St Paul's Church hosted three services of remembrance, praying for those who have given their lives in the cause of peace.  On Remembrance Sunday, the 10.30 am mass was celebrated as a Requiem for those who have died as a result of war, and during that mass, two minutes' silence was observed at the traditional time of 11.00 am.  The JCs (Sunday School) came into church in time for the silence, and showed off the poppies they had been making as they reflected on the sacrifice that others had made so that we can enjoy peace.

The main Civic Service of Remembrance took place on Sunday afternoon, when we saw St Paul's packed to standing room only, as the village came together to give thanks for those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace.  During the service, the names of all those who had lost their lives in both World Wars were read out by the Scouts and Guides, and candles of remembrance were placed on the altar.  The Civic procession then made its way to the War Memorial, where yet more people were already waiting for our village's two minutes' silence to honour the war dead.  

On Monday, children from St Paul's School, Adlington Primary School and Anderton Primary School gathered to reflect together on the meaning of Remembrance, and then we once more made the journey from Church to the War Memorial to observe the silence at 11.00 am on 11 November.  It was clear from the expressions on the children's faces that this moment was poignant for them, just as it had been the day before for the crowds that gathered.

As we gathered, we were reminded in the sermons that as part of our remembrance, we need to learn the lessons of the past, and seek reconciliation rather than vengeance, in order that the peace of Christ may be brought to bear, and that something of the kingdom of God may be established here on earth.