The Revd Alastair McCollum. Picture by Terry Ife ref mhv 8783-09-11TI

People who are sacrificial with their time live out the command ‘Love thy neighbour’.

This past Sunday I got to spend a lot of time with heroes. There were those, of course, who we considered as part of our Remembrance observance. There were those there who served and are serving in the Armed forces.

But there were others, too. There were the often understated or overlooked heroes. There were members of our emergency services. There were volunteers and leaders from community groups and uniformed organisations. There were civic and political leaders, teachers, health workers and so many more.

There are so many who give a huge amount to our community. Those who, with no thought of reward or recognition, are sacrificial in giving time and energy to help others. This is what Jesus meant when he told us to love our neighbour – and I thank God for those who live out that command day by day in our villages, towns and cities.