Remembering

This coming Sunday many churches will be acknowledging Remembrance Day in some way in their worship. I will be leading a service and it is the second time I’ve had the opportunity on this particular Sunday.

This is not simple for me, and I’m guessing it’s not for many worship leaders. People can come with a variety of expectations and emotions. Some churches are full of tradition surrounding this day, everything from reading the Honour Roll and having a trumpeter play the Last Post and Reveille to processions of soldiers and laying of wreaths. Others barely make mention of it.

As leaders of children and youth, it’s important to be sensitive to our church’s culture around Remembrance Day. There are reasons certain elements are included or not and it is always wise to find out why so that you can be a conduit of information to your learners, leaders and parents should they ask.

Most schools have some kind of Remembrance Day assembly or take part in cenotaph memorial services. Your kids may be as informed as many adults because of these opportunities and classroom activities. Some of your learners may even be cadets and playing an important role in these events.

How do we tackle this important topic in a way that honours our learners and their needs, while representing Christ? Think about choosing one or more of the following:

1. When you find out the whys of how Remembrance Day is recognized at your church, do what you can to help your learners prepare. Send a quick e-mail or put up a facebook post for parents to give them a heads up. This will allow for any needed conversation ahead of time that will help their children to participate meaningfully. If your learners are willing and invited to be involved in the service (such as reading the Honour Roll) so much the better.

2. War and conflict make daily headlines and can be terrifying for kids. Regardless of how you feel about the legitimacy of war, we need to recognize that they may not be handling or processing this well. Open the door to talk about their fears and concerns about violence around the world and even in their schools and neighbourhoods. Talk about ways that we can encourage peace, de-escalate conflict and get help when needed. Talk about peacekeepers and the role they play in helping people in places of conflict.

3. While the Bible has many stories of violence and calls to battle, particularly in the Old Testament, help your learners connect with the pivotal, over-arching message of Jesus coming to be the Prince of Peace. He gives us peace that passes all understanding. Jesus was sent by God to save us and bring hope. As Jesus’ followers, we should try to do the same – to bring God’s peace and hope to those around us.

4. If you have veterans in your congregation, see if you can find a way for them to connect with your learners. Ask if they can share some of their experiences (be sensitive to their needs and ability to do this in a helpful way). It is good to take away some of the mystique and glorification of war and violence that kids may encounter in video games and to see its effects face to face. If you don’t have veterans, find some suitable websites or books at your library that share some of what soldiers and civilians experience.

5. Pray for peace and, with older learners, mention specific places where there is conflict, perhaps even locating them on a map or globe first. Your prayers could be written, inviting your learners to list places where God’s peace is needed. Pray for all who are ready to sacrifice their lives to protect others. Pray for veterans who come home and struggle because of what they experienced. Pray for families who have lost loved ones. Pray for those who bring hope. Be sure to also ask your learners what they think is important to pray for on this day. They will probably have some great ideas.

I have a button that says “To remember is to work for peace”. It is possible to be grateful for the sacrifice of others for our freedom without glorifying war and violence. It is possible to honour those who have given so much without honouring the politics and choices that put them in the position to be in such danger. May we all take the time to remember, and to thank God for Jesus who encourages us to walk in ways of peace.