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Congregations of United Reformed Churches across the three nations, along with churches from other denominations are symbolising both remembrance and peace by planting poppy seeds in church borders and gardens. Red poppies have been used since just after the First World War as a symbol of remembrance for those who have died in war, whilst white poppies have come to be a symbol in the search for peace and an end to all wars.
After Fareham URC's Easter Morning Service, in the light rain, the seeds were blessed and members of the congregation scattered both red and white poppy seeds in the hope that they will bloom on or around 4th August, the 100 year commemoration of the declaration of World War One. Children too learned the significance within their Junior Church lessons and each planted special poppy seeds, red with a white centres sold to benefit service charities.
"As we join in the collective act of planting poppy seeds", says URC Moderator Revd Dr Michael Jagessar, "may the colours that burst forth remind us of the costly sacrifice of war and strengthen our commitment to a war free world, where peace becomes our orienting habit" while General Secretary Revd Roberta Rominger adds "Peace is always subversive in a world addicted to violence. I hope that the white poppies we plant alongside the red will make people stop and think, and maybe inspire some to pray".
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