Remembrance Sunday 2024 – order of service
Chichester’s Remembrance Sunday Service will take place in Litten Gardens on Sunday 10 November 2024
The order of service is below or you can download and print your own copy using this PDF:
CHICHESTER CITY COUNCIL
Order of Service for Remembrance Sunday
10 November 2024
The Mayor’s Chaplain commences the Service of Remembrance
God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46.1)
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.
REMEMBERING – A Royal British Legion representative gives the Exhortation
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 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 affirm: We will remember them
The Last Post is played to signal the start of the 2-minute silence.
2 minute silence.
Reveille is played to mark the end of the 2-minute silence.
A Royal British Legion representative gives the Kohima Epitaph
When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.
The laying of wreaths at the War Memorial now takes place
The Mayor’s Chaplain leads the prayer:
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. Amen.
The following hymn is sung:
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come.
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home;
Beneath the shadow of thy throne
thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone,
and our defence is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame,
from everlasting thou art God,
to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in thy sight
are like an evening gone;
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all our years away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
be thou our guard while troubles last,
and our eternal home.
THE READING by the Mayor of Chichester
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’
Matthew 5.1-12
PRAYING TOGETHER – the Mayor’s Chaplain leads the prayers
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the leaders of the nations,
that you will guide them in the ways of freedom, justice and truth.
Lord, in your mercy
Respond: hear our prayer.
We pray for those who bear arms on behalf of the nation,
that they may have discipline and discernment,
courage and compassion.
Lord, in your mercy
Respond: hear our prayer.
We pray for our enemies, and those who wish us harm,
that you will turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
Lord, in your mercy
Respond: hear our prayer.
We pray for the wounded and the captive,
the grieving and the homeless,
that in all their trials they may know your love and support.
Lord, in your mercy
Respond: hear our prayer.
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and forever.
Respond: Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER – all join together in the Lord’s Prayer:
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
AN ACT OF COMMITMENT – the Mayor’s Chaplain leads:
Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God
and our fellow men and women:
that we may help, encourage and comfort others,
and support those working for the relief of the needy
and for the peace and welfare of the nations.
All respond:
Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind,
in the cause of peace,
for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always. Amen.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM – all sing
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
THE BLESSING – the Mayor’s Chaplain says:
God grant to the living grace,
to the departed rest,
to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth and all people,
unity, peace and concord,
and to us and all God’s servants,
life everlasting;
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
SUSSEX BY THE SEA – all sing
Now is the time for marching, Now let your hearts be gay,
Hark to the merry bugles Sounding along our way.
So let your voices ring, my boys, And take the time from me,
And I’ll sing you a song as we march along,
Of Sussex by the Sea!
Chorus
For We’re the men from Sussex, Sussex by the Sea.
We plough and sow and reap and mow,
And useful men are we;
And when you go to Sussex, Whoever you may be,
You may tell them all that we stand or fall
For Sussex by the Sea!
Refrain
Oh Sussex, Sussex by the Sea!
Good old Sussex by the Sea!
You may tell them all we stand or fall,
For Sussex by the Sea.