Just as Nature’s seasons each have their own characteristics, so the seasons of the Church’s year have their own ‘feel’. This month – November – begins with All Saints’ Tide and will end with Advent Sunday. Yes, Advent is less than a month away!

All Saints’ Tide encourages us to an awareness of the lives of others. We remember those men and women whom the Church has specifically declared to be ‘saints’. We celebrate the lives of these people in whom the Holy Spirit was at work in so many different ways. People who can inspire and encourage us on our Christian journey. Real men and women in whose lives, it is said, ‘we can glimpse heaven in our midst’. We rejoice to be surrounded by ‘so great a cloud of witnesses’, spurring us on as we join our worship with theirs.

As we keep All Souls’ Day (November 2nd at 6.30 pm) we remember our own dear loved ones who have died. The long list of names which is read in church reminds us of those who have gone before us; not only from our own families, but also from the family of the church. Past worshippers who have been faithful members, contributing so richly to the life and worship of our Christian community. People perhaps whose lives have inspired us. It is not only those officially designated ‘saints’ who can inspire and encourage. Each of us, I am sure, can call to mind ordinary men and women we have known personally, who have had a real impact on our own faith. I think of the housebound elderly lady in my first parish whose life, although full of physical pain, was a life of prayer. That woman was an inspiration to me as I became aware of her tremendous ministry of prayer, interceding for the life of the parish and for so many individuals for whom she prayed on a daily basis.

During this All Saints’ Tide, and as we journey towards Advent, recall those people who have been a real inspiration and encouragement to you. Give thanks for them as you join your worship with theirs and with the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us.

Will