VE Day Service of Reflection 

Service of Reflection

A Moment of Reflection
on the 75th Anniversary of VE Day

 

We read from the Bible…

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. 
Psalm 46.1

I lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 
Psalm 121.1-2
 

Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint. 
Isaiah 40.31

What does the Lord require of you but to do justice,
and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 
Micah 6.8

 

Hymn: O God Our Help in Ages Past

 


1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
 
2. Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.
 
3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
 
4. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
 
5. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last,
And our eternal home.


Thanksgiving

A Tribute to The Millions
Let us remember those who so selflessly gave
their lives at home and abroad, 
whose sacrifice enables us to enjoy the
peace and freedom we have today.
Let us remember those who came home
wounded, physically and mentally, and
the friends and family who cared for them.
Let us remember those who returned to
restore their relationships and rebuild
their working lives after years of dreadful
conflict and turmoil.
Let us remember the families that lost
husbands, sons and sweethearts.
Let us remember the servicemen, merchant
seamen, miners, brave civilians and others from
Commonwealth and Allied countries
who fought, suffered and died during
several years of war.
Let us remember those in reserved occupations
and the brave people who
kept us safe on the home front – the
doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded,
the women and men who toiled in the
fields, those who worked in factories,
who all played such a vital role
in the war effort at home.

Almighty God in whose hand are the living and the dead: we give you thanks for all your servants who have laid down their lives in the service of their country. Grant to them your mercy, and the light of your presence, that the good work you have begun in them may be perfected, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Most gracious God and Father, in whose will is our peace: turn our hearts and the hearts of all people to yourself, that by the power of your spirit, the peace which is founded on righteousness may be established throughout the world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection 

 
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(To read a text version of Suzanne's Relection, please click here)

Prayers of Intercession

O Lord our God,
as we remember, teach us the ways of peace. 

As we treasure memories, teach us to hope. 
As we give thanks for the sacrifices of the past, 
help us to make your future in this world, until your kingdom come.  Amen.
 
Strengthen our hearts, and hands, and minds, O Lord,
to work together for peace;
to see you in one another; to serve one another; 
to draw strength in the challenges of our own times from the
example of previous generations;
and to seek your kingdom above all things;
that your will may be seen to be done
and your kingdom come, through Jesus Christ,
the Lord of Lords and King of kings. Amen

 

Our Father,
who art in heaven hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

The Commitment to Peace

Let us pledge ourselves today to live as good neighbours, to honour the past, to care for all who are in need, and to live at peace among ourselves and with all people.

 

Lord God, Father of all,
we pledge ourselves
to serve you and this neighbourhood,
to bring relief to all who are in need,
and comfort to the sad, lonely, and distressed;
Keep us ever mindful of the struggles
and achievements of former generations,
and of this place where we make our home,
now, and in the days to come. Amen.

 

Hymn: Brother, Sister, Let Me Serve You

 

1. Brother, sister, let me serve you;
let me be as Christ to you;
pray that I may have the grace to
let you be my servant too.

2. We are pilgrims on a journey,
and companions on the road;
we are here to help each other
walk the mile and bear the load.

3. I will hold the Christlight for you
in the nighttime of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
speak the peace you long to hear.



4. I will weep when you are weeping;
when you laugh I'll laugh with you;
I will share your joy and sorrow,
till we've seen this journey through.

5. When we sing to God in heaven,
we shall find such harmony,
born of all we've known together
of Christ's love and agony.


The Blessing

God grant to the living grace,
the departed rest,
the Church, the Queen,
the Commonwealth and all the world peace and concord;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.

 

 Salisbury 

This order of service includes material from: Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, and Times and Seasons which is copyright © The Archbishops Council 2000.  Hymns reproduced under CCLI 226106 and are covered for online use by a Streaming Licence.
 

Suzanne Pattle, 07/05/2020