Dear Friends,

Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, alleluia.

This week’s readings (links below) speak to us, in different ways, about the experiences of those who first wrestled with the doubt, fear and uncertainty that accompanied the Resurrection.

In the passage from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter stands boldly before the crowd in Jerusalem, proclaiming the truth of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The one who was rejected and crucified has been raised up by God, and that even death itself could not hold him.

In our Gospel, we find the disciples locked away filled with fear and uncertainty before the risen Jesus comes and stands among them, offering peace. He shows them his wounds, not erased but transformed, and breathes new life into them. Thomas, who is absent at first, struggles to believe, but when he encounters Jesus for himself his doubt becomes a doorway to faith.

This reminds us that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the courage to seek Christ even in the midst of it. The risen Jesus will meet us where we are, with all our questions, fears, doubts, and longings. And he still offers us his peace.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Readings & Collect

Acts 2: 14a, 22-32

John 20: 19-end

Collect:

Almighty Father,

you have given your only Son to die for our sins

and to rise again for our justification:

grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness

that we may always serve you

in pureness of living and truth;

through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ 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 Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification: Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may alway serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

For Your Prayers

Please pray to Almighty God for …

…the Church throughout the world … that we would be strengthened to proclaim the Resurrection in faith and unity … for Bishops Michael and Fiona, for all clergy and lay ministers … pray especially for the persecuted church, for all those who bear witness to Jesus in fear of violence;

… a world often filled with conflict, fear, and division … for your breath of peace to fill nations torn by war, and guide the hearts of leaders toward justice and reconciliation;

… all who are burdened by illness, grief, loneliness, or anxiety … breathe your Spirit of comfort and healing upon them … give strength to those who care for the sick and suffering, and hope to those who feel trapped in darkness or despair;

… those who have died and now rest in your mercy … for Mary and Stella … grant to the departed your peace and everlasting life, and comfort all who mourn with the hope of the resurrection.

Contact

Revd Dr Ian Mills, Rector & Area Dean

The Rectory

4 Parsonage Lane

Winford

BS40 8DG

Telephone: (01275) 474504

chewvalleywest@gmail.com