Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for your concern and prayers at this time. They are greatly appreciated and I can indeed take them as graciously answered by the Lord. 

Having gone into Critical Care on Monday evening I was transferred to Medical Ward on Thursday (if my calculations are right) and then out home on Monday this week. I was grateful for all the good care in hospital, but what a delight and relief it is to be home! My darling wife continues to give me all the care a person could want or need.

My wife and I have received instructions, medicines and a few pieces of equipment that will help me to continue the process of healing at home. In about ten days we shall be at the doctors again, I suppose to take out stitches mainly. 

For service directions we shall have to go one week at a time. It’s clear that for this Sunday the 31st October (All Saints Sunday) I shall not be able to officiate or lead, though hope to make it there at the back.

The Collect for All Saints Sunday is

O Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord: Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Prayer starts, as it were, in heaven, where the action of God is seen to be complete in the perfection of His “elect”, but the emphasis is not so much on individual perfections as on the the knitting together “thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord”. Here we can only imagine the perfection of such communion and fellowship, and walk by faith, following in the footsteps of those who have gone before “in all virtuous and godly living”, so that in due course "we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord”.

Mr. Peter will kindly order the service of Morning Prayer on Sunday, which will be in the customary place and time unless he instructs otherwise.

In faith in the holy Name of our Lord Jesus, who will continue to provide right guidance to us all.

+ Nicholas