend like a mighty wind, enabling the apostles to speak in different tongues and proclaim the wonders of God. This was not just a dramatic event; it was the birth of a new community formed and energized by the life-giving Spirit. The Spirit broke down barriers of language, culture, and fear, making way for unity, bold proclamation, and mission.

In our Gospel reading from John 14, we are  reminded that this gift of the Spirit is not only for the apostles but for all who believe. Jesus promises the Advocate—the Spirit of truth—who will dwell not just with us but within us. The Spirit brings life, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to carry out Christ’s mission. This indwelling presence is a constant source of renewal, transforming ordinary people into bold witnesses of God’s love.

In our local churches here in our villages, the gift of the Spirit calls us to be more than just members of a community—it calls us to be participants in God’s ongoing work. The Spirit inspires creativity, inclusivity, and courage, helping us meet the needs of our communities and bear witness in both word and action. Pentecost challenges us to open our hearts anew to the Spirit’s presence, trusting that God is still speaking, still empowering, and still breathing life into the Church today. May we, like the first disciples, be filled with the Spirit and proclaim the good news in ways that touch hearts and change lives.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 8th June

Pentecost

BISHOP SUTTON Holy Trinity

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 15th June 2025  – Trinity Sunday

8.30am Holy Communion (Regil); 10.30am Eucharist (Bishop Sutton)

6.30pm Evensong (Chew Stoke)

Readings & Collect

Acts 2: 1-21

John 14: 8-17

God, who as at this time

taught the hearts of your faithful people

by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:

grant us by the same Spirit

to have a right judgement in all things

and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;

through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

O God, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people,

by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit;

Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things,

and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;

through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,

who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit,

one God, world without end. Amen.

For your prayers

As friends and followers of Jesus we rejoice that we share in his new life, and that we are led by his life-giving Spirit.

We pray for the CHURCH here on earth, for Bishop Michael and for all clergy and lay ministers … that they will serve they church with humility, holiness and inspiration;

For our NATION, Our King, his government and the leaders of all the nations, that they may promote peace and justice, freedom and human well-being;

For OUR WORLD … especially the situation in the Middle East and all areas of war and conflict … send your Spirit of peace among us;

For our FAMILIES and those who are close to us … as we pray for our communities we pray especially for those who live alone, those who are ill, in pain, or undergoing treatment;

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

Contact

Revd Dr Ian Mills, Rector & Area Dean

The Rectory

4 Parsonage Lane

Winford  

BS40 8DG

Telephone: (01275) 474504 

chewvalleywest@gmail.com

Revd Fran Smettem, Curate

Telephone: (01934) 340682 

curatechewvalleywest@gmail.com