This past weekend, churches and communities across the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area came together to mark Remembrance Sunday — a time to honour those who fought and died in war, past and present, and to pray for peace in our world today.
From village greens to church memorials, from quiet prayers to public parades, it was deeply moving to see so many people come together to remember. Thank you to everyone who attended services, laid wreaths, led prayers, played music, or simply stood in silence. Your presence helped keep alive the memory of sacrifice and the hope for peace.
✝️ Reflections from Rev Matt’s Sermon
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” — John 14:27
During our services, Rev Matt shared the remarkable story of Father Bernard Egan, a chaplain with the Parachute Regiment during the Second World War.
At Arnhem in 1944, Father Egan found himself pinned down by mortar fire. Across the street lay wounded men he longed to reach. Through the smoke, he saw Major Tatham-Warter walking calmly up the centre of the street holding nothing but an umbrella. Seeing the Padre, the Major crossed over, raised the umbrella above them both and said, “Come on, Father — you’ll be safe with me.”
It was an absurd sight in the middle of a war zone, yet it spoke of a peace born not of safety, but of hope — the calm that comes from courage and faith.
Father Egan lived that peace. He prayed with the dying, comforted the wounded, and carried Christ’s presence into the heart of chaos. Even after being wounded and captured, he continued to live out that same peace as a teacher, shaping young lives with gentleness and grace.
As Rev Matt reminded us, peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of God. It is found when courage meets compassion, when love overcomes fear, and when faith carries us through hardship.
“As we remember the fallen and those who served, we remember that peace does not come from victory alone but from the quiet strength of those who choose love over fear, service over self.
May the peace of Christ — the peace Father Egan carried through fire and fear — rest upon us too.
May it guide us to be people of courage, compassion, and faith in our own generation.”
🕯️ Thank You
To all who took part in our Remembrance events — from the smallest acts of service to the public tributes — thank you. Together we remembered, we honoured, and we prayed for peace.
Let us continue to live as people shaped by remembrance — carrying forward not only gratitude for those who gave their lives, but the call to live with courage, compassion, and faith in our time.
