Dear Friends,

In this week’s Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus tells the familiar Parable of the Sower. He explains that the In our Old Testament reading for this week (links below), we meet the young King Solomon who is offered anything he desires. Rather than asking for wealth, power, or long life, Solomon prays for a wise and discerning heart so that he may serve God’s people faithfully. His prayer reminds us that true wisdom begins with humility and a willingness to seek God’s will above our own.

St Paul, writing to the Romans, offers words of comfort and hope. He reminds us that even when we struggle to find the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays within us, bringing our unspoken hopes and deepest longings before God. So we are also assured that God is at work in every circumstance, drawing those who love him towards his saving purpose.

In the Gospel, Jesus uses a series of simple yet profound images to reveal the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven. Like a tiny mustard seed or a little yeast, God’s Kingdom often begins unnoticed but grows with extraordinary power. It is also like a hidden treasure or a pearl of great price, worth giving everything to possess. These parables challenge us to recognise the incomparable value of God’s Kingdom and to respond with joyful commitment.

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 26 July 2026

Eighth Sunday after Trinity

FELTON St Katharine

9.00am Morning Worship

WINFORD St Mary & St Peter

11.00am Eucharist

NEMPNETT THRUBWELL St Mary

4.00pm Evensong

STOWEY St Nicholas & St Mary

6.30pm Evensong

Next Sunday:

Sunday 2nd August 2026 – Trinity 9

9.00am Eucharist (Winford); 10.30am Eucharist (Chew Stoke); 6.30pm Evensong (Stowey)

Readings & Collect

1 Kings 3: 5-12

Romans 8: 26-end

Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52

Almighty Lord and everlasting God,

we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern

both our hearts and bodies

in the ways of your laws

and the works of your commandments;

that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever,

we may be preserved in body and soul;

through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

BCP Collect:

O God, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which be profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For your prayers

Please pray for…

… love and fellowship within God’s Holy Church throughout the world … That the Church may always seek the wisdom that comes from God, faithfully proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom, and encourage all people to discover the priceless treasure of life in Christ … for all those recently ordained Deacon and Priest … for our benefice as we prepare for a period of vacancy;

… our world … that the leaders of nations may be granted discerning hearts, choosing justice over self-interest, peace over conflict, and the common good over personal ambition;

… all who are in need …that all who are sick, lonely, anxious, or burdened by suffering may experience the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us in our weakness … may they receive healing, strength, hope, and the loving support of those who care for them;

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