Dean of Guernsey – a huge privilege to lead thanksgiving service
IT WILL be a huge privilege to lead Guernsey’s thanksgiving service in memory of the Queen this morning, Dean of Guernsey the Very Rev. Tim Barker has said.
Up to 450 people could be attending the event at the Town Church.
Mr Barker admitted to having a few nerves ahead of the occasion.
‘Of course it is a huge privilege to be able to lead this service,’ he said.
Last Sunday he was part of a large cast of distinguished islanders taking part in the proclamation, but this time he will be at the front of proceedings.
He said they had decided to do a service on a Saturday so as many islanders at possible would be able to attend.
‘It is an opportunity for the island community to come together to remember.’
An order of service was distributed by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office which had been signed off by Buckingham Palace.
‘We have adapted it a little to make it more Guernsey-focused,’ Mr Barker said.
The service will include uniformed organisations and standards.
There will be an opening prayer and two bible readings, with Lt-Governor Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell and Policy & Resources president Peter Ferbrache taking part.
The dean will give a sermon and the address and there will be music from the church choir. There will be five readings from bodies close to the late Queen’s heart, followed by prayers.
Mr Barker has never known another monarch during his life and he could understand that people would struggle with the change.
‘When I heard she had died it was not until Friday morning, as I said my morning prayers and I said the prayer to the sovereign, that it really hit me,’ he said.
‘For different people, it affects them in different ways.’
The service at Town Church will start at 11.30am. People should be in their seats by 11.15am.
