Loving Service

From the Manse.....

Much has been written, spoken and shared about the life of our late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and I write this reflection the day after her funeral with all that we witnessed still very much in our thoughts.

It is difficult to know what to say that has not already been expressed so eloquently and with great insightfulness and clarity.

From the Archbishop of Canterbury's sermon delivered at Her Majesty's State Funeral to that preached by Revd Katherine Price at the Commemoration service in Wantage we have been given much to ponder upon and to think about as we come to terms with the death of "Our Queen".

The pomp and ceremony of yesterday's events helped to link us to our past, our history and our heritage, and in doing so, gave us a framework in which we could focus not only upon our sense of loss, but also that of gratitude and thankfulness.

'Loving service' is a term we long associated with Her Majesty and was a theme that wove itself throughout the events of the period of National Mourning and the funeral service itself. Queen Elizabeth visibly and outwardly demonstrated that which was at the heart of her faith.

It was that same loving service that saw Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed, take up the bowl and towel and wash his friends tired, sore and dusty feet, becoming a servant to all.

No doubt much will be discussed, spoken and shared about her Majesty's legacy. If her example of 'loving service' manages to inspire others to do likewise then what a difference that would make to the word, helping to make it a better place.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory!

With love and God Bless

Keith