Dear Friends,

This week’s readings (links below) challenge us to reflect on the cost and courage of discipleship.

In Jeremiah, we hear the voice of a prophet who feels overwhelmed by the demands of God’s call. Mocked and rejected, he nevertheless discovers that God’s word burns within him like a fire that cannot be contained. Even in suffering, Jeremiah finds strength in the assurance that God is with him.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Romans, reminds us that through baptism we are united with Christ in both his death and resurrection. The old ways of sin and self-centredness no longer define us. Instead, we are called to live as people transformed by God’s grace, sharing in the new life that Christ offers.

In the Gospel passage, Jesus speaks to us honestly about the challenges of following him. This is a challenging message as disciples are not promised an easy path. Jesus warns us that faithfulness may bring misunderstanding, opposition, and difficult choices. Yet Jesus also offers words of profound encouragement, that we are known, valued, and loved by God. Even the hairs of our head are counted, and we need not be afraid.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 21 June 2026

Third Sunday after Trinity

REGIL St James

8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)

BISHOP SUTTON Holy Trinity

10.30am Eucharist

CHEW STOKE St Andrew

6.30pm Evensong

Next Sunday:

Sunday 28th June 2026 – Trinity 4

9.00am Morning Worship (Felton); 11.00 Eucharist (Winford); 4.00pm Evensong (Nempnett Thrubwell);

6.30pm Evensong (Stowey)

Readings & Collect

Jeremiah 20: 7-13

Romans 6: 1b-11

Matthew 10: 24-39

Almighty God,

you have broken the tyranny of sin

and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts

whereby we call you Father:

give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,

that we and all creation may be brought

to the glorious liberty of the children of God;

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 hear us; and grant that we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may by thy mighty aid be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For your prayers

Please pray for…

… love and fellowship within God’s Holy Church throughout the world … that our faith may be deepened, we may be united in peace and strengthened to witness to Christ with joy and courage;

… our world … where there is conflict and division, bring healing and understanding … that the leaders of nations will be guided in the ways of justice, wisdom and peace;

… all who are in need … those who are ill or anxious, grieving or lonely, those weighed down by hardship, and all who long for comfort and hope;

… those who have died and rest in the peace of Christ, especially David Churchill (Felton), Alan Sutton (Felton) and Robert Harding (Chew Stoke) and those whose anniversary falls at this time … rest them in your eternal love, and bring comfort and strength to all who mourn.