THE COLLEGIATE AND PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY’S
BENEFICE OF SWANSEA CENTRAL
COMMEMORATION SERVICE FOR THE SOUTH ATLANTIC MEDAL ASSOCIATION 1982 FALKLANDS WAR VETERANS, WALES BRANCH
2.30pm Sunday, 8th June, 2008
Led by John Anthony, Reader in the Rectorial Benefice of Central Swansea
We are here to worship Almighty God, whose purposes are always good and whose power sustains
the world he is making. In gathering today in order to remember with gratitude fallen comrades and those who were killed in action during the Falklands War, we also recall those whose lives have been stricken with memories of their own, who continue to suffer as a result of war. In asking for God’s blessing and healing, we acknowledge the revelation of His true nature and compassion seen in the life of our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose prayer we share together, saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
St Luke 8, verses 22 – 26
SHORT ADDRESS
HYMN 537 : O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST
AN ACT OF COMMITMENT
On behalf of those who served on RFA Sir Galahad (subsequently scuttled at sea as a war grave), RFA Sir Tristram and HMS Glamorgan and all who lost their lives in Operation “Corporate”, South Atlantic Campaign 1982.
Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and of all people, that we who are left may help and encourage and comfort others, support those working for the relief of the needy and for the peace and welfare of all nations.
Lord God our Father,
We pledge ourselves to serve you and all people, in the cause of justice and of peace,
for the relief of want and suffering, and for the reality of your presence in all places and situations here on earth.
Where ever duty might take us and whatever responsibilities are laid upon us,
guide us by your Spirit, give us wisdom and courage, grant us hope and keep us faithful, now and always. Amen.
Let the memory good Lord of the devotion to duty and ultimate sacrifice of those we remember today be for ever an example to us, that, at the last, we being faithful unto death may receive with them the crown of eternal life. Amen.
Bugler last post
THE ACT OF REMEMBRANCE
Let us remember before God those who made the great sacrifice………..
In friendship and service to one another, we pledge to keep alive the memory of those of all nations who died in the cause of War in the Falklands. In their name we give ourselves to this noble cause.
Proudly and thankfully we will remember them.
We will remember them.
Almighty God, maker of earth and sky and sea, we give thanks for the freedom in which
we enjoy the beauty of the created world; and we remember with gratitude and humility those of our number who paid that freedom’s price.
May not only our memories, but commitment to and through our association, further the cause of justice, freedom and peace in our country and in the world; in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Amen.
The congregation sit to listen to “Brothers in Arms” and reflect for a while.
Bugler reveille
yn annwyl i mi,
gwlad beirdd a chantorion,
enwogion o fri.
Ei gwrol rhyfelwyr
Gwlad-garwyr tra mad,
Dros rhyddid collasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad, gwlad, pleidiol wyf i’m gwlad!
Tra mor yn fur i’r bur hoff bau,
O bydded i’r hen iaith barhau.
THE BLESSING
Go forth into the world in peace, be of good courage, hold fast to that which is good, render to no one evil for evil, support the weak, help the afflicted, honour all people, love and serve the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing……..Amen.