Dear Friends and Neighbours,

As Paul emphasises, (see links below) we are called “to serve the true and living God”, and the Pharisees and the crowds listening to Jesus also believed this. There was no safe answer to the question to Jesus “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” since the answer “yes” would alienate His followers, and “no” would enable the Herodians to report Jesus to Pilate for leading a revolt against paying taxes to the Emperor. Jesus’ reply “give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s,.and give to God the things that are God’s” is not only a brilliant response to this trick question, but also a guide for us in our journey to become closer to Him.

As told in the story of Creation, God made us in His image (Imago Dei), though there is a tendency for us to follow our own desires and allow secular priorities to influence our choices. Taxes are an obligation in our earthly temporary realm, though we belong entirely to God’s eternal Kingdom, and give ourselves completely to God in our living worship. As King David prayed to God over the generous gifts for the building of the Temple “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” God is pleased with the material gifts we offer in His name, and He also uses the gifts from those who do not recognise Him as Lord of all, as Isaiah reminds us. Crucially, Jesus’ unconditional love for us by giving His life on the Cross, shows us the way to express our love for God by wholehearted surrender to His will, so that we can come closer to His purpose in His eternal Kingdom here “on earth as it is in Heaven”.

Yours in Christ,

Revd Victor Barley

 

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 18th October 2026

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity (Green)

NEMPNETT THRUBWELL,  St Mary

9.30 am Harvest Eucharist

BISHOP SUTTON, Holy Trinity

11.00 am Harvest Thanksgiving

Next Sunday:

Sunday 25th October 2026, The Last Sunday after Trinity

9.00 am Morning Worship, Felton

11.00 am Eucharist, Winford

4.00 pm Evensong, Nempnett Thrubwell

6.30 pm Evensong, Stowey

Readings & Collect

Isaiah 45: 1-7

1 Thessaloians 1: 1-10

Matthew 22: 15-22

The Collect of the Day

God, the giver of life, whose Holy Spirit wells up within your Church;

by the Spirit’s gifts equip us to live the  gospel of Christ

and make us eager to do your will, that we may share with the

whole creation  the joys of eternal life;

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 Almighty and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, my cheerfully accomplish those things that thou wouldest have done; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Amen

For your prayers

Please pray for…

…the Church, in its life and mission;  for Pope Leo as he recovers from surgery…; for Bishops Michael and Fiona and for all ministers of the Gospel and Sacraments especially in this Diocese: that God may grant them wisdom, strength, and grace to proclaim the gospel with courage;  for new Christians and those searching for you…… for the suffering Church… may our lives bear witness to the gospel of Christ.

… our Benefice, especially during this vacancy, that our faith stays true and strong; that we may stay focused on you and your will in all that we plan and do……. that our works may bring glory to your Name.

…the world, for the leaders of the nations in the great responsibilities they bear and all who influence our future…; for King Charles and our Country…; for Ukraine and Russia; for the Middle East and all places of war and conflict…….for reconciliation where there is hatred and conflict, for justice and peace….

…our local community, family and friends….; may our homes be places of grace, goodness and hospitality; may we welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable and keep all children safe…..;

…the sick and the suffering, the depressed, the despairing. all who have lost vision or hope…..; for all who are in any need…; the weak-willed, the weak-minded…; may they all know your presence, guidance and strength;

… those who have departed and rest in the peace of Christ…;  for those whose anniversary falls at this time … that we may be granted with them, and with all the saints, the joy of eternal life.  Strengthen all who grieve, with comfort faith and peace,

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