You will not have been able to miss that this summer is the centenary of the outbreak of WWI. For many this is a troubling time, for surely we should not be celebrating the outbreak of the war, and yet neither can we forget the event or those who gave their lives in it. And so on 4th August 2014, 100 years after Germany invaded neutral Belgium, the event which trig-gered Britain’s declaration of war to defend her ally, people are invited to mark the occasion by looking back and then looking forward. Your village churches will normally be open on this day so you might want to go there for a moment of quiet reflection. Much has changed in the last 100 years, but many problems remain. Much has been learned but there is also so much more to be learnt for our world to be a more peaceful place. As we commemorate this day, may we all find it in ourselves to pledge to work for a better world for all people regardless of age, gender, colour or faith.
The Church of England has produced a prayer for marking the centenary of the First World War which will be used in Church. You may want to pray it or just read it as you remember. A copy can be found in Church or in Pew News.
The Most holy Trinity Hinton-in-the-hedges will be hosts to a service of Commemoration on Sunday 3rd August at 11am to which everybody is invited.
Take care & God Bless
SIMON