City of Wakefield Metropolitan District
Remembrance Sunday, 12 November 2023
Parade and Service of Remembrance
Call to Worship and Act of Remembrance
led by the Rt Rev’d Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield.
God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Ps.46.1
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall
mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40.31
We meet in the presence of God. We commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations, that all people may, together, live in freedom, justice and peace. We pray for all who in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror. We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.
Serving They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
Soldier age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
we will remember them.
All We will remember them.
The Last Post is sounded. The two minutes silence is observed. The Reveille is sounded.
Ever-living God, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
Hymn
The hymns are accompanied by the Wakefield Metropolitan Band and led by the Choir of Wakefield Cathedral.
1 O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home.
2 Under the shadow of thy throne,
thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone,
and our defence is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God,
to endless years the same.
4 A thousand ages, in thy sight,
are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night,
before the rising sun.
5 Time, like an ever rolling stream
bears all its sons away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.
6 O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come;
be thou our guide while troubles last,
and our eternal home.
Prayers
The Prayers are led by the Very Rev’d Simon Cowling, Dean of Wakefield.
To the words ‘Lord, in your mercy’ please respond ‘hear our prayer’.
The Laying of the Wreaths
The wreaths are laid at the memorial whilst the band plays suitable music.
If you have a wreath to lay, please move to the wreath laying area as soon as the music starts to play. There follows an anthem sung by the choir and the Act of Re-dedication led by the Rt Rev’d Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield.
Act of Re-dedication
Bishop God, who has made us one with Himself through His Son Jesus Christ, calls us to share in his work of reconciliation. Let us commit ourselves to responsible living and faithful service.
Will you strive for all that makes for peace?
All We will.
Will you seek to heal the wounds of war?
All We will.
Will you work for a just future for all?
All We will.
Merciful God, we offer to you the fears in us that have not yet been cast out in love: may we accept the hope you have placed in the hearts of all people, and live lives of justice, courage and mercy.
Bishop We draw our prayers together as we pray the prayer that Jesus himself gave us:
All 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.
Hymn
1 Eternal Father strong to save
whose arm has bound the restless wave.
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
2 O mighty Saviour, strong in power
our soldiers shield in dangers hour
from fear and failure, fire and foe,
protect them wheresoe’er they go.
and guard them when they guard the right
and give them victory in the fight.
3 Eternal Spirit, to thy care,
we trust our men who brave the air,
be thou their guard in daring heights
be thou their guide in distant flights;
O hear our cry and answer prayer
for those in danger in the air.
4 O Trinity of might and love
relieve and succour from above.
This world for which the Saviour died,
and grant that through the Crucified,
this world may ride to nobler things
till Christ be crowned the King of Kings.
The Bishop gives the blessing.
Bishop God grant to the living grace, to the departed rest,
to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth and all the world, unity, peace and concord.
And the blessing of God almighty,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with us all
and remain with us always.
All Amen.
Serving When you go home tell them of us and say,
Soldier for your tomorrow we gave our today.
The National Anthem
God save our gracious King,
long live our noble King,
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to reign over us;
God save the King!
Thy choicest gifts in store
on him be pleased to pour,
long may he reign;
may he defend our laws,
and ever give us cause
to sing with heart and voice
God save the King!
The Right Worshipful Mayor of the City of Wakefield Metropolitan District,
Councillor Josie Pritchard, addresses the people.