HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis hosted over the weekend, a very special and historic event and Thanksgiving Service at St Mary's Church, Luton, to commemorate HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the services of voluntary organisations across Bedfordshire. The church was packed with representatives of Bedfordshire Voluntary organisations.

During prayers and the Bishop's address at the ceremonial service, the topics of' ‘service' and 'servanthood' were shared and reflected upon.

Here are some words used in the service – “We give thanks for all who work in our voluntary and charitable organisations, for the inspiration and commitment of our young people and especially for those groups and initiatives represented here; for all who unselfishly and unstintingly give of their time, talents and skills for the benefit of others and for the common good. Bless, we pray, all who strive to serve, that they may be given wisdom and zeal, compassion and the gift of humility in their service.”

Complementing the theme ‘service’ Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire read out an extract from HM The Queen’s Accession Message. Here are few words from it.

“As we mark the 70th anniversary, it gives me great pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service. As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for. These last seven decades have seen extraordinary progress socially, technologically and culturally that have benefited us all; and I am confident that the future will offer similar opportunities to us and especially to the younger generations in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth.”

“This anniversary also affords me a time to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in this country and around the world over these years. I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me.”

“And so as I look forward to continuing to serve you with all my heart, I hope this Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities – after some difficult times for so many of us – in order to enjoy the celebrations and to reflect on the positive developments in our day-to-day lives that have so happily coincided with my reign.”

THANKYOU MESSAGE FROM LORD LIEUTENANT

Dear Friends and Colleagues

https://youtu.be/ZZSBM7g99K8

I am delighted to attach a video of the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Service of Thanksgiving for HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee and for the volunteers of Bedfordshire which was held at St Mary's Church, Luton on Sunday 22nd May. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh worshipped in St Mary's as a young married couple when they stayed at Luton Hoo.

I hope that you will enjoy watching this beautiful occasion which demonstrates the unity, vibrant diversity and true compassion of the people of our amazing county and celebrates the tremendous contribution and service of HM The Queen for 70 years.

I am so grateful to Phil Fothergill DL and his team for once again producing an historic video, and to Lisa Hutchinson for masterminding the organisation of this joyful service.

Wishing you many happy celebrations over the Jubilee weekend and I look forward to seeing you as I travel around Bedfordshire to join in your revels!

The service can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ZZSBM7g99K8 and the Order of Service is attached.

Kind regards

Helen Nellis

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire

Twitter @LLieutenantBeds | 07711289403

‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ | www.queensgreencanopy.org

Queen's Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving held St Mary's Luton