Last Sunday, following the Act of Remembrance at the village war memorial, there was a service of remembrance in St. James' Church. The vicar, Rev. Victor Millgate, welcomed members from Penuel Chapel and other churches who had joined in a united service.
The reading was from Isiah Ch61 verses 1-4 and 11.
In his sermon, the vicar reflected that this was the 90th anniversary of the ending the First World War. We remember with gratitude all those who died then, and in the many following conflicts since, who also gave their lives for our freedom today.
The vicar mentioned that the Remembrance was not just part of history. Only last week, in Warren Church, Castlemartin, he noticed that the bandspeople of the Light Calvary, who were so young (of an age group often wrongly perceived lacking in social conscience and responsibility), wore medals showing their bravery of active service in conflicts today.
So Remembrance is not only for recording those who have died so bravely in the past, but also for making sure those who have been injured then and now receive fair compensation and support, that bereaved families are properly cared for and their needs supplied.
Today's servicemen and women should receive adequate training, equipment and resources to ensure their own safety whilst serving the country.
The Rev. Victor had said earlier in the service how good it was so many people had come together on this Remembrance Day, that God wants us to be united, one family with one head, God our Father, and he closed his sermon by quoting verse 11 of the day's reading, Isiah, "Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so men may bring you the wealth of the Nations."
The service this Sunday is a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 11.15 am. A very cordial welcome is extended to all.