NHS Grampian chaplains' annual service to go online
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NHS Grampian healthcare chaplains have recorded an online service to remember those who have died in its hospitals this year.
The chaplains organise the service of thanksgiving and remembrance each year, which usually takes place at Queen’s Cross Church, Aberdeen, on the second Sunday in September.
As this was not possible this year due to the pandemic, the team have recorded a virtual service instead.
The service will be available tomorrow, Sunday, November 1.
Lead chaplain and head of spiritual care Mark Rodgers said: "I know people take a great deal of comfort from our annual service and – in this very different year – we knew we had to take a different approach.
"The service isn’t specifically to remember people who have died from coronavirus – though it may include them – but it is to remember all our loved ones who have died, of any cause, in any of the Grampian hospitals or units in this past year.
"The service we have recorded will last for about 20 minutes and it is for people of all faiths and none.
"The centre-piece of the service is the lighting of 12 candles for each month of the year by NHS Grampian staff members. Those watching at home will be invited to light a candle at home to coincide with the month their loved one died.
"We are keen to get feedback on the format of the service and how people felt it worked for them, as we plan for the other memorial services we hold each year and for our Christmas celebrations."
The service can be accessed via the NHS Grampian website at www.nhsgrampian.org/chaplaincy, the YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/c/nhsgrampian or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nhsgrampian.
