Anzac Day Service 25 April 2020

Longbeach Anglican Church Welcome:

On this day, above all days, we remember those Australian men and women who died or suffered in the great tragedy of war.

On the morning of April 25th, 1915, Australian and troops landed under fire at Gallipoli, and it was then and in the violent campaign which followed, that the ANZAC tradition was forged. The elements of that tradition have inspired and offered an enduring example to later generations of Australians.

Each year we pay homage not only to those original ANZACs, but to all who died or were disabled in their service to this country. They enrich our nation’s history. Their hope was for the freedom of mankind and we remember with pride their courage, their compassion and their comradeship. They served on land and sea and in the air, in many places throughout the world.

Not only do we honour the memory of those Australians who have fallen in battle; we share the sorrow of those who have mourned them and of all who have been the victims of armed conflict.

On this day we remember with sympathy those Australians who have suffered as prisoners of war, and those who, because of war, have had their lives shortened or handicapped.

We recall staunch friends and allies, and especially those of the first ANZAC Day. May we and our successors prove worthy of their sacrifice.

Prayer:

God of love and liberty, We bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy, We remember those who in time of war faithfully served their country. We pray for their families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost. Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation neither learn war any more. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.

Song: Abide with me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

CCLI Song # 43190 Henry Francis Lyte | William Henry Mon © Words: Public Domain, Music: Public Domain CCLI Licence # 156788

Bible Reading: John 15:9-17 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Message: Ash Goode

Prayer:

O God, our ruler and guide, In whose hands are the destinies of this and every nation, We give you thanks for the freedoms we enjoy in this land And for those who laid down their lives to defend them: We pray that we and all the people of Australia, Gratefully remembering their courage and their sacrifice, May have the grace to live in a spirit of justice, of generosity, and of peace; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your name, Your kingdom come Your will be done On earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins As we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial And deliver us from evil For the kingdom, the power and the glory Are yours now and forever. Amen.

Australian

Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage . In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross We’ll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.

New Zealand National Anthem

E Ihowā Atua, O ngā iwi mātou rā Āta whakarangona; Me aroha noa Kia hua ko te pai; Kia tau tō atawhai; Manaakitia mai

God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land. Guard Pacific's triple star From the shafts of strife and war, Make her praises heard afar, God defend New Zealand.

THE ODE OF REMEMBRANCE

We will now listen to ‘The Ode of Remembrance’ which is a promise that we will always remember what our soldiers did for us on the battle field. This is taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’.

They shall not grow old. As we are left to grow old Age shall not weary them, Nor the years condemn them. At the going down of the sun And in the morning, We will remember them. We will remember them.

The Last Post

Silence

Blessing:

Go out into the world in peace. Be brave; keep hold of what is good. Never pay back wrong for wrong; encourage the faint hearted; support the weak and distressed; give due honour to everyone. Fight discrimination and stand up for those who are oppressed. Be always joyful and give thanks whatever happens for this is what God wills for you. I ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.