During the Coronavirus pandemic, ‘virtual’ worship will be posted on the Christchurch United Church Facebook page. These videos will also be available on the website shortly afterwards. Please click on title above.

The ‘virtual’ worship can be viewed on Facebook or below.

Good morning and welcome to worship at the end of a “big” week in terms of world news! Today is of course Remembrance Sunday and our worship naturally reflects this. My apologies that my poppies are a bit low down to see properly – I only noticed this after I’d recorded the service!

We begin with a hymn usually sung at Easter: “The strife is o’er” – this is the most amazing “lockdown big sing” I’ve seen! I think the words are clear; in case they aren’t I’ve posted them below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAyi64eagTI

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The strife is o’er, the battle done;
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!

The powers of death have done their worst,
but Christ their legions has dispersed.
Let shouts of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!

The three sad days are quickly sped;
he rises glorious from the dead.
All glory to our risen Head.
Alleluia!

He closed the yawning gates of hell;
the bars from heaven’s high portals fell.
Let hymns of praise his triumph tell.
Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,
from death’s dread sting thy servants free,
that we may live and sing to thee.
Alleluia!

Our final hymn is “Lord of the years” – not perhaps the most inspiring rendition but appropriately from the Garrison Church at Aldershot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkTrFQLy6js

May God bless us in our worship.