Dear Friends,

Whether you’re an avid republican or a staunch monarchist the great celebrations of the Queen’s Jubilee are upon us. We celebrate 60 years of the Queen’s service to the country and part of that service has been as head of the Church of England and ‘Defender of the Faith’. In fact in the service of coronation as part of her oath she was asked ‘Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel?’

I think that most people recognise that the Queen at 85, still works incredibly hard and I don’t think that there are many people (except for a few small girls) who would like to do her job. I believe that the role she plays in society and within faith communities is a calling. As ordained ministers we talk about ‘being called’ and ‘having a vocation’. But this talk of vocation doesn’t just apply to ministers and monarchs, each one of us is called to play our part in society and in the Kingdom of God. We all have talents and gifts and having a vocation is about finding the best way to use them. It might be that you are called to be a carer, a businesswoman or a farmer. It might be that you are called to be a stay-at-home-parent or single. It might be that you are called to be a town councillor, a school governor or simply a good neighbour.

Whatever your vocation is, I pray that you discover it and that it brings fulfilment to you and those around you.

Blessings,
Amy