National Day of Reflection- 23rd March 2021
I invite you to take part in some way with the National Day of Reflection on 23 March, the first anniversary of the UK lockdown, to commemorate the tragic loss of life and to stand together with everyone who’s grieving.
Here are a number of ways you might like to observe this day:
- Next week there will be a prayer postcard for you to use at home.
- You might like to phone of send a card to friends or family who have been recently bereaved. The Church of England research shows that 6 out of 10 adults have lost someone in the last year where they would have attended the funeral. 4 out of 10 say they have lost someone close to them.
- You might like to plant a seed, a bulb or a bush on this day as a sign of hope.
- You might like to tie yellow ribbons or wool to a tree or your front gate perhaps, as a sign of your prayer and support for all who are bereaved.
- Mthr Lucy will light a votive candle on the 23rd March that will burn in the church for a week- at this time she will remember in church all the names of those died in the past year. If you have family, friends, neighbours or colleagues who have died in this past year (not only from the virus) that you would like remembered at this time please do give her a call, or send an email, or note. (This will be shared on-line)
- At 8.00pm ‘share the light’ by lighting candles and lanterns in windows (be sure to do so safely).
We remember before God those who have died and we pray that God’s love will surround all who mourn them, now and always.
Gracious God, as we remember before you the thousands who have died, surround us and all who mourn with your strong compassion. Be gentle with us in our grief, protect us from despair, and give us grace to persevere and face the future with hope in Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.
This link will take you to the video invitation by Marie Curie https://youtu.be/ZsUOWcvL_TM