From Guns to Crosses

From Guns to Crosses 2024

Poppy Display

'Remembrance Sunday' – the time when the country pauses to remember the sacrifices made by so many during war so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have now.

On Sunday, Rev. Barrie Tabraham led Merrow in our time of Remembrance with a special service entitled 'From Guns to Crosses'. The Church was laid out with the congregation facing each other – this was to represent the trenches from the First World War. The aisle, therefore, became 'No Mans Land'.

One side of the Church was laid out with cardboard rifles – the other side had cardboard knifes. These formed part of the service. The service featured peace anthem's, poetry by Wilfred Owen which was very hard hitting, a true story about German POWs by Yevgeny Yevtushenko and various Bible readings.

During the service, the congregation makes an Act of Commitment to serve God and work for peace. During this time, the cardboard rifles and knifes are joined together in a cross shape (with the congregation thus walking across 'No Mans Land') and the cross is placed in the Sanctuary.

The whole service was an extremely thought provoking and moving experience.