SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

On Sunday evening (10.11.2024) a Remembrance Service was held in Chapel attended by students, staff, parents and guardians. Students Maya L (8N) and Rachel F (9H), read from Lamentations 3:21-23 and Isaiah 40:31 respectively while Emily H (13S), Deputy Head Girl, and Lisa O (13S), Head Girl, read from Micah 4:1-5 and Matthew 5:1-12 respectively. Deputy Head Girl Kat K (13H) read ‘In Flanders Fields’ (John McCrae 1872-1918) and Addy T (13H), International Senior Prefect, led us in prayer.

The Quire delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of John Rutter's A Flower Remembered, originally composed to commemorate the Japanese tsunami of 2011.

The service provided us with the opportunity to commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may together live in freedom, justice in peace. Wreaths were laid as follows:

The two-minute silence was signalled by The Last Post and ended by The Reveille, both played by the Principal Cornet of Welwyn Garden City Band, Miss Ruth Lowe.

In her sermon, Reverend Kate reflected that our Remembrance Service was located in the past, present and future: the past sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedom and security, the present conflicts and challenges of the world today which concerns us and the future vision presented by the Prophet Micah in which people live according to God’s Kingdom which is without injustice, fear and conflict.

Reverend Kate wondered how it is possible for us to be hopeful of a peaceful future for our young people, in answer to which we call to mind Jesus’ words: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5). These words remind us that peace is a divine calling to each of us to build a peaceful world. Reverend Kate said that God’s blessing is our command and that in the actions of peacemakers we find hope which is nurtured by every act of kindness, every gesture of understanding and every effort towards reconciliation which brings us closer to the Prophet Micah’s vision which God intends for humanity.

Reverend Kate said that the promise of peace is both a right and a challenge for our young people and so it is the role of adults to teach and empower them to be the next generation of peacemakers. Reverend Kate said that as peacemakers we can become beacons of light and bridge-builders who promote justice and heal wounds, knowing that peace is not simply a destination but a journey that requires courage, fortitude and commitment – the very qualities of those people for whom we were gathered in remembrance.

In closing, Reverend Kate invited us to model for each other what it means to be a peacemaker so that together we can build a future where every young person grows up defined not by war but by being children of God, bearers of hope and creators of lasting peace.

Reverend Kate read ‘Let there be peace’ by Lemn Sissa

ACT OF REMEMBRANCE ON ARMISTICE DAY

On Monday 11th November the Senior Prefect Team led an Act of Remembrance on Trew Lawn. Having delivered a powerful rendition of ‘What are we fighting for?’ (Brian Moses), the Senior Prefect Team then read ‘What are we remembering for’ before Head Girl, Lisa O (13S), read an extract from ‘For the Fallen’ (Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), and Mr Treadgold played The Last Post which preceded two minutes’ silence and concluded with The Reveille.

ACT OF WORSHIP

For our Act of Worship this week we sang ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, forgive our foolish ways’. Mr Sheldon, Farah K-E (8S) and Alexia E (8S) read from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15:11-24, which is the story of the prodigal son and his brother.

Reverend Kate said that our hymn is her favourite as she thinks it is both a recognition that we all make mistakes, and an acknowledgement that God is ready, willing and able to forgive them. Reverend Kate said that God’s forgiveness is very good news for her and likely to be good news for us because it is easy to say or do things we may regret later as we navigate the challenges of school, the complexities of friendships and the expectations of family and society.

Reverend Kate asked us whether we had ever felt like the younger son in the story who, having spent all his share of the inheritance, likely ended up feeling lonely, ashamed and regretful?

Life in school can be tough. As Reverend Kate said, there are times when friendships get messy; maybe someone spread a rumour or said something hurtful in the heat of the moment. Perhaps someone held onto a grudge or a classmate has let anger and resentment build up. Reverend Kate wondered what would happen if, in such situations, we chose to forgive in the same way as the father in our Bible story which, of course, is the way in which God forgives: immediately, unconditionally and lovingly?

Reverend Kate said that to forgive does not mean to forget what happened or to say that it was okay. To forgive means to let go of the hurt so it doesn’t control us anymore and to free ourselves from bitterness, which is freeing not just for the person being forgiven but to us as well.

Reverend Kate said that sometimes the hardest person to forgive is yourself. We all hold onto mistakes, failures and regrets but God’s message is clear: we are loved, we are not defined by our mistakes, we are forgiven people.

Encouraging us to take the words of our hymn into our daily lives, Reverend Kate gave us a few ideas:
Let go of grudges. If there is someone we are angry with, ask God to help us forgive them.
Forgive yourself. If we are holding onto guilt, shame or regret then remember that God’s love is bigger than our biggest mistake.
Be kind to others. Maybe there is someone who needs a second chance; if so, be the person who shows grace and kindness.

Reverend Kate concluded in prayer:

Loving God
We acknowledge that we are not perfect, and that we make mistakes for which we are sorry.
So, in the days ahead, we pray that you will grant us opportunities and courage to both seek and grant forgiveness.
Amen.