Sunday 1 November 2026 | 3.00pm

St Edmund and St Mary’s Church, Ingatestone

This afternoon, we gathered for a special All Souls’ Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance.

It was a peaceful, meaningful occasion as families, friends, and members of our community came together to remember their departed loved ones, thank God for their lives, and find comfort in the hope of Christ.

During the service, Revd Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani reverently read aloud the names of those being remembered, entrusting them to God’s eternal love and care.

Many members of the congregation came forward to light candles in loving memory, offering quiet prayers of remembrance, thanksgiving and hope.

The Scripture readings were Revelation 21:1–7 and John 14:1–6, 27, reminding us of God’s promise of a new heaven and a new earth, and the peace and eternal hope we have through Jesus Christ.

Revd Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani led the service, joined by Revd Angela Edison and Revd Edison Eliza Soundararaj.

A Heartfelt Thank You

On behalf of St Edmund and St Mary’s Church, Ingatestone, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this special service possible.

We are especially grateful to our wonderful volunteers who helped with preparations, arranging and decorating the church, welcoming everyone, preparing the candles, serving tea and coffee, providing refreshments, and handling all practical arrangements before, during, and after the service.

Our sincere thanks also go to everyone who contributed to the worship, those who worked quietly behind the scenes, and all the families, friends and members of our community who joined us in prayer and remembrance.

We deeply appreciate every contribution, whether seen or unseen. Your kindness, generosity, time, and loving service helped make this occasion meaningful and comforting for everyone.

With heartfelt thanks and every blessing from St Edmund and St Mary’s Church, Ingatestone.

May those whom we love but see no longer rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.