Dear Friends,

This Sunday is a turning point in the Church calendar. Before we begin the long road towards the cross through the season of Lent, our readings (links below) take us to the mountaintop. There we see Christ Transfigured as we hear the voice of God affirm him as his beloved Son.

In our Old Testament reading from Exodus, Moses is on a mountain where he is drawn into that same radiant and awesome presence of God. The people are waiting below, aware that something holy is taking place just beyond their sight. In our Gospel, Peter, James and John are taken up another mountain where the appearance of Jesus is changed before them. As his face shines and his clothes blaze with light, heaven and earth meet. The disciples are given a fleeting glimpse of who Jesus is: the Son of God revealed.

Yet this mountaintop moment is only a temporary escape from the reality of discipleship. Jesus leads them back down the mountain, towards suffering, rejection and death. In our passage from his second Epistle, the Apostle Peter reminds us that the glory of Jesus is a true revelation given to us to strengthen our faith for the tough road ahead. The light of the Transfiguration prepares us for the darkness of the Passion.

So, let’s pray in the words of this week’s Collect that we may receive Christ’s glory, not for our comfort, but so that we might be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness. May our worship this week and throughout Lent open our eyes to God’s transforming presence, steady our hearts for the journey ahead, and send us out to follow the way of the cross.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Exodus 24: 12-end

2 Peter 1: 16-end

Matthew 17: 1-9

Collect:

Almighty Father,

whose Son was revealed in majesty

before he suffered death upon the cross:

give us grace to perceive his glory,

that we may be strengthened to suffer with him

and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

BCP Collect:

O Lord, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth: Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ’s sake.

Ash Wednesday

Lent Bible Study

The Rector will be leading a series of five Bible Studies on Tuesday evenings during Lent in Chew Stoke Village Hall, 7.00–8.00pm:

Tuesday 24^th February

Tuesday 3^rd March

Tuesday 10^th March

Tuesday 24^th March

Tuesday 31^st March

(note: no Bible Study on 17^thMarch)

Each week we will be working through two short books in parallel: Joel (Old Testament) and Philippians (New Testament). The prophet Joel speaks to us of the need to turn back towards God and to take seriously his calling to repentance and renewal. It is a brief but fascinating book which moves from despair to hope. Similarly, St Paul’s letter to the Philippians (written while he was in prison) is a passionate plea to the church to press forward in the hope we have in Christ with joy and perseverance. ‘Rejoice in the Lord, always’ he insists (Phil 4:4).

The sessions are free and will include tea and coffee. You don’t need to attend all five sessions, so do come when you can.

For Your Prayers

In your prayers this week please remember:

The Church … that we might be strengthened for the journey of Lent, that walking in the way of the cross, we may be changed into Christ’s likeness from glory to glory … pray for the mission and ministry of these parishes … for the various initiatives, events and services planned for Lent and Easter … for Revd Fran as she prepares to arrive in Derbyshire during this busy time;

The nations of our world and their leaders … where there is fear, violence, or despair, let your light break through the clouds … guide the peoples of the earth in paths of justice and peace, that your beloved creation may be renewed and restored;

All who are burdened by anxiety, suffering, oppression, or the fear of death … as Christ came down from the mountain to walk with those in pain and weakness, so draw near to all who feel overwhelmed by darkness;

Those who have gone before us in faith… especially Henry … may they behold the fullness of Christ’s glory, and rejoice in the light of your eternal presence. Bring us, with them, to share in the resurrection life, when all things are made new in your kingdom.

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