Memory packs to help the bereaved

Packs offering support to anyone who has been bereaved during this Covid-hit year have been produced by a local vicar.

It’s the idea of the Rev. Felicity Walters (pictured) of St. John’s, Charlesworth, who wanted to bring comfort in these troubled times.

In recent years Church of England churches in Hadfield, Charlesworth and Gamesley have held ‘A Time to Remember’ services where the bereaved can come and give thanks for the lives of those who are no longer with us.

Plus light candles in their memory, away from the trauma of the death and the funeral. 

The Rev. Walters said: “The experience of losing someone has been especially brutal this year and back in March church members had hoped that by now they would be able to make much of offering memorial services and the annual A Time to Remember service, but it was not to be. 

“A different approach was needed.”

It led to the packs which contain a candle and a prayer card, an explanatory leaflet and a booklet with some words of scripture to draw strength from.

They are available to anyone in the community, whether or not the Church was involved in the funeral. 

There are ideas for how to use the material, either outdoors or inside with your household or bubble, perhaps having a special meal together first and creating a new family tradition. 

There are a number of distribution points for the packs, see the local Church Facebook pages or contact Felicity on 01457 852431.