Every month we submit an article written by one of the elders or church members to Great Shelford's monthly magazine. Here is our latest contribution for the November 2024 edition.

REMEMBERING

Under my bed I have a big box of photographs. There are pictures of my children growing up, pictures of holidays, pictures of family and friends over many years, pictures that probably need to be sorted and put into albums because they hold many memories of the past, which don’t deserve to be hidden under a bed.

Nowadays most of us don’t have physical photographs, but digital pictures that are stored on a phone or somewhere ‘in a cloud’. Perhaps  ‘memories’ are sent to you by Facebook or Google, to remind you of something you were doing this time last year, or three years ago, or ten years ago! You might look at those pictures and remember that particular day, or remark on how much things have changed, how much the children have grown, or simply wonder at how time has gone so quickly!

November is a month for remembering. Armistice (or Remembrance) Day is a day set aside to remember those of our armed forces who lost their lives in two world wars, and also in more recent conflicts. We remember their sacrifice as they served their country, considering them as more than names and numbers, but as men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. Remembering that every one of these was loved, and in their passing are grieved for and missed.

As we consider their sacrifice, we can also remember the sacrifice of Jesus as he laid down his life for each one of us now, and throughout history, for it is in Him alone we  can have hope for a better future.

Jesus said,
 “ Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

So, as we remember those who have gone before, let us also think of those living in war zones today. Let us consider those who are called up to fight, and also those whose lives are lost or damaged by the conflicts raging around them. We may not understand why such violence persists but we can continue to remember them in our thoughts and prayers and ask him who is the Prince of Peace to bring his peace to every land and every heart.  

And may you too, know his peace with you in these times,

God Bless

Diana Parr
Pastor