NEWS
Free Churches Moderator meet with King Charles III at a reception for faith leader in Buckingham Palace
The Revd Canon Helen Cameron was pleased to represent the Free Churches at a reception for more than 30 faith leaders in Buckingham Palace on Friday the 16th of September 2022.
At the reception in the Bow Room of Buckingham Palace, King Charles lll said he believed, as sovereign, that his work includes "protecting the space for faith itself" and that he would carry out his responsibilities to serve all communities around this country and the Commonwealth, valuing different Christian traditions and expressions of faith.
He expressed how much their words of condolences meant to him after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Let's continue to pray for King Charles III, the Royal family, and the nation at this time of mourning.
FCG Statement upon the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II
We in the Free Churches share the deep sense of loss and sorrow felt across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and throughout the world, on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen reigned for over 70 years and was greatly loved for her service, strength and wisdom. Her Christian witness has been a profound inspiration as she has faithfully served her God and her people. At this time of mourning our thoughts go out to her family and in particular to the King whose private grief and public duty lie heavily upon him.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the long life and witness of your servant Elizabeth our Queen, and for the service she has given to you, our country and the Commonwealth. May you bless her family and bring your comfort and peace to them. Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us.
This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Guidance for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning following the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Demise of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance
The demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: National Mourning Guidance, pdf file.
The Government guidance on arrangements following Her Majesty's death can be found here. This includes information on flag flying.
National Mourning Guidance here.
The Royal Household has released guidance on mourning and condolences here.
The BBC has posted information about anticipated arrangements for The Queen's lying in state and funeral here and for the new monarch, His Majesty King Charles III here.
Praying for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's health
Dear God, our Father, we are thankful this day for the blessings and mercies that You bestow on us. We remember at this time Her Majesty The Queen and her family. We pray for the health of The Queen. May You bless and keep her. Grant to her family and the nation your strength and peace today. These things we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Education Sunday 2022, 11th September 2022
Education Sunday will be marked by the churches on 11 September 2022
The theme for this year is ‘You are not lost!’
This year’s readings are:
Jeremiah 4.11-12, 22-28
Psalm 14
Luke 15.1-10
1 Timothy 1.12-17
Although some of the resources will make reference to other passages, the main focus will be on Luke 15.1-10: the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.
Education Sunday 2022 resources are available to download;
Pray for young people on A-level, BTEC and T-level results day
Pray for young people on A-level, BTEC and T-level results day
We ask you to pray for all the young people who have received results today, and to give thanks for their teachers, who have guided and supported them.
The Methodist Church has a prayer for young people receiving results, which you can find here.
You can find resources to help your church support those who are going to university, or young people who come to your community as students here.