Looking back and looking forward
REMEMBRANCE
Yesterday we commemorated all who died fighting for their country – especially the 31 men from Langdale who died in the World Wars. We were blessed to be joined by a serving soldier, Emma Corrie from the Royal Engineers, who carried the Standard for us. The tone was a mixture of sombreness as we looked again at the awful statistics of the WW1 slaughter, through the eyes of the poet: Leslie Coulson. But also of joy as we celebrated the exact centenary of the Armistice – the making of Peace. We sang again some of the old, meaningful Remembrance hymns. And there was a wonderful reconnection with one of our First World War fallen, Percy Earl. His niece, Margery Spencer, came back to the valley she was brought up in and talked about her uncle… She never met him directly, but her father would often talk about him. And a year or two ago as a family they had taken a bit of Langdale earth (and some Grasmere gingerbread!) over to his grave in NORTHERN France.
The Kingdom Season Colour: The colour of red is commonly used in church during this month – a colour which reflects both the work of the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. Red Poppies are used extensively at this time as a symbol of remembrance for people who have died or suffered in war or conflict.
Holy Trinity certainly had a wonderful display of poppies, and underneath the “Roll of Honour” commemorating WW1 dead there were photographs and brief biographies of the Langdale men who died. We gathered around the War Memorial in the Churchyard afterwards in a bit of a shower – but not much hardship compared to what they suffered in the trenches.
It was good to see an excellent turnout of local people, along with several visitors.
NOVEMBER DISCUSSION GROUP
The discussion group continues on Wednesday evenings in the Vicarage – the topic is The Spirituality of Later Years, where people looking forward to retirement as well as others in different phases of retired life come together to share insights, hopes and fears. All are welcome to this – please phone 015394 37267 if you wish to come along.
WELCOME YULE
Later this month we host our wonderful visiting singers from the Harrogate Festival Choral Course. They are a vibrant and exciting group of singers who sing a great variety of Christmas-themed songs, old and new… interspersed with thought-provoking seasonal poetry. This is a hugely popular annual event held this year at 3pm on Sunday, December 2nd. Come early to avoid disappointment. There is no ticket price, but we welcome any donations towards the work and maintenance of the church
CHRISTMAS IN LANGDALE
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT:- Services continue as usual each week at 10.30am., but on Sunday the 23rd the main service will be the Community Carol Service at 3pm, followed by mince pies and hot drinks. This is an enjoyable and well-supported occasion, highly recommended to any one who wants to hear or sing the much loved Christmas carols and follow the Nativity story through readings. It is a candle-lit service and highly suitable for people of all ages.
SUNDAY MORNING EUCHARIST. There will still be a short, said Eucharistic service at 10.30am on the Sunday morning (23rd December) for those who wish to take Communion, but aren’t able to later in the Christmas period.
CHRISTMAS EVE MIDNIGHT SERVICE. On the Monday of Christmas Eve, we shall have our carol-accompanied Midnight Communion. This too is a candle-lit service and a very atmospheric time as we see in Christ’s birthday together.
CHRISTMAS MORNING ALL AGE PRAISE. On Christmas Day itself, please join us for a happy, family occasion as we come together, and have a little foretaste of the peace and joy our Saviour came to bring. There is a brief said Communion for those who wish to receive it, immediately after the end of the family service.