Over the coming days there will be various opportunities in the Benefice for both quiet individual prayer and reflection, and for worship together, as we give thanks for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
On Friday 9th September, the following will be available:
- St Margaret’s Church will be open from 8am-10am for individual prayer and the option to light a candle. Note that we are not expecting to have the book of condolence available by this point.
- At 9am there will also be a quiet said service of Morning Prayer, according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
- St Giles’ Church will be open as usual from 12pm-2pm for individual prayer, and a book of condolence will be available. In addition:
- from 12pm the bells of St Giles’ will toll; and
- at 12:30pm there will be a said Eucharist, again according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
- St Margaret’s Church will be open again in the afternoon from 2pm-4pm, with a book of condolence.
- Finally, St Giles’ Church will be open from 5:30pm-6pm, either to join us for Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel (again, from the 1662 BCP) or simply to pray individually in the body of the church.
On Saturday 10th September, both churches will be open during the day as part of Ride and Stride and Oxford Open Doors, including St Margaret’s Community Café in the afternoon. The books of condolence will be open, and Morning Prayer (9am at St Margaret’s) and Evening Prayer (5.30pm at St Giles’) are open to all as usual.
Information on Sunday’s services will be posted here soon.
O God, the maker and redeemer of all mankind,
grant us, with thy servant Queen Elizabeth and all the faithful departed,
the sure benefits of thy Son’s saving passion and glorious resurrection;
that in the last day, when all things are gathered up in Christ,
we may with them enjoy the fullness of thy promises;
through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.