Dear Friends,

One of themes found across this Sunday’s readings (links below) is what it means to build on a firm foundation.

In our Old Testament reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks to people who know uncertainty and loss. He invites them to ‘look to the rock’ from which they were cut, to remember where they have come from and, above all, to remember the faithfulness of God. The world may still seem fragile and changeable, but God’s salvation and righteousness endure.

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul takes that confidence and asks what it might look like in everyday life. Worship is not simply something we do for an hour on Sunday. We are invited to offer the whole of ourselves to God, remembering that while each of us has different gifts — serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy —we belong to one another as members of one body.

Then, in our gospel from St Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples a question which cuts through everything else: ;Who do you say I am?’. Peter’s answer — that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God — becomes the rock on which Jesus speaks of building his Church.

So this Sunday we might come to worship with questions of our own. What are we building our lives upon? Who do we believe Jesus to be? And how might that faith reshape the way we live, serve and belong together?

Yours in Christ,

Ian

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 23 August 2026

Twelfth 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 Mary & St Nicholas

6.30pm Evensong

Next Sunday:

Sunday 30th August – Trinity 13

11.00am Eucharist (Felton)

Readings & Collect

Isaiah 51: 1-6

Romans 12: 1-8

Matthew 16: 13-20

Almighty and everlasting God,

you are always more ready to hear than we to pray

and to give more than either we desire or deserve:

pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy,

forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid

and giving us those good things

which we are not worthy to ask

but through the merits and mediation

of 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 and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve: Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

For your prayers

Please pray for…

… the Holy Church throughout the world … renew us in faith when we are uncertain, and keep us from placing our trust in what is passing or superficial … help your people to recognise the gifts you have given to each of us, and teach us to use them generously in your service … for our benefice as we prepare for a period of vacancy;

…  our world … for all who live amid war, violence, poverty, injustice or fear; all who have been driven from their homes … for all whose future feels insecure …give wisdom and courage to those who exercise power, and strengthen all who work for reconciliation, justice and peace;

…  all who are in need …those awaiting treatment or difficult news … those who are lonely, anxious, exhausted or afraid, and all who care for them;

… those who have died and rest in the peace of Christ, especially Celia Whitmarsh (Regil),  Albert Hassan (Clutton/Chew Stoke), Michael Hurford (Dundry/Winford) and those whose anniversary falls at this time … rest them in your eternal love, and bring comfort and strength to all who mourn.

Contact

Revd Dr Ian Mills, Rector & Area Dean

The Rectory

4 Parsonage Lane

Winford

BS40 8DG

Telephone: (01275) 474504

chewvalleywest@gmail.com