Posts by Carl Knightly
Coronavirus and older people: some encouraging stats
Older people are showing resilience in difficult times. We know this personally, but it is often hidden in what can seem like a tide of bad news. Sometimes the figures are worth looking at more closely for the nuggets of encouragement. The Office for National Statistics released new figures on 3 July using a…
Read MoreNational Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast: Church, older people and lockdown
Every year, over 700 MPs, Peers and church leaders gather together in the Houses of Parliament to pray for our Parliament, government and politics, to build relationships between church leaders and their local MPs, and to reflect upon the relevance of the Christian faith to our public life. This year, due to the Coronavirus pandemic,…
Read MoreWhat to do when someone dies
When someone dies, especially if you are next of kin and/or an executor or have power of attorney, you are usually in shock. Nevertheless, there are plenty of practical tasks to be done. Here’s a list of things you may need to do, which will hopefully help you through this difficult time. The day…
Read MoreWhat does it mean to ‘finish well’?
‘And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ’. Philippians 1 v 6 (ESV) Welcome to our ‘Faith in Later Life’ June newsletter, and thank you for your continued interest and support. As ever, please do…
Read MoreSensitive matters at the end of life: 15 questions
It’s quite common that someone who knows they are approaching the end of their life has things they’d like to talk about. However there is sometimes a “conspiracy of silence” and it’s difficult to raise the subject. This sheet could act as an ice breaker or be used by the person approaching the end of…
Read MoreRelaxing lockdown: what are the options for older people to meet together?
With ten days’ notice, churches heard that they can reopen on 4 July. As the details are worked out, many churches are having to work out what this means: will we be doing digital church and gathering in person and meeting physical needs? How do we manage risk and different expectations? What about meeting beyond…
Read MoreToo scared to go out- some things to remember
As lockdown is eased, single person households have been told they can ‘bubble’ with another household. After so many weeks this prospect has been a source of joy for some, and anxiety for others: Is it safe to go out? Will people want me to be in their ‘bubble’? Do I initiate the socializing, or…
Read MoreWhat God is doing for older people through church champions
We recently asked some of our Church Champions what they have seen God doing during lockdown and to share stories. Here is some of what they shared: “Many non-Christians who attend our weekly group are wanting to discuss the Bible. I posted out a quiz on Mark last week and have had 7 requests for…
Read MoreThe story behind ‘Hymns We Love’
One of the popular options on the free 24-hour Daily Hope Prayer Line is ‘Hymns We Love’. This started in a local church. Here’s the story: One of the largest weekly gatherings for seniors in the UK, ‘Connections’ welcomes over 150 guests to Holy Trinity Church in Claygate, Surrey. Started 10 years ago by Pippa…
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