Service for the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed St. John’s Church Itchen Abbas Sunday 1st November at 6pm

The pain of separation from those who have died lasts many years. It is often a pain that is very personal, and which we cannot easily share. We would like to invite you to the above service in the hope that, by joining together with others who have lost loved ones, you may know that you are not alone in your grief and that you will receive some comfort from the prayers offered for yourself and for your loved ones who have died.

Sunday 1st November is All Souls Day, which is a day traditionally set apart by the Christian Church as a time to pause and remember those who have died.

In the service, during a time of special prayer, we will mention by name all those whose funerals have been conducted by the Clergy in the Parish of the Itchen Valley during the last 3 years, together with any other names given in before the service begins. Later in the service, everyone present will be invited to light a candle in memory of their loved ones and leave it burning on the altar as a visible sign of remembrance.

We hope that the service will be a fitting tribute to those we love but see no longer, and we very much hope you will be able to come, bringing any friends and relatives you wish to support you.

It would help our arrangements if we had a rough idea of how many to expect, so if you would like to come would you please email me by Wednesday 28^th October to rev@ampease.co.uk. You are welcome whether you send the email or not.

To members of Itchen Valley Parish:

We have sent out a letter with this invitation to the 36 next of kin of those for whom we have conducted funeral or cremation services in the Valley in 2013-15.  These letters should arrive in the next few days.  But please check with your friends and neighbours who have been bereaved to see if they would like to attend – this is a service open to all who are bereaved whether or not there has been a funeral service in the Valley.

With all good wishes

Revd Alex Pease