Platinum Jubilee – a lifetime of service
As I reflect on this, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebratory month, and all the things that have been planned up and down the country to mark this ‘probably’ unique achievement, I marvel at what she has accomplished over the 70 years since she acceded to the throne after the sudden death of her father, George VI on 6 February 1952. She was only 25 years old.
She knew she was destined to serve country and commonwealth several years before she took to the throne and the words spoken and televised on her 21st birthday were, in my opinion, not only brave and steadfast but way beyond her tender years:
‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.’
And she has done just that, being faithful to the promises she made then and at her coronation; working hard and being a ‘constant’ not only in the UK but throughout the world – and central to her life and service has been and is her Christian faith.
Although we will not be in a ‘job’ for life like the Queen and working royals, we do have a Lord and Saviour to whom, if we accept him, we can pledge to devote our lives in his service ‘whether our life be long or short’. This includes getting involved in what goes on here at ABC to help continue making our vision (that ABC be a centre for the community where the love of Jesus is both proclaimed and shown) become reality. Or if you’re not part of our church family, getting involved wherever you are, whether it be church and/ or community.
Serving is one of the most important principles of our Christian faith; as believers we are expected to love and help one another with a joyful spirit.
Serving can take many forms – from committing to pray daily for the church and the community we seek to serve, to metaphorically ‘rolling up our sleeves’ and getting involved. How? Well, how about offering a lift to those who need transportation to church (or hospital appointments, or shopping); or being a welcomer (stewarding), being part of the music group, or using your IT skills to help with streaming; or speaking to someone you don’t know in church; being an encourager; or helping our uniformed organisations, Tots or 35 Ock Street. Are you gifted with DIY or have you green fingers to help maintain the buildings and garden? Would you consider going on the cleaning rota, or serving refreshments, or providing the flowers on a Sunday? These are just a few ideas of ways we can get involved and serve as we share together in the life and witness of the church family here at ABC. But if you’re reading this from another church or community – I’m sure there are equivalent ways you can serve those around you.
The Queen pledged her life to serving her Lord, country and commonwealth – can we pledge to serve our Lord – to be open to his prompting – and act on it? It would be wonderful if that were the case.
1 Samuel 12:24, The Voice
Make this your one purpose: to revere him and serve him faithfully with complete devotion because he has done great things for you.
Jill Millgate, Editor of Contact magazine
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