Dear Friends,
Today is a special occasion in the life of our church and of our country as we gather to give thanks to God for those who, down the years have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedom. We welcome all who have come to share with us in worship and thanksgiving. In Dunino we welcome the Rev Dr James Walker to our pulpit, and in Holy Trinity we welcome our Interim Moderator, Rev Alastair Symington.
Last Sunday we celebrated the sacrament of Holy Communion when we shared the symbols of bread and wine that are a living memorial of all that Christ has done for us. Today we are ourselves the living memorial of all that has been sacrificed for our freedom in years gone by, and it is right that we should give thanks and remember. It is also right that we should, as we are able, take responsibility for our future, for it is up to us to do what we can to ensure a safe and peaceful tomorrow for our church, our community, our land and our world.
Many of us are wearing poppies today. During WW1, much of the fighting took place in Western Europe. The countryside was blasted, bombed and fought over repeatedly. Previously beautiful landscapes turned to mud; bleak and barren scenes where little or nothing could grow, that is except the ever-resilient poppy. So it is that the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance and of hope. Whilst it represents all those who lost their lives on active service, it also honours the contribution of civilian services and the uniformed services which contribute to national peace and security in our own day. So, as we give thanks, let us wear our poppies with pride, and let us look forward with hope.
With love and blessings,
Marion
Categories: Minister's Blog