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Armed Forces Day Service 2013-06-29
Armed Forces Day Service 2013-06-29
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Father-like, he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hands he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise him! Praise him!
Widely as his mercy flows.
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We come together to offer thanks to God,
for the victories granted,
for safe return from danger
and also for the continuing blessings he grants to us
and our fellow men and women to the present day.
We remember before God
those who have given their lives that others might be free,
and we ask him to fill us
and all those in active service today,
who are called to carry on their work,
with the same spirit of unselfishness and devotion to duty
that was found in them.
Let us offer our thanksgiving to God,
who made us and all creation,
who in Christ has triumphed over evil and death,
and whose Spirit abides with us to guide and inspire.
The Lord Mayor’s Cadets lead the following Thanksgivings from the Chancel Lectern
A short silence is kept for personal reflection, before the Canon Precentor prays
Almighty God,
stretch forth your mighty arm
to strengthen and protect the armed forces:
grant that meeting danger with courage
and all occasions with discipline and loyalty,
they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace;
to the honour of your holy name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
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The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
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They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11.6-9
At the end the reader says
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One Lord, in one great name
unite us all who own thee;
cast out our pride and shame
that hinder to enthrone thee;
the world has waited long,
has travailed long in pain;
to heal its ancient wrong,
come, Prince of peace, and reign!
Everyone SITS
Hymn
I vow to thee, my country,
all earthly things above,
entire and whole and perfect,
the service of my love:
the love that asks no question,
the love that stands the test,
that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
the love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
the love that makes, undaunted,
the final sacrifice.
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Sermon
preached by the Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry
Please remain STANDING until the preacher has prayed, then SIT
After the Sermon, everyone remains SEATED as the Boy Choristers of the
Cathedral Choir sing
The Anthem
My hope is in the everlasting, that he will save you:
and joy is come unto me from the Holy One,
because of the mercy which shall soon come unto you
from the Everlasting, our Saviour.
The Daughter of Jairus
John Stainer (1840-1901)
Prayers
Everyone remains SEATED or KNEELS as the Canon Precentor says
Let us pray.
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Be with all who defend your truth and your peace,
that we may vanquish injustice and wrong.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Give wisdom to leaders and commanders,
that they may be a force for good on the Earth.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
In your wisdom embrace our enemies,
and those who wish us harm:
turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Be with all medics and chaplains,
and all who support the suffering:
give them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Sustain the anxious and fearful,
and renew them with courage from on high.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Comfort all worried families,
whose loved ones are in danger:
surround them with your love, protect them from all harm.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Be with the sick and wounded,
stand by all prisoners and captives:
let your mercy be shown to all, and your power to heal and save.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
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Receive those fallen in battle, and all innocents who have died:
surround their loved ones with compassion,
and give them a patient faith.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Confirm what is founded on truth,
and establish your love in our hearts;
that justice may abound on the Earth,
and all peoples rejoice in your peace.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
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Hymn
During this hymn a collection is taken for the work of the Cathedral
The Dean and the Canon Precentor are conducted to the Sanctuary and the Union
Flag is returned to its bearer
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.
Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,
Lord of the word, receive your people’s praise.
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The Conclusion
Everyone remains STANDING
Commitment
From the Sanctuary, the Canon Precentor says
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Blessing
The Dean says
May God grant to the living, grace;
to the departed, rest;
to the Church, the Queen,
the Commonwealth, and all people, peace and concord;
and to us and all his servants, life everlasting;
and the blessing of God almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you always.
All Amen.
Everyone sings
National Anthem
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen.
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.
Music is played by the West Midlands Police Band as the standard bearers depart,
followed by the ministers and the civic dignitaries
Members of the congregation are requested to remain in their places until directed to
leave by the Stewards
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The choir was directed by Kerry Beaumont, Director of Music, and the organ played
by Laurence Lyndon-Jones, Assistant Director of Music
Those participating in the Parade through Broadgate are asked to muster in Pepper
Lane by the anticipated start time of 12.15 pm
Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, and Common Worship:
Times and Seasons material from which is included in this special service booklet,
is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000/6
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