Over the past few days I’ve been reflecting on, and preparing for, Remembrance Sunday when we remember the sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. We remember the families of those who serve, and the vital role of the emergency services. Through this time, I’ve been repeatedly reminded of Jesus serving His disciples by washing their feet and His ultimate sacrifice of serving by giving His life upon the cross.

In another part of the Bible it says, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever desires to be first in the group must be the slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44). Humbly and lovingly serving one another is a sign of greatness in the eyes of God. It’s not about serving another for any type of recognition or about serving another grudgingly. Jesus emphasises that our service to others should come solely out of love for others and to serve others with humility.

Even though the disciples had lived with Jesus for three years, listening to all His teachings and watching as He compassionately responded to those in need, they were still shocked by Jesus, in this simple act, doing the work of a servant by washing their dirty feet. It was contrary to all social conventions and Peter was particularly indignant that Jesus didn’t lower himself to this. But Jesus teaches that He has come to serve not be served. Truly serving others in a Christ-like manner is about sincerely caring about others and treating all people, but especially the most marginalised of society, with dignity and respect. It’s about serving others not self.

I don’t want to imagine how our world would be today without our armed forces, the commonwealth, and our emergency services serving us day in day out. It’s important to take time to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. It’s important to remember the families of each person who has served or is currently serving and the sacrifice that they make every day in the service of others, some making the ultimate sacrifice.

We will remember them.

Southam’s Remembrance Service will be held at St James Church on Sunday 10th November. The parade will gather by 10am at The Bowling Green ready to be in position to set off at 10:30am under the direction of the Air Cadets Parade Marshall. The public are encouraged to follow the parade, but anyone with mobility issues will be able to access the church prior to the service which begins at 10:45am.