Rosalind Chatburn opened our Remembrance service by reading from Philippians 2: Christ’s humility and greatness. Our preacher, Robin Perry, led prayers of thanks for our redemption giving us life in all its fullness and asked forgiveness for our misdemeanours. Guy Chatburn read from John 15, Jesus’ command to love one another.
We observed two minutes’ silence reflecting on those who sacrificed so much for our freedom and Robin read prayers for combatants past and present.
Rosalind read from Matthew 8: the centurion’s servant healed by Christ. When the centurion, a commander of men but also subject to senior authority, asked Jesus to heal his very sick servant Jesus offered to visit him. The centurion believed Jesus’ power rendered this unnecessary. Robin examined this response. He recognised and submitted to Jesus’ authority. Do we? Following Paul’s advice to the Philippians he was humble and obedient as Jesus was when facing death by crucifixion. Do we choose the difficult path when faced with a fearsome challenge? The centurion used his authority justly. Leaders must be watchful of abusing their power, recognising and obeying Christ’s authority.
Robin prayed for peace and justice in places of conflict, for our country and our friends, giving thanks for past sacrifices, and we shared the Grace with one another.