NOVEMBER 2026 NEWSLETTERDear FriendsWell, the clocks have changed, the nights are drawing in and the green bin has been collected for the last time this year. Just before the leaves fell from the trees, but that is the way it goes sometimes. In the Church of England, this time of year, between All Saints and Advent Sunday is called “The Kingdom Season”, and it is about remembering. It was introduced, like “creationtide”, earlier this century to give a focus to the last weeks of “ordinary time”. First of all, we will be remembering those whom we have loved and see no more. The “All Souls” services this year are on All Saints Day (1st November). Our focus is on remembering – bringing our loved ones back to the front of our mind and having a chance to reflect on what they meant to us, and how they helped us to be the people we are. That is on the heels of remembering all the faithful who have died in the service of Christ. The following Sunday we will be remembering all those who have given their lives in conflicts down the ages, and across the world. As we look at the names on the memorials we remember family members, or the members of families we have known, and in my mind’s eye I see far too many young men whose families I sat and prayed with during more recent conflicts. It is right to remember, but over the final two weeks of the Kingdom Season we turn our thoughts to the future. No, not Christmas… The future where heaven and earth will be united in Christ. We hear His call and commit ourselves to follow in His service. Every blessing David
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. Rev 22:3At this time of remembrance, we bring to mind those who have gone before, the saints of our lives, that we see no more. We pray for all who have been bereaved, for those who struggle to come to terms with loss, and those who never knew their families, and so are lonely in their hearts.Remembrance Sunday calls us to remember those who have given their lives that others may live. We pray that the world can turn to peace and reconciliation, instead of war and greed. We pray for those who came back from battle with life-changing injuries, living with the constant reminder that they gave up so much in the name of peace.As the Autumn brings the change in weather and the look of the landscape, we thank God for the Autumn colours, the fruit and the harvests. We pray for those who struggle to keep warm in winter, as they start to worry about how they will be able to look after their families and survive until the warmer weather.This month, we have a parade service where gifts are given for the children and young people of Sefton who have so little, so that they will have a present to open for Christmas. The Toy Service gives us an opportunity to give back to God a token of the joy we wish to bring to others.‘Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other’. Isaiah 46:8
