Churches November 2024

PCC Meeting

The next meeting of the PCC is on 22nd January 2025.

St Helen's Contact Details

During the Interregnum the Area Dean will be responsible for the Parish.

Rev. Chris Groocock  01670 813358      www.achurchnearyou.com

Thought for the Month - Remembrance

Remembrance is a profound act that transcends time, connecting us to our past while shaping our understanding of the present and future. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals, often in the name of duty, love, and freedom. Whether commemorating fallen soldiers, honouring ancestors, or recalling personal milestones, remembrance carries a weight that invites us to reflect deeply on our shared humanity.

One of the most poignant aspects of remembrance is its ability to foster empathy. When we pause to remember, we engage not only with historical events but also with the emotions and stories of those who lived through them. Each name inscribed on a memorial, each photograph held in a family album, represents a life filled with dreams, struggles, and triumphs. 

In commemorating events such as wars or social movements, we are compelled to confront the darker aspects of our history. This reflection can be uncomfortable, as it forces us to acknowledge injustice, suffering, and loss. However, it can allow us to grow. By facing these truths, we cultivate a collective responsibility to honour those who endured by striving for a better future. This is particularly relevant today as we think about global challenges. 

On a personal level, remembrance often serves as a source of comfort. Recalling cherished moments with loved ones, whether joyous or bittersweet, allows us to celebrate their influence on our lives. Memories can be powerful anchors in a world that often feels chaotic. They remind us of who we are, our values, and the connections that sustain us. In times of grief, remembering can also provide solace, as we find ways to keep the essence of those, we’ve lost alive in our hearts.

As we gather this month in Longhorsley at the village green we may realise this act of remembrance is also inherently communal. This communal aspect fosters solidarity, as we come together to recognize our shared history and its impact on our identities. Church is a community where remembrance plays a vital role. The Christian Eucharist, often called Communion, is a special time when we remember Jesus and what He did for us. This time of remembrance is a sacred act that invites us to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, allowing His love and grace to transform our hearts and guide our lives.

In a rapidly changing world, where the pace of life often accelerates, the importance of remembrance cannot be overstated. It invites us to slow down, reflect, and engage with our history - both personal and collective. Ultimately, remembrance is not just about looking back; it is about using our reflections to illuminate the path forward. So that we can build a world and community rooted in love, compassion and respect for every human being.

In fields of honour, silence falls,

We gather, hear the calls.

For those who fought, both brave and true,

Their sacrifices, we remember you.

Diane Armstrong, St Helen’s Longhorsley

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Other Sunday services by arrangement, information thereof being available from our Contact below.

For our other group meetings, please see the Group Activities sections.

Visitors are always very welcome to all our events.

Contact Ian Pagan 788263 idpagan@btinternet.com

Website: www.longhorsleymission.org.uk

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