Worship Anthology. S. Craggs

of us can come and place our stone down – wherever you want. Where you put it will affect the pattern, and may influence someone else’s decision. But together we create the bigger picture. It needs all of us together, united despite our differences, and our individual contributions to create the pattern.

      As you come forward, feel the stone in your hand, think about its size and shape. As you lay it down, think about AB and what he/she means to you. As you lay the stone down, it is your act of remembrance but also your release.

      Use the laying down of the stone as a way of letting go also of any burdens you are carrying. Of remorse, guilt, anger, hurt, pain.

      And as you return to your places, note that your hands are empty; you are no longer carrying that stone. You return slightly lighter than when you came – use the space left by the stone and by the laying down of your burdens as a chink to let in the light, as an openness to help and healing and wholeness.

      NB: Some people may prefer to take their stone as a memento. That is OK – the fact that their stone is not laid down affects the pattern too.

      Closure of

       Deerness West Church:

       16 October 1994

      REV. JOAN CRAIG

       At the closure of the former Deerness West Church in Orkney, the status and use of buildings were and are contentious and painful issues in this part of the world. The service of closure acknowledged the pain but also the creativity and faith of the members in moving on with grace and thanksgiving – and to be a stimulus to other ministers and members trying to make meaning and note of a painful moment in their church’s history.

       Flower festival and thanksgiving service

       Opening

      Who is able to build a house for God when heaven itself, the highest heaven, cannot contain him?

       Prayer

      God of love and power, you hold all souls in life. You bind together all your people in heaven and earth in one holy fellowship. We praise you for those who in their generation have been lights in the world, in this church and parish. We thank you for their courage and commitment, for their vision and generosity in establishing this place of worship. Help us to keep faith with them and their vision, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.