VE Day 75

This page contains all of the resources for our act of worship as we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of V.E. Day.


Introduction

Heaviness may endure for a night:
but joy comes in the morning.

God has been our refuge and our strength:
a present help in time of trouble.

We commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, when the sounds of war fell silent on this continent.

We do so conscious of our need for God’s forgiveness for the sin and the desire to dominate others that leads to conflict between people, and war between nations.  

As we remember the many soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives restraining evil and opposing tyranny, so we also come in thanksgiving for the years of peace that the nations of Europe have enjoyed since the Second World War.

In light of this peace, we are joyful today, as were those on that first Victory day, grateful for the laughter and love that follows times of sadness and loss.

In our sorrow for our sin, and in our thankfulness and joy, let us pray that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, as we join our voices together and, pray as our Saviour taught us:

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.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

Hymn

First Bible Reading

Micah 4:1-4 Text / Audio – click player below (or hear the whole chapter)

Micah 4:1-4 in the New International Version

Hymn

Second Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Text / Audio – click player below (or hear whole chapter)

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 in the New International Version

Responsory

If you are alone, pray through all of these words. If you are with family, choose someone to say the words in ordinary type and everyone else can say the words in bold type.

Your salvation is near to those who fear you,
that glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
that glory may dwell in our land.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Your salvation is near to those who fear you,
that glory may dwell in our land.

cf. Psalms 84, 89

Hymn

Address

Our address is by the Lord Bishop of St Albans

Prayers

A Collect for the Day
Lord of the nations, 
we honour the bravery and sacrifice
of those who served. 
Grant us similar courage to recognise and restrain evil in our own day, 
and may those who lead the nations of the world 
work together to defend human liberty, 
that we may live peaceably one with another. 
This we ask in the name of the Prince of Peace, 
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Regarding those who served and died in World War II
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those men and women
who have died in active service,
particularly in the Second World War,
whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future;
for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever.
Amen.

A prayer for those who serve today
O Lord God of Hosts,
stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm
to strengthen and protect our service men and women.
Support them in times of conflict,
and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil;
endue them with courage and loyalty;
and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A prayer for the peace of the world
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace;
that the design of your great love lighten
upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows
and give peace to your church, peace among nations,
peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

An Act of Commitment

Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and our fellow men and women: that we may help, encourage and comfort others, and support those working for the relief of the needy and for the peace and welfare of the nations.

Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind,
in the cause of peace,
for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always.
Amen.

O Lord our God, as we remember, teach us the ways of peace.
As we treasure memories, teach us to hope.
As we give thanks for the sacrifices of the past,
help us to make your future in this world,
until your kingdom come.
Amen.

Collect for Peace
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle in the hearts of all people the true love of peace;
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth;
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A prayer for the Sovereign
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,
and all who are in authority under her;
that they may order all things in wisdom and equity,
righteousness and peace,
to the honour of your name,
and the good of your Church and people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The National Anthem

Hymn

Blessing

God of mercy and grace,
thanking you for your promise
of rest for the faithful departed,
we pray that you would grant to the living, grace;
to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth, and all people, peace and concord;
and to us and all your servants, life everlasting;
and the blessing of God almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
come down upon us and remain with us always.
Amen

Some material in this service is from Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000) and is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council. cf. www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship

Other material has been prepared especially by the Church of England for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and has been published here: https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020

If you have found anything in our service helpful today, please share it with your friends and family, in discussion or via social media.

If you have further questions, or would value prayer or support for a particular matter, please get in touch via our contact page, here.