Reading newspaper reports you would think that the Church of England was poised to lock all church doors because of either lack of need or because the church is not relevant to today's society. But let me report on one day in the life and work of Christ Church which questions such newspaper reports.

The day in question was Sunday 25th February 2007. What a day!

After the morning Sunday Eucharist, preparations were made to ensure all was in hand for the evenings Memorial Service.

This is a service to commemorate the recently bereaved and an opportunity for families to come together in their grief. These folk may not be in church very often, but in difficult times they turn to the church not from it and actually find comfort from such services. This particular service in February there was to be additional commemorations within the service.

These being the commemoration and blessing of a new War Memorial plaque for Gunner David Lawrence of the Royal Horse Artillery who died whilst on active service in Iraq in September 2004; a local lad who had given his life in serving for his country. It seemed only fitting that his name should be remembered in his parish church along side those who had died in the last two World Wars.

In addition there would be a dedication of the two new stained glass windows in memory of Sylvia and Ernest Wilkes and for Betty Wood. We thank the generosity from the families of Sylvia, Ernest and Betty in funding the new windows. When the sunshine streams through the windows, the lights from the glass colourings shimmer across the pews. It is such a beautiful natural sight it is highly recommended to come and see.

There‘s more, this was in addition to be the first visit by the current Bishop of Lichfield the Right Venerable Jonathan Gledhill to Christ Church and who would conduct the dedications of the war plaque and windows.

The church was full to the rafters and included support from the local police. The Deputy Mayor Mr Pitt was in attendance and also other clergy from within the parish and the Area Dean. It was good to see many members of the congregation and also from St Aidan's and St Chad's congregations joining and supporting those who were there to commemorate their families who had recently died.

Gunner David Lawrence's parents and family were joined by many members of his Troop of the Royal Artillery and by his battery commander, who had journeyed to Walsall from their camp to support them in the ceremony. Bombardier David Ball read the first reading on behalf of the army.

The ceremony as other commemoration services was moving but uplifting. The Bishop's sermon explored the theme of loss and as in the second reading from John to trust and believe as Jesus will not let us down but bring us to eternal life.

The hymns mirrored the event with hymns such as "Abide with me" and "I see the Sun rise". A very moving part of the ceremony was when all had the opportunity to light a candle in remembrance. Nearly 300 candles were lit and threw off a tremendous amount of light. These lights glowed in the darkness after the main lights were switched off as we reached the part of the service where the names of the bereaved were read out, each one meaning so much to some one out in the audience.

After the ceremony many attended a function for refreshments in the church hall. An opportunity for people to talk and reflect on those they had lost. The young solders stayed behind and proved to be very popular amongst the crowd!

Yes there had been a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure the event went smoothly, as it was anticipated that there would be so many attending. But that is the work of the church, meeting the spiritual needs of the community and for the people of Blakenall. There is a need for people to express faith, find comfort, seek help and, on that night in Christ Church turn to God's love.

Everyone I spoke to felt touched by the event. My memory will be the crowds young and old that came forward to light a candle expressing their love for their loved ones and for a hope in the resurrection.

Sue Thompson — Reader Christ Church.