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Kamsack United Church holds special service of remembrance

Honouring the Veterans’ Sunday was the theme of a special service at Westminster Memorial United Church in Kamsack on November 8.
United Church remembrance
Second World War veterans John Welykholowa and Albert Tysowski (centre front), members of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and Kamsack air cadets were among the persons who attended a special Remembrance Day service at Westminster Memorial United Church in Kamsack on November 8.

            Honouring the Veterans’ Sunday was the theme of a special service at Westminster Memorial United Church in Kamsack on November 8.

            Conducting the service with Kevin Sprong, the minister, were: Faye Korpatniski, the scripture reader; Olga Bobyk, the greeter; Susan Bear, choir director, and Marilyn Marsh, the music minister.

            After a musical prelude, the service began with words of welcome and an opening hymn. A lighting-of-the-candle ceremony included all members of the congregation saying: “We will not forget.” A representative of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion spoke the Act of Remembrance and then The Last Post was played, followed by two minutes of silence and the playing of Reveille.

            In unison, everyone made the following four pledges:

            Regarding honouring the memory of men and women ready to lay down their lives, they pledged that “We will not tolerate hatred nor stand idly by when innocent men, women and children are killed and injured.”

            Regarding honouring those who help refugees and political prisoners, they pledged that: “We will support them practically and challenge corrupt governments to let the prisoners go free.”

            Regarding putting an end to conflict that is a part of one’s own experience, they pledged that: “We will search out the source of our anger and sense what it means to walk in another’s shoes.”

            Regarding how to counter influences of selfishness and fear, they pledged that “We come humbly before you, O God, and take courage from the cross of Jesus Christ.”

            The hymns Many Are the Light Beams and We are Pilgrims on a Journey were sung, along with In Flanders Fields. The scriptures read included Psalm 85 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

            “We leave this church with new resolve and commitment,” said the leader of the Benediction.

            “We leave, deeply grateful for all who gave their lives and those scarred by war,” replied the congregation.

            “We leave as a people realizing that there is no shortcut to peace,” said the leader.

            “We leave as a people committed to speaking out against injustice,” said the congregation.

            “We leave as a people prepared to remodel reconciliation,” said the leader.

            “We leave as a people ready to understand those of different races and faiths,” replied the congregation.

            “Go, hopefully and joyfully for God goes with you,” the leader said.

            “Thanks be to God,” replied the congregation.

            A choral blessing concluded the service.