Minister’s Message 9 November
Dear Friends
This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday which can be a difficult day for many for a variety of different reasons.
Some may be remembering a loved one who did not return home after the War or whose life was irreversibly changed as a result of their experience of armed conflict. Some may have seen active service themselves in places like Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq or Afghanistan and may have experienced situations of great trauma. For some, therefore, Remembrance Sunday is a day when painful memories are brought to the surface, and it is important that that pain is (privately and publicly) named and acknowledged.
For others, the difficulty comes from a feeling that the pomp and ceremony of the day whether in Whitehall or in our own community can somehow appear to be a glorification of war or a jingoistic celebration of nationalism. It is important that from a Christian perspective, therefore, we seek to look beyond the kingdoms of this world and seek first the Kingdom of God.
Remembrance Sunday is a day when many regularly in church will be absent and many who do not otherwise attend church are there and that presents particular challenges for those of us who lead worship. So please pray that Alex, Christine, Robert and I will be able to strike the right note as we lead the various services and acts of remembrance around Kinross-shire, details of which have been publicised.
The community Remembrance Service in Kinross will begin promptly at 10am, lasting around 40 minutes, and those present will then proceed to the War Memorial to join others who have gathered there for the Two Minutes' Silence and the laying of wreaths. Those who are not able (or do not wish) to go to the War Memorial are invited to remain in the church where the Two Minutes' Silence will also be simply observed at 11am. Others may prefer to attend at the War Memorial first and then attend a shorter than usual Morning Service in the church starting a little after 11.15am. If you plan to arrive at church for that service, please be aware that the High Street will be closed to traffic between Station Road and Green Road from about 10.45 to 11.15am.
Whatever your plans for Remembrance Sunday, take time to pray for all those who find it a difficult day, whatever their reasons may be, and above all pray that the peace of the Prince of Peace may prevail in situations of conflict around the world at this time.
Shalom!
Alan
Revd A D Reid