Churches May 2023

As we continue in prayer for the peoples of Ukraine and Russia, Sudan and other places of strife and struggle across the world we give thanks for the blessings of living in a democratic monarchy which we enjoy in this nation.

And, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we rejoice that all our children and grownups, including the elderly and vulnerable can, in peace, grow and be cared for with expertise and sympathy for as long as is needed.

The long reign of our late Queen means that few of us remember her accession to the throne and her coronation. King Charles' coronation will be a reminder to us all of the enduring shared values of the United Kingdom. We wish him well as he takes on, formally, his new role as our monarch.

David was anointed King of Israel, a thousand years before Christ was born (1 Samuel 16:1-13). God called him from caring for flocks of sheep to caring for a nation. He became known as the shepherd king. He was a writer and musician who gifted to us Psalm 23.

A descendant of David was Christ. He described himself as the good shepherd (John 10:1-16), the one who cares for his flock, who does not drive them but leads them to nourishing pasture. And who seeks out the lost sheep.

Christ said also he had come, not as one to be served but as one who serves (John 13:1-17). His model of kingship was that of the servant king.

We recall that the late Queen, in one of her last addresses, signed herself Your Servant, Elizabeth. As the new reign begins we pray for her son King Charles that, in peace, he will continue in showing us day by day the living out of the values of the shepherd and the servant kingship of Christ.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing.

He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me beside the waters of comfort.

Thy loving-kindness and mercy shall surely follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Reverend Аudrey, Priest in Charge, St Helen’s