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The Ordination of the Reverend Frank to the Priesthood by Bishop James in St. Nicholas Church, Salthouse on Sunday 4th October 2009 was a first! A first for Salthouse village and a first for this ancient parish church. It is to this Weybourne Group of Parishes (and beyond) that Frank is to serve as your priest in a ministry that I am sure will be fostered and nurtured over the coming years. We pray for that as we pray for Frank's family as they support him.

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LEST WE FORGET... 

 

Well, of course, we won't will we? Surely not forget the deaths of 60 millions in the two world wars of the last century in a hurry? Or the 46 theatres of war and conflicts involving UK forces since 1945: from Palestine to Cyprus; Falklands to Afghanistan? Or forget the countless thousands affected by war both civilian casualties and refugees? Forget the ultimate sacrifice paid by those defending freedom against tyranny and oppression?

 

No, I am sure we won't!  Which is why, as the year's roll by, this year's annual Act of Remembrance will continue to be important as we also recall those killed and those seriously wounded in the present war in Afghanistan.

 

Just recently the programme 'Wounded' (BBC Two) followed the recovery of Lance Corporal Tom Neathway who lost both legs and his left arm after falling victim to an IED. If we needed any more graphic illustration at the devastation of war, the consequences of man's inhumanity to man; the sheer determination, courage and strength of the human spirit to fight any kind of adversity; the inspiration of hope - then this young man's fight to get better and to walk again had it all.

 

But there is another 'war' out there - the war against poverty, against injustice, against repression and inequality. Do you remember the Millennium development goals: making poverty history; universal education; gender equality; child health; maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS; environmental sustainability; global partnership - all by 2015? Well that is a war worth joining if only we could divert our energies away from inhuman physical conflict and material self-interest.

 

If all this talk of war and conflict is too much, then a practical way for us as Christians to behave is to act as Jesus Christ would have us act: a gift of kindness that leads to peace - visiting the sick and the housebound which so many people do is a service of love and a privilege; doing everything we can to support the agencies at the sharp end of caring for the destitute, the hungry, the homeless and the poor.

 

We can all do that - a simple profound witness of our faith and peace that touches the world.

 

Every blessing to you and your family.