St Peter’s Poppy Cascade Brings Community Together
In July, St Peter’s, Blackley, asked their churches and neighbours to knit, crochet, or craft poppies from recycled materials for a display in the church. They hoped for a few hundred, but received over 2500 from every corner of the community.
It began with a simple invitation: Would you make a poppy?
In July, St Peter’s, Blackley, asked their churches and neighbours to knit, crochet, or craft poppies from recycled materials for a display in the church. They hoped for a few hundred, but received over 2500 from every corner of the community. Poppies came from seasoned crafters and curious beginners, children and grandparents, people rediscovering creativity after illness or loss, or stitching through stress and sleepless nights. Some poppies were made in memory of loved ones, and others were offered as prayers for peace.
Each poppy was joined together to create a cascade, which is now displayed at St Peter’s, flowing from the gallery to the floor. It is a living picture of St Paul’s words:
“We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:5)
In sermons on both Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day, St Peter’s reflected on this. Remembrance is not only about looking back, but about being drawn together in the present.
The cascade remains on display at St Peter’s until 22nd November, and will be re-used for years to come.
Revd Pam Smith, Rector St Andrew’s, St Paul’s and St Peter’s Blackley, has written a blog post about the cascade and its impact on the community. Read the full post here.