In a rural parish, funerals are a significant gathering of friends and neighbours with family. This week in the Hurunui I have assisted with two funerals; Katie after a long and full life, and Paddy well before his three score and ten years. This week we also grief with the friends and families of the Bali 9, and the thousands of family and friends of those who have died in the Nepal earthquake.

May they rest in peace.