Remembrance

I wonder what the word ‘memory’ means to you?

It may bring to mind thoughts of loved ones, past special occasions and events of long ago. You might think of revising for exams and learning things by heart. Or lists of tasks that you need to complete. Memories can be comforting, reassuring, pragmatic and sometimes painful. Our memories shape and mould us and help to make us who we are. The worry of ‘losing’ our memory is an understandable fear, as the ability to remember is not only necessary for daily life, it helps to create our individual and shared experience.

The month of November is full of significant dates that are designed to encourage us to remember specific events, people and causes – ‘Movember’, All Saints Day, Bonfire Night, Remembrance Day, Christ the King, and preparations for Christmas begin on Advent Sunday (27 November).

Remembering is a vital part of what it is to be human and also a Christian. As you read the Bible, it’s fascinating to note the number of times that God tells the people to pause and remember – by building something; wearing something; observing a special event in a particular way. Jesus instituted the sacrament of Communion with the command “Do this in remembrance of me…” And Jesus’ invitation was to his disciples. We remember together. As we remember Christ’s sacrificial love for all, our relationship with God as individuals and as a family of disciples is nourished.

With this in mind, we gather together as a nation on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday to pause, remember and give thanks for all who have given so much for the cause of freedom and peace:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

I hope that you may join us on Remembrance Sunday, 13 November. We will mark Remembrance across all our services, as well as at the community Act of Remembrance by the War Memorial outside St George’s at 10.50am.