November has blown in with leaden skies and heavy rain. The wind is blowing the remaining withering leaves off the trees and those plants still bravely standing will soon be gone; Autumn’s death and decay is there for all to see and sets the tone for this special month of poignancy, solemnity and remembrance.
We began with observing the days of All Hallows (Saints) followed by All Souls when the church commemorates its “faithful departed”, after which we give thanks for the life of Richard Hooker, one of the most important English theologians of the 16th century.
As we wear our red poppies in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in WW1 and WW2, and other conflicts, we join together on our journey towards our national observance of Remembrance Day on 11th November. In preparation, we take a look at some of those who have led us in our spiritual fortitude during these difficult times. One such man was William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury during WW2, a gifted leader, and who “encouraged the British people to trust in the Lord for their deliverance and strength”.
We have an article on William Walsham, one-time Vicar of St. John the Baptist Church, Whittington, Oswestry, who wrote the beautiful hymn, For All the Saints and continuing with our local theme on this auspicious occasion of remembrance, we learn about the Cunliffe memorial window in Petton Church and one William Kirkham. Both gave their lives in the brutality of WW1 and are remembered on the Petton memorial; William also has a link with Cockshutt.
Life rolls on and with it the church calendar. It is after Remembrance Day that we that we really get our first glimpse of Advent and the hope that it brings. During this season, the Book of Common Prayer will continue to underpin our Worship and we will be looking at its history and one Service in particular, Matins or Morning Prayer, where we sing the beautiful Te Deum Laudamus, which we are expertly guided through.
The month ends on a high note as we celebrate the Feast Day of Christ the King and St. Andrew’s Feast Day, after which, Advent will be well and truly upon us!
There is so much more that we haven’t been able to detail here, but we hope you will join us.
As always, we thank all our contributors, but a special mention goes to Christopher Jobson, who so generously gives of his time and knowledge, and who teaches us so much. Thank you!
With warmest wishes,
The Team, Meres & Meadows Messenger
If you would like to read about the lives of the fallen named on the Cockshutt War Memorial, please visit reallives.blog
Feature Image: WW1 Roll of Honour, Cockshutt Church 2018 Copyright Meres and Meadows Messenger.