A reflection on Queen Elizabeth

Reflection on

Dear Friends,

I write with a heavy heart tonight (Thursday) as we mourn the passing of our sovereign Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II after ninety six years of life and seventy years of service to our nation and to our commonwealth.

The Queen said a few years before her accession that her whole life, long or short, would be devoted to our service. In Queen Elizabeth we have seen a true servant of Christ, and one who can never be replaced.

We pray that she may rest in peace and rise in glory, and we pray for her family and for our nation at this time.

A quiet service will take place this Sunday evening, 11 September, in the church at Allhallowgate at 6.30pm to remember both our monarch and our dear friend who has alos passed away. Please come if you can.

Finally, regarding me and my escapades this week into A and E two days running with chest pain, I wasn't admitted but went in two days running as they couldn't sort the cause of the pain or treat it. We came up with an answer on day two which wasn't as serious as we thought, and now strong painkillers seem to be sorting whatever was going on.

Let me end with this quote I read tonight. I think it sums up both those we've lost today:

"As our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen's memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied. For seventy years, Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us."

With best wishes,

Ian