Dear Friends and Neighbours,

As we celebrate the lives of the Saints, in our readings (links below) we are reminded that to follow their example we need to recognise the difference between earthly and heavenly priorities. Many were called from successful careers and prosperous circumstances, which they may have turned to their own advantage, to renounce their previous way of life. The values of God’s Kingdom are quite different from our human expectations and desires, and in the Beatitudes Jesus reminds us of the enduring values in Eternal life. We are created to receive God’s love, as John reminds us, and to worship Him with the Saints in Heaven, as we read in Revelation. In the meantime our worldly experiences test our faith and trust in God’s love, and we ask for His grace to respond with patience in order to receive His compassionate care and promise of eternal life.

Our personal lives may be relatively comfortable and happy currently, but throughout the world there is suffering and hardship. We are promised a new Heaven and new earth where we will live with God for Eternity, and this is the goal of our striving, and the free gift of God. The Beatitudes remind us of the Golden Rule, “Do to others as you would have them do to you”, which contrasts with our tendency to selfishness. We need to be open to opportunities God gives us to welcome the humble from any background, comfort those who mourn, seek righteousness, show mercy, negotiate for peace, and live as God calls us. We are reassured that God will be with us in any consequential suffering or loss, as Jesus showed during his life, and has also been the experience of those who have followed God’s way, and the Saints show us that these temporary hardships are nothing compared with the glory that is to come.

Yours in Christ

Revd Victor Barley

Worship this Sunday

Sunday 1st November 2026

All Saints Day    (White)

REGIL, St. James

8.30 am Morning Prayer

CHEW STOKE, St. Andrew

10.30 am Eucharist

STOWEY, St. Nicholas & St. Mary

6.30 pm Evensong for All Souls

Next Sunday:

Sunday 8th November 2026, Remembrance Sunday (Red)

8.30 am Holy Communion (BCP), Regil

9.00 am Remembrance Gathering, Felton

10.30 am Remembrance Service, Winford

Readings & Collect

Revelation 7: 9-17

1 John 3 : 1-3

Matthew 5: 1-12

The Collect of the Day

Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion

and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:

grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous

and godly living that we may come to those inexpressible joys

that you have prepared for those who truly love you;

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 God, who has knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord: Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

For your prayers

Please pray for…

…all Saints, known and unknown, whose courage and quiet devotion light our path. ….our Bishops, Priests, lay leaders, congregations, and the global Church—that we may be inspired by the witness of holy women and men throughout history to live out our faith with joyful boldness, deep humility, and unconditional love. We pray especially for this benefice in this time of vacancy, asking that God will guide us, sustain our ministry, and bring us the right person to lead us forward in faith.

…a world marked by widespread unrest, conflict, and disruption across many countries. Pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation where there is strife or division. May world leaders act with wisdom, integrity, and restraint, and may the light of Christ bring hope, calm, and protection to all caught up in insecurity or hardship.

… our neighbors, workplaces, and homes; especially for our local schools, children, teachers, and staff as they return after the half-term break—that the coming term may be safe, fulfilling, and filled with learning. Pray that we may build supportive, welcoming communities where everyone feels valued and God’s grace is reflected in all we do.

… all who are carrying heavy burdens in body, mind, or spirit.  …for God’s comforting presence, strength, and restoration to touch their lives, and give wisdom and patience to all who care for them.

… all those we have loved and lost, remembering especially Andrew Marshall, Judy Alder, and Jan Gabecki,  those who have recently died and all the saints who now rest from their labors. Pray for those who grieve, that they may find comfort in the promise of eternal life and the heavenly reunion awaiting us all.   …through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour  Amen

Contact

Mrs Sandra Edgerton, Licensed Lay Reader,

Holy Trinity Church, Wick Road,

Bishop Sutton, BS39 5XD

Telephone: (01275) 331617

sandra.edgerton@gmail.com