The Queen seems very pleased with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations these last several days. Thousands of special events throughout the country have commemorated 60 years of Elizabeth II on the throne, and we are happy to say that our church played a part in the festivities. We invited the surrounding community to join us for a Jubilee Big Lunch on Sunday, June 3rd from 1 to 4:30 pm to be held in our church’s backyard. Activities included face-painting, crafts, carnival-style games, and a bouncy castle. Come Sunday morning, it was raining steadily and had been for quite some time. Even if the rain stopped, the ground was too wet to have the party outside. We quickly decided that after the morning service, the church sanctuary would be set up with tables and chairs, while our back hall would become a game room.
Visitors began to arrive, some of whom we knew while others were first-timers. At one point, I looked out over the tables and was struck by the sea of cultures and faiths sharing this time together. White English, Caribbean, African, Pakistani. Baptist, Catholic, Anglican, Muslim, agnostic. With table seating limited to about 45, many stood around in informal groups talking and eating from plates of food. From memory we counted in excess of 100 who braved the rain and showed up at our door, carrying their contribution of food. Everyone involved was ecstatic with the turnout. The rain continued all day, but it left us wondering how many might have come if the sun had been shining.
We created a gospel pamphlet especially for the Diamond Jubilee called “The Faith of a Queen.” It shares the good news about Jesus Christ by way of quotes from the Queen’s speeches over the years. As guests for the Big Lunch arrived, they would find copies of the leaflet on the table and have the opportunity to take it as a souvenir of the event.
As for future events, on Fathers Day we plan to hold a suppertime barbecue followed by a showing of the “Courageous” film. The second weekend after that, we plan to be away on a retreat with families connected to our Monday night mens conversation group. May God bless both efforts.
Thank you for praying and supporting this ministry!
George and Karen King
