All Hallows’ Eve in Northstowe
Monday night in Northstowe was filled with fun, laugher, and community spirit. This All Hallows’ Eve – or Halloween – saw many families out on the streets, greeting each other, dressing up, and celebrating being part of something bigger than themselves.
Outside Church House, we had a lit a bonfire where, as we gave out fruit and sweets, we invited people to join a conversation about what we see in the dark and where we find the light. For those who wanted to dig deeper into the stories, we had poster and webpage celebrating how, on this night, we honour the passing of the summer and welcome the autumn, rejoicing in the Light of Christ, who is always with us through the dark nights of winter and the dark nights of our lives.
All Saints and All Souls
The wonderful thing about All Hallows’ Eve is that it is just the start of a three day festival during which we are able to remember the saints who have lived before, think about how we take up their mantal in the present times, and look forward to being reunited with them in God’s coming kingdom.
So, at our Wild Church on Sunday afternoon, around our multi-coloured campfire, we had told stories of the Saints who let The Light shine through them… and were challenged to recognise that we too are called to be Saints. People who love God and love People.
Here’s “what just happened”:
But you are a chosen people, set aside to be a royal order of priests, a holy nation, God’s own; so that you may proclaim the wondrous acts of the One who called you out of inky darkness into shimmering light.
1 Peter 2:9 The Voice Bible Translation
Thursday’s communion
And so, this Thursday, at our regular Chicken Soup for the Soul, we will mark All Saints and Souls with a special Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion, using the beautiful ancient language of the reformation era.
Why not join us? Drop us a line – contact@northstowe.church
Marching On
Finally, as we “march” on with the saints right here in Northstowe, we can pray that God will use right here, as in the words of our familiar blessing.
Wherever you go, God is sending you, wherever you are, God has put you there; he has a purpose in your being there. Christ who indwells you has something he wants to do through you where you are. Believe this and go in His grace and love and power.
Richard Halverson
Beth's Blog 