Parish News

Remembering

As someone who grew up in South Korea, I have often noticed how distinctive November is in Britain. In South Korea, there is no All Souls’ Day, Guy Fawkes Day, or Remembrance Sunday. South Koreans certainly remember the dead and honour those who have sacrificed for the nation, but these reminders are spread throughout the year. In Britain, however, November seems to gather these acts of remembrance together. We remember loved ones on All Souls’ Day, a national deliverance on Guy Fawkes Day, and the fallen on Remembrance Sunday. It is a month that invites us to pause and remember.

I was initially surprised by Guy Fawkes Night. South Korea has fireworks festivals, but they focus mainly on celebration and spectacle. Bonfire Night, by contrast, is an act of remembrance. The failure of the Gunpowder Plot and the preservation of King James I were seen as causes for national thanksgiving. In January 1606, Parliament even required an annual church service of thanksgiving. The nation was called to remember not a tragedy, but a deliverance.

Then comes Remembrance Sunday. We pause to honour those who sacrificed their lives in war. We remember courage, service, and the cost of peace. The familiar words, “We will remember them,” declare that gratitude should never be forgotten.

Yet all these acts of remembrance ultimately point us to a greater King and a greater sacrifice.

King James was saved from death. Jesus Christ, the King of kings, willingly walked towards it. He was not rescued from the cross. He chose the cross. He came into our world voluntarily and gave His life voluntarily.

We often say that Christ died for the world, and that is gloriously true. But sometimes “the world” can feel distant and impersonal. The wonder of the gospel is that Christ did not merely die for humanity in general. He died for me, and He died for you too.

So, this November, as we remember the departed, remember deliverance, and remember the fallen, let us also remember Jesus Christ. He is the King of the world, yet He is also the King of my life. And because He gave Himself for me, my remembrance becomes more than looking back. It becomes an act of faith, gratitude, and devotion to the One who remembers us always.

Safeguarding Sunday

On Sunday 15 November, churches across the country will be marking Safeguarding Sunday. At St Mary’s Newchurch, we will be taking the opportunity to think about what safeguarding means, why it matters, and how we can continue to make our church a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

But safeguarding isn’t just something that concerns people who attend church. It is about all of us.

The theme for this year’s Safeguarding Sunday is “Love Protects”. It is a simple phrase, but one that says something important. If we care about one another, we want people to be safe, listened to and treated with dignity and respect. That includes children, young people, older people and adults who may be vulnerable for any number of reasons.

Safeguarding is an important part of the life of every church and community. It means having appropriate procedures in place, ensuring that people are properly supported and trained, and making sure that concerns can be raised and taken seriously.

As Parish Safeguarding Officer, my role is to help with this work. But safeguarding isn’t just the responsibility of one person. It belongs to all of us.

Love protects

Safeguarding is ultimately about how we treat one another. 1 Corinthians 13 says of love: “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Love notices.
Love listens.
Love takes concerns seriously.
Love respects boundaries.
And love doesn’t look the other way when something doesn’t feel right.

At St Mary’s, we strive to be a church that is safe, welcoming and caring for everyone. We would love you to come and join us at our Sunday service, which begins at 9.30am. We finish with a brew and a biscuit, and everyone is welcome.