Welcome to November

November arrives with a hush and a holiness all its own, the year’s turning drawing us into a gentler light, a slower pace, and a deeper awareness of God’s enduring presence. The landscape softens; fields lie resting, trees stand bare, and mists linger over the morning ground. It is a month for memory and meaning, when the Church’s calendar leads us from the radiant joy of All Saints’ Day through the solemn reflection of Remembrance, and on toward the hope-filled Sundays before Advent.

All Saints and All Souls
The month begins with the twin feasts of All Saints’ Day (1 November) and All Souls’ Day (2 November), days that remind us that life in Christ spans both time and eternity. We give thanks for the great company of saints, known and unknown, who have borne witness to God’s light in their generation, and we remember in prayer those we love but see no longer at a quiet service at 5pm on Sunday 2nd, followed by the launch of CandleNights. In these early days of November, the Church seems to stand between heaven and earth, its prayers mingling memory, hope, and gratitude.

A Season of Kingship and Anticipation
As the weeks unfold, we draw ever nearer to Advent, preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. The final Sunday before Advent is celebrated as the Feast of Christ the King, a day that crowns the liturgical year with the proclamation that all creation finds its meaning and fulfilment in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Before then, the Sundays before Advent invite us to dwell in the themes of hope, watchfulness, and readiness, a spiritual deepening before the coming season of light.

And we will also note the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle (30 November), that steadfast disciple who first heard the call of Christ and brought others to meet Him. His day always feels like a herald of Advent, a reminder that discipleship begins with invitation and continues in faithful following.

Remembrance
November also holds one of the most solemn and significant moments of our year: Remembrance Sunday. We will gather, as generations before us have done, to honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in conflict, to pray for peace, and to entrust all things to the mercy of God. This year we are grateful to Lesley for offering a moving reflection for our Remembrance observance — a piece that invites both memory and hope, as we seek the peace Christ promised and the world still longs for.

Thanksgiving and New Beginnings
This month we give heartfelt thanks to all who have supported and sustained our worship during the recent interregnum. We especially wish to thank Revd Paul Spurgeon, the clergy of Ripon Cathedral, and all those who have faithfully led services, offered pastoral care, and ensured the rhythm of prayer continued in our parish.

And now, with great joy, we welcome Reverend David Paton-Williams as our new Priest. His licensing service with Bishop Anna was a truly special occasion, a moment filled with warmth, music, and prayer as we began this new chapter together. You can read more about David and his introduction here.

From this month onwards, we will celebrate the Eucharist on all Sundays except the first, with our final Sunday service each month having a special focus on children’s involvement, ensuring that worship continues to be both inclusive and joyfully intergenerational.

Parish Life in November
Our Ordinand Juliet is currently away on placement, but we are delighted that she will be back on Wednesdays for the ever-popular “Wonderful Wednesdays” craft group — a gathering that fills our hall with creativity, laughter, and fellowship. Do look out for the special wreath-making session on the 26th, and note that Juliet’s Advent Art and Spirituality Retreat (on 3 December) is now open for booking — a beautiful opportunity to begin Advent in reflection and rest.

Our bellringers have had another vibrant month, marking parish life with their joyful sound. Bridget continues her wild swimming challenge to raise funds — do read more from the Bell tower and their upcoming Gala Dinner on 28 November. Bellringing dates and updates can also be found here.

Amy, Caroline, and Lucy recently attended the annual Lastingham Lectures, where Archbishop Stephen offered profound insights into faith, mission, and the renewal of the Church in our times

In the church itself, our Prayer Tree stands ready — a quiet place to tie a ribbon, whisper a prayer, or leave a word of thanksgiving or remembrance. And we launch our Candlelights on the first Sunday of every month, from 5:30–7:30pm — a gentle space of music, stillness, and light.


We have updates from our wonderful Holy Innocents at Copt Hewick on the blog too.  

A Prayer for November

Loving and steadfast God,
you draw us together as one community of faith and hope.
Bless our homes, our church, and all who serve within it.
In joy and in challenge,
make us steadfast in prayer and generous in spirit.
As we give thanks for new beginnings and shared labours,
fill us with the strength of your love,
that we may shine with the light of Christ
and bring warmth to all we meet.
Amen.

Closing Reflection
November, in all its quietness, gathers together the themes of gratitude, remembrance, and hope. It is the month when the Church’s year turns toward its close, yet it never ends in sorrow. The final word is always Christ’s kingship, and the promise that light will return. As the leaves fall and the earth rests, we too are invited to rest in God’s faithfulness, trusting that beyond every ending lies the new beginning of grace.