A Service for

Armed Forces Day

Saturday 29th June 2013

at 11 am
Dear friends and colleagues,
Armed Forces Day on the last Saturday in June each year is a national
date set by Her Majesty’s Government. This day is intended for the
country to show its support for the men and women who make up the
Armed Forces community: from current serving personnel to Service
families, and from veterans to recruits.
For generations our Armed Forces have served their country across the
world in many roles from conflict, national service, peacekeeping and
reconstruction to home defence. In doing so, they have defended our
country, our way of life and our cherished values. A large number of our
veterans are young and active and now use the skills, the discipline and
the leadership qualities they have learned in the Armed Forces to benefit
their civilian employers and the wider community.
It is with pleasure that you are able to join the Lady Mayoress and me at
this Service of Thanksgiving so that the City of Coventry can show its
support to this important occasion.
At the conclusion of the Service
there will be a short Parade where
I and the civic party will take the
salute at the Lady Godiva Statue
in Broadgate. Please feel free to stay
and show your support to our
Armed Forces Day Parade.
Yours sincerely,

Councillor Gary Crookes

Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry

Please do not take photographs in the Cathedral during services

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The Gathering
Before the service, the Assistant Director of Music, Laurence Lyndon-Jones, plays the
Sonata No. 1 in G (I - Allegro Maestoso) by Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
At 10.50 am the Dean and the Canon Precentor are conducted to the West Screen
where they greet the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the
City of Coventry, Councillor Gary and Mrs Shirley Crookes and, representing Her
Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for West Midlands, Mr David Burbidge, on their arrival.
Everyone STANDS as they are escorted to the front of the Nave and then SITS
when they have taken their places
At 11.00 am the Peace Bell is struck three times, and everyone STANDS
A Call to Service is sounded by the bugler, and then everyone sings the following hymn
During the hymn the procession enters, led by the Korean Veterans Association, in
recognition of the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War this year. The City
of Coventry Ex-Service Standard Bearers take their places and the Union Flag is
presented
Hymn
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
who like me his praise should sing?
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise the everlasting King.

Praise him for his grace and favour

to our forbears in distress;
Praise him still the same for ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise him! Praise him!
Glorious in his faithfulness.

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 Father-like, he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows;
in his hands he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise him! Praise him!
Widely as his mercy flows.

Angels, help us to adore him;

ye behold him face to face;
sun and moon, bow down before him;
dwellers all in time and space.
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise him! Praise him!
Praise with us the God of grace.
H.F. Lyte (1793-1847)
Tune CP 555 Praise my Soul John Goss (1800-1880)

The Greeting, Introduction and Thanksgiving

The Canon Precentor greets everyone, saying

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
All and also with you.

He invites everyone to SIT before adding further words of welcome

He then leads the Act of Thanksgiving

We gather today in this Cathedral Church

with members and veterans of the armed services,
who have served with the Forces of the Crown
in past and recent years.

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 We come together to offer thanks to God,
for the victories granted,
for safe return from danger
and also for the continuing blessings he grants to us
and our fellow men and women to the present day.
We remember before God
those who have given their lives that others might be free,
and we ask him to fill us
and all those in active service today,
who are called to carry on their work,
with the same spirit of unselfishness and devotion to duty
that was found in them.
Let us offer our thanksgiving to God,
who made us and all creation,
who in Christ has triumphed over evil and death,
and whose Spirit abides with us to guide and inspire.

The Lord Mayor’s Cadets lead the following Thanksgivings from the Chancel Lectern

Leading Cadet Samantha-Jane Davoll (Coventry Sea Cadet) says

For those who with foresight and wisdom laid down the
foundation of the Forces of the Crown
All Thanks be to God.
For the deliverance granted our nation in times of war, and for
the freedom which was then preserved for us
All Thanks be to God.

Lance Corporal Katie Taylor (Army Cadet Force) says

For the men and women who, undaunted by the odds,
unwearied in their constant challenge,
and in the face of mortal danger,
turned the tide of conflict by their prowess
and by their devotion
All Thanks be to God.
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Flight Sergeant Priya Virdi (Air Training Corps) says
For the courage of all who served in the Forces,
at sea, on the ground and in the air,
and especially for those who laid down their lives
All Thanks be to God.
For those still serving today across the world,
in places of danger and uncertainty;
for their dedication and selfless commitment
All Thanks be to God.

A short silence is kept for personal reflection, before the Canon Precentor prays

Almighty God,
stretch forth your mighty arm
to strengthen and protect the armed forces:
grant that meeting danger with courage
and all occasions with discipline and loyalty,
they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace;
to the honour of your holy name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

The Word of God

The Old Testament Reading
Mr Sid Watson, President of the Royal Artillery Association, is conducted to the
Chancel Lectern, from where he reads

The prophet Isaiah anticipates the fulfilment of the kingdom of

God.
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The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.

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 7
The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
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The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
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They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11.6-9
At the end the reader says

This is the word of the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.

Everyone STANDS to sing

Hymn
Christ is the world’s true light,
its captain of salvation,
the daystar clear and bright
for us and every nation;
new life, new hope awakes,
where peoples own his sway:
freedom her bondage breaks,
and night is turned to day.

In Christ all races meet,

their ancient feuds forgetting,
the whole round world complete,
from sunrise to its setting:
when Christ is throned as Lord,
lands shall forsake their fear,
to ploughshare beat the sword,
to pruning-hook the spear.

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 One Lord, in one great name
unite us all who own thee;
cast out our pride and shame
that hinder to enthrone thee;
the world has waited long,
has travailed long in pain;
to heal its ancient wrong,
come, Prince of peace, and reign!

G.W. Briggs (1875-1959)

Tune CP 530 Nun Danket melody from Praxis Pietatis Melica,
harmonized by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

Everyone SITS

The New Testament Reading

The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry, Councillor Gary
Crookes, is conducted to the Chancel Lectern, from where he reads

A reading from the Epistle of St Paul to the Ephesians.

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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
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Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For our struggle is not
against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present
darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
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Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may
be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything,
to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth
around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.
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As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to
proclaim the gospel of peace. 16With all of these, take the shield
of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming
arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit
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 at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep
alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6.10-18

At the end, the reader says

This is the word of the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.

Everyone STANDS to sing

Hymn
I vow to thee, my country,
all earthly things above,
entire and whole and perfect,
the service of my love:
the love that asks no question,
the love that stands the test,
that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
the love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
the love that makes, undaunted,
the final sacrifice.

And there’s another country

I’ve heard of long ago,
most dear to them that love her,
most great to them that know;
we may not count her armies,
we may not see her King;
her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
and soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
and her ways are ways of gentleness
and all her paths are peace.

Cecil Spring-Rice (1859-1918)

Tune CP 355 Thaxted adapted from The Planets, Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

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 Sermon
preached by the Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry

Please remain STANDING until the preacher has prayed, then SIT

After the Sermon, everyone remains SEATED as the Boy Choristers of the
Cathedral Choir sing

The Anthem
My hope is in the everlasting, that he will save you:
and joy is come unto me from the Holy One,
because of the mercy which shall soon come unto you
from the Everlasting, our Saviour.
The Daughter of Jairus
John Stainer (1840-1901)

Prayers
Everyone remains SEATED or KNEELS as the Canon Precentor says

Let us pray.

Holy God, the protector of all who trust in you:

Grant to the Armed Forces of the Crown,
and all who seek you,
the assurance of your presence,
the knowledge of your love,
and the guidance of your Spirit.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations:
let your mercy rule all that we do.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.

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 Be with all who defend your truth and your peace,
that we may vanquish injustice and wrong.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Give wisdom to leaders and commanders,
that they may be a force for good on the Earth.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
In your wisdom embrace our enemies,
and those who wish us harm:
turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Be with all medics and chaplains,
and all who support the suffering:
give them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Sustain the anxious and fearful,
and renew them with courage from on high.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Comfort all worried families,
whose loved ones are in danger:
surround them with your love, protect them from all harm.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Be with the sick and wounded,
stand by all prisoners and captives:
let your mercy be shown to all, and your power to heal and save.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.

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 Receive those fallen in battle, and all innocents who have died:
surround their loved ones with compassion,
and give them a patient faith.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.
Confirm what is founded on truth,
and establish your love in our hearts;
that justice may abound on the Earth,
and all peoples rejoice in your peace.
Lord, hear us.
All Lord, graciously hear us.

The Lord’s Prayer

Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Everyone STANDS to sing

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 Hymn
During this hymn a collection is taken for the work of the Cathedral

The Dean and the Canon Precentor are conducted to the Sanctuary and the Union
Flag is returned to its bearer

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.

Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,
Lord of the word, receive your people’s praise.

Lord, for our land, in this our generation,

spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care;
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Lord, for our world; when we disown and doubt him,

loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain;
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without him,
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.

Lord, for ourselves; in living power remake us,

self on the cross and Christ upon the throne;
past put behind us, for the future take us,
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.

Timothy Dudley-Smith (b. 1926)

Tune CP 81 Lord of the Years Michael Baughen (b. 1930)

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The Conclusion
Everyone remains STANDING
Commitment
From the Sanctuary, the Canon Precentor says

Let us pledge ourselves anew

to the service of God and humanity:
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.

The standards are dipped as the bugler plays Sunset

Everyone joins in the prayer

All Lord God our Father,

we pledge ourselves
to serve you and all your peoples,
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.

Everyone remains STANDING

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 Blessing
The Dean says
May God grant to the living, grace;
to the departed, rest;
to the Church, the Queen,
the Commonwealth, and all people, peace and concord;
and to us and all his servants, life everlasting;
and the blessing of God almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be upon you and remain with you always.
All Amen.

Everyone sings
National Anthem
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen.
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.

Thy choicest gifts in store

On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign.
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen.

Music is played by the West Midlands Police Band as the standard bearers depart,
followed by the ministers and the civic dignitaries

Members of the congregation are requested to remain in their places until directed to
leave by the Stewards

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The choir was directed by Kerry Beaumont, Director of Music, and the organ played
by Laurence Lyndon-Jones, Assistant Director of Music

Those participating in the Parade through Broadgate are asked to muster in Pepper
Lane by the anticipated start time of 12.15 pm

Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, and Common Worship:
Times and Seasons material from which is included in this special service booklet,
is copyright © The Archbishops’ Council 2000/6

Other material is reproduced under copyright licence CCL 17597

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