For all of us, the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is only beginning to sink in. The sense of grief and loss shared by countless people from all walks of life is an expression of the profound impact The Queen had on the lives of people across the world. Her dedicated service to our nation, commonwealth and church is without parallel and in the midst of our sadness, we are also finding ways to express our gratitude. I know many parishes across the diocese are holding services of commemoration and thanksgiving to give people the opportunity both to share in their expression of grief, and to give thanks. On Saturday, organisations and representatives from across the county will come together at the Cathedral for our County Service which will be broadcast on BBC Radio Suffolk and live streamed online, details of which can be found below. I have written to His Majesty The King to offer condolences on behalf of the Diocese and to assure His Majesty of our prayers for him and all members of the Royal Family.
I ask you to join me in continuing to pray for Her Late Majesty, for the King and for all the Royal Family.
God Save The King.
With every blessing,
Gracious God, we give thanks
for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth,
for her faith and her dedication to duty.
Bless our nation as we mourn her death
and may her example continue to inspire us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral, County Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving
St Edmundsbury Cathedral will host a County Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving dedicated to remembering the life Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The service will begin at 11.30am on Saturday 17 September and will include prayers and music for invited guests and members of the public. In attendance at the service will be HM Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston; the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton and interfaith representatives, civic, military and charitable organisations. You are invited to watch the service, which will include prayers and readings, online via Facebook at www.facebook.com/stedscathedral. The Very Revd Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, said: “The past days have been filled with a sense of thankfulness and reflection for a life well lived. We mourn a sovereign who dedicated her life to selfless duty, service and faith. This service is a chance for the county of Suffolk to come together to pray and give thanks for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” The Cathedral is open for prayer and reflection. People can light a candle and there are special prayer cards for Queen Elizabeth II. Books of condolence are available to sign and floral tributes are welcome.
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