Last Wishes Workshop

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Workshops around planning your end of life celebration. Knowing that your last wishes are in place frees you to up to enjoy life to the full. Taking this thoughtful action will also ease the way for those left behind.

In a workshop Jean would guide you through the many options available and answers any questions that may arise while planning your final farewell.

Discuss your choices; create a theme, being especially conscious of cost, practicalities and environmental issues

Deciding on a venue for the service/ceremony; choose music, poetry, readings and what to take with you. These are the memories that will linger on in the hearts of those left behind

Finalise the contents of the ceremony/service; do you wish to have a gathering afterwards? How would you like to be remembered?

Tuesday April 25th – Pretty things tea rooms, Park Place, Horsham, RH12 1DG – 10.am – 4.pm. Delicious refreshments available to purchase all day.

Friday May 12th – Congleton, Cheshire.

Or at a venue and date of your choice.

Booking essential: 01403 273754.

 

Returned Favour…

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All eyes were on the radiant bride as her father escorted her down
the aisle. They reached the altar and the waiting groom.

The bride kissed her father and placed something in his hand.

The guests in the front pews responded with ripples of laughter.

Even the priest smiled broadly.     As her father gave her away in
marriage, the bride gave him back his credit card.

What would you like people to say about you?

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Three friends from the local congregation were asked, “When you’re
in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over
you, what would you like them to say?”

Artie said, “I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a
fine spiritual leader, and a great family man.”

Eugene commented, “I would like them to say I was a wonderful
teacher and servant of God who made a huge difference in people’s
lives.”

Al said, “I’d like them to say, ‘Look, he’s moving!'”

Healthy Eating

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An elderly couple were killed in an accident and found themselves being given
a tour of heaven by Saint Peter.
“Here is your ocean-side condo, over there are the tennis courts, swimming pool and two golf courses. If you need any refreshments, just stop at any of the many bars located throughout the area.”
“Heck Gloria,” the old man hissed when Saint Peter had walked away.
“we could have been here ten years ago if you hadn’t heard about all that stupid oat bran, wheat germ, and low-fat diets!”

Jean’s “Down to Earth” feature in GreenSpirit

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GreenSpirit Winter 2016 (article featuring Jean Francis)

An article by OneSpirit minister Jean Francis, featured in the Winter edition of GreenSpirit magazine 2016, highlights the benefits of planning one’s funeral well in advance. It includes the moving case study of a man who planned his own funeral to reflect his love of Nature, Goddess spirituality and Native American culture. Read the full article here or click the images (Acrobat PDF format, 4MB).Green Spirit Winter Edition

Old Age

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Just before the funeral service of an elderly gentleman, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked. “How old was your husband?” ’98’ she replied… ‘Two years older than me.’ ‘So you’re 96,’ the undertaker commented. She responded, ‘Hardly worth going home is it?’

A Ceremony to Honour Later Life in Horsham District

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Horsham Circle of Life Festival, Opening Celebration -May 28th

It was at a meeting at the Drill Hall last autumn that the then, chairman of Age UK Horsham, Denis Cummins asked the question: ‘Has anyone got any ideas as to how we can ‘Celebrate Later Life in Horsham District?’ I put my hand up and the opening ceremony for Horsham Circle of Life Festival was the result. The week-long Festival was opened by Cllr. Kate Rowbottom and the afternoon included music, song and story-telling to feed the soul, also the following ceremony, led by Jean Francis – OneSpirit Interfaith minister.

‘Today, we are gathered, to honour and acknowledge ‘Later Life in Horsham District.’ I would like to recall some of the pearls of wisdom that have been shared with me, while collecting ideas for this ceremony.

 

I Googled:  ‘What is an elder’ and the answer came up: ‘An elder is someone who has earned respect from their community for their wisdom and knowledge.’

 

‘Most elders within our community will have experienced Continue reading →

A Wedding Blessing that includes a Water Ritual

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It was my privilege recently to officiate at a wedding blessing ceremony for a young couple. I have know Sally, the bride since she was a little girl, now here she was a beautiful young woman.

 

Sally and Tim were married in Santorini, with views of the caldera, the Mediterranean Sea and the setting sun, surrounded by loved ones. On their return the couple held a party for their relatives and many friends. Continue reading →

Rock ‘n’ Roll Cream Tea

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Scones and Cream

Saturday June 4th
3 pm – 5.30 pm

Horsham Circle of Life, closing celebration, includes a healing ceremony led by Anthea Ballam, with Judith Silver and the harmonious tones of Companion Voices. An opportunity for those touched by loss, to remember loved ones during a candle lighting ceremony and celebrate LIFE.
The week-long Festival culminates on a high with a pop / rock set as Chilli Custard presents Razia and Friends.
Proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Venue: The Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, RH12 1JF.
Tickets: £12.50 available at the door – includes tea, scones, jam and cream.

Kid’s Green Play and Display

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Friday June 3rd.

A fun filled afternoon for children, led by BBC Community Heroes 2015 award winner Carrie Cort from Sussex Green Living, which aims to educate and inspire children about the value of waste resources. Activities include:

  • Guinness Book of Records challenge
  • Meet recycled robots: Landfill Larry, Ronny the Recycled Robot.
  • Do the recycling race – Battle of the Eco Warriors!
  • Children and adults will have fun with a fashion display of upcycled clothes, accessories and bags made out of what some people call rubbish!
  • Bring unwanted DVDs, CDs and books to our Swap Shop, bring one and take one
  • Ron from the WSCC Waste Prevention team will play his guitar and sing ‘rubbish songs’.
  • Lyn Baylis will lead a short ceremony
  • Bring along a picnic and make an afternoon of it.
  • Children must be accompanied

Venue: Human Nature Garden, Horsham Park RH12 1RL or Park Barn if wet.

FREE half term entertainment for the family!

Horsham Circle of Life Festival 2016

In and around Horsham: Saturday May 28 – Saturday June 4