Remembrance Sunday

The evening service on Sunday 9th November saw Bethel Chapel full to the seams with people wanting simply to honour people who had fought for freedom in wars, some who had lost their lives, some who had been wounded, and others who came home never the same again. People had gathered to thank God for peace and safety and to pray.

The service included beautiful old hymns, sung with strength and meaning - O God our Help in Ages Past, O Valiant Hearts, Make me a Channel of your Peace, I Vow to thee my Country and The Day Thou Gavest Lord is Ended. The words, said by an ex-soldier, “They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old…….” brings a lump to everyone’s throat, and the sound of the bugle for Last Post and Reveille tests everyone’s ability to keep their emotions under control.

There were lovely, comforting, strengthening readings from the Bible by Sue and Jonathan Wilding and beautiful solos by Beryl Hill - “You raise me Up”, and “Do not Stand at my Grave and Weep”. There were prayers for peace, prayers of thanksgiving and a most moving time when the Buffs stood and sang their heart-rending “Absent Brethren.” We lit candles in memory of someone we love who are no longer living on earth and we offered poppies in thankfulness at the foot of the Cross of Christ to those who had laid down their lives for us to live in freedom, as did Jesus.

Jesus said “Blessed are the peace-makers, for they will be called sons of God.” Jesus also said “Greater love has no man than this - that he lay down his life for his friends.” As One who laid down His own life so that we could be Friends of God, each year, Remembrance Sunday holds more and more deeper meaning.

Until next year, as we worship and serve Him, may the God of Peace bless us all.