Dear Friends,

‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom’.

With these words from his week’s Gospel (links to all readings below), Jesus offers a profound reassurance to his disciples—and to us today.

There is such great comfort in being counted among God’s ‘little flock’—beloved, cared for, and never forgotten—and given the access to his kingdom; furthermore, none of this is earned but is freely given to us by our gracious Father. These words can cut through our worry and invite us to live not in anxiety, but in hope.

But this hope is not passive. Jesus goes on to call his followers to readiness: ‘Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning’. This is not a fear-driven watchfulness, but a joyful anticipation of the Master’s return. It’s a call to live now in light of eternity—to live generously, with open hands, storing up treasure in heaven rather than clinging to what won’t last.

This Gospel passage challenges us to consider what we truly treasure. Where our treasure is, says Jesus, there our hearts will be also. Are we living in a way that reflects the kingdom we’ve already been given?

As we gather in worship and reflection this week, may this passage remind us of two central truths: we are loved and we are called. Loved without fear. Called to live ready, generous, and awake to God’s presence in our lives.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 10th August 2025

The Eighth 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 17th August 2025 – The Ninth Sunday after Trinity

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

6.30pm Evensong (Chew Stoke)

Readings & Collect

Genesis 15: 1-6

Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16

Luke 12: 32-40

Almighty Lord and everlasting God,

we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern

both our hearts and bodies

in the ways of your laws

and the works of your commandments;

that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever,

we may be preserved in body and soul;

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:

O God,

whose never-failing providence

ordereth all things both in heaven and earth;

We humbly beseech thee

to put away from us all hurtful things,

and to give us those things

which be profitable for us;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For your prayers

Let us pray to the God who knows our needs, watches over His flock, and calls us to readiness in His service.

Heavenly Father, you have told us, ‘Do not be afraid, little flock’ for it is your good pleasure to give us the Kingdom. Strengthen your Church in faith and courage. May we trust in your promises, living not in fear, but in joyful expectation of your coming. Empower bishops, priests, and all ministers of your Word to proclaim your Kingdom boldly, and to nurture your people with love and truth.

Gracious God, you call us to keep our lamps burning and be ready for the Master’s return. Help us to be faithful stewards of all you have entrusted to us — our time, gifts, and possessions. In a world distracted by greed and fear, shape our hearts by your generosity. Guide leaders in every land to govern wisely and to act justly, especially in times of crisis and uncertainty.

God of compassion, watch over those who wait in darkness — the lonely, the anxious, the sick, and the dying. May your light break into their lives with hope and healing. We pray for all caregivers and medical workers, that they may reflect your love in their service.

Faithful God, you have promised that your Son will come at an unexpected hour. Help us live each day in readiness, not with fear, but with hearts awake to your presence and hands ready to serve. May we live as people of the light, bearing witness to your Kingdom in all we do..

National Online Service

Our benefice will present the National Online Service for the Church of England to be broadcast on Sunday 17th August 2025.

You can sign-up to receive the Weekly Online service here. The service will also be shared on the Church of England’s social media platforms.

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