Dear Friends,
This is a time of profound sadness, as we have this evening received news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second has died at Balmoral, surrounded by her family.
Please join us in prayer for her and for the Royal Family, and in thanksgiving for her long and glorious reign.
We recognise at this time of national mourning many of us might want to pay tribute to our Queen, write a message of condolence or simply have some quiet time to reflect.
St.Andrew's Church, Biggleswade will be open tomorrow (Friday 9th September) from 9am to 12noon and 2pm to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm, Sunday 12noon to 7pm, then next week from Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm (please check our website/Facebook for any changes).
All are welcome to come and sit quietly, write in the book of condolence or light a candle. Flowers can be laid outside the Church at our Garden of Remembrance. The flag is now flying at half-mast and will be respectfully positioned during the period of mourning. Tomorrow (Friday), the church bells will ring half-muffled at 12 noon, in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.
On Sunday, our 8am traditional Holy Communion, 10am Family Holy Communion will include special prayers for the life and service of Her Majesty the Queen to this nation.
Let us pray:
Gracious God,
we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth,
for her faith and her dedication of duty.
Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Revd. Liz Oglesby-Elong
Vicar of the Parish of St.Andrew, Biggleswade