Shine a light at 8pm tonight on this National Day of Reflection

Today is being held as a national day of reflection to mark a year since the lockdown in the UK began… and to commemorate all those lost to Covid.

This evening we are invited to shine a light…

At 8pm we'll hold a minute's silence and come together to light up the night. Stand outside with a light – a candle, a torch, even your phone - to remember someone who's died and show your support to people going through a bereavement. Alternatively you can shine a light in your window for everyone to see.

At midday, along with thousands of others in their homes, I observed a time of silence in my lounge, reflecting on those who have died. A poignant powerful time of remembering, grieving and paying.

Marie Curie and partners invite us to observe a national day of reflection. They say, “Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died. Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind. Join us today to reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future. There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise. This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we're facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come.”

Flower, handmade by a member of New Maria Congregational Church, Neath, South Wales

Flower, handmade by a member of New Maria Congregational Church, Neath, South Wales





National Day of Reflection

Today is being held as a national day of reflection to mark a year since the lockdown in the UK began… and to commemorate all those lost to Covid.

I have just observed a time of silence in my lounge, reflecting on those who have died. A poignant powerful time of remembering, grieving and paying.

I share with you, as the cover photo on this article, a handmade silk daffodil made by a member of a CF Church I support in Neath, South Wales. The flower was lovingly hand crafted by a member of their church. The community in Neath, as well as so many others across the UK and the world, have lost so many people to the virus - Lord in your mercy, be a comfort to all those who mourn.

Marie Curie and partners invite us to observe a national day of reflection. They say, “Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died. Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind. Join us today to reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future. There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise. This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we're facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come.”

This evening we are invited to shine a light…

At 8pm we'll hold a minute's silence and come together to light up the night. Stand outside with a light – a candle, a torch, even your phone - to remember someone who's died and show your support to people going through a bereavement. Alternatively you can shine a light in your window for everyone to see.

Prayers from Prison Fellowship for Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday from the March Prayer Diary with Prison Fellowship

We pray together…

We ask the Lord to bless mothers and carers who have a loved one in prison.

We pray for mums receiving an Angel Tree Mothers’ Day card and gift from their child today.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen

The words of a young person in prison, in a Mother’s Day card, with support of Angel Tree

The words of a young person in prison, in a Mother’s Day card, with support of Angel Tree

You can find out more about the vital work of Angel Tree and read some poignant reflections on Mother’s Day from the Prison Fellowship HERE.

(cover photo courtesy of Kate Macate @ Unsplash)

Providing spiritual & pastoral support at a distance: online event 17th March

This event, hosted by Theos, explores how chaplains have supported people during the crisis, and how care has changed with restrictions on physical presence.

Among those on the front-line of the Covid crisis, there are people whose job it is to provide spiritual and pastoral care for anyone who needs it. Throughout the pandemic, chaplains, faith advisors and pastoral carers have been supporting the isolated, offering a listening ear to the anxious, and comforting the ill, dying and bereaved.

This free event brings together a panel of chaplains and pastoral carers to discuss spiritual and pastoral care at a time of physical distance. It also marks the launch of new research by Theos, exploring the contributions of university chaplains during Covid, the challenges they have faced, and what can be learned from their experiences.

(cover photo courtesy of Konstantin Planinski @ Unsplash)


If you are working as a chaplain in a healthcare setting, why not join us for a cuppa and a chat over Zoom?

Tea & Chat - for mutual support.

For the next few weeks, there will be sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Everyone is welcome.


Tuesday: 16th March, from 4-5pm.

Zoom details: Meeting ID: 847 3526 3933; Passcode 499408

Wednesday: 24th March, from 4-5pm.

Zoom details: Meeting ID: 848 8989 8244; Passcode: 685885
Thursday:
11th March, 1st April, from 4-5pm.

Zoom details: Meeting ID: 884 0930 9600; Passcode: 750073


Come and share what is happening in your situation,

so that we can support one another.

Mark Newitt, Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy (pictured below), will host these events. Mark provides the leadership on Healthcare Chaplaincy work at a national level for the Free Churches as well as in a multi-faith context.

Rev Dr Mark Newitt

Rev Dr Mark Newitt

(cover photo courtesy of Jorge Garcia @ Unsplash)