Planting Poppy Seeds

 After the service on Easter Sunday morning, members of the congregation gathered in the Church garden in the rain to share in planting white and red poppy seeds representing ‘peace and remembrance’ – with the hope that they will bloom on or around 4 August, the 100 year commemoration of the declaration of the First World War.

 United Reformed Churches across England, Scotland and Wales, along with churches from other denominations, have been planting both red and white poppy seeds throughout Holy Week.  Red poppies have been used since just after the First World War as a symbol of remembrance for those who died in war, whilst white poppies have come to be a symbol for peace and an end to all wars.

The planting of both red and white poppy seeds was an opportunity for us to join together to actively remember those who lost their lives during the First World War, whilst contemplating Christ’s message of peace and justice.

There will be other occasions for us to remember and reflect upon the 100 year commemoration during the year – including a Vigil Service on the evening of Sunday 3 August 2014, the eve of the declaration of war 100 years ago.

Marion McNeill