Bonds forming at combined services to remember family
24 August 2017
Father's Day Memorial Service at Tweed Valley Cemetery
Tweed residents wanting to remember lost family members are finding comfort in a combined memorial church service now in its fourth year.
As Murwillumbah Churches Together and Tweed Valley Cemetery prepare to host the next Father’s Day Memorial Service on Friday 1 September, Pastor Rob Stuttle said they were seeing many people returning regularly.
“The fact we are seeing people returning to each Mother’s Day and Father’s Day service shows the services are significant for them,” the Living Waters Church pastor said.
“There’s a bond starting to happen because people are seeing and recognising other people who have been to the previous services.”
He said he believed people welcomed the opportunity to share their emotions and remember parents or children who had passed away.
They also appreciated the simple ceremonies conducted as part of the services, which are held in the Eviron cemetery’s historic chapel.
“By lighting candles and putting down flowers, they are participating in the service and those actions help to deal with the grief,” Pastor Stuttle said.
“People often want to do something with their grief. To me, they are the most important thing about the services.
“The community also likes to see ministers from four different churches working together.”
Ilze Jaunberzins has been to six of the combined services held so far and said she liked their inclusiveness.
“All faiths are welcome, which is beautiful. It’s highly symbolic of connectivity in the community,” she said.
“The services provide a lovely space for reflection. I find they are really moving but also supportive, which makes the services a very bonding experience.
“I like the services’ focus on our mothers and fathers – and the candle-lighting ceremony is very moving.”
This year’s Father’s Day ceremony will be held from 11am, with light refreshments provided.
For more information, contact Tweed Valley Cemetery on (02) 6670 2435.
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Caption: Ilze Jaunberzins and Pastor Rob Stuttle take time out to reflect after this year’s Mother’s Day Memorial Service at Tweed Valley Cemetery in May.