1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 New International Version UK
"... Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord for ever. Therefore encourage one another with these words..."
We are a different world this morning without an earthly figure who has been recognised by many as our national Grandma, and by others has already been labeled as Elizabeth the Great. We also have to get used to a new set of words King Charles III. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a good and faithful servant and we believe she will rise again in glory and sit with the greatest King of all Jesus Christ our saviour. Notwithstanding there is a person missing from our table today who will be mourned deeply by all faiths and none.
I am sure this will go down in legend but yesterday a double rainbow appeared just as the announcement was made of The Queen's death. The rainbow is a symbol closely associated with Scripture and held as an image of hope, and of God's Covenant with us. A double rainbow seemed to reinforce that message, news commentators picked up on its significance for not just those with faith, but for those with none that the rainbow is a symbol of hope.
Last night I was in church with our Stephen and the team prepping prayer stations and areas for people to spend time in quietude. St Peters' have created space in the Lady Chapel
for reflection. A prayer board is in place for thoughts or prayers, with pens and card available to do so. Civic mourning will take place over the coming days and there is a reflective prayer service this afternoon Friday 9th September 2022 at 4pm at St Peters, Oundle. More announcements will follow as we enter a time of swift change, some uncertainty and apprehension of what is to follow. Whilst also bearing in mind that a family has yet again been plunged into grief and shock. This family our Royal Family and King Charles III and Queen Consort, Camilla will have to cope with this loss so publicly, our prayers for their wellbeing, for strength and courage over the coming days are sent with love and from the bottom of our hearts.
God Save the King.
Peace be with you my friends.
Caroline <><
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