As our nation pauses to remember and to grieve, our prayers are most of all with the Royal Family and King Charles.
Our churches will be open for prayer during the time of mourning and I have some information to pass on to you about what is planned locally during the period of national mourning.
Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort: deal
graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, the members of the
Royal Family, this Nation and all Nations of the Commonwealth, that
casting every care on you, we may know the comfort of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving
Join us at 6pm on Sunday 18th September for a service of thanksgiving and prayer in All Saints’ Gobowen. On the eve of the funeral, local churches are invited to gather to pray and give thanks for her life. We will follow the official commemorative services including prayers, readings and hymns chosen for the occasion.
Pastoral Support
At this time of national mourning, we have many emotions and it is a natural time to look back over our lives and over the recent history of the reign of Elizabeth II. I’m very happy to talk with anyone if you would find it helpful. Many of you might find that conversations with friends and neighbours naturally turn towards the bigger questions of life. I am praying for all of us, that as we grieve and answer, many might be assured of the hope and life we know in Jesus to face grief, suffering and death.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
The Queen knew the Saviour and spoke of him as her “inspiration and anchor.” Mark Greene of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity has written a warm and heartfelt reflection on her faith which is well worth a read. (https://licc.org.uk/resources/obituary-queen-elizabeth-ii-beacon-of-grace/)
Churches Open for Prayer
All Saints’ Gobowen open daily from 8am-6pm.
St Mary’s Selattyn open daily from 9am-5pm.
If you are a keyholder and would be able to help with opening and closing the buildings, please be in touch.
Floral Tributes
If you would like to lay floral tributes, please remove cellophane or plastic wrapping and place them in the areas designated by the Parish council. In Selattyn, flowers may be laid by the sundial in the churchyard. In Gobowen, flowers may be laid in the area by the railings on Chirk Road. Please note: flowers will be removed on the day after the funeral.
Selattyn Show (Sat 10th September)
The Selattyn Show is going to continue and will include a time for prayer and reflection as we remember Queen Elizabeth II. A book of condolence will be available throughout.
It will be a good time to gather together as a community at this time of national grief. At times, access to the church may be limited for brief periods on the morning of Sat 10th.
Services
Our services this week and next week will mark the occasion in our prayers, and this week we will conclude with the National Anthem.
With my prayers,
Steve