Our moderator, Rt Rev Alister, lit a candle in memory of all who lost their lives during the pandemic. We remember with utmost thanks, those who risked it all working on the front line in our hospitals. May God bless everyone who worked to keep us all safe. Lastly may we remember those whose lives have been irreversibly changed by the Covid-19 illness. 

Rt Rev. Alister shared the following poem: 

HOPE

Hope does not mean letting go of your grief or pain.
Hope is a torch to shine on your love when the days are dark.
Hope is your safety net when your feet go below you as your world is turned upside down.
Hope is the hug your loved one can no longer give you.
The hand that reaches out to steady you as you stumble.
Hope will be your shield, the comfort, the reassurance that although nothing will ever be the same, having hope and love within your heart, you'll find a way to live again.
For HOPE is not your enemy, see HOPE as your friend,
As HOPE like any true friend will be there when most needed as
HOPE, helps to ease our pain
In the name of my mummy Ruth Burke, who showed us that Love & Hope going hand in hand can be your guide through grief.

Brenda Doherty penned for the National day of Reflection 03/03/24