The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce delivered the opening:
Today, 17th May, would have been Simon Ricketts’ 51st birthday – a poignant reminder of how tragically young he was when he died – with so much still to live for, and so much still to give, both to the profession that was his life, and to the people that he loved.
But it also makes today a singularly appropriate occasion for us to celebrate Simon’s life; to honour his memory; and to rejoice that the world was much the richer place for his presence within it.
Let us pray:
Loving God, our refuge and our strength, we are here to give thanks for the life of Simon Ricketts, whom we love but see no longer, and who is now held safe in your loving arms, and restored to fullness of life. Though parted from us, he remains alive in our hearts and in our love. Hold him in your perfect and infinite care, until the day comes when we, too, can find life, and peace and perfect joy with him, enfolded in your love and grace for all eternity. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Addresses
Hugo Rifkind
Katharine Viner
Readings
Orla Hill read John 14: 1-6
1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Adam Parsons read Banging out by Simon Ricketts
Clare Mundell read Thank you by Simon Ricketts
Music
The choir & organist of St Bride’s performed the following anthems and songs:
Sanctus from Requiem – Fauré
Ubi caritas – Duruflé
The wonder of you – Knight, arr. Jones
Sunshine on Leith – Reid, arr. Morley
In my life – Lennon/McCartney, arr. Jordan/Buckley
Hymns
Lord of all hopefulness
Abide with me
He who would valiant be
Organ Voluntary
Marche Triomphale ‘Nun danket alle Gott’(‘Now thank we all our God’) Op 65 – Karg-Elert
