| Dear friends in Christ, The whole nation has been saddened by the news just announced of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We give thanks for her long reign and service and also for the accession of her successor, King Charles. In all of this we are not separated from, but rather know more deeply, the grace of God. The role of the Church over the coming days is to make evident in speech and action God’s love for this and every nation, that people may be comforted and united in grief and thanksgiving. |
Queen Elizabeth has served this nation in a heart-felt way and, even as we grieve, we surround her with our love and prayers.
May she rest in peaceAnd rise in glory
The flag at St Peter’s is now at half-mast and a bell is tolling.
We shall keep the church open until 8pm for those who will want to pray, be still and take-in this moment, and to grieve for the Queen.
I shall lead a short service of prayers of thanksgiving and commendation in St Peter’s at 9.30am tomorrow. I am hoping that, if not by then, shortly afterwards, we can get a book of condolence in place, with the authorised picture of the Queen.
Of course, our services on Sunday will all reflect the mourning of the nation and be further opportunities for condolence and thanksgiving.
Let us pray:
God of love and compassion, we thank you for Queen Elizabeth with overflowing hearts and minds. Enfold, we pray, her close family in your arms of love, and give them comfort and strength in the days ahead. We rejoice that our late Queen will have been welcomed by our Heavenly Father, “Well done, my true and faithful servant.”
Again, we continue to pray with all around the world: may she rest in peaceAnd rise in glory.
Ian
The Rev’d Dr Ian A. Terry
DTh, PhD, MA, FRSA
Visiting Research Fellow: Winchester UniversityTeam Rector: Bournemouth Town CentreChair: Local Governing Body: Bournemouth Collegiate School
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