November 2022
Recently, whilst walking through Horse Guards Parade in London, I noticed the fresh, young faces of the troops of the Blues and Royals on ceremonial duty. These are not just ceremonial soldiers who do duty in London, but also do military service as armoured reconnaissance troops. I was reminded that many of the names we shall read out at War Memorials or Cenotaphs are those of young people, whose lives were cut short by the act of war and military conflict. The young troopers on duty in London had no idea who I was (why should they?), and I did not know them. But I hope – for their sake and their families’ sakes – that they will never have their name read out on Remembrance Sunday.
This year, the Royal British Legion has an advertising campaign which reminds us that we probably don’t know any of the former service personnel whom they support. They tell us that those who serve in the navy, army and air force don’t know who we are – and yet they are prepared to serve our country on our behalf, and are ready to put their lives on the line in doing their duty for us.
And when I look at the Commonwealth War Graves in some of our churchyards, I wonder what these local young people from were like – their loves, their hopes, their dreams. And I pray for them and those who grieved for them.
We may well not know those whom we shall commemorate this year and, as the years pass, many have been forgotten. However, the Bible is clear that God knows each one – as the prophet Isaiah puts it (44:21):
“I, the Lord, made you,
and I will not forget you.
Always remember, you are not forgotten.
Not by God.
Be encouraged.”
As we hear the names of the fallen and those who have been forgotten, may we be assured that God remembers and, that in the end, all will be redeemed and nothing will be lost. Not even you or me.
Yours as ever - John
They shall grow not 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.
Services and Events in November
Sunday 20th November Christ the King
8am BCP Holy Communion Ampney St Peter
10am Parish Communion Ampney Crucis
10am Service of the Word Harnhill
Monday 21st November
10.30-12.30 The Dwelling Place Art Cafe Harnhill Centre
Bring your art or craft project or just yourself
for a time just to be and enjoy some coffee and cake
and good company!
Call 01285 - 850283 for more information
Wednesday 23rd November
7.30-8.30pm Time for Peace and Prayer Harnhill Church
8.30pm Compline - A Service of Night Prayer Harnhill Church
Saturday 26th November Advent Eve
6pm Advent Gathering with the Blue Notes Choir -
Preparing for Christmas with seasonal Ampney St Mary (wrap up well & bring a torch!)
readings, songs and carols by candlelight
followed by mulled wine and mince pies!
Sunday 27th November Advent Sunday
8am BCP Holy Communion Harnhill
10am Parish Communion Poulton
10am Service of the Word Harnhill
Wednesday 30th November
7.30-8.30pm Time for Peace and Prayer Harnhill Church
8.30pm Compline - A Service of Night Prayer Harnhill Church
Saturday 3rd December Ampney Crucis Christmas Bazaar
2-3.30pm Christmas Bazaar Ampney Crucis Village Hall
7.30pm Choral Concert
with the Burford Chorale Down Ampney Church
Choral Favourites and Seasonal Songs
Tickets £15 - Mulled Wine and Mince Pies
Sunday 4th December 2nd Sunday of Advent
8am BCP Holy Communion Ampney Crucis
10am Parish Communion Down Ampney
10am Service of the Word Harnhill
Monday 5th December
10.30-12.30 The Dwelling Place Art Cafe Harnhill Centre
Bring your art or craft project or just yourself
for a time just to be and enjoy some coffee and cake
and good company!
Call 01285 - 850283 for more information
Wednesday 7th December
7.30-8.30pm Time for Peace and Prayer Harnhill Church
8.30pm Compline - A Service of Night Prayer Harnhill Church
Contact
Please do get in touch with the Rector - John Swanton - for more information.
01285 851309