RememberingThe month of November always has a certain feel in Church life – that looking back, as time rolls onwards to reach its natural conclusion. Coming as it does at the end of the Church’s year (the new year begins on Advent Sunday, which this year happens to be 1st December) we re-tell the stories in scripture that prophecy what will happen at the end times. The festivals of All Saints and All Souls give us a moment to reflect upon a life beyond this one, and to remember both people who have passed the faith down to us, as well as our own loved ones who have gone before us. Later in the month, Remembrance Sunday (10th November) and Armistice Day (11th November) give moments of pause to remember both those who have given their lives in service of their country, as well as victims of war and violence across the world and throughout the years. As usual there will be an act of remembrance at the war memorial outside Acocks Green library, gathering at around 10:45am.Of course, December brings our Advent preparations to remember something else – the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, when Christians remember and retell the story of how God came to earth in the form of a helpless child. So, the great arc of remembering and storytelling begins once again.The stories that we tell as part of our faith help us to remember the significance of the past. They are stories of suffering and sacrifice in order that we might live in our present and hope for the future. So, this time of year links up the remembrance of humble beginnings with the hope of a glorious ending, as we put our faith and trust in God
