Sunday 3rd November, All Saints’ Day, 4th Sunday before Advent

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Great Malvern Priory! Following 22 ‘Sundays after Trinity’, we celebrate All Saints Day, one of the church’s great festivals. We are so glad you have come to worship with us, church members and visitors alike. Coffee is served in St Giles’ Chapel after the 10:30am service. Do join us.

At 10:30am Parish Communion, Revd David Gifford is presiding and Revd Marje Stanton-Hyde is preaching. Marje has provided us with some food for thought: ‘All Saints’ Day was on Friday 1st November; we are marking that on Sunday 3rd. What or who is a Saint? The Roman Catholic Church has strict rules for canonising possible people, but throughout the bible there is a more flexible approach. My favourite mention is (St) Paul writing to Philemon's ‘House Group’: “I thank My God because I hear of your love for all the Saints, sharing your faith". Discuss!!’.

Last Sunday, as churchwardens we were able to communicate the wonderful news of the appointment of the Revd Dr Roger Latham as the next vicar of the Priory. Roger is currently the Director of Mission and Ministry in our diocese, and he and his wife Rachel have been members of our congregation for the last year or so. The date for Roger’s licensing will be confirmed shortly.  Please remember Roger and Rachel in your prayers as they prepare to move.

We are very pleased that the Priory has received the Eco Church Silver award. Well done to all involved!

IMPORTANT: Remembrance Service starts at 10am next Sunday, 10th November. As last year, the Town Council is joining our service. The service will begin at 10:00am to allow the Town Council party to leave to go down to the war memorial; the service will then continue to include our own act of remembrance. There will be no refreshments after the service.

In His Love,

Neil and David, churchwardens.