Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving to be held for farming community

St John’s Church of Ireland, Moneymore, will host the annual Rural Support Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving on Sunday, June 8 2025 at 2.30pm. This worshipful event is aimed at those who have lost a loved one, recently or in the past, to come together and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us in a safe and welcoming environment. 

"At this commemorative service, we will gather with friends, families, and agricultural representatives to honour individuals who not only impacted those closest to them but also shared a deep love and passion for the farming industry. This event will pay tribute to those who have passed away, acknowledging the profound sense of loss experienced by their loved ones. It is a privilege to participate in this occasion and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us in a heartfelt and meaningful manner," said Gyles Dawson, Director of Programmes.

The Life Beyond programme, delivered by Rural Support in partnership with Embrace FARM, provides a unique combination of bereavement support, specifically tailored to the needs of the farm family. The aim of the programme is to improve the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of farm families who have experienced loss or trauma through a farm accident, as well as provide business support with the farming enterprise.

At this years’ service the Farmers’ Choir will be leading the congregations unified musical sound and will be joined by local harpist Lesley Magee as well as pupils from Moneymore Primary School. Various prayers of remembrance and celebration will be carried out by representatives from the Catholic, Church of Ireland, Methodist and Baptist churches, as well as readings and addresses from several prominent figures within the agricultural industry including UFU President William Irvine and ABP Managing Director George Mullan. #

At the service, those attending will also be able to participate in the Tree of Life Ceremony, as an act of remembrance and love for those who are no longer with us.

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There will also be a Roll of Remembrance which shall be read by Director of Programmes at Rural Support, Gyles Dawson. If you would like your loved one placed on this memorial list, please contact the Farm Support Unit at Rural Support on 028 8676 0040 or email farmsupport@ruralsupport.org.uk

Kevin Doherty, CEO of Rural Support said: “Our Life Beyond gathering will support those who are navigating their way through grief and will provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with others who have experienced loss, to reflect and reminisce, and to honour the contributions made to the lives, land and agricultural community by loved ones who have passed away. This event is open to everyone within the farming community who wishes to pay their respects towards a family’s loved one who is no longer with us whilst remembering their gift of life together.”

If you would like to learn more about the Life Beyond bereavement support programme or the range of services and programmes available at Rural Support, go to the NI Farm Support hub at www.ruralsupport.org.uk or telephone their Support Line on Freephone 0800 138 1678 available Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.