There has been a lot of work behind the scenes this year to produce some great new ideas for our Service of Remembrance next week. Members of the congregation have come together to produce a version of the hymn, “O God our help in ages past”. This is something we hope to repeat at our Christmas services. We have also received many photographs of those who served and those who suffered.
In conducting funerals over the years, I have been aware of how the suffering was not limited to those who wore a uniform. Many young couples, engaged or recently married were separated for many years. Children did not recognise their father when he came home. And what about those who felt that killing under any circumstances was wrong? The war years were often bitterly hard for them.
Next week we will focus in our time of Remembrance on those who wore the uniform and reflect, during the sermon, on those who did not.