Dear Friends,

This week’s readings (links below) remind us that God calls his people forward, often before we fully understand where we are going or how things might turn out.

In Genesis, Abram is called to leave everything that is familiar and safe and to step out into an unknown future. He is not given a map or timetable, just a word: ‘Go … and I will bless you’. This reminds us that faith does not begin with certainty, but with obedience born of trust.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul reflects on the same story and reminds us that Abram (Abraham) was not made right with God through his achievements, but through faith. He tells us that God’s promises comes to us as a gift and we should respond accordingly. Perhaps Lent is a season where we can lay down our illusions of self-sufficiency and remember that everything we have and everything that we are is because of God’s generosity.

Then, in our Gospel, Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night, full of questions. In response, Jesus speaks to him of being born again (‘born from above’) and of a life shaped by the Spirit. Jesus speaks of a God who does not condemn the world, but longs to save it.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Genesis 12: 1-4a

Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17

John 3: 1-17

Collect:

Almighty God,

you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,

that they may return to the way of righteousness:

grant to all those who are admitted

into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,

that they may reject those things

that are contrary to their profession,

and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same;

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lent Collect:

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing that you have made

and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:

create and make in us new and contrite hearts

that we, worthily lamenting our sins

and acknowledging our wretchedness,

may receive from you, the God of all mercy,

perfect remission and forgiveness;

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:

Almighty God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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. Remaining sessions:

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

Faithful God, you called Abram to set out in trust, and you call your Church still … free us from fear, from complacency, and from the need to rely on our own strength … renew us by your Spirit, that we may be born again into lives of generosity, courage, and hope;

God of promise, you so loved the world that you sent your Son not to condemn, but to save … where there is division, suspicion, or violence, breathe your Spirit of peace … give wisdom to leaders, patience to neighbours, and courage to all who work for reconciliation;

Loving God, you know our questions, our fears, and the nights when hope feels distant … we pray for all who are ill, anxious, or burdened in body, mind, or spirit … may they know your gentle presence and the renewing breath of your Spirit;

God of life, we pray for those who have gone before us in faith … we trust them to your everlasting love, promised not as a reward, but as a gift … grant them rest and peace, and strengthen us in the sure hope that, in you, death is not the end and new life is always possible.

Contact

Revd Dr Ian Mills, Rector & Area Dean

The Rectory

4 Parsonage Lane

Winford

BS40 8DG

Telephone: (01275) 474504

chewvalleywest@gmail.com