Rev Kim Taplin leads our Remembrance Service.
Please note we start at 10.45 so that we can observe the silence.

First Sunday in the month, family service in church.

Dear Friends,
November always feels like a deeply reflective month : a time when the year slows, the light fades, and we find ourselves drawn to remembering. Our diaries, our churches, and our hearts seem full of moments that help us to look both backward with love and forward with hope.
We begin this month with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day on 2nd November, when we come together as a family of churches for our annual Service of Memory and Light at 4pm at St Peter's Church, Powick. This service brings together those we have supported through funerals over the past year, but it is open to anyone who wishes to come and hold a memory of a loved one alight. Candles will be lit, names read, and silence kept — small but powerful acts that remind us that love never dies, and that in Christ, even death itself is transformed by hope. We are also offering a special service for families who have lost a child at 3pm ( also at St Peter's) — a tender and sacred space to honour precious lives and share the love and sorrow that words alone cannot hold. Please do come, or invite someone who might find comfort in being there.
A week later, our thoughts widen to a national scale as we mark Remembrance Sunday on 9th November. Across our churches, we will gather for poppies, parade and prayer, standing together to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Our thanks go to all who have helped to create the stunning 5,000-poppy installation along the tower at Powick — a moving and visible sign of our community’s creativity and care, reminding us that remembrance is something we do as well as something we feel. Do come and take a look and may be rest awhile during a limited run of open church events to give thanks for all the effort that went into the installation. Guarlford, Madresfield and Powick will have their services on Remembrance Sunday; Callow End will hold its act of remembrance at the War Memorial on Armistice Day just before 11am on the 11th Day of the 11th Month.
Toward the end of the month, the Church’s calendar invites us to celebrate Christ the King, a reminder that even as the seasons turn and the world feels uncertain, the love and sovereignty of Christ endure. On that day, we’ll also be praying for those being confirmed at Worcester Cathedral — while none come from our own parishes this time, we celebrate with them and pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen their faith and discipleship.
And then, in what feels like the blink of an eye, Advent Sunday (30th November ) will be upon us. Advent marks not only the beginning of a new Church year but also the start of our joyful countdown to Christmas. The first of our Advent services across the now five churches in my care will be the Advent Carols and Readings at Christ Church, Malvern — a beautiful service at 11am of Advent music, reflection, and anticipation. Do come over to Christchurch to see the building, meet the faithful worshipping there and look forward for the Advent season. Later that same day, the Callow End community lights will be switched on — always a highlight of the local calendar, as we move from reflection to rejoicing together. Make sure you have your Christmas Jumper on! It's a bit early for me, but I'll get into the spirit!
Amidst all these moments of remembrance and renewal, let us be gentle with ourselves and with each other. For some, these weeks stir gratitude and comfort; for others, they reopen sadness and longing. Our memories are tender things, and they deserve care. If this season brings back difficult feelings, please don’t carry them alone — reach out to a friend, neighbour, or one of us in the church team. The light of Christ shines most clearly when we share it together.
With every blessing for this season of remembrance and hope,
Rev Gary

A Prayer for November
Loving God,
As we remember those we love but see no longer,
hold us in your everlasting arms.
Give comfort to the sorrowful and peace to the anxious;
renew our hope in your promises,
and kindle light within our hearts as we wait for your coming.
May our remembering lead us to gratitude,
and our hope draw us nearer to the joy of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.