Lay Person in Charge
Liz Shaw
Tel: 01433 630541
Email:
Just Thinking…
On Friday 10th May a good number of the
congregation gathered at the rear of the
Chapel to tackle the long awaited re-planting
of the memorial garden.
This is something that has been much in our
thoughts over the last couple of years, and
despite the rain and very little sunshine, we
were in good spirits as we set about clearing
and then re-planting this precious and sacred
place.
Whilst undertaking this task, there were many conversations
about the names of people who are on the memorial stone, past
members of the Chapel and past Trustees, as well as some
reflection that some of those present on the day, would also like
their ashes scattered in this garden. A sobering thought, but
also an important one as we reflected on how peaceful and
beautiful this place is, and how good it is to know where our
ashes would be scattered.
These conversations have got my mind thinking, and I know
from other conversations with family and friends, that it is good
to know, and can give people peace of mind, to know where
their final resting place will be.
Some years ago whilst working at Unitarian College in
Manchester, the ministry students produced a booklet about
'Sacred Places, Sacred Spaces' and I want to share with you the
piece written by Rev David Shaw, past minister of Old Chapel,
about Old Chapel's graveyard. The piece is entitled Sacred
Stones.
Years ago, before it came to be within the boundary of a chapel
it was just part of a farmer's field. Now it has received within
its earth those who held such love for this place and, with their
passing, their loved ones fulfilled their wishes.
Together, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters rest together.
Stones mark their passing and the passing of time. Amid the
lichen, names guard empty spaces, for lives moved on. New
inscriptions join weathered names to show that loved ones have
been reunited.
It is a place for the living as names and dates are read on many
occasions, rekindling memories. It is a place visited by the
curious, the ponderous and the pilgrim. It is visited by
hedgehogs, birds and the tender and routine care of helpful
green fingers.
It is visited by the cycle of the seasons. Christmas wreaths
battle through to the spring and grieving hands bring flowers
that say more than words. Nature brings its annual display
from the perennials and the towering trees.
It is visited by minds far away but all hearts know that this
place is sacred because we have made it so.
We have made this piece of land special because we trust to its
keeping the care for those we loved.
May it always be so!
In love,
Liz