For the past number of years, we have invited families of recently deceased parishioners to join us for Vespers on the evening of November 2nd. Tonight was therefore the night. Families of some 26 individuals were invited, but only a few of them could attend.
For those who were here, there was music, quiet, a candle lighting ceremony and a moment for reflection. The quiet liturgy of Evening Prayer is very different from the celebration of the Eucharist but it is just as powerfully able to touch the heart strings and to help with the healing that is so necessary.
There's always time for socializing after the fact too, and this is very good. It provides an occasion for people who may otherwise be living on their own to touch base with the community who continues to care for them. At times it allows for the renewing of friendships, and certainly for a bit of feeding the body as well as the soul.
For those who were here, there was music, quiet, a candle lighting ceremony and a moment for reflection. The quiet liturgy of Evening Prayer is very different from the celebration of the Eucharist but it is just as powerfully able to touch the heart strings and to help with the healing that is so necessary.
There's always time for socializing after the fact too, and this is very good. It provides an occasion for people who may otherwise be living on their own to touch base with the community who continues to care for them. At times it allows for the renewing of friendships, and certainly for a bit of feeding the body as well as the soul.
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