Greenbank Parish Church

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Remembrance

In the Church of Scotland, Remembrance Sunday is observed with reverence, blending national remembrance with Christian worship.

National tradition

  • Date: Observed on the second Sunday in November, closest to Armistice Day (11th November).
  • Worship Service:
    • The service often includes hymns like “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” and “I Vow to Thee, My Country.”
    • Scripture readings (e.g., John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this…”) and prayers for peace.
    • A two-minute silence at 11 am is observed, often marked by the Last Post and Reveille.
    • The Act of Remembrance includes the laying of wreaths.
  • Poppies: Ministers and congregants wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance.

Greenbank tradition

Before the Service, wreaths are placed against the Communion Table in the Sanctuary. During the Service, the Remembrance Party – normally consisting of the Minister, the Session Clerk, and young & old representative members of the congregation – carry the wreaths to the War Memorial Window, located in the Vestibule of the Church, and lay them there. A piper plays a lament. The party returns to the Sanctuary, where the Exhortation is read: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.” This is followed by the observation of a two-minute silence, at 11am.

Here is the Order of Service for the Service of Remembrance held at Greenbank Parish Church at 10.30am on Sunday 9th November 2025.

An article which appeared in the previous Friday’s Greenbank weekly e-newsletter is below:

Poppy appeal

Once again we are in the Poppy Appeal season and I will be outside church on this Sunday 9th November collecting with the traditional cash tins . Although if you prefer, Greenbank Church now has a dedicated giving link to Poppy Scotland which can also include any Gift Aid if you are a tax payer.  If you do give this way, let me know so you can collect your poppies.

Poppy Scotland continues to support veterans and military personnel but the charity can only do this with your help.  Any amount given is greatly appreciated.

See below for the Greenbank Church giving link.

https://secure.poppyscotland.org.uk/greenbank-parish-church

John Adair

(John, a church elder and former RAF pilot, has organised the Greenbank Poppy appeal for many years.)