Welcome to St. Nicholas – Sunday 5th November 2023
As St Paul said we are all called to be Saints and to shine like stars in the world
As the clocks go back, the leaves change colour, and the heating goes on we move into the Season of Remembrance.
It can feel a dark season, both literally as the days grow shorter and emotionally as feelings of grief and loss are brought to the surface.
On Remembrance Sunday of course we will remember those who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts and pray for peace. But this coming Sunday will be our Service of Glad Remembrance.
October 31st is of course, Halloween. Its origins have got a bit lost among the dressing up and Trick or Treating but Halloween is short for All Hallows Eve. And on November 1 at the Church marks All Hallows Day, more commonly known as All Saints Day. Followed the day after by All Souls Day.
All Saints Day is a great festival of the church to remember all the saints and martyrs, known and unknown who have gone before us. On All Souls Day we remember all the faithful departed, particularly those we have known and loved.
At St Nicks we celebrate both All Saints and All Souls at our Service of Glad Remembrance. I’m glad we keep them together because I’m not at all sure there is much difference between a saint with a halo and an “ordinary faithful Christian.” After all St Paul said we are all called to be saints and to shine like stars in the world.
As we enter the Season of Remembrance it’s important that we look back, that we remember those who have gone before, with sadness but also with gladness. But let’s not forget St Paul’s call to us to be saints. We may not have halos but let’s try to light up this dark season by shining like stars in the world.
With love and prayers,
Cate
Our service on Sunday 5th November begins at 10.30 am. We look forward to welcoming back Rev. Cate Allison to preside and preach at this Eucharist service. The service on Sunday will celebrate All Saint’s, All Souls and it will be our service of Glad Remembrance when we read out the names and pray for all the people we have loved and lost. Our organist and MD, Ollie Mills will accompany the hymns and lead the singing. Here are details of the readings and hymns for the service:
Nestled in the heart of the communities of East Didsbury and Burnage, St Nicholas Church stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and love. Under the devoted leadership of our Lead Minister, Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm, OMS, we are a vibrant, inclusive, and intergenerational Christian community committed to living out the bold faith of Jesus Christ.
