ScriptureAnd I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.’ And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ (Revelation 21:3-5)ReflectionIt feels like we are living in a time of uncertainty; things feel unstable in so many areas of life. The wars in the Ukraine and the Middle East; threats by a number of nations; wondering how things will play out following the recent US Presidential election; not to mention our own recent General Election and Budget. We need something more certain in our lives right now; something that can never be taken away from us or threatened. We need it particularly as we gather once again at this time of Remembrance; remembering those who have fought and died for the security and peace of their generation and future generations of our country.Here, in these words from the apostle John in his “revelation”, we have certainty and a firm foundation for life: “The home of God is among mortals” – He dwells with us. “He wipes away tears. Death will be no more.” “See, I am making all things new…..these words are trustworthy and true.” The worldly uncertainty may still be going on, but God is with us through it. Remember that as we remember those who have died for us.Revd David Commander
Scripture‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’ (1 Peter 1.3)ReflectionThis weekend is Halloween, and to ‘celebrate’ the occasion several of the houses in the road where I live are festooned with grotesque images of death, the scarier the better. One front garden surpasses all the rest with its amazing display of ghosts, witches, skeletons and grinning skulls, all suspended from a washing line and shaking in the wind. The chief aim seems to be to make death appear as ugly and frightening as possible. This same weekend the church remembers with thanksgiving all those who have gone before us in faith. The word Halloween actually means ‘the eve of All Hallows’, All Saints Day, and the following day is dedicated to All Souls, when we call to mind those dear ones whom we no longer see but know to be safe in the care of God, our loving Father. No ugliness, no terror, but new birth into a living hope, through faith in the one who assured us that where he is, we too shall be.Revd Rosemary Kobus van Wengen
