Worship
17 May 2026
Margaret Smith’s Reflection
Do you remember the song “Going home” based on Dvorak’s New World Symphony? Not only is the music striking but the words speak so much of comfort. One line says, “Father’s waiting too”. And do you remember the Palm Sunday Hymn “Ride On Ride On” with the beautiful words “The Father on his Sapphire throne. Awaits his own expected Son.” Ascension Day conjures up the same picture. Jesus is returning home to His father. However, humble our homes might be the word still can conjure up a picture. For the most fortunate the picture is one that brings of comfort, while unfortunately for some of us the memories are not as pleasant. Home is not a building. It is the place where you are cared for either by your own family or by those who love you. Home is the place where you are loved wherever that physical building might be, It’s not about the material comforts but about the relationships that we all have with each other. Jesus when he talked about going to his father didn’t mean that he was leaving His disciples behind and forgetting them The Gospel for today reminds us that when Jesus prayed about His relationship with God that he included not only His disciples but all of us . Because He was one with the father so are we. Jesus prayed that we should live together in unity. When we hear the news today, we wonder if there could be unity in the world. However, listen to His teaching. He didn’t pray that we should never face danger or that if we all did nothing the world would live in unity. Knowing that we are all part of that relationship with the Trinity we have like His disciples to spread that Gospel of love. Why us? Read the prayer of St Teresa of Avila:
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks with compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
In this week of Christian Aid, we are asked to think of those throughout the world whose homes and lives are full of hardship. For many the wars raging through their countries have destroyed towns and villages. For others natural disasters, floods earthquakes and extreme weather conditions have brought famine and drought. Crops have failed; people are dying of hunger and thirst. What can we do to help? We cannot solve the whole world’s problems, but we can do what we can. If we can afford it, we can give money to help rebuild lives. Yet it’s not just a matter of money vital though that is. For one day when we too go to our eternal home, we will be asked the question, “What did you do to help the hungry, the people without love and comfort?” Not only what did you just put in an envelope but how much did you love them. Your neighbours. The people you do not know but read about, those who do not like but who need your help. Did you pray for them? Talk to them? Offer what help you could? Did you offer them a home in your hearts? Remember that love endures. It’s not just a question of doing something for a week. The work of the disciples continued for the rest of their lives. Will we too continue the Love that we have been asked to share for the rest of our lives so that when our time comes we know that we will have come home having to the best of our ability done the will of the Father?
Morning star lights the way, restless dream all done.
Shadows gone, break of day, real life just begun.
There's no break, there's no end, just a-living on;
Wide awake, with a smile, going on and on.
Going home. Going home, I'm just going home.
It's not far, just close by, through an open door.
Do you remember the song “Going home” based on Dvorak’s New World Symphony? Not only is the music striking but the words speak so much of comfort. One line says, “Father’s waiting too”. And do you remember the Palm Sunday Hymn “Ride On Ride On” with the beautiful words “The Father on his Sapphire throne. Awaits his own expected Son.” Ascension Day conjures up the same picture. Jesus is returning home to His father. However, humble our homes might be the word still can conjure up a picture. For the most fortunate the picture is one that brings of comfort, while unfortunately for some of us the memories are not as pleasant. Home is not a building. It is the place where you are cared for either by your own family or by those who love you. Home is the place where you are loved wherever that physical building might be, It’s not about the material comforts but about the relationships that we all have with each other. Jesus when he talked about going to his father didn’t mean that he was leaving His disciples behind and forgetting them The Gospel for today reminds us that when Jesus prayed about His relationship with God that he included not only His disciples but all of us . Because He was one with the father so are we. Jesus prayed that we should live together in unity. When we hear the news today, we wonder if there could be unity in the world. However, listen to His teaching. He didn’t pray that we should never face danger or that if we all did nothing the world would live in unity. Knowing that we are all part of that relationship with the Trinity we have like His disciples to spread that Gospel of love. Why us? Read the prayer of St Teresa of Avila:
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks with compassion on this world,
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good,
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
In this week of Christian Aid, we are asked to think of those throughout the world whose homes and lives are full of hardship. For many the wars raging through their countries have destroyed towns and villages. For others natural disasters, floods earthquakes and extreme weather conditions have brought famine and drought. Crops have failed; people are dying of hunger and thirst. What can we do to help? We cannot solve the whole world’s problems, but we can do what we can. If we can afford it, we can give money to help rebuild lives. Yet it’s not just a matter of money vital though that is. For one day when we too go to our eternal home, we will be asked the question, “What did you do to help the hungry, the people without love and comfort?” Not only what did you just put in an envelope but how much did you love them. Your neighbours. The people you do not know but read about, those who do not like but who need your help. Did you pray for them? Talk to them? Offer what help you could? Did you offer them a home in your hearts? Remember that love endures. It’s not just a question of doing something for a week. The work of the disciples continued for the rest of their lives. Will we too continue the Love that we have been asked to share for the rest of our lives so that when our time comes we know that we will have come home having to the best of our ability done the will of the Father?
Morning star lights the way, restless dream all done.
Shadows gone, break of day, real life just begun.
There's no break, there's no end, just a-living on;
Wide awake, with a smile, going on and on.
Going home. Going home, I'm just going home.
It's not far, just close by, through an open door.
A time of prayer and reflection for those who are unable to attend a funeral.
When someone we know and love dies, it is important to say ‘farewell’, to remember them and to honour a life that has meant a lot to us. The current circumstances mean that some people who would have wished to attend the funeral may be prevented from doing so. This short guide will help you to say your formal goodbyes at home.
As you read through this short act of worship and remembrance, mention the name of the person who has died where you see N…. You may like to light a candle, to place it near a photograph of the person you are thinking of and perhaps play a piece of music that meant a lot to them. Take a few moments to sit quietly. Think about those who are attending the funeral and hold them before God in the stillness of the moment.
Lighting the candle
You may say these words as you light a candle:
Jesus is the Light of the World. May his light, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
Some words of comfort from the Bible
The eternal God is your refuge: and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. (John 14:27)
Opening Prayer
Loving Jesus, you promised your disciples that you would be with them for ever. Help us to know that you are with us now in our sadness and our grief. When you faced the cross you told your disciples not to be anxious or afraid, because you were going before them. Trusting that N…. is safe in your love, help us to have faith and peace of mind. Be with us in these moments of reflection and surround us with your love and your peace, now and always. Amen.
Read Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
You might also like to read the following Bible passage Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 11:21-27
Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
Time to reflect
Now spend a few moments thinking about the readings and any words that particularly speak to you. Take a few moments to think about the person who has died. If you are with other people you may like to share your memories together. Think about what made that person special to you, the things you did with and for them – things they did for you. Think about what you might like to say to them if they were here now. There will be things that you will want to thank God for and things you might regret or feel sorry about. There is also the sadness of not being able to attend the funeral. You can offer all these thoughts to God. After some moments of stillness continue with these prayers:
God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. We thank you for N…, the years we shared with him/her, the good we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage to leave him/her in your care, confident in your promise of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In this prayer at “A. and B.” mention the names of those you know who may be attending the funeral.
O God, you brought us to birth, and in your arms we die. In your gentle compassion, look with tenderness on A. and B. as they gather today to mourn N., to give thanks for his/her life and entrust him/her to you. In our shared grief and shock contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
The following prayer is used at the end of the funeral service to commend the person who has died to God’s love and care for ever. We conclude this short time of reflection with this special prayer:
God our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and entered into glory. Confident of his victory and claiming his promises, we entrust N… to your mercy in the name of Jesus our Lord, who died and is alive and reigns with you, now and for ever. Amen.
Closing prayers
Support us, O Lord, all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God’s love and help remain with us always and
may N… and all the faithful departed rest for ever in peace. Amen.
When someone we know and love dies, it is important to say ‘farewell’, to remember them and to honour a life that has meant a lot to us. The current circumstances mean that some people who would have wished to attend the funeral may be prevented from doing so. This short guide will help you to say your formal goodbyes at home.
As you read through this short act of worship and remembrance, mention the name of the person who has died where you see N…. You may like to light a candle, to place it near a photograph of the person you are thinking of and perhaps play a piece of music that meant a lot to them. Take a few moments to sit quietly. Think about those who are attending the funeral and hold them before God in the stillness of the moment.
Lighting the candle
You may say these words as you light a candle:
Jesus is the Light of the World. May his light, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds.
Some words of comfort from the Bible
The eternal God is your refuge: and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid’. (John 14:27)
Opening Prayer
Loving Jesus, you promised your disciples that you would be with them for ever. Help us to know that you are with us now in our sadness and our grief. When you faced the cross you told your disciples not to be anxious or afraid, because you were going before them. Trusting that N…. is safe in your love, help us to have faith and peace of mind. Be with us in these moments of reflection and surround us with your love and your peace, now and always. Amen.
Read Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff - they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
You might also like to read the following Bible passage Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
John 11:21-27
Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
Time to reflect
Now spend a few moments thinking about the readings and any words that particularly speak to you. Take a few moments to think about the person who has died. If you are with other people you may like to share your memories together. Think about what made that person special to you, the things you did with and for them – things they did for you. Think about what you might like to say to them if they were here now. There will be things that you will want to thank God for and things you might regret or feel sorry about. There is also the sadness of not being able to attend the funeral. You can offer all these thoughts to God. After some moments of stillness continue with these prayers:
God our Father, we thank you that you have made each of us in your own image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you. We thank you for N…, the years we shared with him/her, the good we saw in him/her, the love we received from him/her.
Now give us strength and courage to leave him/her in your care, confident in your promise of eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In this prayer at “A. and B.” mention the names of those you know who may be attending the funeral.
O God, you brought us to birth, and in your arms we die. In your gentle compassion, look with tenderness on A. and B. as they gather today to mourn N., to give thanks for his/her life and entrust him/her to you. In our shared grief and shock contain and comfort us; embrace us with your love, give us hope in our confusion and grace to let go into new life; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
The following prayer is used at the end of the funeral service to commend the person who has died to God’s love and care for ever. We conclude this short time of reflection with this special prayer:
God our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and entered into glory. Confident of his victory and claiming his promises, we entrust N… to your mercy in the name of Jesus our Lord, who died and is alive and reigns with you, now and for ever. Amen.
Closing prayers
Support us, O Lord, all the day long of this troublous life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God’s love and help remain with us always and
may N… and all the faithful departed rest for ever in peace. Amen.
