01 June 2022, Watford, UK [Catherine Boldeau]
2022 marks the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Across the United Kingdom diverse communities are hosting events to commemorate the 70 years of her reign. Adventists in the United Kingdom are joining the celebrations marking significant event.
“We thank God for the life of our monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It is an amazing achievement that she has served not only the United Kingdom, but other 14 countries as well, faithfully as the Head of State,” said pastor Eglan Brooks, British Union Conference president. “70 years of service is truly remarkable. As the Seventh-day Adventist Church in British Isles, we take this opportunity to mingle with our communities over the forthcoming weeks, in new and engaging ways.”
The Jubilee Spiritual
On 1 June, a special vocal and musical arrangement of the Jubilee Spiritual was released. The arrangement, of Great Day by renowned musician, Tina Brooks, is a based on the words found in Leviticus 25 and it highlights the Biblical meaning of jubilee.
The musical arrangement was co-produced by “Papa Dwight’ and delivered virtually by a group of young singers who performed together throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.
“It is awesome that this intergenerational project is complete. Our young people have much to offer and it’s great to see them involved in such a project. This version of the spiritual will appeal to a contemporary audience,” said pastor Kevin Johns, BUC Youth director.
Funding for this two-part project was secured from the Trans-European Division (TED) Creative and Innovation Fund. This project continues with a release in August of an arrangement for chorale ensembles, produced in a classical acapella style.
Community Outreach
Local grassroot hubs are planning to hold community fairs, street parties and jubilee lunches over the special four-day bank holiday from 2 to 5 June. The ‘I AM Urban’ initiative, a partnership of ADRA and Adventist Community Services, has provided funding for eligible hubs to host a special lunch or deliver a sustainable community development project in their local area. For further information on the funding, please contact, Catherine Anthony Boldeau at [email protected]
Special ‘Celebration’ Focus
To support this year’s Jubilee celebrations and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, The Stanborough Press, has produced a special edition of FOCUS magazine which can be used as an outreach resource. Copies of FOCUS can be purchased through the Life Source bookshop at the BUC, in Watford, or online.
This article, originally published on May 26, was updated on June 1.
