Being part of God’s work in the World

27 Oct 2025 • From the Vicar

Dear friends,

I always think that November feels like a thoughtful month. The trees are letting go of their leaves, the evenings are drawing in, and there’s a hush in the air that invites us to pause and reflect. It’s the season of remembering— a time to look back with gratitude and love, but also to look ahead with hope. 

At the start of the month, on Sunday 2 nd November, many of our parishes think about All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, remembering those who have gone before us in faith — family, friends, and all who have inspired us by their example. Then, on Sunday 9 th November Remembrance Sunday arrives, when we stand together to honour those who gave their lives in the service of others. These moments remind us of the cost of love, but also of the courage, compassion, and commitment that can shine even in the darkest of times.

Remembering is more than just looking back though; it helps us to live differently now too. We give thanks for the faith and sacrifice of others, and we ask what it means for us to carry that light forward. The writer to the Hebrews encourages us: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). That’s the heart of it, really — allowing our remembering to move us to love, and our gratitude to lead us into action. And even as nature settles into its winter rest, we know that new life is quietly preparing beneath the surface. Soon Advent will be upon us — that season of expectation and promise, when we watch for the light that no darkness can overcome.

Here in the Uttoxeter Area of Parishes, we too are looking forward. As we explore new structures and creative ways of working together, we’re reminded that the Church is a living body — always growing, always being renewed by God’s Spirit. Just as the past inspires us, the future invites us to imagine what God might do next among us. We’d love your prayers as those conversations take place and for the decision making process which needs to happen.

So this November, as we remember, let’s also look ahead — with hope, faith, and a willingness to be part of God’s work in the world. For in remembering well and loving generously, we help to shape the kind of future that honours all who have gone before us, for all they gave, and to build on their legacy of love.

With blessings,

Rev Jules Walker

Acting Team Rector