The clocks have gone back, the evenings are darker, but for us, we just start celebrating the light more and more. We’re trying something new tonight as we host our first ever Light Party. Initially invented by churches as a Christian alternative to Halloween, it has more and more become something that is associated with churches celebrating all that is light, and good, in a world that can feel dark. We’re linking ours to All Saints Day, and as well as filling the hall with neon balloons, glow sticks, and lots of fun crafts and games, some of our favourite saints are going to be making an appearance. As I write this, there are 50 children signed up, so it’s set to be a very exciting evening. If you find yourself at a loss later this afternoon and fancy coming to give an extra pair of hands, we won’t say no!
November is a month though that can feel dark for a variety of reasons. Not just the fact that the nights are very much drawing in, but we also commemorate All Souls and Remembrance Sunday. November is traditionally the month of All Souls, when the Church pays special attention to remembering those who have died. For Christians, alongside the feelings of pain and sadness of grief that we feel for the loss of our loved ones, we hold feelings of hope and joyful expectation. We grieve safe in the knowledge that through the death and resurrection of Christ, through his descent to the realms of the dead, he has brought the light and hope of eternal life to all. And hope is never something individual. Our lives are intrinsically linked with others on earth, either living or departed. Our remembrance of them is not just about recalling their lives and all that they were to us. It is about sharing with them the hope that we have for the life of heaven.
I hope you’ll be able to join us this month - there's a lot going on as we begin to build towards Advent and a new season in our life together.
With love and prayers,
Mthr Alice
