Worship
09 November 2025
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Luke
Glory to you, O Lord
Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’
Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die any more, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ
Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to St Luke
Glory to you, O Lord
Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’
Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die any more, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’
This is the Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, O Christ
Margaret Smith’s Reflection
When I walked around the garden this morning I noticed how it is changing as the year is coming to an end. The summer flowers are fading, although these days they seem to be lasting longer, and the lovely shades of autumn, the yellows and browns of the chrysanthemums and the other autumn flowers are glowing. Most of all the leaves are falling, covering the ground in a carpet of brown and gold. Unfortunately, lovely that those may be to look, at they are not so lovely when they are wet and slippery, especially on pavements. As we remember the days of summer with the beautiful colours of the flowers then it seems the right time to think back not only about this year but of other memories, of other years and of the events in our lives.
November is the month of remembering. We start by celebrating All Souls and all Saints Day when we remember those, we have loved who have died as well as those who lived and died for their faith, This week we remember all those who have died , those who have given their lives so that we might be safe. Although we remember publicly those who have died in the World wars, especially members of our families and friends, we can sometimes forget that these were not the only wars in which people we knew and loved have died. There are people in this community whose relatives served in Korea , in the Falklands, In Iraq and Afghanistan and who are still suffering from the effects of their service, When a friend who was a Chaplain in Afghanistan came home, this cheerful friend who always had many stories to tell , during a meal we shared, was a haunted shadow of his former self. Those who served never talk about it but often suffer inwardly. Just as they fought to protect their families, so they keep silent to protect them still often at great costs to themselves. If any of you , insomniacs like me, listen to the world news in the middle of the night, we hear of wars often between forces within the same countries-countries whose names are unfamiliar to us, and whose struggles never make the main news headlines but where people are still suffering and dying. However just as Autumn has its own beauty we must remember that even when life seems gloomy it is not the end . While things seem to be dying as winter approaches it is not the end. Hidden in the ground new plants are beginning to grow ready to burst out in Spring, This is just a pause, knowing that just as one part of our life comes to a close so we are getting ready to welcome the new life.
November is sometimes known as the month of Saints because so many are celebrated then- some of whom, especially the Celtic saints may be unfamiliar to us . The patron saint of one of the churches where I grew up was St Ciwg a 6th century saint. No I hadn.t heard of this Saint either! Whether universally known or known to a few the lives of the saints remind us that the struggles and pain they underwent in this world in proclaiming the message of God were not in vain. They helped to show by their examples, and by their teaching that we too have received the promise of eternal life , that no one has died in vain. As this month ends, we look forward to the new year-not the new year which begins in January but the new year which begins in Advent -the new life which begins for us at Christmas. These Sundays in in November are known as the Sundays of the Kingdom. All too often it is tempting to think of ourselves as individuals in the life of faith. It is good therefore to have a period in the Church’s year when we are called to remember and rejoice with the whole of the Church, the body of Christ, known and unknown, who have joined us in worship. As we look forward to the coming of God’s Kingdom, we’re in union with the whole company, of saints and of all who have shown their faith throughout all the ages.
In my garden I have a rosemary bush grown from a cutting from the Community garden. Every time I see it I remember the Shakespeare quotation. “ Here’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. I pray thee love , remember. “Yes, I remember the past but I also know that the plant will still be growing all through the winter and will be flourishing in the Spring!
When I walked around the garden this morning I noticed how it is changing as the year is coming to an end. The summer flowers are fading, although these days they seem to be lasting longer, and the lovely shades of autumn, the yellows and browns of the chrysanthemums and the other autumn flowers are glowing. Most of all the leaves are falling, covering the ground in a carpet of brown and gold. Unfortunately, lovely that those may be to look, at they are not so lovely when they are wet and slippery, especially on pavements. As we remember the days of summer with the beautiful colours of the flowers then it seems the right time to think back not only about this year but of other memories, of other years and of the events in our lives.
November is the month of remembering. We start by celebrating All Souls and all Saints Day when we remember those, we have loved who have died as well as those who lived and died for their faith, This week we remember all those who have died , those who have given their lives so that we might be safe. Although we remember publicly those who have died in the World wars, especially members of our families and friends, we can sometimes forget that these were not the only wars in which people we knew and loved have died. There are people in this community whose relatives served in Korea , in the Falklands, In Iraq and Afghanistan and who are still suffering from the effects of their service, When a friend who was a Chaplain in Afghanistan came home, this cheerful friend who always had many stories to tell , during a meal we shared, was a haunted shadow of his former self. Those who served never talk about it but often suffer inwardly. Just as they fought to protect their families, so they keep silent to protect them still often at great costs to themselves. If any of you , insomniacs like me, listen to the world news in the middle of the night, we hear of wars often between forces within the same countries-countries whose names are unfamiliar to us, and whose struggles never make the main news headlines but where people are still suffering and dying. However just as Autumn has its own beauty we must remember that even when life seems gloomy it is not the end . While things seem to be dying as winter approaches it is not the end. Hidden in the ground new plants are beginning to grow ready to burst out in Spring, This is just a pause, knowing that just as one part of our life comes to a close so we are getting ready to welcome the new life.
November is sometimes known as the month of Saints because so many are celebrated then- some of whom, especially the Celtic saints may be unfamiliar to us . The patron saint of one of the churches where I grew up was St Ciwg a 6th century saint. No I hadn.t heard of this Saint either! Whether universally known or known to a few the lives of the saints remind us that the struggles and pain they underwent in this world in proclaiming the message of God were not in vain. They helped to show by their examples, and by their teaching that we too have received the promise of eternal life , that no one has died in vain. As this month ends, we look forward to the new year-not the new year which begins in January but the new year which begins in Advent -the new life which begins for us at Christmas. These Sundays in in November are known as the Sundays of the Kingdom. All too often it is tempting to think of ourselves as individuals in the life of faith. It is good therefore to have a period in the Church’s year when we are called to remember and rejoice with the whole of the Church, the body of Christ, known and unknown, who have joined us in worship. As we look forward to the coming of God’s Kingdom, we’re in union with the whole company, of saints and of all who have shown their faith throughout all the ages.
In my garden I have a rosemary bush grown from a cutting from the Community garden. Every time I see it I remember the Shakespeare quotation. “ Here’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. I pray thee love , remember. “Yes, I remember the past but I also know that the plant will still be growing all through the winter and will be flourishing in the Spring!
We bring before you those in need of prayer at this time: the sick, the suffering, the lonely, and all who are facing any kind of adversity.
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
We entrust into your loving care all who have recently died:
Jazz
And we remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week:
Trevelyan Ellis
Anna Guy
Josephine Thompson (Josie)
Gladys Mary Gilvear
Elsie Lamond
Cyril Goodall
Eileen Horwood
LilianGardiner
Paul Reinholdt
Albert Henry Parsons
Mary Lugg
Ronnie Rasmussen
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
Last petition:
In a few moments of silence we bring before you our personal prayers of petition and thanksgiving
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
We entrust into your loving care all who have recently died:
Jazz
And we remember those whose anniversaries of death fall this week:
Trevelyan Ellis
Anna Guy
Josephine Thompson (Josie)
Gladys Mary Gilvear
Elsie Lamond
Cyril Goodall
Eileen Horwood
LilianGardiner
Paul Reinholdt
Albert Henry Parsons
Mary Lugg
Ronnie Rasmussen
Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer
Last petition:
In a few moments of silence we bring before you our personal prayers of petition and thanksgiving
A time of prayer and reflection for those who are unable to attend a funeral.
When someone we know and love dies, it is important to say ‘farewell’, to remember them and to honour a life that has meant a lot to us. The current circumstances mean that some people who would have wished to attend the funeral may be prevented from doing so. This short guide will help you to say your formal goodbyes at home.
As you read through this short act of worship and remembrance, mention the name of the person who has died where you see N…. You may like to light a candle, to place it near a photograph of the person you are thinking of and perhaps play a piece of music that meant a lot to them. Take a few moments to sit quietly. Think about those who are attending the funeral and hold them before God in the stillness of the moment.
Lighting the candle
You may say these words as you light a candle:
Jesus is the Light of the World. May his light, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
Some words of comfort from the Bible
The eternal God is your refuge: and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. (John 14:27)
Opening Prayer
Loving Jesus, you promised your disciples that you would be with them for ever. Help us to know that you are with us now in our sadness and our grief. When you faced the cross you told your disciples not to be anxious or afraid, because you were going before them. Trusting that N…. is safe in your love, help us to have faith and peace of mind. Be with us in these moments of reflection and surround us with your love and your peace, now and always. Amen.
Read Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
You might also like to read the following Bible passage Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 11:21-27
Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
Time to reflect
Now spend a few moments thinking about the readings and any words that particularly speak to you. Take a few moments to think about the person who has died. If you are with other people you may like to share your memories together. Think about what made that person special to you, the things you did with and for them – things they did for you. Think about what you might like to say to them if they were here now. There will be things that you will want to thank God for and things you might regret or feel sorry about. There is also the sadness of not being able to attend the funeral. You can offer all these thoughts to God. After some moments of stillness continue with these prayers:
God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. We thank you for N…, the years we shared with him/her, the good we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage to leave him/her in your care, confident in your promise of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In this prayer at “A. and B.” mention the names of those you know who may be attending the funeral.
O God, you brought us to birth, and in your arms we die. In your gentle compassion, look with tenderness on A. and B. as they gather today to mourn N., to give thanks for his/her life and entrust him/her to you. In our shared grief and shock contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
The following prayer is used at the end of the funeral service to commend the person who has died to God’s love and care for ever. We conclude this short time of reflection with this special prayer:
God our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and entered into glory. Confident of his victory and claiming his promises, we entrust N… to your mercy in the name of Jesus our Lord, who died and is alive and reigns with you, now and for ever. Amen.
Closing prayers
Support us, O Lord, all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God’s love and help remain with us always and
may N… and all the faithful departed rest for ever in peace. Amen.
When someone we know and love dies, it is important to say ‘farewell’, to remember them and to honour a life that has meant a lot to us. The current circumstances mean that some people who would have wished to attend the funeral may be prevented from doing so. This short guide will help you to say your formal goodbyes at home.
As you read through this short act of worship and remembrance, mention the name of the person who has died where you see N…. You may like to light a candle, to place it near a photograph of the person you are thinking of and perhaps play a piece of music that meant a lot to them. Take a few moments to sit quietly. Think about those who are attending the funeral and hold them before God in the stillness of the moment.
Lighting the candle
You may say these words as you light a candle:
Jesus is the Light of the World. May his light, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
Some words of comfort from the Bible
The eternal God is your refuge: and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. (John 14:27)
Opening Prayer
Loving Jesus, you promised your disciples that you would be with them for ever. Help us to know that you are with us now in our sadness and our grief. When you faced the cross you told your disciples not to be anxious or afraid, because you were going before them. Trusting that N…. is safe in your love, help us to have faith and peace of mind. Be with us in these moments of reflection and surround us with your love and your peace, now and always. Amen.
Read Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
You might also like to read the following Bible passage Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 11:21-27
Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
Time to reflect
Now spend a few moments thinking about the readings and any words that particularly speak to you. Take a few moments to think about the person who has died. If you are with other people you may like to share your memories together. Think about what made that person special to you, the things you did with and for them – things they did for you. Think about what you might like to say to them if they were here now. There will be things that you will want to thank God for and things you might regret or feel sorry about. There is also the sadness of not being able to attend the funeral. You can offer all these thoughts to God. After some moments of stillness continue with these prayers:
God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. We thank you for N…, the years we shared with him/her, the good we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage to leave him/her in your care, confident in your promise of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In this prayer at “A. and B.” mention the names of those you know who may be attending the funeral.
O God, you brought us to birth, and in your arms we die. In your gentle compassion, look with tenderness on A. and B. as they gather today to mourn N., to give thanks for his/her life and entrust him/her to you. In our shared grief and shock contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
The following prayer is used at the end of the funeral service to commend the person who has died to God’s love and care for ever. We conclude this short time of reflection with this special prayer:
God our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and entered into glory. Confident of his victory and claiming his promises, we entrust N… to your mercy in the name of Jesus our Lord, who died and is alive and reigns with you, now and for ever. Amen.
Closing prayers
Support us, O Lord, all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God’s love and help remain with us always and
may N… and all the faithful departed rest for ever in peace. Amen.
