Ulster Rugby vs Zebre

I wonder where that shirt with Nevin’s signature has ended up? What I do know is that now, every time an Ulster shirt is pulled before a match Nevin’s ‘signature’ is there. It might not be in bold black ink but it is entwined in the fabric of the shirt this team and this organisation. He is always with us. REVEREND ANDREW THOMPSON Some people will tell us, “There’s no future living in the past!” Why, then, do we have this tendency as human beings to always want to cast our gaze back to bygone times? From simple birthdays and anniversaries, to the recollection of former sporting glories, to the commemoration of historically significant events, as families and a society we clearly recognise the importance of remembering the past. In Bible times, God consistently encouraged people to look back and remember. Through communion and the familiar landmarks in the calendar like Christmas and Easter, our churches recall and celebrate events that took place hundreds, even thousands of years ago. It is important to look back and remember, because past events can teach us so much that it relevant to our present and our future. In terms of faith, it is by recalling how God has demonstrated His goodness and power in the past that we are inspired and equipped to serve Him in the present and assured to know that He is looking after the future. Those associated with Ulster Rugby feel that it is important to look back this weekend and reflect on the tragic death of Nevin Spence, alongside his father, Noel and brother, Graham, two years ago. We remember them because, in so doing, we celebrate and keep alive the things that were important to them including commitment, loyalty, discipline, family and faith. Our prayer is that Nevin Spence’s example continues to shine and serves as an inspiration, especially to the young people of our Province who will visit the centre that bears his name. We also remember, most importantly, because we know that, for the members of the Spence family, their circle of friends and Nevin’s teammates, their loss is still raw and painful – it is important that they continue to know that we love and support them and that God will never forget or leave their side.

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