Monthly Letter
REMEBERING!

November 2025

If I asked what were the television programmes of your childhood I wonder what you’d say? Are you the Teletubbies generation? Or The Woodentops and Andy Pandy? Who were YOUR Blue Peter presenters? And what about music? The Beatles or Glenn Miller? Oasis or Hot Chocolate? We all have times when we reminisce about the past. The Good Old Days! It’s good to remember but not good to try and live in the past. November is a month for remembering. Near the start of the month we are told to
“Remember, Remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot …!

Then a few days later we are called to a solemnity as we join together for November 11th Armistice Day services, and we say:
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them”

There are many things that act as triggers for our memories, - a piece of music, a certain smell, visiting a special place. It could be anything. And sometimes memories are evoked for no apparent reason.

On the first Easter Day two of Jesus’ friends were walking back home. They had had the most awful few days. Their friend had been horrifically killed by being nailed to a cross. As they walked they were talking about recent events. A stranger joined them on the road. Someone who had no apparent knowledge of the things they were talking about. Yet he was able to explain how everything that had happened was meant to be. It was all part of God’s plan. When the friends reached the place where they were to rest for the night they invited the stranger to join them for a meal.

He did so. During the meal the stranger took the bread, blessed it, broke it and offered it to them. This action immediately sparked something within them. This man was their friend. This man was the one who had been nailed to a tree and yet was right here talking with them. Suddenly he disappeared from their sight.

They were so overwhelmed with joy and hope that they travelled all the way back to Jerusalem to tell the good news that Jesus is alive. The blessing and breaking of bread was a recent memory for them. Something special and meaningful. Each Sunday Christians throughout the world remember. Take, eat…. Do this in remembrance. Not just for November but for always.

Jane Willaims

Church Services

23
Nov

Morning Worship (Christ the King)

Sunday 23rd November 2025, 9:30am to 10:30am


30
Nov

Advent Sunday - Gathered Service of Celebration at Morley to mark the completion of the Tending the Future Project

Sunday 30th November 2025, 10:30am to 11:30am


07
Dec

Holy Communion

Sunday 7th December 2025, 9:30 to 10:30


07
Dec

Messy Church in December will be a Christingle Service at Morley Church on Sunday December 7th at 3pm

Sunday 7th December 2025, 3pm to 5pm


13
Dec

Smalley Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday 13th December 2025, 10:30am to 3pm


14
Dec

Morning Worship

Sunday 14th December 2025, 9:30 to 10:30


14
Dec

Carols by Candlelight

Sunday 14th December 2025, 6pm to 7pm


21
Dec

Holy Communion

Sunday 21st December 2025, 9:30 to 10:30


24
Dec

Christmas Eve: Carols Round The Tree

Wednesday 24th December 2025, 6pm to 7pm


24
Dec

Christmas Eve: Midnight Mass

Wednesday 24th December 2025, 11:30pm to 12:30am


25
Dec

Christmas Day : Christmas Praise Service

Thursday 25th December 2025, 9:30 to 10:30


28
Dec

Gathered Service at St John the Baptist, Church Smalley at 10:30 Preceded by Breakfast in the Church Hall at 9.30 am

Sunday 28th December 2025, 10:30 to 11:30


04
Jan

Morning Worship

Sunday 4th January 2026, 9:30 to 10:30


18
Jan

MESSY CHURCH at Smalley

Sunday 18th January 2026, 3pm to 5pm


Forthcoming Events

Smalley Christmas Tree Festival

13th December 2025

Details →

MESSY CHURCH!

18th January 2026

Details →

Children's Church is always available at the Sunday morning service in both Morley and Smalley churches.

Safeguarding

As a church we take safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously. If you have any concerns however small, please contact: the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Lisa Marriott lisa.marriott@derby.anglican 01332 388678 or the Priest in Charge: kateplant2610@gmail.com 01332 834928 or the Parish Safeguarding Officer: caroldavidson2808@gmail.com 07747 871560