Churches in Devon to hold commemorative services ahead of Queen’s Funeral

There will also be 10 civic services, one for each local authority area

Order of service photo
Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 16th Sep 2022
Last updated 16th Sep 2022

Churches across Devon will be holding commemorative services on Sunday (18 September), ahead of the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.

There will also be 10 civic services, one for each local authority area, including one at Exeter Cathedral for the county of Devon, one at St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth and one at St Paul’s Church Paignton, for Torbay.

Thousands of people are expected to pack the churches and these three services will be livestreamed to enable people who are unable to attend to watch at home.

The services will feature contributions from local dignitaries, members of the armed forces and representatives from charities and local organisations.

The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev’d Robert Atwell, will be giving the sermon at the service at Exeter Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday.

He said: "The reign of Queen Elizabeth II has been a glorious example of Christian faith lived out among the people of our nation and across the Commonwealth.

"We look forward to the people of Devon coming together on Sunday, to give thanks for her life and leadership."

The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev’d Jackie Searle, will be leading two commemorative services, one in Crediton Parish Church at 11.30am on Sunday and one at St Mary’s, Bideford, at 4.00pm.

She said: "Many of us will be thinking we can’t get up to London, but we want to do something locally. These services will be a lovely opportunity for us to come together. They will be beautiful and thoughtful, with hymns, readings, prayers and reflections."

Some churches will also be screening the Queen’s funeral live on Monday and are inviting people to watch it together.

The Rev’d Olly Ryder, from St Matt’s Plymouth, said: "At such a significant moment in the life of our country we felt it was important to open the church for people to watch and participate in the funeral together.

"It will be a time to collectively honour and reflect on the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as well as praying for King Charles III, the Royal Family and our nation.

"There is something very special about being together during historic times and drawing strength from God and each other."

For information about the order of service and a full list of commemorative services across Devon, please go to the Diocese of Exeter website.

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