Introduction to the Service

This morning, we bring to our Harvest Thanksgiving, a deeper sense of loss and gratitude than we could have imagined just a few days ago.

Our church council, the PCC, stopped its meeting on hearing of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to come into church and toll the bell 96 times. One ring for every year of our Sovereign’s life.

Because her presence in our lives is so intricately woven into the warp and weft of life in our country, it somehow seems deeply appropriate to celebrate all that she has meant to us during this festival of thanksgiving for Harvest.

And as you see, we have deliberately kept in place, the images (beginning to fade) of many of our villagers. And it is her people, the countless men, women and children – people of all ages – who have offered such moving tributes. People have been coming into church to leave messages and floral tributes. Her Majesty’s interest in individuals and her knowledge of the countryside, of the bloodlines in cattle and horses is well evidenced. So as, in a moment, we say the words of the service, sing the hymns of gratitude and listen to the prayers, all of it is profoundly offered in thanksgiving for her life, her example, which we shall try to follow.

But first, let us stand, for some silent remembrance of our Queen, and what she meant to us.

Address

Jesus Christ told the most amazing and memorable stories. They can be read at many levels.

“Some seed, he said, fell on rich earth and produced a bumper crop”.

So,…Listen to these words of appreciation:

Queen Elizabeth the second was the rock on which modern Britain was built. The words of the PM

My heart is with all of you as you grieve her death and celebrate her extraordinary life and service to your country. The words of one of our American congregation

Her Legacy….unfailingly positive…..her soft power…never to be underestimated.

“I declare before you all, that my whole life, whether it be long or short, will be devoted to your service.” As you well know – Her Majesty’s own words of dedication.

It is not surprising that sorrow pervades the country…..and touches people in far off lands. For Queen Elizabeth has been the background to all of our lives, steady, strong and humble.

Our world’s most experienced diplomat….everyone’s grandmother…..and nobody like her in the world.

She had a well-developed gift of relating to people. There for us, for the whole of our lives

Her life sustained by her faith in Jesus Christ

Reflecting with a profundity, his life of service

An example to each one of us, of the difference we can make, if we too serve others…. And try strengthen one another.

And here we turn to the photos of those around our church. Photos of people like John and Jenny Allison who have lived in the village some 60 years, their knowledge of its history, better than anyone’s. And little known is the kindness John demonstrates in quietly watering the village hall tubs every day, to ensure their beauty enhances the place for all. Or another John, and his Ginny. John with all his experience of being a London policeman – the stories he can tell. Moving down the aisle there to newer residents, where Jo and Dave have been building a magnificent garage in their garden…..a building to which Dave brings his extensive knowledge, gleaned from his work with Heathrow’s Terminal 5, and the ventilation, air-conditioning and heating at the new London Bridge station. Ask him after the service about the diameter of the pipes.

Words could be said about each person photographed…..each with a story and set of gifts and experiences

We are villagers and villages surrounded by fields. James’s…..Eric’s…..Glynne’s……and the Albanwise group.

In preparation for today, I was browsing their website, and, amongst the fascinating descriptions of their crops and rotations, was surprised to read the following phrase:

‘People are our greatest asset.’

People are our greatest asset.

And, walking slowly past each photograph, the truth of that statement rings so true – whether it’s the time Susie and Steve give to the village hall……the brilliance of Robert’s research into genetics, the skill of Andrew in organising national shows – whatever it is, the story is distinct, unique. And here, gathered are indeed an extraordinary group of people. A bumper crop.

But Jesus’s story speaks to us of God’s nature as well.

The sower in the story -– God – was incredibly generous. The seed was scattered everywhere. There was no sense at all in the sower rejecting part of the ground because it was too challenging, too hard. Every part…..every body ….was included. How much we have still to learn. To lament.

And now, as we lament the passing of our beloved Queen, we are at a threshold of the new. We shall sing the prayer at the close of our service, ‘God save our gracious King’, for we are at the time of transition, holding together the emotions of sorrow…….and hope.

And here is our opportunity, to offer our loyalty, our gifts to King Charles III

He will bring HIS skills and insight, his care and his love, to all he does.

But..on this occasion, my final words are for our Late Queen:

Thank you, your Majesty, for showing us prayerfulness, your inspiring service and faithfulness to do what is right. You have indeed shown us how to live for others. Thank you…..your Majesty…..for everything.