Dear Friends,

Our readings for this Second Sunday of Advent (links below) centre on the figure of John the Baptist—the fiery prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. John stands in the wilderness crying out, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’. That same prophetic voice echoes through our worship some 2000 years later, calling us to turn away from all that is dark and broken and to make room for the light of God’s transforming presence.

Our reading from Isaiah speaks of a shoot springing from the stump of Jesse. It is a beautiful metaphor and vision of God’s new life and divine peace emerging from what was presumed to be dead. The prophet promises that God will bring wisdom, justice and harmony to a world of turmoil.

In this week’s passage from his letter to the Romans, Paul reminds us of the importance of Holy Scripture and its role in teaching us endurance and hope. Paul prays that we ‘might live in harmony with one another’, united in Christ and glorifying God with one voice.

This week’s Gospel passage from St Matthew carries that resounding message of John: prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight! Advent is a time for exactly this sort of preparation. Hearts made ready, lives made humble, and communities and our world renewed in hope.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Isaiah 11: 1-10

Romans 15: 4-13

Matthew 3: 1-12

Collect:

O Lord, raise up, we pray, your power

and come among us,

and with great might succour us;

that whereas, through our sins and wickedness

we are grievously hindered

in running the race that is set before us,

your bountiful grace and mercy

may speedily help and deliver us;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,

be honour and glory, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

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 by patience and the comfort of your holy Word

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

which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

For Your Prayers

In your prayers this week please remember:

The Church … especially this diocese and for Bishop Michael and Bishop-elect Fiona … our clergy, lay ministers and all who serve in these parishes … for the witness of our church schools and their role in sharing the Christian faith with our young people … for Verity and her work as Chaplain in Chew Valley School;

Pray for the coming of God’s peace into our world.  … for nations divided by conflict and fear, for leaders who carry the heavy burden of decision, and for all whose lives are scarred by war and injustice;

For those who are ill or in distress at home or in hospital, and for those who care for them … for those awaiting test results;

Pray for the faithful departed, especially Jenny. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace and be raised in glory.

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