All Souls Memorial Service Hymn Numbers taken from Hymns Old and New (New Anglican Edition 1996) A Cry of Hope The Gathering The service begins in semi-darkness. Some quiet music is played. Please sit or kneel during this time for reflection and prayer. The Service of Light All are invited to join in with the following chant several times: The Lord is my light, my light and salvation; in God I trust, in God I trust. When the ministers enter, all stand. You, O Lord, are my lamp. You turn our darkness into light. Give thanks to the Father, who has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and made us partakers in the inheritance of the saints in light. A minister brings in a light, and says: Jesus Christ is the Light of the world: a light no darkness can quench. Hymn Christ, whose glory fills the skies (HO&N 82) Light Prayer Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. He is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise. Blessed are you, Lord our God, lover of souls, you uphold us in life and sustain us in death: to you be glory and praise for ever! For the darkness of this age is passing away as Christ the bright and morning star brings to his saints the light of life. As you give light to those in darkness who walk in the shadow of death, so remember in your kingdom your faithful servants, that death may be for them the gate to life and to unending fellowship with you; where with your saints you live and reign one in the perfect union of love
now and for ever. May God, who gives us the light of his grace, grant that we may come to behold the light of his glory. Lights are switched on. All sit. Welcome and Introduction The Collect The minister invites the people to stand and pray quietly, and then the Collect for All Souls Day is said. Hymn: O Love that wilt not let me go (HO&N 384) The Word of God (from Psalm 86) Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and in misery. Preserve my soul, for I am faithful; save your servant, for I put my trust in you. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for you are my God; I call upon you all the day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For you, Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer and listen to the voice of my supplication. In the day of my distress I will call upon you, for you will answer me. (Pause for Quiet Prayer) Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you, that I may fear your name. I will thank you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and glorify your name for evermore; For great is your steadfast love towards me, for you have delivered my soul from the depths of the grave.
God of mercy, who in your great love drew your Son from the depths of the Pit, bring your people from death to life, that we may rejoice in your compassion and praise you now and for ever. Bible Reading: Luke 7:11-17 At the end: This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Sermon Hymn: I heard the voice of Jesus say (HO&N 231) The Prayers A Commemoration of the Faithful Departed The people bring their candles to be lit from the Paschal Candle, and then place them on the Cross. All are invited to sing quietly the following choruses: Kindle a flame to lighten the dark and take all fear away. Within our darkest night, You kindle a flame that never dies away, That never dies away. When all candles are lit, the people sit or kneel. You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power. For you have created all things, and by your will they have their being. You are worthy, O Lamb, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign with you on earth. The names of those to be remembered are read aloud. Then follows a time of silent commemoration and prayer. Jesus says: This is the will of him that sent me that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Lord God, creator of all, you have made us creatures of this earth, but have also promised us a share in life eternal. According to your promises, may all who have died in the peace of Christ share with the saints in the joy of heaven where there is neither sorrow nor pain, but life everlasting. Alleluia! Hear us, O merciful Father, as we remember in love those whom we have placed in your hands. Acknowledge, we pray, the sheep of your own fold, lambs of your own flock, sinners of your own redeeming. Enfold them in the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and in the glorious company of the saints in light. Prayers for those who mourn (other Prayers of Intercession may be added, as appropriate) The following response may be used: Lord, in your mercy hear our prayer. The Lord s Prayer Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. All stand. Candles are extinguished carefully. The Peace The peace of the risen Lord be always with you and also with you. All may share a sign of peace with those around them.
Conclusion Hymn: Love divine, all loves excelling (HO&N 321) (During which the offerings of the people may be received) Dismissal Reading (John 5:24-25) All remain standing. Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. This is the gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ. A Song of Anselm Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you; you are gentle with us as a mother with her children. Often you weep over our sins and our pride, tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement. You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds, in sickness you nurse us, and with pure milk you feed us. Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life; by your anguish and labour we come forth in joy. Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness; through your gentleness we find comfort in fear. Your warmth gives life to the dead, your touch makes sinners righteous. Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us; in your love and tenderness remake us. In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness, for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us. The Blessing and Dismissal Neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God. The ministers and people depart. Taken from a service for The Parish of Inkberrow with Cookhill and Kington with Dormston