The Epworth & Belton Group of Churches

Monthly Reflection – November 2025 –

“Remembering, Giving Thanks, and Looking Forward”

November always feels like one of the more thoughtful months of the year, doesn’t it? The nights draw in, the air turns colder, and the pace of life seems to slow just enough to give us space to remember, reflect and give thanks.

We begin with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day — two occasions that sit so beautifully side by side. On All Saints’, we celebrate the great company of God’s people through the ages — those shining examples of faith who have inspired and guided the Church. And then, on All Souls’, we turn our thoughts closer to home, remembering those we have personally loved and lost. In church and in prayer, we hold them before God, thankful for all they have meant to us. It’s always a tender time, reminding us that love doesn’t end with death; it’s gathered up into the eternal love of God.

Just a little later in the month, we keep Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. Once again, we pause together — not only to honour those who gave their lives in war and conflict, but also to renew our commitment to peace in our world and in our hearts. The words of Jesus ring out clearly: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Then, as the month draws to a close, we’ll gather for our Deanery Service on St Andrew’s Day — Saturday 30th November — at St Andrew’s, Epworth. It’s always good to come together as a wider family of churches, to pray, to sing, and to celebrate our shared faith. St Andrew, the fisherman who quietly brought others to Jesus, reminds us that discipleship often begins with a simple invitation — a word of encouragement, a gesture of welcome, an act of kindness that points someone towards God’s love.

And as St Andrew’s Day ushers us gently towards Advent, we find ourselves once again looking forward — to hope, to light, and to the coming of Christ. After a month of remembering and giving thanks, Advent invites us to begin again: to watch, to wait, and to prepare our hearts for the One who comes among us in love.

A Prayer for November

Loving God,

We thank You for the saints who inspire us and for the loved ones we hold in our hearts.

Help us to live as peacemakers in our families, communities, and world.

As we remember and give thanks this November, prepare our hearts to welcome Christ anew in the coming Advent.

Amen.

With my prayers and blessing for November,

Revd Paul Wilson

Rector of the Epworth Group of Churches

Priest-in-Charge of the Belton Group of Churches

Assistant Curate of the Crowle Group of Churches and the Haxey and Owston Ferry Plurality

Rural Dean of the Isle of Axholme Deanery