This month we as a nation will celebrate a truly amazing milestone which has never been reached by any other British Monarch and will not be for at least next two generations of monarchy. We will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM the Queen. I don’t know about you, but she has always been the faithful and reliable backdrop to my life. While the country celebrates, there are of course those who feel monarchy is inappropriate in modern Britain and if that is your view, I respect that. However, for the majority the Platinum Jubilee celebrations are going to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
St Edmund’s is holding a flower festival over the weekend with a service on June 5th at 11.00am, dedicated to honouring the Queen’s long service. Each parish of the Benefice will be holding events from coffee mornings, afternoon teas, beacon lighting and a lunch at the village hall in Dolton on Sunday 5th.
Life without our Queen seems unthinkable. She has weathered the highs and lows of our nation and that of her family since making her vows as a beautiful young woman at the age of 27. Now at 96 she is finally slowing down and paving the way for her successors, while remaining true to her promise to serve until her last breath. I cannot think of another person who has so continually, graciously, demonstrated such service.
I am aware that she has been sustained throughout her long life by a foundation of faith in Jesus who himself modelled a life of service and also gave himself entirely for those he loved.
Thank God for Queen Elizabeth and may she know how very grateful we are for all she has given to us.
Revd Susan.