Dear Friends,
The words “living in unprecedented times” have been quoted over and over again during the last two years and following one of the most challenging weeks that I can remember, I believe that the last fortnight definitely qualifies. I will normally write my letter to you first thing on a Wednesday morning, when most sensible people are still sleeping and little did I know as I tapped away at my keyboard last week what lay ahead, who could have guessed? I had just set off to Woodbridge for the Local Preachers meeting on Thursday evening when I received two calls to say that Queen Elizabeth II had died and from that moment on, I knew that the nation, the commonwealth, and the world would be in a state of turmoil. My heart goes out to King Charles III as he takes on the mantle of the monarchy at the same time as mourning the loss of his dear mother. I long for the poor man to be able to grieve and mourn, but his life is under the gaze of the world.
I received an email on Thursday not long after the announcement that the Queen was poorly to say that two days after her death there would be a public proclamation in Ipswich and faith leaders were asked to stand on the steps of the town hall for the reading of the proclamation. I quickly figured out that this would be Sunday, which was the worst day possible for Church leaders. I would like to thank the people of Landseer Road, who very kindly released me from their morning service so that the Methodist Church was represented, and I was proud that in these days when faith is seen as being irrelevant to so many people, we were positioned in line with Royal protocol directly behind the twenty-three mayors of the county. I believe from the press that Ipswich had the biggest turnout in the county with an estimated ten thousand people as we heralded the new King and sang in one voice the national anthem, replacing the word “queen” with “king” for the first time for most of us gathered there. It was a truly memorable afternoon and despite the fact that I was the VIP, it was my wife who appeared on the telly!!!!
We now face the state funeral on Monday the 19th of September and once again events are having to be rearranged at short notice. While I look back at the last two and a half years, one of the biggest positive gifts Covid has given us, is the ability to respond quickly and with greater ease than I can remember at any time in the past. Within a day of hearing about the death of her majesty, our circuit website was marking the fact, our “thought for the days” have focussed on this moving and historical week in the life of the world. Thank you to everybody who have responded with speed, written creative pieces for our digital audience to share and related the context of the queens passing to our faith beliefs, I have been impressed by everything I have read.
Thank you also for your continuing prayerful support for the life of the circuit. We continue to battle with the Home Office regarding Saul and Tariro’s visas. Please keep Saul and Tariro in your prayers as they are in a state of limbo having left their jobs in in Zimbabwe and are not yet able to come to the UK and start working in this country. I am grateful to the Churches at Framlingham, Kelsale, Knodishall, Orford, Peasenhall and Woodbridge, who likewise sit awaiting the arrival of a new minister and I am indebted to Stephen Yelland, who is helping to keep the northern part of our circuit functioning. I believe that God’s hand is upon this situation, and I trust that you will all join with me in praying that the situation will soon be resolved.
Karen and I continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers as you live through these challenging times, as we are engaging with all the normal autumnal activities. Maybe the agenda of our nation and the world at large has side-tracked us from the issues that still concern so many people this year. As I watch the crowds turning out for the different royal occasions this week, I am reminded that our strength lies in us supporting one another. Please seek help if you are struggling in any way as the days shorten and as energy cost squeeze, and let all of us look out for one another, for Christ, our example, always sought out those in the greatest need.
With best wishes.
Derek