The memorial garden at Nicholforest Church was officially opened on Sunday 25th August 2024.

Located behind the church grounds, the Memorial Garden was kindly and generously donated by James Thompson-Schwab, to Nicholforest parish Council . This is a tranquil place offering a deep sense of peace and spiritual connection. A place where you can feel connected to deceased loved ones through quiet reflection. The garden also represents a collective memory of our community serving as a reminder of shared faith and the support that comes from being a part of a spiritual community.

The Garden is placed in a landscape of trees and greenery. We can draw on nature’s energy as a symbol of life, growth and resurrection. This can be comforting during times of grief or in times when you need to escape the pressures of everyday life and recharge your own emotional/mental batteries.

This peaceful, meditative space provides a retreat for those seeking solace. A place where people can pray, reflect and find inner peace. Being surrounded by nature in such a sacred setting helps strengthen a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, offering comfort and a reminder of the continuity of life.

A prayer for the grieving: Father, I pray to you, for you are always there, always ready to be found. I thank you for being my hiding place. I run to you when the great waves of grief rise and threaten to overcome me.

May God’s peace and comfort surround you during this time of loss.