I’ve lost four friends during the past year. As it happens only 1 of those deaths was recorded as COVID related. However, the presence of the pandemic has made us more alert to death. There is something grim about the arrangements of funerals with the restrictions on who can attend and the required social distancingContinue reading “We need to talk about death”
Tag Archives: mourning
Happy people – those who mourn
Our second beatitude promises blessing or happiness for those who mourn. In Matthew, the reason that they are happy, or blessed is because they will be comforted. Luke 6:21 sets an even strong contrast “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Jesus here is picking up on an important Old Testament themeContinue reading “Happy people – those who mourn”
The absence of mourning?
A few years ago, one of our young mums had sad news, her sister back in her home country had died. Due to her immigration circumstances, she could not return for the funeral. So, we offered the opportunity for a memorial service here. It hopefully eased the pain but clearly was not the same asContinue reading “The absence of mourning?”
The ugliness of death
Yesterday, Steve Kneale reported on new restrictions concerning burials and funerals that are being imposed in West Yorkshire. Grave-side mourners will be limited to 10 maximum (nb it is 6 here in Sandwell) but now, no mourners will be allowed at the Crematorium. Instead the Council will offer “direct cremations” with no mourners present andContinue reading “The ugliness of death”
Body and Spirit
One of the things that happens when we go through unusual times like we are doing at the moment is that it gets us thinking about things we normally take for granted. We are used to meeting together every week. We are used to sharing communion What happens now that we cannot? First of allContinue reading “Body and Spirit”
