United Benefice of St.Mary, Higham Ferrers, and St. John, Chelveston
The United Benefice of St Mary the Virgin, Higham Ferrers with St John the Baptist, Chelveston-cum-Caldecott
Sunday 1st November 2026
Feast of All Saints
Father Paul introduces our Meeting Point service for the Feast of All Saints
HYMN
For all the saints who from their labours rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesu, be for ever blest:
Alleluia, alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine.
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine:
Alleluia, alleluia!
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Words:-William W How (1823-1897)
Tune:- R. Vaughan Williams (1876 – 1958)
BIBLE READING – VERSES FROM HEBREWS 11 AND 12
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrew 11:1-2, 13, 39-40; 12:1-3
HYMN
For all the saints who showed your love
in how they lived and where they moved,
for mindful women, caring men,
accept our gratitude again.
For all the saints who loved your name,
whose faith increased the Saviour's fame,
who sang your songs and share your word,
accept our gratitude, good Lord.
For all the saints who named your will,
and showed the kingdom coming still
through selfless protest, prayer, and praise,
accept the gratitude we raise.
Bless all whose will or name or love
reflects the grace of heaven above.
Though unacclaimed by earthly powers,
your life through theirs has hallowed ours.
Words: John Bell (b.1949) & Graham Maule (b.1958)
Music: O WALY WALY, English Traditional Melody
A GREAT SERMON ABOUT ALL SAINTS DAY
FINAL PRAYER AND BLESSING
A MEDITATION ON ALL SAINTS DAY
FINAL PRAYER AND BLESSING
HYMN
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.
Oh, when the revelation comes
Oh, when the revelation comes
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the revelation comes.
Oh, when the new world is revealed
Oh, when the new world is revealed
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the new world is revealed
Oh, when they gather round the throne
Oh, when they gather round the throne
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When they gather round the throne.
Oh, when they crown him lord of all
Oh, when they crown him lord of all
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When they crown him lord of all
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.
Trad. Arranged by John Rutter (b.1945)
Material used in this service is copyright of its respective rights owners. Music and hymn words are reproduced under ONE LICENSE number A-633137, Church Copyright License 2148907 and Music Reproduction License 2216255. Material in this order of service is taken from Common Worship, copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000-2006 and is used here with permission. www.commonworship.com.
images by permission of www.christart.com