A field of memories for All Souls Day

Churches across the Diocese are finding different ways of marking All Souls Day this year.

In Madresfield, between Worcester and Malvern, a ‘Field of Memories’ with 150 crosses will be planted on the front lawn of the Church, with people who have been bereaved in the area invited to add their own inscription to crosses.

The Revd Gary Crellin, Vicar of the parishes of Powick, Guarlford and Madresfield with Newland, in Malvern Deanery, said he believed around 150 funerals had taken place in the Greater Malvern area since the pandemic began across all churches, crematoria, and cemeteries.

“I hope that the sight of 150 crosses in a small country churchyard will give people the opportunity to pause and give thanks for the lives of people they love but they no longer see.

“My vision is that people who see this display will be inspired and comforted by the words of Isaiah 41: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’ – a phrase that Jesus continues to speak to us today.

“It is really important, as we journey through this Covid pandemic, to simply pause and remember the funerals that we have had this year, often in difficult and trying circumstances. 

“By giving the opportunity for people to remember and give thanks, we are all remembering together.”