Dear Friends,

Our readings for this Sunday (links below) remind us that God wants us to live Christian lives centred on love and service.

We read the beginning of St Paul’s letter to the Colossians in which he prays that we will be ‘filled with the knowledge of God’s will’, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in faith. Paul writes passionately of being strengthened by God’s power and gives thanks for deliverance into the kingdom of Christ. His message is that God’s grace transforms us as we live lives marked by endurance, patience, and gratitude.

Our Gospel passage for this week is the Parable of the Good Samaritan—a story in which we see loving action in practical, tangible form. When Jesus tells this story, he shatters social and religious boundaries of the day by making the Samaritan—the outsider—the hero who shows mercy. The priest and Levite, though religious, fail to act compassionately, whereas the Samaritan embodies true neighbourly love by tending to the wounded man’s needs without hesitation.

This well-known, challenging parable demands of Christians an active love that crosses all divides. It challenges us to go beyond mere religious observance and to practice mercy in daily life. Just as Paul calls believers in Colossians to live lives worthy of the Lord through good works, the Good Samaritan demonstrates that true faith is lived through compassionate action.

Christian discipleship is always rooted in both inner transformation and outward love..

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 13th July 2025

The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

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 20th July 2025 – Fifth Sunday after Trinity

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

Readings & Collect

Colossians 1: 1-14

Luke 10: 25-37

O God, the protector of all who trust in you,

without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:

increase and multiply upon us your mercy;

that with you as our ruler and guide

we may so pass through things temporal

that we lose not our hold on things eternal;

grant this, heavenly Father,

for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

O God, the protector of all that trust in thee,

without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy:

Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy;

that, thou being our ruler and guide,

we may so pass through things temporal,

that we finally lose not the things eternal:

Grant this, O heavenly Father,

for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord.

For your prayers

Lord, we pray for your WORLD wounded by violence, division, and indifference. Like the traveller on the road, many lie broken by poverty, war, and injustice. Stir within all nations the spirit of compassion and peace. Move the hearts of leaders to act with mercy and justice, that love may overcome hatred and healing may come to every land.

Father, bless your CHURCH with the heart of the Good Samaritan. May your people be true neighbours to those in need, reaching out with hands of comfort and kindness. Strengthen all ministers and the faithful to live lives of active charity, bearing witness to your boundless love in every act of service.

Merciful God, we lift before you all who are in SPECIAL NEED… those sick, lonely, or burdened by sorrow. As the Samaritan cared for the wounded man, send compassionate caregivers, doctors, and friends to bring comfort and healing. May all who suffer feel your nearness and find hope in your promises.

Loving Father, we remember those who have died and now rest in your eternal peace. As the Samaritan provided shelter for the traveller, may you welcome our departed loved ones into your heavenly home. Grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them.