Dear Friends,

Another of the Feast Days in the church calendar falls on this Sunday: St Matthew, the Apostle and Evangelist. So as we

meet to worship Almighty God we give thanks for Matthew’s witness to the transforming power of God’s grace.

Matthew’s story is one of hope and invitation. In our Gospel reading, we hear how Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector—

someone despised and rejected by society—to follow Him. With just two words, ‘Follow me’ Matthew’s life is changed. It’s

a reminder to us that no one is beyond the reach of Christ’s love and that discipleship often begins in the most ordinary

places of life.

Our reading from Proverbs 3 speaks of the blessing of wisdom. Wisdom is described as more precious than silver or gold,

a tree of life to those who embrace her. St Matthew, whose life was once focused on earthly wealth, encountered the true

wisdom of God in Jesus Christ. Through his Gospel, he offers us this wisdom, guiding us into the life of the Kingdom.

And in our reading from 2 Corinthians, St Paul encourages us not to lose heart. We are called to proclaim the light of

Christ, even when we feel weak or unworthy. Paul reminds us that the God who said ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ has

shone in our hearts to reveal His glory through Jesus. Just as Matthew was transformed by that light, so too are we invited

to let Christ’s light shine through our words and actions.

As we worship this week, let us give thanks for Matthew’s witness and ask for the courage to respond to Jesus’ call in our

own lives.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Proverbs 3: 13-18

2 Corinthians 4: 1-6

Matthew 9: 9-13

O Almighty God,

whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax collector

to be an apostle and evangelist:

give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain and the possessive love of riches

that we may follow in the way of your Son 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 Almighty God,

who by thy blessed Son didst call Matthew

from the receipt of custom to be an Apostle and Evangelist:

Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches,

and to follow the same thy Son Jesus Christ,

who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost,

one God, world without end.

For your prayers

Almighty God, bless your Church throughout the world, that we may proclaim Christ’s message with courage and

compassion. Strengthen our bishop, priests, and all who serve your people, that they may be faithful stewards of the light

of the Gospel. May we, like Matthew, rise and follow wherever Christ leads us.

Lord of wisdom and truth, as Proverbs teaches us, wisdom is more precious than gold. Guide those in positions of

leadership, in government, business, and community life, that they may act with integrity and justice, seeking the common

good and protecting the vulnerable. Bring light to places of darkness and despair, and hope where there is conflict or

corruption.

Compassionate God, Jesus shared a table with sinners and outcasts. We pray for all who feel rejected, overlooked, or

unloved. Bless those who work with the poor, the homeless, and the lonely. Draw near to those who struggle with guilt,

shame, or regret, that they may know the healing touch of your mercy.

God of healing and comfort, be with all who are sick in body, mind, or spirit. Surround them with your love and give them

peace. We pray for those who care for the sick and dying, that they may be strengthened in their service.

We pray with thanksgiving those who have died, trusting that they now feast in your eternal kingdom. Bring us with

St Matthew and all the saints to share in your everlasting joy.

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