People of Formby came together today for the Manchester Bombing Vigil

At Formby Pool Gardens this morning, Saturday 27th May the people of Formby showed their solidarity with all those affected by the Manchester Arena Terrorist Attack.

John Ryan the Chairman of Churches together in Formby, Altcar and Hightown opened the short reflection. Young and old people were all moved to light a candle and add a thought or reflection to put on the prayer tree.

It was a time to overcome differences, to come together to reflect and pray as demonstrated by both Labour and Conservative candidates who attended. Steve Rotherham the new Mayor of Liverpool City Region also took time to take part in the Formby service before attending an event in Manchester this evening.

If you would like to take a moment, light a candle or add a prayer or thought over the next few days, then come to the memorial display near the sign at the Brows Lane entrance of Formby Pool.

Formby Pool welcomed people by providing chairs and refreshments.

Conservative councillors, Denise Dutton, Simon Jamieson and Michael Pitt attended the vigil to show their respect and a few feet away stood Labour's Bill Esterson with the new Liverpool City Mayor, Steve Rotherham and also Formby Ravenmeols Labour Councillor Catie Page

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Bill Esterson took time out to write his own words for the prayer tree

The prayers read out in todays vigil were as follows:

Three Prayers for Peaceful Lives

A Prayor for Ourselves

May I be no-one’s enemy.

May I be the friend of that which is eternal.

May I never quarrel eith those nearest to me;

And if I do, may we be quickly reconciled.

May I love, seek and attain only that which is good.

May I wish for the happiness of all and envy none.

May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of any who have wronged me.

May I win no victory that harms either me or an opponent.

May I reconcile friends angry with one another.

May I, to the full extent of my power, help my friends in their need, and all who are in want.

May I never fail a friend in danger

May I respect myself.

A prayer of Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea (died c.340) found in Daily Prayer, edited by Frank Topping. (OUP 2003)

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Universal Prayer of Peace

Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to Truth.

Lead us from despair to Hope, from fear to Trust.

Lead us from hate to love, from war and Peace.

Let Peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.

Peace, Salaam, Shalom

As circulated by Dr Shiv Pande MBE DL and the Revd Dr Sheryl Anderson

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Church of England Prayer:

A Collect for Peace

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord,

to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom:

Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies;

That we, surely trusting in your defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries;

Through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

The Prayer Tree - Photo by Mark Edwards

Bill Esterson paying his respects - This and top Photo by Mark Edwards