Remembering and giving thanks for those who have died 

At the end of October there are traditionally two services to remember the communion of saints and those whose memory we treasure. On 1st November and/or the nearest Sunday we celebrate the feast of All Saints. This year we mark All Saints Sunday on 30th October; a joyful occasion when we recall that God’s kingdom extends across the deep waters of death. We give thanks on this day for the lives and witness of generations of Christians who have gone before us – with whom, through Christ, we are connected. All Souls is celebrated on the following day – 2nd November – and this is otherwise known as the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. Whereas on All Saints day the principle focus is on the saints who pray for us, All Souls focusses on those for whom we pray: those we love and still miss. In this sense the two days are complementary, while bearing witness to one truth that together, living and departed, the friends of Jesus Christ form one community, one communion. This year there will be two All Souls Eucharists: 7.30 on Tuesday 1st November at St Clement, and 10.30 am on Wednesday 2nd November at St James. We invite you to join us at these services.