“The last enemy to be destroyed is death”
(1 Corinthians 15:26)
At the Community Meal at St. George’s Hall on Tuesdays, there is normally a quiz. This week Trevor Clarke produced one on the theme of Remembrance. The first two questions asked were, “Where is the tomb of the unknown soldier in Paris and in London?” After World War I both nations decided to move the body of an unidentified soldier from one of the battleground cemeteries to a place of national importance. It was a way of honouring all the soldiers who had given their lives in the defence of their nation.
The French placed their soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. This monument in the centre of Paris lists all the victories and generals involved in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. It celebrates success in war and military power and might. By placing, the unknown soldier here, the French were acknowledging that victory comes at a cost – the cost of the lives of young men lost in battle. World War I did not give victories to be proud of, but horrors and unimaginable loss to mourn.
Great Britain chose a different place for the final resting place of their unknown soldier: Westminster Abbey. This was a place where traditionally many kings and queens had been crowned and buried. Giving the unknown soldier a burial place here, was truly a way to honour all the sacrifices made during the Great War.
However, Westminster Abbey is primarily a church, a place to come and worship the God of Jesus Christ. It does not celebrate national victory over other nations, but a far more important victory that brings hope to all in the face of death. This triumph was the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the one who conquered the last enemy, death. Not a victory to bring glory to nations and generals, but one that glorifies God and offers hope. It is a hope not only for great generals, kings or other successful people, but for ordinary people like the unknown soldier, for all who trust in Jesus.
Paul Worledge
This Sunday – Remembrance Sunday – 10:45am
Please note that this Sunday 12th November is Remembrance Sunday. As we host the town’s Civic celebrations, there will not be a service at 9:30am, but there will be a short service at the war memorial in front of the church at 10:45am, followed by a Remembrance Day service in the church, where we will be joined by ex-service personnel, town councillors and various scout and cadet groups.
St. George’s Website
- What’s On – a page which lets you know what is happening this week and gives information about upcoming events.
- Notices – You can read the latest notices on this page.
- Sermons – Read a transcript of a recent sermon or watch the YouTube version recorded at St. Luke’s. There are now videos for all the sermons over the summer.
Weekly Calendar
Sunday 12th November
Remembrance Sunday (St George’s, 11am) –Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Monday 13th
Daily Prayer (St Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Craft Group (St. George’s Hall, Soup Kitchen) – 2:00-3:30pm
Study Group (South Eastern Road) – 7:15-9:30pm
Tuesday 14th
Daily Prayer (St George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Coffee Morning (St. George’s Hall) – 11:00am-12:00pm
Community Meal (St. George’s Hall) – 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesday 15th
Study Group (Langdale Avenue) – 10-12 noon
Study Group (South Eastern Road) – 7:30-9:30pm
Thursday 16th
Daily Prayer (St Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Saturday 18th
Daily Prayer (St George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Sunday 19th
Eucharist (St George’s, 11am) –Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
TLO Concert (St. Luke’s Church) – 3:00-5:00pm
Thanet Light Orchestra Concert – Next Sunday
Sunday 19th November, 3pm in St. Luke’s Church. Tickets £5 in advance. £10 on the door, available on the St. Luke’s website. Music from Rossini, Bethhoven, Strauss and more. All proceeds in support of St. Luke’s. Buy Tickets…
Let there be Light – Sunday 26th November, St. George’s
After the Christmas lights have been switched on in Ramsgate Town Centre at 5pm, GB Carnival and their band Samba Ya Wantsum will lead the way from the town centre up to St George’s, where visitors will be welcomed to the church to warm up with hot drinks and mince pies.
The facade of the tower will be lit by James Brown AV and there will be a performance by Free Range Orchestra with animations by the students of University for the Creative Arts. Do come along and bring others for this exciting event.
If you would like to volunteer to serve refreshments or steward at the event please see Janet or Jemima.
Christmas Fair – Saturday 9th December, St. Luke’s
The Social Events team will be holding a Christmas Fair in St. Luke’s Church on Saturday 9th December from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Do come along, enjoy the fun and bring friends and family.
ACTS: Cakes, Coffee, Craft and Art Exhibition
Saturday 18th November, 12-4pm, St. Peter’s Baptist Church.
Every penny raised will go to the continuing work of ACTS & Inspiration Creative, 2 Thanet charities supporting and working with local children & young people.
Check out: ACTS new Facebook Page.
Links to Share:
What they don’t tell you about when someone you love dies
As we celebrate Remembrance Sunday this weekend, we are reminded about the tragedy of death. But what happens when we face the death of a loved one in a death denying society? Read more…
Strangers and identity in a global age of nationalism
Remembrance is a festival that resonates deeply with our identity as a nation. This deep and thought provoking article considers how as Christians we should be loyal to our nation, but still love humanity. Read more…
Finally, as we remember the Fallen, let’s also remember the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ
Paul Worledge
(Priest in Charge of St. George’s)
St. George's Church Ramsgate 