1926-2022
We were shocked and saddened to hear the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died on 8th September. Her long reign and her faithful service to our country, the Commonwealth and the world, were an inspiration to many people. Her Christian faith was the bedrock of her reign and we must all take inspiration from her open faith and unswerving loyalty over so many years. We give thanks for her life and pray for our new King Charles III, that he may find the same strength and hope from Christ.
Here are two prayers we can use for our late Queen and also for our King:
God of love,We thank you for the life of The Queen,
for her service to our nation,and for her faith in you.
Be close to all of us who mourn, that we may we find comfort and hope in your love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Everlasting God, we pray for our new King.
Bless his reign and the life of our nation.
Help us to work together
so that truth and justice, harmony and fairness
flourish among us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
It was wonderful to see so many people come into our churches over the period of national mourning, to write in our Books of Condolence, light a candle or sit and reflect quietly. We were also pleased to welcome many from our local community to our Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 18 September, including the Mayor of Westbury, Councillor Sheila Kimmins, representatives from the Town and County Council, as well as members of the local Beavers, Cubs and Scouts with their leaders, and many members of the local community. It was a demonstration of the huge love and affection we held for our late Queen. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Rebecca Harris