Dear Friends,

This week’s readings (links below) are linked by the themes of hospitality and the mystery of God made manifest in human experience.

In Genesis 18, Abraham’s encounter with the three visitors under the oaks of Mamre reveals hospitality as a means through which God is revealed. Abraham’s generous welcome becomes the setting in which God’s great promise is unveiled—Sarah will bear a son. Abraham’s simple act of hospitality becomes a sacred moment where the ordinary and divine meet.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul explores the mystery of Christ as ‘the image of the invisible God’, who reconciles all things through his body and blood. The mystery, ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory’ reminds us that God is not only among us—as with Abraham—but also within us, calling us into deeper maturity and understanding through his Son.

This week’s Gospel passage gives us the familiar story of Mary and Martha. Martha offers active service—hospitality—while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening. Jesus affirms Mary’s choice as ‘the better part’, revealing that attentiveness to the presence and teaching of Christ takes precedence over anxious service.

Together, these passages remind us that God’s presence often comes quietly, in acts of welcome, listening, and contemplation. Whether through visiting strangers or stillness at Christ’s feet, we are invited into a deeper awareness of the divine in our midst.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 20th July 2025

The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

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 27th July 2025 – The Sixth Sunday after Trinity

9.00am Morning Worship (Felton); 11.00am Eucharist (Winford);

6.30pm Evensong (Nempnett Thrubwell & Stowey)

Readings & Collect

Genesis 18: 1-10a

Colossians 1: 15-28

Luke 10: 38-end

Almighty and everlasting God,

by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church

is governed and sanctified:

hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,

that in their vocation and ministry

they may serve you in holiness and truth

to the glory of your name;

through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee,

that the course of this world

may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance,

that thy Church may joyfully serve thee

in all godly quietness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For your prayers

Lord Jesus, you visited the home of Martha and Mary, bringing peace and wisdom. We pray for the Church throughout the world. May we be a community that welcomes your presence with both faithful service and quiet attentiveness. Help us to balance action with contemplation.

For all who, like Martha, carry the burdens of care, work, and responsibility …we pray for those overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or the demands of life. Give them rest, clarity, and companions who will share their load.

For those who, like Mary, seek to sit at your feet and listen … we pray for students, spiritual seekers, and all who long to know you more deeply. May they find space for stillness and be strengthened by your Word.

For our homes and families … that they may be places where love is practiced, hospitality offered, and your presence recognised. May we, like Martha and Mary, welcome you into the centre of our lives.

And for ourselves … that in the noise of our days we may not lose the one thing needed: time with you. Quiet our hearts, Lord, and teach us to choose what is better.