Fight Using Heavenly Armour

It is eighty years since the end of the Second World War and as the years pass, there are fewer and fewer left who have memories of the war. There are even fewer who saw active service. We are therefore increasingly dependant on those stories told by parents and grandparents whilst they were still alive, and no doubt over time they too will fade. Yet at the same time there remains a very strong collective memory of the war. Indeed, in many parts of the country this equally applies to the First World War, especially where communities were decimated as hundreds and hundreds signed up to fight in the trenches never to return.

As a nation we have this collective memory of bravery, resilience and pulling together, despite the passing of years and that most of us are too young to have been around at the time. Many of us remember the words of those war time songs designed to lift the spirits in those darkest hours of the war. Understandably all these memories lead to a sense of national pride.

Indeed many of us wear our poppies with with a sense of national pride. We talk of Victory in Europe, VE Day and VJ Day. Whilst the end of the war is a cause for celebration, I don't believe there are any winners in war as it doesn't matter which side you are on there are many casualties; the loss of life, the loss of communities, injury, destruction and devastation. Ultimately the poppies remind us of the blood that flowed on Flanders Field; the heavy price that was paid for our freedom.

There has been in recent time a resurgence of national pride and whilst there are many values that we associate this with, I also think we need to be cautious. Remembrance Sunday is not about remembering how victorious the British Armed Forces were or how great Britain is. It is about the cost of war and how many lives were lost, many laid down for our freedom and upholding values of justice and morality so that all of humanity might flourish. Remembrance Sunday is a time of sober reflection, to remember that our freedom comes at a heavy price. It is our duty to uphold those values we treasure with integrity.

In the Letter to the Ephesians, we read our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12) Indeed we are encouraged to put on the whole armour of God and uphold all that is good. To show love and kindness, compassion and mercy to all. To be reconciled to one another, actively working for peace and justice for all. So that all may prosper and flourish.

Rev. Tony Rindl, Vicar of St. Leonard's

Dates for your Diary

Our Folk

Remember in your prayers those in hospital, retirement homes or confined to home. Mike Love, Kevin Lucas, Pat Musgrove, Ethel Gough, Roy Allen, Shirley Evers, Doreen Rose, Vicky Spedding, Beryl Robinson and Avril Warwood.

RIP: Linda White, Shirley Fletcher

Community News

November is to be one of the busiest months of the year. Leading up to Christmas there are a variety of entertaining events: St. Leonard's Craft & Gift Fair is on Saturday, November 15th in the Parish Hall from 10:00 to 14:00 . There will be a wide selection of stalls, refreshments, a model railway, and entertainment by the Junior School choir. Two weeks later on November 29th in their Elmdon Road premises, from 12:00 to 14:00, featuring gift stalls, games and refreshments. Children have free entry to both events.

Marston Green Marie Curie fundraiser group is holding a Christmas Market on Saturday November 22nd at the Marston Green Club from 10:00 to 15:00.

Composer Roger Jones' C.M.M. Choir will be performing 'While Shepherds Watched' in St Leonard's at 18:00 hours on Sunday , November 23rd. Four of the choir are Carol Smallwood, Jenny Ratheram Browne, David Alexander and Paul Raymer, who extend a warm welcome to you all. Entry is free.

Have a look at the latest [Heart of England Oversight Area Newsletter]( {{ url_for('newsletters.read', year='2025', month='10', slug='heart-of-england-oversight-area') }}) to see what is going on in the other parishes.

Marston Green 50 Plus

Our meeting on November 10th is a talk by David Bardell and Mick Byrne who have shared passion for military history especially WW1. The talk is entitled 'Shot at Dawn' and relates to the British soldiers sentenced to death between 1914 and 1920. Very relevant that they are with us so close to Remembrance Day.

Ladies Fellowship

Monday, November 17th, 'The Cadbury's of Bournville' a talk about the famous chocolate-making family by Bob Booth. 14:00 to 16:30 in the Elmdon Lounge. All ladies are welcome!

Literary Society

Friday, November 21st, Murders and Murderers. (Fact or Fiction). 19:30 Elmdon Lounge. Please bring your own drinks and refreshments.

Marston Green Library