As we approach Remembrance Sunday, I have thought of giving you a chaplain ‘s reflexion by Deacon Jo, and I hope you will be uplifted by her writing.
Reminisce Remember Recall Recollect Remind
What do these words all have in common? The prefix ‘re’. Originating from Latin, when we use ‘re’, we mean again, or even again and again. In short, repetition – another ‘re’ word.
The second Sunday in November is Remembrance Sunday. Traditionally a day where whole communities gather to recall, remember, reminisce, recollect and are reminded of conflicts and war, where men, women, children and animals lost their lives or had them significantly changed.
Some may not have directly experienced such loss. But within the military community that is different. Many members of the military have served in conflicts that have changed them; they have seen loss and destruction at close quarters.
Some of them will be able to tell of such events; others will hold these experiences so tight that they feel a physical part of them...and yet they perhaps cannot, or choose not, to speak of them.
I was recently sorting through a few things after a house move. I found a box containing my own Grandfather’s ‘Call-up Notice’ for World War 2, letters that he sent my Grandma, ration books and cap badges from his old uniform.
I wasn’t around then – even my own father hadn’t been born. As I read the letters, I found myself emotionally involved in the lives of my grandparents. I reminisced and was reminded of the world they lived through in the 1940s.
7 Chaplains’ reflections: If we look carefully, we have with us the reminders of the service and sacrifice of others – poppies, war memorials, old letters, medals and Remembrance season are all ways to recall what our family, friends and those unknown to us have been through.
It is right to remember those who have gone before us; we do that all the time. It is appropriate to pause, to gather our thoughts, to gather as a community, to recall and be reminded of events that changed lives and communities.
We may not have a personal memory to connect us to war or conflict, just as I have absolutely no memory of my grandparents’ struggles in WW2, but we can still feel emotionally involved in the story of those who were there.
As we remember again: Let us remember before God, and commend to his sure keeping, those who have died for their country in conflict; those whom we knew, and whose memory we treasure; and all who have lived and died in the service of humanity. ‘They shall not grow 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. We will remember them.’ Deacon Jo Critchley (RAF chaplain)
If you are able to be part of the warm room team this year, may you please talk to any of our stewards today.
A funeral service for Barbara Walker will take place in the church at 1.00 pm on Tuesday 7th November. This will be followed by a service at the Waseley Hills Crematorium at 2.00 pm. Any donations to Longbridge Methodist Church.
REMEMBERANCE SUNDAY, 12 NOVEMBER
The Remembrance Sunday Service on 12 November will begin at 10.50 am to allow us time to observe the one minute silence at 11.00 am.
ALL WE CAN
Envelopes are on the trolley if you would like to give to our annual collection for All We Can. This is a Methodist charity, empowering communities to lead the transformation they want to see. Community mobilization is much more cost effective and sustainable than traditional development.
In Malawi, All We Can is working in partnership with Eagles, transforming communities in Chikwawa. Eagles inspires people through training to work with their talents and abilities to meet challenges and solve problems. This builds collective responsibility and confidence. Projects include tree planting, brick making for building homes for teachers and support for local schools.
Malawi has experienced erratic rain and floods due to climate change. All We Can’s Disaster Relief Reduction identifies risks and promotes a culture of preparedness and resilience.
Please give generously. Thank you.
DAILY BIBLE READING BOOKS FOR 2024
‘Fresh from the Word 2024’ is written to support all readers of the Bible, from new Christians to those seeking to deepen their faith and relationship with God. There is a weekly theme, a daily reading and prayer, and a daily action to bring God into your everyday life. If you are interested in seeing a copy of ‘Fresh from the Word’, please see Elisabeth Osborn, who can give you information about ordering one for next year (with a discount!)
LONGBRIDGE PENS
Once again, our personalized Soft Touch Stylus pens are on sale in the Foyer. This year, due to demand, we have bought 200. First come gets their choice of colour. They make good presents for family or friends.
ONLY £1.50 each (which is the cost price).
FOOD BANK
We collected 125 kg of food at harvest for the Food Bank. Thank you to all who donated.
SHOEBOXES
We are supporting the Samaritan's Purse charity in making up Christmas shoeboxes of goodies and essentials for children around the world who are in need. If you would like to make a box or donate, please see Hazel. Please return all boxes by 19th November.
ALL NOTICES FOR THE NEXT SHEET (SUNDAYS, 19 AND 26 NOVEMBER) SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REMI OLATUNBOSUN OR SENT TO info@longbridgemethodistchurch.org BY WEDNESDAY EVENING, 15 NOVEMBER.
1654/8 Bristol Road South Rednal Birmingham B45 9TY