Dear Friends and Neighbours

Our readings this week (links below) reveal that the Kingdom of Heaven is totally different from our earthly perceptions and values, and Jesus often turns our expectations upside down, for example as He did in the Sermon on the Mount.

We learn from the sparable of the workers in the vineyard, that the reward for our faith does not depend on our own efforts, we cannot earn eternal life since it is beyond price, and is given freely to all who will accept God into their lives, whatever their abilities and efforts to follow Christ’s example. That does not give us permission to avoid working in God’s Kingdom on earth, but as Paul said, it is difficult to choose whether it is better to continue to contribute in this life, or praise God in His glory in heaven.

Like the workers in the vineyard we will be called to work if God finds us waiting, and we will receive the same gift of eternal life at the end of life’s day. Many saints have died at a young age, and Jesus was only 33 when He completed His ministry and won for us Eternal Life. We may be called at any time in our lives, and in different ways as we become older.  Let us gratefully accept the opportunities God provides for us to labour in His vineyard, not seeking status or a reward “save that of knowing that we do His will”. We will receive the same priceless wages of the “gift of God, which is Eternal life”

Yours in Christ

Rev’d Victor Barley

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 20th September 2026

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green)

BISHOP SUTTON, Holy Trinity

10.30am Eucharist

NEMPNETT THRUBWELL, St Mary

4.00 pm Evensong

Next Sunday:

Sunday 27th September 2026 (Trinity 17)

9.00 am Morning Worship, Winford; 11.00am Morning Worship, Felton

6.30 pm Holy Communion (BCP), Stowey; 6.30 pm Evensong, Chew Stoke

Readings & Collect

Jonah 3: 10 – 4-end

Philippians 1: 21-end

Matthew 20: 1-16

The Collect of the Day

O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call  upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; 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:

 

O Lord, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and. because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Amen

For your prayers

Please pray for…

…the Church, for Bishop Michael and Bishop Fiona and for all who lead, teach and minister in Christ’s name…for our benefice during this time of vacancy, asking that your peace and grace rule in our hearts as we prepare for the future; grant that we may be nourished in our faith and understanding and bear daily witness to Christ’s love;

…for the nations of the world and for those who take authority to serve the cause of justice and human well-being … strengthen our King and the leaders of the nations with gifts of wisdom, courage and integrity, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven…for those who are afflicted by natural disasters, or caught up in brutal conflicts…fill them with hope that good will prevail, and bless all who stand with them in finding solutions to their difficulties; 

…for our local community and for all who suffer … for people called to serve in the home, neighbourhood and at work…help us to work hard at building good relationships, and to strive for reconciliation when they break down…for those wo suffer from illness, loneliness or loss and those who have received difficult news this week … raise them from despair to hopefulness and health and make us instruments of your gentle care; 

…we remember with thanksgiving those who have died recently and rest in the peace of Christ, 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 5XD

Telephone: (01275) 331617

sandra.edgerton@gmail.com