Harpley, My Life is my Message." Mahatma Gandhi
JOY SMITH LLM
NOVEMBER 2025
Dear Friends
The month of November is a time of change, when nature seeks its resting state and the days are noticeably shorter.
It is also a time when we as humans can pause and reflect on the essentials.
November is often associated with the theme of transience. The falling leaves, the fading of the colours and the gradual passing of the beautiful summer days remind us of the finite nature of life. But November also offers an opportunity to accept this transience and realise that it is part of the bigger picture. While nature is in hibernation, the dark and cold of the days reminds us that light and warmth will always return
The month of November is closely linked to the remembrance of our deceased. The Feast of All Souls on 2 November reminds us that death is a part of life and that we must not forget our loved ones who have gone before us.
It is a time to realise that we are all mortal and that our time on this earth is limited.
This awareness can help us to consciously organise our lives and rethink our priorities.
We also remember all those who have served their country not only in time of war but continue to serve not only our country but are part of peacekeeping throughout out world. In the month of November, we also experience a special invitation to hope. There are signs of hope that peace might come to the middle east what a wonderful present as we celebrate the birthday of our Lord.
This time of year reminds us that life goes on after death and that there is always a new beginning. November gives us the opportunity to deal with the big questions of life.
It is a time to reflect, to pause and to search for meaning. It is also a time of solidarity, when we take special care of those who are grieving or in need.
As we come to the end of November we enter the season of Advent and the build up for Christmas at time for reflection and but in all the business, please take time to remember the reason for the season.
To celebrate not only the birthday of our Lord but also to prepare for his coming again.
In our World today we often see only darkness and all the things that are wrong.
Let us see the month of November not just as a time of darkness, but as a time of reflection and hope.
et us use this time to get to know ourselves better, to focus on the essentials and to deepen our faith.
In this time of transience and remembrance, we can strengthen our relationship with God and our fellow human beings and prepare ourselves for what may come.
Joy Smith
Licensed Lay Minister