Dear friends,

Last month I gave a talk to a local group about my love of books and how many of my books hold memories for me, from my copy of Heidi, given to me by my grandmother for being helpful, to the copy of Anne of Green Gables sent to me by my law lecturer when I was recovering from surgery, to the biography of Audrey Hepburn which I took into hospital when I was having Nathaniel and which I thought would distract me from labour pains (what did I know!!) to the books I have read to Nat, to gifts I have received. So many books – so many memories.

As a family, especially since my Dad was diagnosed with cancer, we treasure every new memory we create. Spending time with my Aunt, who has dementia, shows me how important it is to keep alive past memories of events or favourite pieces of music.

Memory is part of what makes us human.

October and November are months filled with remembrance. At the start of October we had the Animal Blessing service – the church this year was filled with dogs. It is a sad time for some as they remember animals that have previously attended but are no longer around. For those who have never lost an animal, it is hard to understand the depth of loss people can feel. Our cat Flora died suddenly in May and as a family we grieved. She had arrived the weekend before Nathaniel started High School and had been his faithful friend through lockdown. We do however still talk about her and keep her memory alive.

Then at our All Souls Service of Commemoration, we remember those who have died. I was listening to Woman`s hour and Jayde Adams, the comedian was being interviewed. She is appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and had danced the American Smooth to Bette Midler`s “The wind beneath my wings” She dedicated it to her sister Jenna, who had died at the age of 26. Before she had died, Jenna had asked her mum “Do you think people will forget me?” To her family, she will never be forgotten as they talk of her often. During the service Alec read out the names of those who have died. It is helpful to remember, to speak into the silence the personal name of someone we have loved, and who has died. It helps to keep the memory alive, it helps to remind us, - because of course God doesn’t need reminding -, but it helps to remind us of our duty to be the living biography of the people whose lives have intersected and intertwined with ours. This was one of the comments following the death of Queen Elizabeth, that our lives should reflect hers with regard to faith and acts of service being her continued legacy.

On the 13th November we have Remembrance Sunday where we remember all those who have died in wars, preserving our freedom. “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.” The Spanish American writer, George Santayana said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” - that is why it is so important that we remember each year those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. This year we will also not doubt think of the many who have died following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

In the Bible Moses told the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land to always remember God`s faithfulness.

On the cross one of the thieves asked Jesus to remember him.

Each time we have communion, “Do this in remembrance of me”, we remember the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

No matter how we are feeling at the moment we need to remember that God will never forget us. He has each of our names tattooed on the palms of his hands. A simple text to remember is “God is Love” and we need to repeat that to ourselves so that it is engraved on our heartsSo continue to make memories and keep remembering that you are loved, more than you can ever imagine, by a God who is with you always

Love Christina