Dear Friends,
In case you have not already heard, may I advise you that Myra Gilder died last week, shortly before Easter Day. Myra died at home where she and Les live at The Bungalow in South End.
You are probably aware that all church buildings in the country have been closed and funerals are only allowed at a crematorium or at the graveside. Myra is to be buried at Preston Bissett Churchyard with a short burial service held at the graveside on Wednesday 29th April at 11.00am when only close family is permitted to attend in accordance with the latest government guidelines due to coronavirus.
I have found it very strange being unable to hold funeral services in church as usual. I am also very aware of how distressing this can be for the family and how difficult it is for the wider family and friends to be unable to attend the graveside service and say farewell.
Our thoughts and prayers for family and friends are particularly important at this time. May I invite you to pray for Myra’s husband Les, their daughter Vanessa and son-in-law Nigel, and their two children and their partners, David and Amanda.
Because we cannot all attend the service as usual, may I invite you to light a candle in your home on the day at 11.00am. I offer these two prayers which you might like to say on the day or at any time.
Kind regards,
Revd David Hiscock
Dear God, thank you for Myra’s life and for all she meant to me and to others. I so wanted to say goodbye, to be alongside the family and friends. Help me to know you are there, holding all my hopes, holding all I love, especially Myra and her family, and holding me this day. Be close with your peace and hope. Amen
God of love, surround all those I love, especially those I can no longer see. Be light in my darkness, be hope in my fear, be love in every moment, and give me grace to face each day ahead. Amen