When I was a child it was a tradition that people attending a funeral would attach a sprig of the Rosemary herb to their lapel as a sign of respect and remembrance. Today, people are often given a packet of forget-me-not seeds at a funeral service to take away and plant as a way of honouring and respecting the person. Seeds are very much on my mind as we prepare for our second Messy Church outdoors. At this time of year many trees are shedding seeds which will lie dormant in the ground over Winter and begin to produce saplings in the spring.
You may have heard of the The Sycamore Gap tree which was was planted as a landscape feature in a dell on Hadrian’s Wall 150 years ago, and was an important local feature. Its illegal felling last year brought feelings of grief, distress and anger but now the National Trust
and Northumberland national park are inviting the public to request one of 49 saplings from the tree to plant ‘Trees of Hope.’ Our activities for November include a Seed Scavenger Hunt, Conker Comets, and Poppy Seed bombs. The poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and hope, including hope for a positive future and a peaceful world. We will think about how poppies grew in the battlefields in World War One, and throw poppy seed bombs in our gardens so that they will grow during the summer.
November is also the month for remembering those who have died – those special family members and friends that we love but see no longer. We will be holding a Time to Remember service in All Saints Church, Beyton on 3 November at 3pm. This is a quiet, gentle service of hymns, readings and prayers. We will be reading out the names of all those we are remembering, and there will be an opportunity for you to light a candle for them. Refreshments will be served after the service.
This year we will be holding separate Acts of Remembrance in Beyton, Hessett and Rougham on Remembrance Sunday, 10 November, and on Monday 11 November (see Services) so that the names of the fallen can be read in the communities where they lived. I am again inviting anyone who has served in the Armed Forces to take part in these special acts of remembrance. Please email or phone me if you are available.
As autumn turns to winter, we know that it can become quite a lonely time for some, as it gets dark early, and the weather makes getting out and about difficult. If you would like a visit please ask. Our pastoral team would love to pop in for a chat.
Blessings, Julia
P.S. Remember to follow us at www.facebook.com/groups/roughamchurches.
