I had the most wonderful surprise this week, when the St Mary’s Embroiderers showed me two beautiful Baptism stoles they have made. I was bowled over by the creativity and skill they have brought to their work, and it will be a great joy to bless them at the 10am service on Sunday, and then to wear one for the first time on Sunday afternoon for a baptism. The Embroiderers are going to make a miniature version for a child to wear. Those of you who have been to a baptism will know that I invite other children present to be ‘helpers’ during the service. I hope this will make it extra special.
It seems fitting to bless these baptism stoles at our celebration of All Saints Day. In baptism we become member’s of God’s church, the inheritance of the saints who dwell in light. We follow on behind this ‘great cloud of witnesses’, those who have lived and died striving for holiness. In baptism we begin our journey towards God, while the saints now see him face to face and pray for us on our journey.
From the beginning of our journey, to its end. All Saints is followed by All Souls, when we remember the faithful departed — indeed, all those we have loved but see no longer. On Tuesday 2nd at 7pm we will be holding a special service for All Souls. There’s a list at the back of church of names to be read out and remembered. Please add any that you would like included, or contact me if you can’t get into church.
We will also be inviting people in the village to come and light a candle during the day, and we’re arranging a team of stewards for the day. Last year this was really popular, and it meant a great deal for people to mark their grief in this way. After eighteen months of pandemic, people have experienced many bereavements. We hope this will be a chance for people to find comfort.
with my prayers and blessings, Nicola