Dear All Saints and St Marys 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 at 10am, 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 10.30am 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
8:00am | All Saints | Holy Communion :- Readings and Prayers for the Queen |
10:00am | St Marys | Sung Holy Communion :– Celebrating the Patronal Festival and Commemoration to HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II |
10:30am | All Saints | MUDDY/MESSY CHURCH :- Thanksgiving for the Queen. Please wear something purple |
CHURCH OPEN FOR PRAYER AND BOOK OF CONDOLENCES SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER
ST MARYS | 10am – 2pm. (Saturday lunches will go ahead in the Parish Rooms from 12noon till 2pm) |
ALL SAINTS | 11am – 2pm |
SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER (Including the services)
ST MARYS | 10am – 4pm |
ALLSAINTS | 8am – 4pm |
Here are this weeks Roots materials.
We will try and keep people updated as to events and services throughout the week on our websites and Facebook pages.
Wednesday 14th | 09:00 | Celtic Morning Prayer | All Saints Church |
Thursday 15th | 10:00 | Holy Communion | St Mary’s Church |
Sunday 18th | 10:00 | Harvest Service | St Mary’s Church |
| 10:30 | Holy Communion | 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 Revd Lizzie Kesteven Vicar of All Saints Church and St Marys Church, Fishponds Interim Co Area Dean of Bristol City Deanery Advisor for Spirituality for Bristol Diocese 0117 9650856 07973917720
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