On the 13th November 2022, at 10.45am, we will gather as a community in our Parish Churches in Powick and Madresfield (Callow End 3pm and Guarlford at 9.30am) to remember those who have died in war. With our friends from the local Royal British Legion branch, we remember and give thanks for those that gave their life in war for us to enjoy peace. Although very few veterans from the Second World War remain, we have as a country been involved in many conflicts since 1945. Some remember loved ones lost more recently in the Falklands, on peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, campaigns in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria or closer to home in Northern Ireland. All are still hugely loved and deeply missed. We should also remember that war continues- not that many flying hours away in The Ukraine…….
Our three Church Schools take Remembrance seriously. For example, children at Callow End School decorate the railings of the village war memorial with poppies and poetry/ artwork which brings a real focus to our remembrance activities in that village. It’s worth stopping and looking if you pass by- its humbling and thought-provoking stuff. On Remembrance Sunday, we should all pause and reflect. We honour those from these villages and parishes who gave their lives for the greater good. Whilst we also recall the horror, and the sacrifice of war.
I’d like to share a story with you. It’s called “Tusk Tusk” by David McKee
Once upon a time long long ago all the elephants in the world were black or white. They loved all creatures … But they hated each other, And each kept to their own side of the jungle.
One day the black elephants decided to kill all the white elephants. And the white ones decided to kill the black. The peace-loving elephants from each side went to live deep in the darkest jungle. They were never seen again.
A battle began. It went on and on and on. Until all the elephants were asleep. For years no elephants were seen. Then one day the grandchildren of the peace-loving elephants came out of the jungle. They were grey. Since then, the elephants have lived in peace. But some of the grey elephants noticed that they had different shaped ears to some of the others.
The End.
On Remembrance Sunday, we pray for peace on earth and an end to the madness & waste of war. In the Bible, the prophet Micah predicts terrible times of war for the people of Israel but then he goes on with this amazing vision – the day when peace will replace warfare and swords will be made into ploughs.
Of course, ultimate peace and justice and joy will come only at the end of time in the Kingdom of God but that doesn’t mean that we just sit and wait – it is never too soon to start cultivating the oasis of peace in the desert of our war-stained world.
In the words of Mahatma Ghandi, “Peace is not something that you wish for. It is something that you make, something that you do, something that you are, something that you give away.” If we truly want to honour those who died in war, we can do no better than by building a more peaceful loving world for their children and ours. So let us be at peace to one another.
Peace begins in our families, our communities and our nation.
Every blessing
Gary