A lively congregation filled Saint John’s Church on Sunday morning as families from across the town gathered to celebrate Mother’s Day.
The service began as four young people lit four candles, each symbolising the way those who care for others light up the world.
Rev’d David then lit a fifth candle and the church was silent as each person thought of the tragedy that had occurred in London earlier in the week.
“We are here today to celebrate being shaped by love, hope, and opportunity,” said Rev’d David. “There are those who would see us shaped by hatred, anger and division, but we will not be”.
The service then moved on to thinking about all those whose nurturing role allows the individual to flourish.
Around 80 candles were lit as folk recalled the mothers, grandmas and people loved no longer with us whilst others wrote prayers and thoughts down to be displayed in the church.
A group of children then told everyone about their own experiences of being cared for Rev’d David concluded by reminding everyone that “God was our heavenly Mother as well as Father, the nurturer, lover and origin of all things.”
Bunches of daffodils were then distributed and everyone enjoyed a cup of tea whilst chatter and laughter floated around the church.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
