Words of Welcome
Douglas, Ashford Wide.
Welcome to the Ashford Remembrance Day service. I am delighted that you can be here with us at our town's place to remember, to join us in remembering those who have courageously served their country and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Bidding Prayer
Minister
We meet in this special place and in the presence of God.
To commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may, together, live in freedom, justice and peace.
We come to pray for all who, in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror.
We come to remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.
Confession & Absolution
Let us confess to God the sins and shortcomings of the world; its pride, its selfishness, its greed; the evil divisions and hatreds.
Let us confess our share in what is wrong, and our failure to seek and establish that peace which God wills for his children.
(Observation of a short silence)
Minister
Almighty God have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen
The Act of Remembrance
Minister
God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know.
Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world,
And grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future;
For you are the source of life and hope, now and forever.
All Amen
The Exhortation
Douglas, Ashford Wide.
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.
All We will remember them
The Last Post
(Silence)
Reveille
Kohima Epitaph
Douglas, Ashford Wide.
When you go home tell them of us and say,
for your tomorrow we gave our today.
Hymn: Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon England's mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!
And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
Bring me my Bow of burning gold:
Bring me my Arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold:
Bring me my Chariot of fire!
I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green & pleasant Land.
Intercessions
Minister
We pray for all who have died or suffer as a result of conflict.
Those whose lives are disfigured by war or terror,
For service men and women, for civilians,
For those held captive, each one remembered by and known to God.
May God give peace
All God give peace
We pray for peacemakers and peacekeepers; those who seek to keep this world secure and free;
For all who bear the burden and privilege of leadership,
Political, military and religious;
Asking for gifts of wisdom and resolve
In the search for reconciliation and peace.
May God give peace:
All God give peace
Finally, we pray for all members of the Armed Forces who are in danger this day, remembering family, friends and all who pray for their safe return.
May God give peace:
All God give peace
Trusting in the compassion of God, let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us.
All:
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.
Act of Commitment
Minister
As we prepare to leave this place let us commit ourselves to responsible living and faithful service.
Will you strive for all that makes for peace?
All We will
Will you seek to heal the wounds of war?
All We will
Will you work for a just future for all humanity?
All We will
Merciful God, we offer to you the fears in us that have not yet been cast out by love:
May we accept the hope you have placed in the hearts of all people, and live lives of justice, courage and mercy; through Jesus Christ our risen Redeemer.
All Amen
The National Anthem
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
Wreath Laying & The Blessing
Wreath Laying
Musical Interlude performed by Staines and Lammas Brass Bands
The Blessing
Minister
God grant to the living grace,
to the departed rest,
to the Church, The King, the Commonwealth
and all people, unity, peace and concord,
and to us and all God's servants, life everlasting.
And the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit be among you all and remain with you always.
All Amen
Go forth with hope and seek for peace in the service of God.
All Amen
Dismissal Parade
This order of service is based on that of the National Memorial Arboretum Service, our national focal point of Remembrance.