Remembrance Day 2025

Remembrance Day

On Sunday, we honoured everyone who courageously gave their lives for our freedom, reflecting the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We thank God for the countless men and women worldwide who have fought, and continue to fight, for justice, peace, and respect among people.
This year marks eighty years since the end of the Second World War, commemorated by Remembrance Services in countries impacted by Nazi aggression and those that contributed volunteers to the fight.
It is important to acknowledge that many of the conflicts involving Britain’s service men and women are not distant historical events. Among these are the Falklands War, the Balkan Wars, the Gulf War, the Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan.

We also remember the families left behind, those who lost love ones and those families whose loved ones returned home broken, many dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other physical or mental health challenges resulting from conflict.

We appreciate the ongoing support offered by medical services and charities to veterans and active military members. Below is a list of agencies available to provide help to those in need.

Currently, it is estimated that 32 to 56 conflicts exist around the globe, whether or not we are personally affected.
The prayer below, written by a thirteen-year-old girl for the millennium and displayed in the chapel at the National Memorial Arboretum, remains meaningful and relevant today.

Dear Lord, our Heavenly Father
In a world of darkness give us your light
In lands of war and prejudice grant us peace
In a world of despair give us hope
In a world of sadness and tears show us your joy
In a world of hatred show us your love
In a world of arrogance give us humility
In a world of disbelief give us faith
Give us courage to face the challenges
of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked
housing the homeless and healing the sick.
Give us the power to make a difference in your world
and to protect your creation.
THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
Amen.

Anna Crompton Age 13 (displayed on the Chapel wall at the National Memorial Arboretum)

Click the link below for The Methodist Church Remembrance resources and information.
https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/ministries/chaplaincy/exploring-chaplaincy/forces-chaplaincy/resources-for-chaplains-and-churches/resources-for-methodist-churches/?utm_source=Methodist%20Church%20House&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=15238692_Methodist%20News%2006%2F10%2F2025&dm_i=BVI,92M90,1Q9N51,11Y3RF,1 https://www.theasc.org.uk/get-help-contact-us/

Support Numbers/Websites

Veterans Welfare Service: Provides one-to-one support through welfare managers for veterans and their families regarding issues like transitioning to civilian life. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk/about#:~:text=Contents&text=We%20also%20provide%20welfare%20support,UK%20helpline:%200808%201914%20218.https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/
Veterans UK Helpline: 0808 1914 218
Veterans Gateway:

Provides 24/7 advice and support for urgent needs, as well as a signposting service.
Phone: 0808 802 1212 Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-support-for-veterans-and-their-familieshttps://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/
Royal British Legion: Royal British Legion: Offers financial advice, as well as other welfare and support services.
Phone: 0808 802 8080 Website: Learn more about how the Royal British Legion can help.
Help for Heroes: Offers support services and has a helpline for those needing to talk.
Phone: 0300 303 9888 Website: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/https://www.ssafa.org.uk/?msclkid=4202b81cfb891611c77ad10d001a7c23
SSAFA: Provides financial and other support, including help with mobility and household items.
Phone: 0800 260 6780 Website:https://www.ssafa.org.uk/?
Combat Stress: Offers specialist clinical treatment for veterans dealing with mental health issues like PTSD.
Phone: 0800 138 1619 (24/7) Text: 07537 173 683 Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk Website: https://combatstress.org.uk/

Police Care UK: Provides financial and psychological assistance to all UK serving and retired police officers, staff, and volunteers who have been harmed through their work.
Care Of Police Survivors (COPS): Supports the families of police officers who have died on duty, helping them to rebuild their lives and connect with other survivors.
The Firefighters Charity: We're the UK fire family's charity, providing timely clinical care and wellbeing support to members of the UK's fire services and their families.

Phone: 0300 373 0896 Website: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ https://www.theasc.org.uk/get-help-contact-us/
The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC): This national charity supports the mental, physical, and financial wellbeing of current and former ambulance staff and volunteers, including control room and support staff. They offer services like mental health support, financial assistance, and physical rehabilitation.
Phone: 02477 987 922 Website: https://www.theasc.org.uk/get-help-contact-us/