June 2012, Vol. 34, No. 6

Dear Friends

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is our second longest serving monarch after Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years.  In this year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee many celebrations are taking place, especially this month.  The Coronation was on 2^nd June 1953, well over a year after the accession to the throne. Those of you who are around my age or older probably have memories of the Coronation. I recall a street party, with games, stalls, and a children’s tea, and I remember taking part in a fancy dress parade.  Like most children I received a coronation mug!  As time goes by, although we forget some things, certain occasions remain vivid in our memories. Even so, we may not remember the exact date of an event unless we can link it to something significant in our own lives.  The death of the Queen’s father, King George VI, happened on 6^th February 1952 and I find that date easy to remember because my brother was born the next day. 

The authors of the books of the Bible didn’t record actual dates, but sometimes they “placed” an event by relating it to something else.  For instance, Isaiah says that he had a vision of the Lord “in the year that King Uzziah died” (Isaiah 6:1). In the Old Testament some kings are described as having turned away from the Lord and are remembered as bad kings; others are held up as examples of good kingship.  It’s all very black and white, yet human nature is more complex than that.  David is remembered as a great king, yet he did some bad things in his time. However, David sought forgiveness, and by God’s grace he was able to put past sins behind him and go on to fulfil his calling from God.  All of us, kings, queens and ordinary citizens, stand in need of God’s forgiveness and this is freely given through Jesus Christ, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We also need God’s strength for the tasks to which he calls us.

In her Christmas message in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II asked people to pray that God would give her wisdom and strength to carry out the promises that she would be making. In a radio broadcast on the evening of the Coronation the Queen referred to that and went on to say, "Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.” Many people believe that the Queen has fulfilled that pledge, and we are invited to express our appreciation of her 60 years of service to our Church and country, by signing the “Big Jubilee Thank you”. There will be an opportunity to do this in our parish churches during June. All letters will be combined and delivered to Her Majesty later in the year.

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington