Alastair Thom writes…
Will war ever end?
Every generation that experiences the horror of war hopes that the lessons will be learnt. The First World War was ‘the war to end all wars’. And although of course it didn’t, it did perhaps make us less willing to accept the slaughter of the young.
This year with the death of Harry Patch the last living link with the trenches of World War 1 was ended. The horrors are now only available to us in the neat white rows of gravestones in the carefully tended cemeteries of northern France, where the ages make you weep, in the mind boggling statistics of death, and in the grainy grey images. And yet the yearly resolve that we will remember them still matters. It will not end war but it may prevent some.
This week we have been reminded of the cruelty and brutality of conflict. In the complex reality of international politics our outrage does not provide easy answers, but it is right to continue to hope for better. Isaiah, who was well acquainted with the slaughter of war, offered a vision of a better way where swords are turned into ploughshares. That vision is still far off, and yet alongside the wars that still rage, peace has come. As we witness to the reconciliation that was won through the death of Jesus Christ, it is right to honour the dead. The best we can do is to remember them.
Notices:
Advent quiet day at Worth Abbey. Sat 5th December. Event organised by St James Sussex gardens. Please speak to clergy if you would like to go.
Saturday 21st Nov PCC morning to consider our Mission Action Plan.
Saturday 28th November, Mens breakfast and inside work morning at church.
‘THOU SHALL NOT STEAL’ Please do not take cake from the Fairtrade Cafe.
Service Books and Hymn Books. We are no longer automatically handing our service books and hymn books to everyone, as many are happy to read the words off the screen. We will however have them available. Please ask if you would like them.
The Bishop of London will be conducting a confirmation for St Luke’s and Emmanuel, at Emmanuel on 7th January. If you are interested in being confirmed please talk to one of the clergy or Dee.
Emmanuel Cafe – now open on Weds from 10.30-12.30. Drop in, or if you’d like to help see Cheryl Buchanan. (07910 523 010).
Next Week – 15th November 2009
10.30am Holy Communion
6.30pm Evening Prayer
7.30pm ‘Expression Youth Group
This Week
Mon. 9th Nov 8.00pm – Mission action planning group
Tue. 10th Nov 10-11.30am – Carers and Toddlers’ Drop-in
6.30pm – 8.00pm Rainbows and Brownies
Wed. 11th Nov. 5.30pm – 7.00pm – Wednesday Club (7-10yrs)
Thur. 12th Nov. 9.15am – St Luke’s School Service
6.00-8.30pm Beavers & Cubs
