Dear Friends and Neighbours

Our readings this week (links below) gently remind us how easy it is to judge others, showing us instead how to live guided by God’s care. Together, these scriptures invite us to let go of harsh words and choose forgiveness instead.

In Romans, Paul addresses how Christians disagree over personal preferences and everyday choices—whether it’s our style of worship, how we spend our time, or our individual lifestyle choices. He reminds us that it is not our job to judge one another, as each person answers directly to God. This connects directly to Jesus’ story in Matthew about a servant who was forgiven an enormous debt but then refused to forgive a tiny debt owed to him. Jesus shows us that after receiving so much of God’s mercy, holding onto grudges only hurts ourselves.

These two messages shape how we live, believe, and pray every day. In a world full of quick judgments and cultural divides, our faith calls us to treat people with the same kindness God shows us. It means letting go of minor differences with those around us and forgiving people when they hurt us. When we gather to worship God, we are reminded that none of us are perfect. Real worship comes from a quiet, grateful heart that chooses to love others instead of judging them.

Yours in faith

Sandra Edgerton

Licensed Lay Reader

 

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 13th September 2026

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

STOWEY St Nicholas & St Mary

8.30am Holy Communion / Book of Common Prayer

WINFORD St Mary & St Peter

11.00am Eucharist

Next Sunday:

Sunday 20th September 2026 (Trinity 16)

10.30 am Eucharist (Bishop Sutton); 4.00pm Evensong  (Nempnett Thrubwell)

Readings & Collect

Romans 14: 1-12

Matthew 18: 21-35

The Collect of the Day

 God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit

upon your Church in the burning fire of your love:

grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel

that, always abiding in you,

they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service;

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.

Amen.

Collect from the Book of Common Prayer:

 

Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy; and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful,

and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For your prayers

Please pray for…

…the Holy Church in every place … that we may stop our personal judgments, choosing instead to love one another across our differences … and we pray for our own parish during this time of vacancy, asking that your peace and grace rule in our hearts as we prepare for the future; 

…for our world and its leaders … where anger, grudges, and quick judgments so easily lead to war and division … we pray for innocent people caught in global conflicts and for those rebuilding their lives after sudden climate disasters and flooding … soften the hearts of those in power and grant courage to all who work for reconciliation and relief; 

…for our local community and for all who suffer … for those holding onto painful memories, those living with mental or physical distress, those with financial worries and all who feel overwhelmed or lonely … grant them the healing presence of your Spirit and make us instruments of your gentle care; 

…those who have died and rest in the peace of Christ, especially Bridget Carter (Nempnett Thrubwell), Francis Tibbs (Bishop Sutton), Celia Whitmarsh (Regil) and those whose anniversary falls at this time … rest them in your eternal love, and bring comfort and strength to all who mourn.

… Heavenly Father, you offer us endless mercy every day. Hear our prayers and help us to live guided by your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Contact

Mrs Sandra Edgerton, Licensed Lay Reader,

Holy Trinity Church, Wick Road,

Bishop Sutton, BS39 5XG

Telephone: (01275) 331617

sandra.edgerton@gmail.com