1,000 poppies to bloom in remembrance of World War One

Churches across England will be growing poppies in their grounds in memory of those who served and fell in the Great War.

Pupils at Church of England schools will also be joining in the campaign to grow 1,000 poppies for the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. 

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York will lead the way in the nationwide poppy planting on April 30, and some dioceses have sent out packets of poppy seeds to all their churches and schools to encourage them in their efforts.

In an Instagram message, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby invited people to plant poppy seeds "to remember the terrible events of the First World War and as a sign of our hope in Jesus Christ for peace in the future".

Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu will be planting seeds in the grounds of his official residence, Bishopthorpe Palace.

"I encourage parishes and church schools across the country to join together to make many thousands of flowers bloom as a tribute to the sacrifice of past generations," he said.

The Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales is among those that have sent out seeds to their churches.

Bishop-Designate of the diocese, the Right Reverend Nick Baines, said the centenary was as much about the future as the past.

"I'm delighted that churches and schools across our new diocese will be planting poppies, both recognising the past, while looking to the future," he said.

"A century is not a long time, but only 100 years ago the world fell apart in the most violent way. This simple act of growing poppies reminds us of our past and is a very visual way of pledging ourselves to serve together in the future."

Downloadable resources have been made available at the Church of England website

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.