Dear Friends,

In our worship on this Last Sunday after Trinity, we will observe Bible Sunday. This is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the gift and challenge of Holy Scripture; its mystery and its beauty; its power to shape the lives and speak into the hearts of those who (in the words of this week’s Collect) ‘read, mark and inwardly digest’ the Holy Bible.

In our Old Testament reading from Isaiah, the prophet shares the voice of God who calls, ‘turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth’. It is a wide, generous invitation—God calling the whole world into his embrace. God’s Word, we are reminded, invites us into deeper relationship. It confronts us and heals us.

In our New Testament epistle, Paul is writing to the Romans, telling the church there to live in such harmony that their shared life together becomes an act of praise. The Scriptures, he says, provide endurance and encouragement. The Bible is the means by which we are shaped into Christ’s likeness. The Word teaches us to bear one another’s burdens—to listen, forgive and hope together.

Our Gospel recalls Jesus in the synagogue at Nazareth where he announces, ‘today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’. The Word we hear is not only spoken—it is alive in Jesus! Christ is the living Scripture and every time we open the Bible in church or at home we are in his presence where God still speaks afresh.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Isaiah 45: 22-end

Romans 15: 1-6

Luke 4: 16-24

Blessed Lord,

who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:

Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn,

and inwardly digest them,

that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life,

which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

BCP Collect:

O God, forasmuch as without thee we are not able to please thee;

mercifully grant, that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For your prayers

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Holy Scripture; for words that reveal your heart; for stories that shape our faith; and for truth that continues to speak with freshness and power. May your Church be a people formed by that Word: humble in hearing, faithful in living, and courageous in proclaiming the good news of Christ, the Word made flesh. We pray especially for The Venerable Fiona Gibson who has been elected to serve as Bishop of Taunton in this diocese, and for Bishop Michael, all priests, deacons and Lay Ministers.

We pray for all who open and interpret the Scriptures: for theologians, translators, preachers, and teachers. Grant them wisdom, clarity, and reverence, that they may share your Word with integrity and joy. We remember especially all those who labour to bring the Bible into every language and home, that all may hear your invitation through the prophet Isaiah: ‘turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth’.

We pray for the nations of the world, that the Word of peace may overcome violence and the Word of justice may challenge oppression. Inspire leaders with compassion, and let the language of truth and mercy be heard above the clamour of fear and division.

We remember before you all who struggle to hear your Word today—for those weighed down by doubt, for those silenced by grief, for those whose lives seem distant from your promises. May Christ, the living Word, speak healing and hope into every silence.

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