Dear Friends,

One of the themes that has been recurring in our Bible readings in recent weeks has been the theme of remembering. As we prepare shortly to celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving, it’s a theme that plays a prominent role as the service looks back on the festival of first fruits when the Israelites brought the first fruits of the Harvest to the Temple as a thank offering to the Lord for His faithfulness. If it had not been for his provision, there was a recognition that they would have nothing to offer.

November is a month in church life when we think about remembrance in a number of special services but it’s also a month in which we start to look ahead to the coming of Jesus as a baby at Christmas as we observe the season of Advent.

In everyday life as well as in the liturgical life of the church, there is always a need to look back and remember as well as look to the future.

As we are grounded in the present realities, sometimes those realities can be quite overwhelming. That’s why it is so important to remember (there’s that word again!) that we are not on our own and that the Lord has promised to be with us as we thank him for His faithfulness in the past. We are reassured by His presence in all the challenges we face and we are confident that He will journey with us into the unknown future.

On the first Sunday in November in the evening time, we invite the families of those who have been bereaved during the past year to a special service in which we remember those from our parish family whose earthly journey has ended. For some it might be their first visit back to the church where the funeral service took place and we recognise that it brings up many challenging emotions.

People will be invited to make a personal tribute to those they are thinking of as they bring flowers which will form a focal point in an arrangement. We will reflect together on the Christian hope about life after death. As we think and remember, there will be photographic tributes. The Book of Remembrance will have been inscribed and we will be naming all those who we remember with gratitude and thanksgiving.

On the second Sunday in November at 11am, we will be remembering those who gave their lives in two world wars and in conflicts since. Ryan, our Curate, will be involved in leading a ceremony for the local community at the war memorial at the intersection with Picardy and Thiepval. Our local streets are full of names that are closely associated with some of the significant battles of these conflicts as many ex-servicemen settled in these houses on their return from the 1st World War.

We are mindful that remembering these conflicts is complex and our world is still shrouded in conflict in various places which has caused immense loss of life and human suffering. It’s never something we glory in but it’s an occasion where we give thanks for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We will be honouring their memory at these special services both in the church and the local community.

On Advent Sunday, 30th November, we will be using sacred readings from scripture and seasonal music to begin the process of preparing our hearts to welcome the Christ Child.

On the first three Thursdays in December there will be special services at 7.30pm to help us to look forward and prepare our hearts and homes to receive Him afresh. These are always important opportunities if we can avail of them.

No matter how many or how few times we have made that personal and holy journey to Bethlehem, there are always new insights to receive, new and wonderful things to captivate our hearts and we hope as many as possible will be able to join us.

If you are going through a time of ill health and would like to receive Holy Communion at home, please get in touch with the clergy and we would be delighted to come and share that special service with you in this special season of preparation.

So, as we come to this month, which looks back and remembers and looks to the future with hope and anticipation, we are grateful to the Lord who is the same yesterday, today and forever and has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

Please note there will be one or two variations in our normal service pattern as we observe these special events this month.

With very best wishes.

Jonathan Pierce (Rector)

Telephone 02890 793822