Dear Friends,

This week’s readings (links below) invite us to pause and examine our lives and our priorities—and our relationship with wealth, in particular. In the Book of Amos, the prophet delivers a sharp warning to those who live in luxury while ignoring the suffering of others. Our complacency is challenged as he reminds us that God sees not only what we do, but also what we choose to overlook. Amos speaks to a society where the powerful feel secure, yet judgment is coming because of their indifference to the needs of the poor.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul offers us a different perspective on wealth. He reminds us that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’. We bring nothing into this world and take nothing out of it, so our focus should not be on accumulating possessions, but on pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and gentleness. Paul encourages those who are rich to use their resources generously, to build a foundation for eternal life. Please note that wealth is not condemned, but it is clearly seen as a responsibility—a gift to be used for good rather than a source of pride or false security.

Finally, in our Gospel from Luke 16, Jesus tells the challenging parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This powerful story contrasts a man who lived in comfort and ignored the suffering at his very doorstep, with a poor man who endured hardship. After death, their roles are reversed and we are forced to consider how our choices here on earth echo into eternity.

Heavy stuff! But as we gather for worship this week, let’s think about how can we use all our resources, not least our time, to reflect God’s compassion. May our time of worship open us to God’s transforming grace.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Amos 6: 1a, 4-7

1 Timothy 6: 6-19

Luke 16: 19-end

God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit

upon your Church in the burning fire of your love:

grant that your people may be fervent

in the fellowship of the gospel

that, always abiding in you,

they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service;

through 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:

Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord,

thy Church with thy perpetual mercy;

and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall,

keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful,

and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For your prayers

Faithful God, you call us to seek first your kingdom and to walk in the way of righteousness and love. Strengthen your Church to be a living witness of generosity and grace. Give courage to all Christian leaders, especially our bishop, priests, and deacons, that they may challenge injustice and inspire your people to serve others with compassion.

God of justice, we pray for the nations of the world, for those in positions of power and influence. Give wisdom to our leaders, that they may use resources with integrity and govern with fairness. Stir up in them a desire to protect the poor, the vulnerable, and those whose voices are often silenced.

God of mercy, we remember all who suffer today: the hungry, the homeless, and the oppressed. Open our eyes to see the Lazaruses at our gates — those in need in our own communities and across the world. May we be generous with what you have entrusted to us, sharing freely and working for a more just society.

God of comfort, we lift before you all who are sick, weary, or grieving. Surround them with your healing presence and renew their strength.

God of eternity, we give thanks for those who have gone before us in faith. May we follow their example, seeking treasures that last forever.

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