A message from the Vicar, Fr Kevin Morris

We are a nation in mourning at the news of the death of our longest reigning and much loved monarch, Queen Elizabeth the Second. She has been the backdrop to our lives and her dedication and selfless service to the nation and to the Commonwealth has been exemplary. Our sadness so easily moves to thanksgiving when we reflect on the ways in which her presence at times of great tragedy and difficulty as well as national joy and celebration as been such a source of reassurance. She has carried out her duties and responsibilities with faithfulness and in a quiet and dignified manner and this spirit of commitment to her vocation under God did not diminish right until the end. The Queen would be the first to say that she received the strength to carry out the tasks and demands her office made upon her from her Christian faith. May she rest in peace.

Our thoughts and prayers are for His Majesty, King Charles, the Queen Consort, the Royal Family and all who mourn at this time.

Our church will be open from 9am each day for prayer, for the lighting of a candle and for those who would like to sign a book of condolence.  A bell will be rung today and, if people wish to leave flowers, we suggest they lay them on the grass outside the south side of the church on Bath Road. Our service this Sunday will reflect the sadness of the Queen’s passing and our gratitude for her long life and service.

Last night at the Chiswick Book Festival event at Chiswick House, we held a minute’s silence. We are dedicating the Festival to the memory of HM Queen Elizabeth the Second and in thanksgiving for her life. People are talking about ways of bringing people together at this time and we think this is an appropriate way to do this.

On Wednesday September 14th we will offer a Sung Requiem for the response of the soul of Her late Majesty the Queen at 7.30pm.

With my prayers for you all at this time,

Fr Kevin