This time of year is an opportunity for reflection and shared memories. In our churches we are surrounded by shared memories. The memorials on the floor, the walls and in our ringing rooms recording the achievements of many people who rang in their churches, not forgetting those born, baptised, married and buried in the churchyard. The history of our villages, towns and towers is constantly being told.
As we are in the season of All Saints and All Souls leading up to Remembrance Sunday it is a time for individual, family and collective community remembrance. Do we remember those past ringers who influenced us? Those whose names are recorded on peal boards and their legacy to our art can still be felt in today’s ringing.
No Christian is a solitary individual because through Baptism we have become members of one another in Jesus , members of the company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death. We are part of the Christian family, linked by death and living in the expectation of joining others in heaven.
Reflecting upon the whole company of heaven the grace of God is at work and we have opportunity to give thanks for the ways grace has shaped our lives, encouraged by the saints and to recall that holiness may grow in the most ordinary of circumstances. So as we live and ring, let us find the little bit of saint in all of us, grow closer as an extended Christian family looking towards heaven. Heaven, a place of triumph over all of life’s difficulties and hardships, transcendent with joy, music and an exciting place to be. Therefore as we remember those who have gone before us they are part of the company of heaven but are still with us in our lives.
Charles Wesley wrote:’ Let saints on earth in concert ring’. What a way to celebrate the lives of all ringers.
Revd Rhona McEune
Curate Anglesey Group