Dear Brothers and Sisters

When I was a little boy I loved reading comics like the ‘Victor.’ This always had a true life story of bravery by a serviceman (it was always a man back then). These stories inspired me and fed into the ongoing games of soldiers that me and my friends seemed to spend all of our time on. Because I was brought up in a Christian household I also read a lot of stories about saints. Their lives inspired me as well. It is good to take inspiration from those ‘big names’ of the faith and we will all have our own favourites. Todays feast of All Saints isn’t for them. Today we remember those saints; those holy men and women who are now in heaven after living the same kind of normal everyday life that we all live. They didn’t do anything miraculous or perform wonderous deeds. They just lived their lives faithfully, journeying with Jesus through this world until they arrived back home. We all know people like that and today we give thanks for them and also remember that we are called to be just like them; we are called to be holy. We are called to be the men and women that God created us to be. This is the work of a lifetime but we work away each day with Jesus as our guide and companion. And one day we will be reunited with all the saints of God in our home in heaven.

November is a time for remembering. If you would like anyone remembered by name throughout this month could you let me know? I will be holding those names in my prayers at midday during the month.

During November I have suggested that some of us might collect some extra foodstuffs for those who will be relying on our Foodbanks this Christmas. Please see the Benefice Magazine for more details.

From next week many of us will find ourselves living in Tier 3 areas. You are still able to come to church but if you are unwell, worried or just don’t feel safe leaving your home you might decide not to. If you are staying at home please let us know so that you can be kept in all our prayers.

Sunday’s Readings

A Reading from the Revelation to St. John

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, singing, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.’ Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you are the one that knows.’ Then he said to me, ‘These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’                             (7: 9-17)

The Gospel according to Matthew

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.

    (5:1-12)

Remembrance Sunday Services 8th November

  • Farnley (Holy Communion)       9.30am
  • Fewston                                      10.45am
  • Weston                                      10.45am
  • Leathley                                      10.45am

Services on Sunday 15th November

  • Weston (Holy Communion BCP)         9.30am
  • Leathley (Holy Communion CW)          11am
  • Fewston (Evensong BCP)                    2.30pm

Please remember in your prayers: Our Churchwardens as they are sworn into office. The people of the USA as they choose their new president. Our public health workers and all battling Covid19. Those facing further restrictions on their lives. Our Government and all who have hard decisions to make. Those who translate the Bible and distribute it around the world. The sick and the dying and those who care for and love them.

God bless you all.                                 

Stephen