It is a real privilege to have the links with Tempsford Airfield in my parishes, and later this month we welcome the Tempsford Veterans Association to the church for their “Summer Gathering”. It is part of the history of this area, and played such an important role in the defeat of the evil that sought to conquer Europe. I am always thankful for and admire the courage and bravery of the veterans who took part in the Second World War – we owe them a great deal. Our armed forces have continued since those days to guard, protect and uphold what is right, and I hope that they will continue to do so in the future.
We live in a world where in some places there is unrest, warfare, terror and people living in fear as to what might happen next in their particular part of the world. Indeed, some of these things are much closer to home than we like to think, and it is our task to bring peace and order to wherever we can. We may not be a peacekeeping force, but we can be peacemakers in our communities. In these days, the pressures of life can be overwhelming and it is easy to take out our anger and frustrations on others. This is where can start living a peaceful life, and to spread from there the qualities of peace and harmony.
Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God”. I hope that we can place ourselves in the category of being peacemakers, and bring harmony to our relationships and communities.
May I wish you God’s love and peace
Revd Graham
