Dear Congregation and Friends of St Mary,

Please find attached this week’s Benefice Newsletter. 

Remembering HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.  There is now much information online which suggests how we can offer thanksgiving for the life of the Duke of Edinburgh and to remember his many achievements.  These include:

• The Palace website, which has been updated to cover various aspects of the Duke’s life and work.  It also contains an online book of condolence.  See: https://www.royal.uk/

• The Oxford Diocese website has information about virtual services and tributes.  See: https://www.oxford.anglican.org/

• In addition, the CofE Archbishops have promulgated a guidance document for parish churches for use during this period of mourning. A copy is attached.  It contains a timeline of events on pp2-3 from the day of the announcement to the day after the funeral, which you may find quite useful.  I would, however, point out one mistake.  There is some discussion in the document about floral tributes. It is the Government and Palace’s request that floral tributes should not be placed at key locations in order to reduce the risk from COVID-19.  Instead we are being asked to make a donation, should we so desire, to organisations like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.  (See also the Benefice Newsletter.)

Holy Communion. A Holy Communion service will be held at St Mary’s church tomorrow at 9.30am and will be live-streamed.  Special prayers will be said for the Duke, HM The Queen and the Royal family.   

Online Services. As usual the details of the Benefice online services for this Sunday can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/shrivenhamandashbury/.  

Best Wishes,

Dennis

Church Warden St Mary The Virgin, Longcot