Dear Friends,

The readings set for these Sundays in the season of Epiphany (links below) are concerned with the revelation of Jesus to the world; in other words, they help us to better understand who Jesus is. This Sunday we celebrate The Baptism of Christ, the moment that marked the revelation of Jesus as God’s beloved Son and the start of his public ministry. It is an important occasion for us as we remember our own baptisms and the callings and responsibilities which flow from it.

In our reading from Acts, the Apostle Peter is standing in the household of Cornelius and offering a sermon on the good news of Jesus Christ, recalling his birth, death and resurrection. This good news, says Peter, is not confined to one people or nation but offered freely to all who believe.  His words capture the radical inclusiveness of the Christian gospel which extends to every corner of our world.

Our Gospel passage recalls the Baptism of Our Lord by John. Even though he was sinless, Jesus chose to stand among sinners and identify fully with our human condition. When Jesus rises from the water, there is a moment of divine affirmation when the heavens open, the Spirit descends, and his Father’s voice declares, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’.

As we gather for worship this week, we are invited to remember our own baptismal identity, the promises that were made in response to God’s love, and the new life we received in that Holy Sacrament.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Acts 10: 34-43

Matthew 3: 13-end

Collect:

Eternal Father,

who at the baptism of Jesus

revealed him to be your Son,

anointing him with the Holy Spirit:

grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit,

that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children;

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:

O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people which call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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 all those preparing for Holy Baptism in our Parishes in the coming weeks: Evelyn, Charlie & Rhys … we pray also for those baptised in our parishes last year: Rhiannon, Jax, Ivy, Iris, Mila, Margot, Sophie, Jake, Charles, Barney and Sophie.

Pray for the revelation 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 Malcolm, Deborah and Andrew. 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