Even after all these years..

Advent wreath at Christ Church - 2nd Candle lit for the 2nd Sunday in Advent.

I know after nearly 24 years of ministry as a Salvation Army Officer (vicar, pastor) and having conducted countless funerals - that when someone dies all you can realistically do is listen to the bereaved, whether it be a friend, family member or someone they just met on occasions. This morning that was all I could do – listen - because I still have laryngitis – just listen as two of my ladies from Thames View Lodge tell me how Harry dropped down dead in the communal lounge whilst decorating the Christmas tree for all the residents.

Harry, who organizes the Bingo every week – Harry, who organizes the theatre trips, outings, meals, entertainment – Harry, who is always there you just have to knock on his door and he will sort things out for you; and so they went on and on and on. They hadn't realized how much a part of their lives Harry had been until now.

What do you say? I couldn't NO VOICE – so I cuddled them both took their hands and we bowed our heads and in the silence we remembered Harry, we silently prayed for Harry's wife Jean and their family and all the residents at Thames View Lodge whose lives Harry had touched or had been a part of over the last eight years.

Even after all these years – nearly 24 years – it doesn't get any easier and sometimes there is no need for words.

"The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive - perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine." Mignon McLaughlin

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39

Because You’re Worth It…

The L'Oreal adverts would have us believe that us mere mortals should consider ourselves fortunate enough to be deemed 'Worth It' to use their products. Over the years I have discovered that people consider themselves 'Worth It' when you spend quality time with them.

Most of my readers will know that on Thursday evenings I lead a service at Thames View Lodge, which is a Sheltered Housing Complex. Along with a few ladies from Christ Church, we have been visiting The Lodge since February of this year and I can truly say with all honesty that it is the highlight of my week. Between 25- 30 residents come along and share in song, prayer, fun and fellowship but it is the time after the service whilst having a cuppa which is so important. Those moments when a resident will share a concern, worry, frustration, confide an illness diagnosed, bring photos of loved ones, hopes for the future - that 'time' spent listening makes a person feel 'Worth It'. My ladies from Christ Church are priceless as they visit, share communion with, prayer with, build bridges and care for those who would otherwise go un-noticed.

Tonight we had our service but because I still have no voice! Nigel led the programme I had prepared for this evening throwing in a few jokes and accompanying the hymns on his portal Casio piano, which certainly adds to the evening rather than singing to my pre-recorded music. They all gave him marks out of 10 for his effort but to me the best reward is seeing folk leaving the lounge smiling and singing a refrain of a hymn/song that we had during the evening. Mission accomplished J

When I'm in my 80's or 90's I hope someone will still think I'm 'Worth It' to spend time listening to me..

"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand" Anon

"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant". Robert McCloskey