HRH Queen Elizabeth II
We in North Queensferry Church join our neighbours here and around the world in mourning the passing of her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday September 8th. The Queen has been a constant presence in all our lives for the past seventy years and the reality of her death is difficult to take in.
In 1947 on her 21st birthday nearly five years before she acceded in 1952, she dedicated her life with a promise to serve her peoples here and around the world with God’s help. She said: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
The Queen kept that promise and lived up to her title of Defender of the Faith. The letters F.D., shortened from Fidei Def.(ensatrix.), still appear on our coins. The Queen maintained that faith as head of the Church of England and protector of the Church of Scotland by worshipping regularly wherever she was living. She always referred to her faith in her Christmas Day broadcast, a quiet but certain witness that is rare among public figures nowadays.
There will be much grief and sadness for many in the coming ten days. We will open the church on the special days of the mourning period to allow people to reflect, pray or talk together as they wish. We cannot hold a memorial service until after the State Funeral, although prayers will be published by the Church of Scotland and available on this web site.
It is proposed that we will endeavour to live stream the service from St Giles Cathedral on Monday 12th September in Inverkeithing Parish Church, at 3pm, (time to be confirmed) and the State Funeral on Monday 19th September (time to be confirmed). The North Queensferry Church will be open on Wednesday 14th for the regular coffee morning and private devotion from 10am-12 noon. There will be a similar time for devotion and quiet reflection on Friday 16th from 10-12 noon. Please check for updates confirming the times. In whatever way you wish to acknowledge and mourn the Queen’s life and death we will help as we are able.
Take time to pray for the new King and Queen and the Royal Family as you would for anyone you know who is grieving. There is turmoil in the nation and the world as we go through a difficult time on so many levels and people with public responsibilities all require our prayerful support. This is enjoined by Scripture for all of God’s people. Also remember anyone you know who is grieving today their hurt is as deep.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:1-4