Jubilee opportunities

Introduction
Celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee over the weekend Saturday 2nd - Tuesday 5th June 2012 (with its two extra Bank Holidays) is a great opportunity for the church to engage with the local community in celebrating the Queen's 60 year reign.

Your church, and group of churches in a community, may already have one or more events planned. If not, now (in January) is the time to start planning - especially if churches are going to work together.

You may have already seen images of the Royal Barge and proposed river procession, and read reports of street parties planned. Over the past few years the Eden Project in Cornwall has encouraged local communities to get together for The Big Lunch. This year it coincides with the Jubilee,and the churches are well placed to either play host, work together, and / or in partnership with local community groups.

Street Parties / Big Lunch
Last year, the Eden Project estimated that 3 million people took part in The Big Lunch. Not surprising with the Jubilee Bank Holiday, and encouragement from both Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street, the estimation is that 6 million people may get involved in The Big Lunch in 2012.

This is a phenomenal mission opportunity for the churches in England, who (between them) have the largest volunteer force in the country. Add to this the resources (in terms of tables and chairs alone) and the good will generally enjoyed when the 'church' hosts a community event, it is not surprising that the Presidents of Churches Together in England welcomed the opportunity and encouraged churches to get involved.

The picture shows the Presidents and other national church leaders with Roy Crowne, at a recent Forum of Hope, where the leaders welcomed Hope and the Big Lunch as a 'gift' to the churches. To read about the Forum, click on the photograph.

Ecumenical worship material

Churches Togetehr in Britain and Ireland have produced 'Ecumenical Worship Resources for the Diamond Jubilee' which includes a suggested order of service, suggested readings, additional prayers, and a 'Prayer from Millie'.

>>> Download the Ecumenical Worship material

The Big lunch

Hundreds, if not thousands, of churches could be working togetehr on June 3rd, alongside and in partnership with local schools and other community groups celebrating the Jubilee weekend.

Here are four key resources:

>>> Flyer for the Big lunch - casting the vision

>>> Ideas / Resources / Advice for the Big lunch - all you need to know

>>> Messy Church Big lunch - resources for all ages

>>> Special Edition Jubilee Gospel - a resource to give away

The Queen has agreed a grace for the Big Lunch - so that the nation can pray together. This, together with acts of Christian service, and a wide variety of worship possibilities, Gospel singing groups, Christian performance art, exhibitions, flower festivals, as well as appropriate literature that could be handed out, provide ample opportunity for people to see, experience and find out more about the Christian faith. Click here to read all about the special Grace.