The Finest Hour

Dear Friends,

‘Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world … will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age… Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’

The words of Winston Churchill to the House of Commons on June 18th, 1940.

This month we remember this ‘finest hour ‘and all those who contributed to it; an ‘hour’ which in reality stretched from 1939 to 1945. We remember, too, those who fought for freedom through the dark hours of the First World War; and we remember all those who have given so much, even their lives, in conflict in the cause of our freedom. We remember them and give our grateful thanks to God.

Several months later, in February 1941, with the need for American support in the war now desperate, Churchill spoke to the American people on the radio: ‘We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle, nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. Give us the tools and we will finish the job.’

They were given the tools and they did finish the job. It is this that we remember and give thanks for today.

And yet today, with on-going war in Iraq, with the continuing sacrifice of our service men and women, with the reality of the unseen war against terrorism, we know that the job is not yet finished.

What tools could possibly be sufficient to finish this job, to rid the world of war once and for all? Surely not the tools of war? If they were to have prevailed, would they not have done so by now?

The Bible reveals to us a God who has promised to finish the job. The tools He used were a wooden cross, a hammer and some nails and he turned them against his own Son.

The finest hour took place on the cross at Calvary when Jesus gave his life to defeat the forces of evil. The war is not yet over but the decisive battle was fought and won on the cross outside Jerusalem.

As we continue to wait for the Victory Day, the hour is often dark, the waiting costly. At those times, the words of Churchill on June 12th 1941 could really apply to us, encouraging us to continue looking to that cross on which Jesus died:

‘Lift up your hearts. All will come right. Out of the depths of sorrow and sacrifice will be born again the glory of mankind.’

With my best wishes,

Tim Ling, Vicar at St Swithuns

Advent Carol Service 6.30pm Sunday 2nd December

We would like to decorate the church with lanterns for this service. If you have any you would like to offer then please leave them in church or with a church warden before the 2nd Dec. This will not be a service of Holy Communion.

Ladies Group evening meetings. 7.00pm in church

19th November - Treasures from the Past - bring along something you treasure

3rd December (NOTE: change of date) - Music Mince Pies & More

Fairtrade Evening - a shopping extravaganza.

There will be Christmas Gifts, jewellery, food, tea, coffee, chocolate, scarves and lots, lots more to buy at St Saviours Church, Larkhall, on Friday 16th Nov from 7:20 to 10pm. No ticket is required and there will be lots of free samples. St Saviours kindly provide the Fairtrade products that are available to buy on St Swithun's Church family nights and Mission, Prayer and Praise evenings, and have access to a large range of items.

Light Fantastic Party - Thanks

A very big "THANK YOU" to Sally and all her team of helpers, including Scubed and Rock Solid, for running a truly fantastic party for us. It was wonderful to see our church so very full of children (over 70 in number) and many of their parents and grandparents all thoroughly enjoying themselves in so many ways. - listening to a short talk about Jesus, playing games, making badges, singing songs, doing crafts and eating pizza. Thankyou, Thankyou very much.

New Books

There are some new books in the Church Library. Do have a look and feel free to borrow. Just remember to put the details in the red book

Remembrance Sunday 11th Nov.

There will be a march from the British Legion to the 10am service next Sunday morning. This is so that members of the Legion can join the church family in the Act of Rememberance. Everyone is invited back to the Legion for refreshments afterwards (please note that coffee will not be served in church).

2007 Christmas Services at St Swithun's

Here are the Christmas services and events planned for 2007 at St Swithun's. For details of all our events over December please check the calendar.