The last 24hrs have been extraordinary. As the Church and the World come to terms with the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and at the same time give thanks for the ascension of King Charles III, we have also been witnesses to a historic moment in time. It is time of change. The realisation of how closely linked, so many of the threads of life are to the monarchy, has dawned repeated in the last days as everyday items from coins to stamps, to clothing and anthems start that process of change. Queen Elizabeth has been a monarch who saw huge societal change in her lifetime, yet at the same time acted as a constant and familiar unchanging presence in so many peoples lives. One constant in her life has been her steadfast unapologetic but simultaneously warm Christian faith. The Queen was a person of prayer and a person who prayed. This faithful Christian witness has been an inspiration to many different people across countries and generations. She will be greatly missed by many, and we join others in praying for her and the Royal family at this time.
This Sunday our services of worship have been adapted to pay tribute to the late Queen in different ways. St Marys celebrates its patronal festival and we will continue in that, whilst also including readings, hymns and prayers that commemorate Elizabeth II. All Saints will have a reflective and quiet said service of Holy Communion at 8am, and then Muddy/Messy Church will gather at 10.30 in a way that continues to give thanks for and remember the Queen. (If coming to Muddy Church please try and find something purple to wear!)
Over the weekend both churches will be open at different times so that people can light a candle, pray and sign the book of condolences. If you can offer some time to be in our churches at all over the weekend whilst they are open please speak to or email Revd Lizzie.
SERVICES OF WORSHIP
SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER
8am – ALL SAINTS – Holy Communion – Readings and Prayers for the Queen
10am – ST MARYS – Sung Holy Communion – Celebrating the Patronal Festival and Commemoration to HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II
10.30 – ALL SAINTS – MUDDY/MESSY CHURCH – Please wear something purple – Thanksgiving for the Queen.
CHURCH OPEN FOR PRAYER AND BOOK OF CONDOLENCES
SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER
ST MARYS – 10am – 2pm. (SATURDAY LUNCHES WILL GO AHEAD IN THE PARISH ROOMS AT 12-2)
ALL SAINTS – OPEN 11am – 2pm.
SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER (Including the services)
ST MARYS – 10am – 4pm
ALL SAINTS – 8am – 4pm
THE WEEK AHEAD
Wednesday 14th 09.00 – Celtic Morning Prayer at All Saints Church
Thursday 15th 10.00 – Holy Communion at St Mary’s Church
Sunday 18th 10.00 – Harvest Services at St Mary’s Church
10.30 – Holy Communion at All Saints Church
One of the strengths of the Church of England has been its deeply profound and historic prayers that it has shared over centuries and generations. These liturgical yet precise prayers can often give us the words we need when others fail us. For me the Commendation Prayer is one such prayer. I offer it this week to you all and invite you to pray for the late Queen, HM King Charles III, the World and all the Royal family.
God our creator and redeemer,
by your power Christ conquered death
and returned to you in glory.
Confident of his victory
and claiming his promises,
we entrust your servant Elizabeth into your keeping
in the name of Jesus our Lord,
who, though he died, is now alive
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.
Revd Lizzie
St Mary's, Fishponds 