Speaking ahead of the planned National Day of Reflection, Bishop Mark Tanner has described the last 12 month as "unexpected, harrowing and lonely for so many" and says the day is a moment the nation can "pause, mourn, give thanks, reach out to each other and God."
Bishop Mark says: "The last 12 months have been unexpected, harrowing and lonely for so many, although they have also brought unexpected treasures. Our determination to stay in touch, to reach out and care, has highlighted something profound about our priorities and even our nature as human beings. Our deep questions and restless desire for God has exposed something fundamental about our nature as spiritual as well as physical beings. This day of reflection is one on which we can pause, mourn, give thanks, reach out to each other and God… it is an opportunity to note how far we have come and look forward with hope."
On Tuesday 23 March, the Diocese of Chester will join together with other dioceses in the Church of England, Marie Curie, Hope UK, Care for the Family, Ataloss and many charities and organisations across the UK for a National Day of Reflection to commemorate the first anniversary of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.
Chester Cathedral will be open to individuals and family groups to come and pray and will hold a service at 5.30pm in the Quire which will also be streamed on YouTube for everybody who would welcome it for personal reflection.
As well as the service, Chester Cathedral is also installing a spiral sculpture in the nave for four weeks to encourage prayer and reflection born out of the experience of lockdown.
How can churches get involved?
The Church of England has published 12 resources and ideas to help churches take part in the National Day of Reflection.
Around the country, other places of worship will also welcome members of the public.
York Minster will welcome people for prayer, quiet reflection and to light candles for family, friends and loved ones. The Minster will open at 11.30am and fall silent at 12 noon for a national one minute silence.
Marie Curie is one of the key partners and has produced resources and advice on how to mark the National Day of Reflection. Find them here.
The Church of England has also produced prayers and liturgical resources which you can find here.
DailyHOPE continues: 0800 804 8044
Did you know the Church of England’s free-to-call DailyHOPE telephone line continues? In the last year, 50,000 people have spent over 5 million minutes using the service. As the roadmap out of Government restrictions comes into place, we know that many will experience heightened social anxiety and feelings of concern at their vulnerability. This is why DailyHOPE will continue to provide a service to connect those who might otherwise be entirely isolated. The line continues with its reflections, hymns and daily services as well as specialist content which seeks to bring the comfort and encouragement of Christ’s presence to each caller.