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| | Spiritual Healthcare
Inspiration - Easter Service 2008
The Easter Service for 2008 took place at the chapel at Denmark House, part of the Queen Elizabeth Site. It was conducted by Trust Chaplains Revd Bill Miles and Father Jeremy Howard, representatives of both the Evangelical and Catholic branches of Christianity, showing a true sign of Christian unity.
The theme of the service was Easter Hope, how love overcame hate, compassion overcame cruelty and light overcame darkness. Revd Bill Miles stressed to the members of the congregation that service users are not to give up hope.
During times of struggle and darkness is when the help on offer throughout the caring services of the Trust should be sought after and taken up. The care providers within the Trust are here to help, to walk through the dark tunnels with the service users until they reach the light at the end and can start to live life to the full again.
Team work was also highlighted as a key factor in helping service users find hope and recovery, it takes effort on both the side of the service users and all the diverse service providers which are available.
The service was attended by a mixture of service users, including Gene Needham, ‘Champion of User Voice’ and staff from most wards, many of whom were happy to take part in the Holy Communion. The atmosphere was one of a joyous occasion, the sense of happiness and resurrection filled the old chapel for what was its final Easter Service.
 It was touching, especially for Revd Bill Miles and Service User Gene Needham to be able to look up at the cross hanging on the chapel wall. The previous year on Palm Sunday it was noticed that the cross had been taken down and dumped in a nearby skip outside of the hospital, fortunately Gene Needham had found it and returned it to the chapel where it was placed back on the wall for this years Easters Service, offering once again a symbol of resurrection, light and hope. The cross is now hanging on the wall of the chapel in the new multi-faith centre in the Barberry Suit, where it will remain for as long as the multi-faith centre itself will remain.
‘Eternal Praise’ Choir were also in attendance for the service and led the congregation in a rhythmic and melodic performance of both old and new Easter songs.
A few members of the 'Eternal Praise' Choir standing outside Denmark House and with Rev'd Bill Miles
Father Jeremy Howard; Rev'd Bill Miles ; 'Eternal Praise' Choir and members of the congregation.
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