Dear Friends,

Our readings for this week (links below) invite us to consider the depth of God’s generosity towards us, and how seriously we might respond to his many gifts. In Deuteronomy, God gives his people a stark and urgent choice: ‘See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction’. God’s desire is for his people is that we choose life—to love him, to walk in his ways, and to live in the fullness of his blessing.

In his letter to Philemon, Paul writes with tenderness as he urges Philemon to receive Onesimus (his slave) not merely as a servant but as a beloved brother in Christ. In these words we glimpse the practical outworking of the Gospel: how relationships can be transformed by grace, forgiveness extended where there has been wrong, and love that goes beyond what we might think we are capable of. Perhaps it is a living picture of the mercy described in the Collect for this week — a mercy that gives us more than we could ever deserve or even imagine.

In our Gospel passage from Luke 14, Jesus speaks bluntly of the cost of discipleship. His words are challenging because following him requires everything. We are called to count the cost and to be ready to let go of anything that hinders us from fully trusting him. This can feel daunting, even overwhelming, yet, again, we are reminded in our Collect that God’s mercy is abundant. He gives what we cannot ask or earn, and he empowers us to live faithfully.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Deuteronomy 30: 15-end

Philemon 1-21

Luke 14: 25-33

Almighty and everlasting God,

you are always more ready to hear than we to pray

and to give more than either we desire or deserve:

pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy,

forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid

and giving us those good things

which we are not worthy to ask

but through the merits and mediation

of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God,

who art always more ready to hear than we to pray,

and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve:

Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy;

forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid,

and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask,

but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord.

For your prayers

Loving God, we give thanks for the abundance of your mercy and grace. Strengthen your Church throughout the world, that we may faithfully follow Christ, counting the cost and bearing witness to your love. We pray for all bishops, clergy, and lay leaders, and for all who will gather in your name to worship you this week. May your people be a sign of reconciliation and hope, like Philemon and Onesimus, breaking down barriers of division.

God of peace and justice, we bring before you the needs of your world. We pray for all places where there is war, conflict, and oppression, remembering especially Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East. We ask for peace in communities torn apart by violence and for wisdom for those in positions of leadership and power. Be close to all refugees and those forced to flee their homes.

God of compassion, we pray for all affected by famine, drought, and natural disasters, especially in regions of East Africa and areas suffering wildfires and floods. Inspire generosity in those who have enough, that resources may be shared and lives rebuilt.

God of healing, we pray for those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit, and for all who care for them. Give comfort to the dying and strength to those who mourn. We pray for the faithful departed, among them Joyce, Clive and Yvonne.

National Online Service

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