Pause, Pray & Remember the 100,000
National Prayer
Archbishops invite nation to pause, pray and remember 100,000 people 'known to God and cherished by God'
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are issuing a call to the nation to pause and reflect to remember the more than 100,000 people across the UK who have died after contracting Covid-19 and all those who know and love them.
In an open letter, Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell invite everyone across England — whether they have faith or not — to pause, reflect on the "enormity of this pandemic" and to pray.
Death, they insist, does not have "the last word", and the Christian faith promises that one day "every tear will be wiped away".
God, they write, knows grief and suffering and "shares in the weight of our sadness".
Acknowledging the wider impact of the pandemic on the whole of society through loneliness, anxiety and economic hardship, they invite people to "cast their fears on God".
The letter also speaks of the particular impact of the pandemic on poorer communities, minority ethnic communities and those living with disabilities.
It acknowledges many who have lost their livelihoods as a result of the economic impact of the pandemic and it speaks about those unable to be with loved ones as they died or even at their graveside because of the restrictions.
The archbishops give thanks for NHS and social care staff, who they describe as "a blessing and lifeline for our nation"; for clergy, other frontline workers and "so many good neighbours". They give thanks for the development of vaccines and reiterate a call to everyone to take the vaccine when it is offered.
They also urge people to support each other both by following the guidelines to limit the spread of the virus and in practical ways, reaching out in care and kindness.
The letter includes an invitation to everyone — whether they have faith or not — to join the archbishops in pausing and praying each day at 6pm from February 1.
The archbishops write: "100,000 isn't just an abstract figure. Each number is a person: someone we loved and someone who loved us. We also believe that each of these people was known to God and cherished by God.
"We write to you then in consolation, but also in encouragement, and ultimately in the hope of Jesus Christ. The God who comes to us in Jesus knew grief and suffering himself. On the cross, Jesus shares the weight of our sadness."
They conclude: "Most of all, we have hope because God raised Jesus from the dead. This is the Christian hope that we will be celebrating at Easter.
"We live in the hope that we will share in his resurrection. Death doesn't have the last word. In God's kingdom, every tear will be wiped away.
"Please be assured of our prayers. Please join us."
The tragic milestone comes amid lockdown conditions in which large gatherings such as a national memorial service are not possible in person.
It is expected that the Church of England will hold services of remembrance for those who have died and thanksgiving for all those who have cared for them when it is possible to do so.
A prayer for those who mourn is also being shared on social media and will be available to churches across the country.
You may also be interested in

This year we are offering a Daily Reflections for the 40 weekday's that make up Lent and Holy Week.Interestingly, Sundays aren't counted as part of the 40 days — because Sunday is always a feast day!Using the lectionary readings set for each day there will be a picture, reflection and prayer.These can be used as an individual devotion or a 'jumping off' starter for sharing...

On 1 September 2023 Bishop's Stortford Circuit and the Herts and Essex Border Ecumenical Area will officially come together to form the new Herts and Essex Border Ecumenical Area! It will be composed of thirteen churches including four URCs, two Local Ecumenical Projects, seven Methodist churches and be staffed by three Methodist presbyters, 1½ URC ministers, a full-time administrator...

Saturday 1 April 202310.00am — 1.00pmYou are warmly invited to come along to the Annual Spring Fair at Roydon URC which is to be held on Saturday 1 April between 10am and 1pm.There will be lots of stall and refreshments on offer too, and there is plenty parking at the church.Entrance is FREE!So, put the date in your diary...We look forward to welcoming you.Roydon United...
Calendar

Hoddesdon Methodist Church

Roydon URC, Harlow Road, Roydon, CM19 5HD

Epping URC, Lindsey Street, Epping

Leaside Church, Ware
News stories




Publications



