Dear Friends,

In this week’s Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus tells the familiar Parable of the Sower. He explains that the seed is scattered generously, falling on different kinds of ground. Some is lost, some begins to grow but does not endure, and some falls on good soil and produces an abundant harvest. In giving us this simple yet rich image, Jesus invites us to consider how we hear and receive the Word of God. What kind of soil are we? What might prevent God’s Word from taking root in our lives? And how might we become more open to the growth and transformation God desires for us?

In our reading from Romans, St Paul reminds us that life in Christ is a life of freedom and hope: ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus’. We are called not to live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit of God who dwells within us and gives us life.

As we gather for worship this Sunday, may we come with open hearts and attentive minds. May the soil of our lives be ready to receive God’s Word, and may the Holy Spirit nurture that Word within us, so that it bears fruit in our lives and in the life of the world.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 12 July 2026

Sixth Sunday after Trinity

STOWEY St Nicholas & St Mary

8.30am Holy Communion (BCP)

NEMPNETT THRUBWELL St Mary

9.30am Eucharist

BISHOP SUTTON Holy Trinity

10.30am Morning Worship

FELTON St Katharine

11.00am Eucharist

Next Sunday:

Sunday 19th July 2026 – Trinity 7

8.30am Holy Communion (Regil); 10.30 Eucharist (Bishop Sutton);

6.30pm Evensong (Chew Stoke)

Readings & Collect

Romans 8: 1-11

Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23

Merciful God,

you have prepared for those who love you

such good things as pass our understanding:

pour into our hearts such love toward you

that we, loving you in all things and above all things,

may obtain your promises,

which exceed all that we can desire;

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 God, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding: Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For your prayers

Please pray for…

… love and fellowship within God’s Holy Church throughout the world … that we may faithfully proclaim your peace and reflect your compassion to all who seek hope … for all those recently ordained Deacon and Priest … for our benefice as we prepare for a period of vacancy;

… 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 …or all who are carrying heavy burden …those who are anxious, grieving, ill, lonely, exhausted, or struggling with difficult decisions;

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