Remembrance Day

Our Messenger Birds

Today we gathered at 11 o'clock as a school community to remember and pray for all those who have fought to protect our way of life.

In Library this week our students have made messenger birds. In war and peace, birds have carried messages across the vast distances separating people. During wartime, messenger birds kept people connected, shared important information across borders and always knew their way home.

Each bird is carrying a message of thanks to those who have cared for us and protected us, be they soldiers, nurses, doctors or front line workers. Many of the messages are of thanks to those who have been caring not only during wartime, but also for those suffering from Coronavirus, and thus protecting us too.

Let us pray...

We pray for those whose daily work exposes them to COVID-19.

We think of those working in hospitals, 

and those working in care homes for the young and the old.

We think of emergency service workers 

and those who are cashiers and sales clerks,

We think of cleaners and hospitality workers, drivers, postal workers, 

and so many more persons who are at risk.

We think of them and we pray for them, 

for we believe our praying will lead to action.

Into the fear of these persons and their loved ones breathe peace, 

Loving God.

Into the tiredness of these persons and their loved ones breathe rest―

rest of mind,

rest of body, 

rest of spirit.

Into the practical needs of these persons for suitable clothing and equipment 

and a break from the grinding pace, 

breathe understanding with those who direct them.

Into the concern of those who work where infection threatens, 

breathe our wholehearted thanks for the risks they are taking.

In the name of Jesus, 

the one who refused to compromise with the evil of his time, 

we pray,

Amen.

—By David Sparks, United Church of Canada minister