enjoyed a trip to a spa how she had enjoyed a trip to a spa with mum, proudly showing off her latest sparkly nail varnish. we all know know how much elsie loved having her nails done — the more sparkle the better. her show and tell in reception will forever be a highlight. each child brings in something special to school to share with their friends. of course, elsie had to think slightly outside the box. she decided on a pair of glittery heels. after presenting her shoes to the class, she excitedly put them on. elsie then walked around the show and tell circle in her clip t klopps, asking everyone to feel them, because obviously there was the ultimate must have. if you could have, she would have worn them all day. definitely rather than them all day. definitely rather than the x might luckily for her, the school post was delivered by none other than her dad. it became her daily mission to spot dad on his round, whether that might be through the canteen window, to spot dad on

his round, whether that might be through the canteen window, through the school office or in the year to playground. one of the teachers pretended it was really difficult to lock the gate so that elsie could sneak an extra cuddle. she would tell people that was her dad. it was obvious how important her family were to her. she ended up in a class with her cousin and often refer to him with his full official title of cousin instead of thomas. they were incredibly protective of each other and proud of their relationship. elsie was a real font of knowledge. she was always so inquisitive and remembered facts with ease. the teacher would specifically ask elsie to help her record things from their history lessons. things would get past teachers but not passed elsie. she really was an encyclopaedia of knowledge. elsie love performing, whether that be singing, making up dance routines with her friends or taking part in our school concerts.

she was destined to be a performer. during our recent concert, she amazed us from day one of rehearsals. mrs flanagan and i was so impressed that our catchphrase for the rest of the year became, channel your inner elsie. she spoke so clearly and even managed to take somebody else's part at the last minute. i won't forget the cheeky thumbs up in the wings i got when she finished. she knew she had nailed it. she was incredibly mature for her age. she loved catching up with the adultsjust for her age. she loved catching up with the adults just as much as the children. at playtime she would often say to me, miss sykes, shall we just stay in here? often say to me, miss sykes, shall wejust stay in here? quite often say to me, miss sykes, shall we just stay in here? quite cold out there, you know. ifi we just stay in here? quite cold out there, you know. if i glanced over at her during a co—playtime, she caught my eye to show me how cold she was. after showing me her chattering teeth, she would giggle and carry on playing with her friends. always worth a try. a lot of room 12 are football enthusiasts,

including myself. the first part of everyday would be filled with the latest premier league scores and football achievements. to the dislike of many in our class, i'm a proud manchester city fan, and this would often be included in lots of the jokes. would often be included in lots of thejokes. elsie would would often be included in lots of the jokes. elsie would always roll her eyes and laughed, saying, miss sykes, what are they like? they never stop, sykes, what are they like? they neverstop, do sykes, what are they like? they never stop, do they? sykes, what are they like? they neverstop, do they? she sykes, what are they like? they never stop, do they? she always managed to be one of the last children out of the school door. she would have to make sure that she said goodbye to everybody left in the building, and prioritised organising herfriends. sorry, mum and dad, you just have to wait, these things need sorting, and elsie was always the goal for the job. things will never be the same without elsie, but the memories the children have are incredibly special and touching. their memories speak volumes and describe elsie in ways that words can't. at the beginning of the year, i read a book to the

children called we are all wonders. it ends with a quote — when given a choice between being right and being kind, choose kind. i often reflected on this with the class. the memories of the children highlight that elsie lived her life by that rule. she always showed kindness to everyone around her. iwill share always showed kindness to everyone around her. i will share some of the children's memories with you. elsie was a wonderful cheerleader. she was always teaching me when we played together. she chose me to be the head cheerleader because i was so light and easy to lift. elsie loved to make me laugh. i remember when we raced from the benchers to the scoreboard and back, we were laughing so hard that we could barely run fast. the wind and laughter slowed us down but we kept trying to catch up with each other. me and elsie love solving mysteries together. we would look around the room at things on the table and solve who it belonged to or why it was long. and we would figure it out together. she made this game up for

the two of us to play so that i was always happy. i liked dancing and being silly with elsie. i like lots of things but i love her. elsie was an amazing friend and always made me laugh and cheer me up when i was sad. she was the best at playing freeze tag and i love playing with her. after we learned about... we would dig in the playground for gems and fossils. the world was a better place with elsie in it. elsie always had the prettiest socks and the shiniest shoes in the whole class. elsie — we have so many memories of our happy times with you. we will cherish these forever. it's hard to put into words just how much we will all miss you elsie dot, you will always hold such a special place in our hearts. always hold such a special place in our hem-—

always hold such a special place in our hearts. . ., ~ ., our hearts. thanks, katie. amazing to hear about _ our hearts. thanks, katie. amazing to hear about the _ our hearts. thanks, katie. amazing to hear about the amazing - our hearts. thanks, katie. amazing to hear about the amazing impact l to hear about the amazing impact that elsie — to hear about the amazing impact that elsie brought whenever she went, _ that elsie brought whenever she went, even in school. i am going to invite _ went, even in school. i am going to invite deputy chief constable christopher green to come now and -ive christopher green to come now and give a _ christopher green to come now and give a tribute. jenny, david, rosie, it is my privilege to speak today on behalf of merseyside police, the ambulance service and merseyside fire and rescue service whilst honouring the life of your daughter, first night. i know you've been deeply moved by the unwavering support of the emergency services who responded with professionalism, compassion and care, and i want to thank you for letting us be part of elsie's special day. we all feel extremely privileged to celebrate her life with you and pay our respects. i know you also want me to think and extend those thanks to all the

emergency services who looked after all the girls affected by this incident. no words can adequately capture the depth of pain and loss felt by yourselves. but you've shown extraordinary strength and grace, despite the overwhelming sadness that has filled your days, you have found the courage to personally visit and express your gratitude to those who have stood by you in your darkest hour. the outpouring of love and support from the community of southport and those around you has been overwhelming. in a moment that touched the hearts of all who witnessed it, even your beloved dog bobby seemed to understand the gravity of the moment in his own way. bobby ran to a van full of officers, tail wagging, to share their breakfast, and appearing to offer his own form of thanks. it was a small act but one that captured the deep bond that has united us all, and reinforced that at the

heart of this we are all family, we are all one community. i'm sure, in are all one community. i'm sure, in a time of such great sorrow, the resolve and spirit of this community has provided a source of comfort and reassurance. through the many acts of kindness and solidarity, it is evident that southport is notjust a place — it is your home, and it will for ever be elsie's home. i hope the one thing care shown by neighbours, friends and the emergency services reminds you that you and your extended family are not alone. elsie, bebe and alice will forever be in our hearts. we've heard all about how brightly elsie dot _ we've heard all about how brightly elsie dot sean and the joy that she brought— elsie dot sean and the joy that she brought to — elsie dot sean and the joy that she brought to so many. we are now going

to get— brought to so many. we are now going to get to _ brought to so many. we are now going to get to see _ brought to so many. we are now going to get to see how some of those memories— to get to see how some of those memories were created. # she talks about the future like she's_ # she talks about the future like she's flipping _ # she talks about the future like she's flipping through _ # she talks about the future like she's flipping through a - # she talks about the future like i she's flipping through a magazine. # founders — she's flipping through a magazine. # founders the _ she's flipping through a magazine. # founders the beauty _ she's flipping through a magazine. # founders the beauty in - she's flipping through a magazine. # founders the beauty in broken i # founders the beauty in broken things— things # - thingsl # gets things- # gets excited tungs— # gets excited about all my things — # gets excited about all my crazy dreams _ dreams #- dreams # gotl dreams- # got every dreams— # got every sunset that she's ever seen _ # got every sunset that she's ever seen memorised _ seen memorised # _ seen memorised # says- seen memorised # says it - seen memorised # says it away l seen memorised. # says it away for seen memorised i # says it away for a seen memorised - # says it away for a rainy seen memorised _ # says it away for a rainy day or a stormy _ # says it away for a rainy day or a stormy night — stormy night # _ stormy night # this- stormy night # this guy l stormy night| # this guy is stormy night- # this guy is brighter stormy night— # this guy is brighter looking stormy ntgtt— # this guy is brighter looking at stormy night— # this guy is brighter looking at it through— # this guy is brighter looking at it through her— # this guy is brighter looking at it through her eyes— through her eyes # _ through her eyes # -- — through her eyes # -- the - through her eyes # —— the sky- through her eyes # —— the sky is. through her eyes- # —— the sky is brighter # —— the sky is brighter # i_ # —— the sky is brighter # i don't _ # —— the sky is brighter # i don't remember- # —— the sky is brighterl # i don't remember life # —— the sky is brighter- # i don't remember life before

# —— the sky is brighter— # i don't remember life before she came _ # i don't remember life before she came into — # i don't remember life before she came into the — # i don't remember life before she came into the picture _ came into the picture # brought— came into the picture # brought the - came into the picture| # brought the beauty came into the picture i # brought the beauty i came into the picture - # brought the beauty i was came into the picture _ # brought the beauty i was missing with her— with her # - with her. # showed with her- # showed me wrm her— # showed me colours with her— # showed me colours i ain't never seen _ seen #i seen. # she took chances with seen # she took chances with every wall i built # i built # || built- # i thank huiit- # i thank god tuit— # i thank god everyday huiit— # i thank god everyday for built # i thank god everyday for how he made _ # i thank god everyday for how he made her— made her # - made her # my. made her # my lifej made her- # my life was black made her— # my life was black and white but she's— # my life was black and white but she's the — # my life was black and white but she's the painter— she's the painter # _ she's the painter # she _ she's the painter # she reminds i she's the painter. # she reminds me she's the painter- # she reminds me that it she's the painter— # she reminds me that it ain't also hiight— # she reminds me that it ain't also might like — # she reminds me that it ain't also might like to — # she reminds me that it ain't also might like to start— # she reminds me that it ain't also might like to start again _ might like to start again # how— might like to start again # howdid— might like to start again # how did i— might like to start again # how did i live - might like to start again # how did i live so - might like to start again # how did i live so longj might like to start again - # how did i live so long without might like to start again _ # how did i live so long without her # how did i live so long without her # i # how did i live so long without her # i don't _ # how did i live so long without her # i don't remember— # how did i live so long without her # i don't remember life _ # how did i live so long without her # i don't remember life before - # how did i live so long without her # i don't remember life before shel # i don't remember life before she came _ # i don't remember life before she came into — # i don't remember life before she came into the — # i don't remember life before she came into the picture _ came into the picture # brought—

came into the picture # brought the - came into the picture| # brought the beauty came into the picture i # brought the beauty i came into the picture - # brought the beauty i was came into the picture _ # brought the beauty i was missing with her— with her # - with her. # showed with her- # showed me with her— # showed me colours i ain't never seen _ seen #i seen. # she took chances with seen # she took chances with every wall i built # i built # i| built- # i thank tuit- # i thank god tuit— # i thank god everyday for built # i thank god everyday for how he made _ # i thank god everyday for how he made her— made her # - made her # my. made her # my lifej made her- # my life was made her— # my life was black—and—white but she's— # my life was black—and—white but she's the _ # my life was black—and—white but she's the painter— she's the painter # _ she's the painter # i_ she's the painter # i don't - she's the painter. # i don't remember #_ # i don't remember # life _ # i don't remember # life before - # i don't remember # life before she i # i don't remember. # life before she came # i don't remember- # life before she came into # i don't remember— # life before she came into the picture — picture # - picture - # brought the picture — # brought the beauty i was missing with her— with her # - with her. # showed with her- # showed me with her— # showed me colours i ain't never seen _ seen #i seen. # she took chances with seen # she took chances with every wall i

built # i built # i| built- # i thank tuit- # i thank god tuit— # i thank god everyday for built # i thank god everyday for how he made _ # i thank god everyday for how he made her— made her # - made her # my. made her # my lifej made her- # my life was made her— # my life was black—and—white but she's— # my life was black—and—white but she's the _ # my life was black—and—white but she's the painter— she's the painter # _ she's the painter # she's- she's the painter # she's the - she's the painter. # she's the painter she's the painter- # she's the painter #. this is a poem written by a school friend _ this is a poem written by a school friend of— this is a poem written by a school friend ofjenny's, caley. it is written _ friend ofjenny's, caley. it is written from elsie's perspective, and it's— written from elsie's perspective, and it's written for her mum and dag _ and it's written for her mum and dag im— and it's written for her mum and dag i'm not _ and it's written for her mum and dad. i'm not really gone. so many parts _ dad. i'm not really gone. so many parts of— dad. i'm not really gone. so many parts of me — dad. i'm not really gone. so many parts of me remain. i want to send you a_ parts of me remain. i want to send you a reminderany time parts of me remain. i want to send you a reminder any time you are in uaim _ you a reminder any time you are in uaim wheri— you a reminder any time you are in pain. when you hear the laughter of my friendsr — pain. when you hear the laughter of my friends, the words of my

favourite _ my friends, the words of my favourite song, when you look up at the sparkling stars, i've been here all along — the sparkling stars, i've been here all along. when the pink and orange sky is _ all along. when the pink and orange sky is set _ all along. when the pink and orange sky is set in — all along. when the pink and orange sky is set in and the day begins to endr _ sky is set in and the day begins to end. iti— sky is set in and the day begins to end, i'llvisit sky is set in and the day begins to end, i'll visit you sky is set in and the day begins to end, i'llvisit you in sky is set in and the day begins to end, i'll visit you in your dreams and your— end, i'll visit you in your dreams and your heart i'll try to mend. wheri — and your heart i'll try to mend. wheri the — and your heart i'll try to mend. when the storm is stirring in the rain when the storm is stirring in the rairi iregiris — when the storm is stirring in the rain begins to fall, you'll feel my presence — rain begins to fall, you'll feel my presence and no that i never left at all. presence and no that i never left at ait~ listeri — presence and no that i never left at all. listen for me in music and feel me iri— all. listen for me in music and feel me in the — all. listen for me in music and feel me in the snow, remember me at my happiest _ me in the snow, remember me at my happiest iri _ me in the snow, remember me at my happiest in sunshine glow. you can stand _ happiest in sunshine glow. you can stand ori— happiest in sunshine glow. you can stand on the highest mountain, you can swim _ stand on the highest mountain, you can swim in — stand on the highest mountain, you can swim in the deepest sea, it won't _ can swim in the deepest sea, it won't matter, because an invisible stririg _ won't matter, because an invisible stririg ties— won't matter, because an invisible string ties us always, you and me.

# sometimes in our lives we all have painr _ # sometimes in our lives we all have pairir we _ # sometimes in our lives we all have pairir we all— # sometimes in our lives we all have pain. we all have _ # sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow _ pain, we all have sorrow # but _ pain, we all have sorrow # but if— pain, we all have sorrow # but if we _ pain, we all have sorrow # but if we are - pain, we all have sorrow # but if we are wise - # but if we are wise # but if we are wise # we _ # but if we are wise # we know- # but if we are wise # we know that - # but if we are wise . # we know that there's # but if we are wise _ # we know that there's always tomorrow — tomorrow # - tomorrow| # please, tomorrow - # please, swallow tomorrow— # please, swallow your tomorrow — # please, swallow your pride # please, swallow your pride # if_ # please, swallow your pride # if i— # please, swallow your pride # if i have _ # please, swallow your pride # if i have faith— # please, swallow your pride # if i have faith you - # please, swallow your pride # if i have faith you need - # please, swallow your pride # if i have faith you need to. # please, swallow your pride - # if i have faith you need to borrow # if i have faith you need to borrow # for— # if i have faith you need to borrow # for rio— # if i have faith you need to borrow # for no one — # if i have faith you need to borrow # for no one can— # if i have faith you need to borrow # for no one can fill— # if i have faith you need to borrow # for no one can fill those - # if i have faith you need to borrow # for no one can fill those of-

# if i have faith you need to borrow # for no one can fill those of your. # for no one can fill those of your needs— needs #- needsl # that needs- # that you meets— # that you won't metas— # that you won't let show # that you won't let show # learr— # that you won't let show # leah ori— # that you won't let show # lean on me _ # that you won't let show # lean on me when - # that you won't let showl # lean on me when you're # that you won't let show- # lean on me when you're not # that you won't let show— # lean on me when you're not strong # lean on me when you're not strong # iti— # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be — # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be your— # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be your friend _ # i'll be your friend # _ # i'll be your friend # iti— # i'll be your friend # i'll help - # i'll be your friend # i'll help you - # i'll be your friendj # i'll help you carry # i'll be your friend i # i'll help you carry on # i'll help you carry on # for— # i'll help you carry on # for it _ # i'll help you carry on # for it won't - # i'll help you carry on # for it won't be - # i'll help you carry on # for it won't be longl # for it won't be long # for it won't be long # titt— # for it won't be long # tilt i'm _ # for it won't be long # till i'm going - # for it won't be long # till i'm going to - # for it won't be long l # till i'm going to need # for it won't be long _ # till i'm going to need somebody to lean # till i'm going to need somebody to ieari ori _ lean on #- lean on # youl lean on i # you just lean on - # you just call team on — # you just call on me, brother, when you need _ # you just call on me, brother, when you need a _ # you just call on me, brother, when you need a hand _ you need a hand # _ you need a hand # we _ you need a hand # we all- you need a hand # we all need l you need a hand - # we all need somebody you need a hand _ # we all need somebody to lean you need a hood — # we all need somebody to lean on # we all need somebody to lean on # i # we all need somebody to lean on # hust— # we all need somebody to lean on # iiust might — # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have _ # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have a _ # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have a problem - # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have a problem thatl # ijust might have a problem that you will— # ijust might have a problem that you will understand _ you will understand # we _ you will understand # we all— you will understand # we all need - you will understand - # we all need somebody to you will understand _ # we all need somebody to lean on # we all need somebody to lean on # learr— # we all need somebody to lean on # leah ori— # we all need somebody to lean on # leah on me — # we all need somebody to lean on # lean on me when _ # we all need somebody to lean on # lean on me when you're - # we all need somebody to lean on # lean on me when you're not- # we all need somebody to lean on i # lean on me when you're not strong # lean on me when you're not strong # iti— # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be — # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be your— # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be your friend _ # i'll be your friend # _ # i'll be your friend # iti— # i'll be your friend # i'll help - # i'll be your friend # i'll help you - # i'll be your friendj # i'll help you carry # i'll be your friend i # i'll help you carry on # i'll help you carry on # for— # i'll help you carry on # for it _ # i'll help you carry on # for it won't - # i'll help you carry on

# for it won't be - # i'll help you carry on # for it won't be longl # for it won't be long # for it won't be long # titt— # for it won't be long # tilt i'm _ # for it won't be long # till i'm going - # for it won't be long # till i'm going to - # for it won't be long l # till i'm going to need # till i'm going to need # somebody— # till i'm going to need # somebody to - # till i'm going to need # somebody to lean . # till i'm going to need # somebody to lean onj # somebody to lean on # somebody to lean on # you _ # somebody to lean on # you just— # somebody to lean on # you just call- # somebody to lean on # you just call only, i # somebody to lean on - # you just call only, brother, # somebody to lean on _ # you just call only, brother, when you need _ # you just call only, brother, when you need a — # you just call only, brother, when you need a hand _ you need a hand # _ you need a hand # we _ you need a hand # we all- you need a hand # we all need l you need a hand - # we all need somebody you need a hand _ # we all need somebody to lean you need a hood — # we all need somebody to lean on # we all need somebody to lean on # i # we all need somebody to lean on # hust— # we all need somebody to lean on # iiust might — # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have _ # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have a _ # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have a problem - # we all need somebody to lean on # ijust might have a problem thatl # ijust might have a problem that you'll— # ijust might have a problem that you'll understand _ you'll understand # _ you'll understand # we _ you'll understand # we all- you'll understand # we all need i you'll understand - # we all need somebody you'll understand _ # we all need somebody to lean on # we all need somebody to lean on # learr— # we all need somebody to lean on # leah ori— # we all need somebody to lean on # leah on me — # we all need somebody to lean on # lean on me when _ # we all need somebody to lean on # lean on me when you're - # we all need somebody to lean on # lean on me when you're not- # we all need somebody to lean on i # lean on me when you're not strong # lean on me when you're not strong # iti— # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be — # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be your— # lean on me when you're not strong # i'll be your friend _ # i'll be your friend # _ # i'll be your friend # iti— # i'll be your friend # i'll help - # i'll be your friend # i'll help you - # i'll be your friendj # i'll help you carry # i'll be your friend i # i'll help you carry on # i'll help you carry on # for— # i'll help you carry on # for it _ # i'll help you carry on # for it won't - # i'll help you carry on # for it won't be - # i'll help you carry on # for it won't be longl # for it won't be long # for it won't be long # titt— # for it won't be long # tilt i'm _ # for it won't be long # till i'm going - # for it won't be long # till i'm going to - # for it won't be long l # till i'm going to need # for it won't be long _ # till i'm going to need somebody to lean # till i'm going to need somebody to ieari ori _ lean on #- lean on # we. lean on. # we all lean on - # we all need team on — # we all need somebody, team on _ # we all need somebody, somebody, somebody— somebody # - somebody # we - somebody # we all. somebody- # we all need someoooy—

# we all need somebody, somebody, somebody— somebody # - somebody # we - somebody # we all. somebody- # we all need someoooy— # we all need somebody, somebody, somebody— somebody # - somebody # we - somebody # we all. somebody- # we all need someoooy— # we all need somebody, somebody, somebody— somebody # - somebody # we - somebody. # we need someoooy— # we need somebody, somebody, somebody— somebody # - somebody # we - somebody # we all. somebody- # we all need someoooy— # we all need somebody to lean on # we all need somebody to lean on # we _ # we all need somebody to lean on # we all— # we all need somebody to lean on # we all need — # we all need somebody to lean on # we all need somebody, - # we all need somebody to lean on . # we all need somebody, somebody, somebody— somebody # - somebody # we - somebody # we all. somebody- # we all need someoooy— # we all need somebody to lean on #. applause _ this is a poem called we only wanted you. , ,

this is a poem called we only wanted you. , _ ., , this is a poem called we only wanted you. , ., , ., ., you. they say memories are golden. well, maybe — you. they say memories are golden. well, maybe this _ you. they say memories are golden. well, maybe this is _ you. they say memories are golden. well, maybe this is true. _ you. they say memories are golden. well, maybe this is true. we - you. they say memories are golden. well, maybe this is true. we never. well, maybe this is true. we never wanted _ well, maybe this is true. we never wanted memories. we only wanted you. a million— wanted memories. we only wanted you. a million times we needed you, a miitiori _ a million times we needed you, a million times we cried. if you love aiorie _ million times we cried. if you love alone could — million times we cried. if you love alone could have saved you, you never _ alone could have saved you, you never would have died. in life, we loved _ never would have died. in life, we loved you — never would have died. in life, we loved you dearly, in death, we love you stilt _ loved you dearly, in death, we love you still. inside our hearts, you hold _ you still. inside our hearts, you hold a — you still. inside our hearts, you hold a place no one will ever fill. if hold a place no one will ever fill. it tears _ hold a place no one will ever fill. if tears could build a stairway, and heart _ if tears could build a stairway, and heart ache — if tears could build a stairway, and heart ache could make a lane, we'd walk the _ heart ache could make a lane, we'd walk the path to heaven and bring

you home — walk the path to heaven and bring you home again. but, as god calls us all one _ you home again. but, as god calls us all one by— you home again. but, as god calls us all one by one, we know we will be together— all one by one, we know we will be together again. seven yea rs seven years ago, i was privileged to be able to baptise elsie here in this very place. mummy and daddy brought her here to offer her to god, and that was the start of a long journey. god, and that was the start of a longjourney. i god, and that was the start of a long journey. i had the privilege of being able to share something with a reading that actually is so powerful in its words. listen carefully.

saint matthew's gospel, chapter 19. then people brought little children to jesus for him then people brought little children tojesus for him to place his hands on them and to pray for them. but the disciples, well, they rebuked them. jesus said, let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. and when he had placed his hands on them, he went from that place. i love stained glass windows. personally, i always find that they speak— personally, i always find that they speak to _ personally, i always find that they speak to me. and they are based on biblical— speak to me. and they are based on biblical stories and characters. behind — biblical stories and characters. behind me, just above elsie now, and

where _ behind me, just above elsie now, and where she _ behind me, just above elsie now, and where she was baptised as a baby, you may— where she was baptised as a baby, you may have noticed our stained glass— you may have noticed our stained glass windows that depict the biblical— glass windows that depict the biblical story that roy has just read _ biblical story that roy has just read to— biblical story that roy has just read to us. there are two things in this story— read to us. there are two things in this story that really stand out to me. this story that really stand out to me one. — this story that really stand out to me. one, jesus says, let the little chiidreri_ me. one, jesus says, let the little children come to me. and two, that the chiidreri— children come to me. and two, that the children of —— the kingdom of heaven— the children of —— the kingdom of heaven belongs to these children. jesus _ heaven belongs to these children. jesus loves little children. we see on the _ jesus loves little children. we see on the window, he is chatting to them _ on the window, he is chatting to them even _ on the window, he is chatting to them, even giving one of them a carry _ them, even giving one of them a carry arid — them, even giving one of them a carry. and we've heard how wise for her years _ carry. and we've heard how wise for her years elsie was, how she was emotionally intelligent and could hold conversations with adults as well hold conversations with adults as weii as— hold conversations with adults as well as playing with other children. i've well as playing with other children. we had _ well as playing with other children. i've had this beautiful image in my mind _ i've had this beautiful image in my mind of— i've had this beautiful image in my mind of elsie just sitting there withjesus and other mind of elsie just sitting there with jesus and other children, having — with jesus and other children, having a — with jesus and other children, having a nice little chat so naturally. i'm sure, because elsie

is so— naturally. i'm sure, because elsie is so caririg— naturally. i'm sure, because elsie is so caring and she always thought about— is so caring and she always thought about other people, she would asked jesus things like, what about my mum and dad? _ jesus things like, what about my mum and dad? what about my family and friends? _ and dad? what about my family and friends? will they be ok without me? can i friends? will they be ok without me? cari i go— friends? will they be ok without me? can i go back forjust a minute to let them — can i go back forjust a minute to let them know i'm ok? i got a pond in my— let them know i'm ok? i got a pond in my back— let them know i'm ok? i got a pond in my back garden and i often see water— in my back garden and i often see water bugs — in my back garden and i often see water bugs and dragonflies. the story— water bugs and dragonflies. the story tells us of a group of water bugs _ story tells us of a group of water bugs who— story tells us of a group of water bugs who were friends. every so ofterir _ bugs who were friends. every so often, they would see water bugs risirig _ often, they would see water bugs rising to — often, they would see water bugs rising to the top of the pond and disappearing, neverto rising to the top of the pond and disappearing, never to be seen agairi~ — disappearing, never to be seen again. one day, a little group of water— again. one day, a little group of water bugs friends decide to make a pactr _ water bugs friends decide to make a pact and _ water bugs friends decide to make a pact, and they say, if that ever happens — pact, and they say, if that ever happens to any of us, let's promise that we _ happens to any of us, let's promise that we will— happens to any of us, let's promise that we will come back and tell the rest of— that we will come back and tell the rest of us — that we will come back and tell the rest of us where we've gone and what it's like _ rest of us where we've gone and what it's like not — rest of us where we've gone and what it's like. not long after this, the very— it's like. not long after this, the very water— it's like. not long after this, the very water bug who made the suggestion finds himself rising to

the surface. suddenly, he wakes up on a lily— the surface. suddenly, he wakes up on a lily pad — the surface. suddenly, he wakes up on a lily pad and discovers that he has a _ on a lily pad and discovers that he has a new— on a lily pad and discovers that he has a new body and beautiful wings, and he _ has a new body and beautiful wings, and he is _ has a new body and beautiful wings, and he is comfortable in the lovely, warm _ and he is comfortable in the lovely, warm suri~ — and he is comfortable in the lovely, warm sun. he begins to whizz around with his _ warm sun. he begins to whizz around with his wings and he isjust having a great _ with his wings and he isjust having a great time. all of a sudden, he looks— a great time. all of a sudden, he looks down— a great time. all of a sudden, he looks down and sees his old home, the pond. — looks down and sees his old home, the pond, and he remembers his waterbuck— the pond, and he remembers his waterbuck friends and the pact that they had _ waterbuck friends and the pact that they had made. and he decides he will go _ they had made. and he decides he will go back and he will tell them how amazing his new life really is. so he _ how amazing his new life really is. so he zooms to the pond, but no matter— so he zooms to the pond, but no matter how — so he zooms to the pond, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can't _ matter how hard he tries, he just can't make — matter how hard he tries, he just can't make it underneath, back to his old _ can't make it underneath, back to his old friends. i thinkjesus might be explaining something like this story— be explaining something like this story to — be explaining something like this story to elsie. elsie has a new body under— story to elsie. elsie has a new body under new— story to elsie. elsie has a new body under new life, and it's not here on earth _ under new life, and it's not here on earth its— under new life, and it's not here on earth lt's iri— under new life, and it's not here on earth it's in a— under new life, and it's not here on earth. it's in a place where there is no _ earth. it's in a place where there is no more — earth. it's in a place where there is no more pain, no more suffering or sadriess~ — is no more pain, no more suffering or sadness. elsie will be having a

great _ or sadness. elsie will be having a great time — or sadness. elsie will be having a great time in her new body on her new home — great time in her new body on her new home. elsie is withjesus and all those — new home. elsie is withjesus and all those that loved her who are in heaven _ all those that loved her who are in heaven with her now. the good news for us _ heaven with her now. the good news for us is _ heaven with her now. the good news for us is that— heaven with her now. the good news for us is that we have this hope, because — for us is that we have this hope, because jesus says, come to me. we are all— because jesus says, come to me. we are all invited as children of god to this _ are all invited as children of god to this place too, to a forever home where _ to this place too, to a forever home where it— to this place too, to a forever home where it is— to this place too, to a forever home where it is beautiful and perfect and there — where it is beautiful and perfect and there is no evil. and the best news _ and there is no evil. and the best news is — and there is no evil. and the best news is, that we can come tojesus today, _ news is, that we can come tojesus today, just — news is, that we can come tojesus today, just as we are, and he will bring _ today, just as we are, and he will bring us — today, just as we are, and he will bring us comfort, too. one day, we will ill— bring us comfort, too. one day, we will ill leave — bring us comfort, too. one day, we will ill leave this place, but in the meantime, —— we will all leave this place. — the meantime, —— we will all leave this place, but in the meantime, we can invite _ this place, but in the meantime, we can invite jesus into our hearts while _ can invite jesus into our hearts while we — can invite jesus into our hearts while we are here. if we do this, the spirit — while we are here. if we do this, the spirit of— while we are here. if we do this, the spirit ofjesus will come into our hearts _ the spirit ofjesus will come into our hearts. it is hard to understand, but we as christians believe _ understand, but we as christians believe in — understand, but we as christians believe in one god, father, son and holy spirit —

believe in one god, father, son and holy spirit. 50, as we come tojesus and his— holy spirit. 50, as we come tojesus and his holy— holy spirit. 50, as we come tojesus and his holy spirit comes to us, we are one _ and his holy spirit comes to us, we are one as— and his holy spirit comes to us, we are one as well. we are with elsie in spirit. — are one as well. we are with elsie in spirit, even while we are still herer _ in spirit, even while we are still here and — in spirit, even while we are still here, and we can look forward to being _ here, and we can look forward to being together fully again one day. because _ being together fully again one day. because we are all children of god and we _ because we are all children of god and we are — because we are all children of god and we are all invited to come to jesus _ and we are all invited to come to jesus. earlier, we heard the lighthouse choir sing these words — and we _ lighthouse choir sing these words — and we will— lighthouse choir sing these words — and we will come back home. we will all go _ and we will come back home. we will all go to— and we will come back home. we will all go to our— and we will come back home. we will all go to our forever home one day and be _ all go to our forever home one day and be fully— all go to our forever home one day and be fully reunited when we accept this invitation ofjesus to come to him _ this invitation ofjesus to come to him it's— this invitation ofjesus to come to him. it'sjust one more step along the road _ him. it'sjust one more step along the road elsie has gone, and one day we will— the road elsie has gone, and one day we will go _ the road elsie has gone, and one day we will go too, but for now, lc coritiriues_ we will go too, but for now, lc continues to travel along with us in our hearts— continues to travel along with us in our hearts -- — continues to travel along with us in our hearts —— elsie continues to travel— our hearts —— elsie continues to travel along _ our hearts —— elsie continues to travel along with us in our hearts and through our connection with the

spirit _ and through our connection with the spirit of— and through our connection with the spirit of god. now we are going to stand _ spirit of god. now we are going to stand together and sing the song, one more — stand together and sing the song, one more step along the world i go, safe iri— one more step along the world i go, safe in the _ one more step along the world i go, safe in the knowledge that elsie has travelled~~~ — safe in the knowledge that elsie has travelled... she will continue to travel— travelled... she will continue to travel along with you. let's stand. music plays

# one more step along the world i go # one more step along the world i go # from the old things to the new # from the old things to the new # keep me travelling along with you # keep me travelling along with you # and it's from the old dive travel to the new # keep me travelling along with you # keep me travelling along with you # round the corners of the world i turn # more and more about the world i learn # and the new things that i see # and the new things that i see # you will be looking at along with me # and it's from the old i travelled to the new # keep me travelling along with you # keep me travelling along with you # as i travel through the bad and good # keep me travelling the way i should # where i see no way to go # where i see no way to go # you'll be telling me the way, i know # and it's from the old i travel to the new # keep me travelling along with you # keep me travelling along with you # give me courage when the world is rough # keep me loving through the world from —— though the world is tough

# leap and sing in all i do # leap and sing in all i do # keep me travelling along with you # keep me travelling along with you # and it's from the old i travel to the new # keep me travelling along with you # keep me travelling along with you # you are older than the world can be # you are younger than the life in me # every oh —— ever old and ever new # every oh —— ever old and ever new # keep me travelling along with you # keep me travelling along with you # and it's from the old i travel to the new # keep me travelling along with you #. i'm going to say some prayers now.

when _ i'm going to say some prayers now. when i — i'm going to say some prayers now. when i say— i'm going to say some prayers now. when i say amen, would you please respond _ when i say amen, would you please respond with your own amen was make the word _ respond with your own amen was make the word amen simply means that we all agree _ the word amen simply means that we all agree that these prayers combine to become _ all agree that these prayers combine to become our prayer. let's pray. heavenly— to become our prayer. let's pray. heavenly father, you know our hearts and share _ heavenly father, you know our hearts and share our— heavenly father, you know our hearts and share our sorrows. we eye her —— we are _ and share our sorrows. we eye her —— we are hurt— and share our sorrows. we eye her —— we are hurt by— and share our sorrows. we eye her —— we are hurt by our temporary parting from elsier _ we are hurt by our temporary parting from elsie, whom we love so much. wheri _ from elsie, whom we love so much. wheri we _ from elsie, whom we love so much. wheri we are — from elsie, whom we love so much. when we are angry at the loss we have _ when we are angry at the loss we have sustained, when we long for words _ have sustained, when we long for words of— have sustained, when we long for words of comfort yet find them hard to hear. _ words of comfort yet find them hard to hear, turn our grief to more patierit — to hear, turn our grief to more patient faith, and our affliction to form _ patient faith, and our affliction to form a _ patient faith, and our affliction to form a hope injesus christ our lord. — form a hope injesus christ our lord, amen. form a hope in jesus christ our lord. amen-— form a hope in jesus christ our lord, amen.- father, i form a hope in jesus christ our| lord, amen.- father, the form a hope in jesus christ our- lord, amen.- father, the loss lord, amen. amen. father, the loss of elsie brings _ lord, amen. amen. father, the loss of elsie brings an _ lord, amen. amen. father, the loss of elsie brings an emptiness - lord, amen. amen. father, the loss of elsie brings an emptiness into - of elsie brings an emptiness into our lives — of elsie brings an emptiness into our lives. we are separated from her and feel— our lives. we are separated from her and feel broken and bewildered. give us confidence that she is safe and her life _ us confidence that she is safe and her life is— us confidence that she is safe and her life is complete with you, and bring _ her life is complete with you, and bring us _ her life is complete with you, and bring us together to the wholeness and fullness of your presence in

heaven — and fullness of your presence in heaven in— and fullness of your presence in heaven in ourtime, and fullness of your presence in heaven in our time, where your saints— heaven in our time, where your saintsand— heaven in our time, where your saints and angels enjoy you for ever and ever. _ saints and angels enjoy you for ever and ever, amen. saints and angels en'oy you for ever and ever, amen.— saints and angels en'oy you for ever and ever, amen.�* lord, - saints and angels en'oy you for ever and ever, amen.�* lord, we i saints and angels en'oy you for ever. and ever, amen.�* lord, we pray and ever, amen. amen. lord, we pray for those who — and ever, amen. amen. lord, we pray for those who miss _ and ever, amen. amen. lord, we pray for those who miss elsie, _ and ever, amen. amen. lord, we pray for those who miss elsie, who - and ever, amen. amen. lord, we pray for those who miss elsie, who will- for those who miss elsie, who will miss— for those who miss elsie, who will miss the _ for those who miss elsie, who will miss the joy and love that she brought— miss the joy and love that she brought each coming day. forjenny, and david _ brought each coming day. forjenny, and david, and for rosie, for charlie — and david, and for rosie, for charlie and george, for grace, thomas. — charlie and george, for grace, thomas, callum and spencer, for all of her— thomas, callum and spencer, for all of her loving — thomas, callum and spencer, for all of her loving family, for elsie's friendsr — of her loving family, for elsie's friends, neighbours and teachers. be gentle _ friends, neighbours and teachers. be gentle with— friends, neighbours and teachers. be gentle with him in their grief, show them _ gentle with him in their grief, show them the _ gentle with him in their grief, show them the depths of your love, a glimpse — them the depths of your love, a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven. spare _ glimpse of the kingdom of heaven. spare them the torment of guilt and despair _ spare them the torment of guilt and despair. be with them as they weep and comfort them with your holy spirit _ and comfort them with your holy spirit, amen. and comfort them with your holy spirit. amen-— and comfort them with your holy spirit, amen.- most - and comfort them with your holy i spirit, amen.- most merciful spirit, amen. amen. most merciful god, who is — spirit, amen. amen. most merciful god, who is with _ spirit, amen. amen. most merciful god, who is with them _ spirit, amen. amen. most merciful god, who is with them is _ spirit, amen. amen. most merciful god, who is with them is beyond i spirit, amen. amen. most merciful. god, who is with them is beyond our understanding, surround elsie's family— understanding, surround elsie's family with your love, that they may

not be _ family with your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by