A reading about death, loss & grief

In this hour of holy stillness
we gather
to honor the life and the person we love.

In this hour of Holy Stillness
we remind ourselves that flames of life and love
are never fully extinguished.

In this hour of Holy Stillness
we offer ourselves
for sharing the weight of each other’s grief.

In this hour of Holy Stillness
we offer the strength of our love
to help others survive their pain and grief.

In tis hour of Holy Stillness
we call forth from each of us
the power we offer out of life, out of loss,
out of Love.

 by Patricia Shelden

A Reading About Death, Loss & Grief From John Buxton

Wherever you go now, I go with you.  
I am the wind - I tousle your hair,
Fling it away from brow and temple,
Back from your cheek and your small ear bare,
Wherever you go now.
I am the sunlight that wakens you,
I am your shadow along the grass,
In the quickset hedges when you go walking
I dance on the leaves to see you pass.
Wherever you go now.

In autumn that scatters rain on your windows,
In winter that brings the silent snow
To lift long night from earth’s laden shoulders,
My step by your side you still may know.
Wherever you go now.

Stare at the fire, at the corded moulding
That holds the ash on the fire-back there.
Do you not hear me?  I am with you.
My hands are stroking your firelit hair,
And you may rest now. 

 - John Buxton