The Coronation Big Lunch
The Coronation Big Lunch, taking place on Sunday 7th May, will encourage communities to come together and to celebrate their connections and get to know each other better. It will bring the Coronation festivities into the heart of every community. Further details can be found at here: https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch
The Big Help Out
The Big Help Out, on Monday 8th May, will provide an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of His Majesty’s service and showcase the impact of volunteering within communities. There will be opportunities for people to get involved right across the UK. More details can be found here: https://thebighelpout.org.uk/ and see below for The Big MK Doorstep Give for MK Food Bank.
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CTE Presidents call for a period of prayer leading up to the Coronation
Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a statement encouraging Christians to join in daily prayers for the King and the nation. They said:
"The forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III is a moment of great importance and joy for this nation. As Presidents of CTE, we invite Christians from all traditions to join together in a period of daily prayer, for both the King and the nation, from Easter Day through to 6 May. We welcome the publication by the Church of England of the book of Daily Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III which can be used as a guide to reflection. The Coronation will be a time to celebrate community, faith and service – values that are reflected in these prayers."
Presidents of Churches Together in England:
Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
Rev Canon Helen Cameron, The Free Churches Moderator
His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, Archbishop of the Oecumenical Patriarchate (Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain) and CTE President for the Orthodox Churches
Bishop Tedroy Powell, National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy UK and CTE Pentecostal and Charismatic President
The Daily Prayers
The book of prayers, produced by the Church of England combines themed daily readings and shares features of the Coronation Ceremony, exploring the Christian symbolism behind it.
The readings also reflect the value that King Charles III places on charitable work, environmentalism, volunteering and community life.
The Daily Prayers – a sample of which can be read online here – are available from the shop at Christ the Cornerstone. £1.50 a copy
They are also available free via email and audio via the Church of England website and social media.
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The Big Help Out
To celebrate the Coronation Weekend MK Food Bank are joining The Big Help Out national event. This is where you can support your community to help MK Food Bank with much needed food donations!
Email for your Big Help Fundraising Pack which will include posters and shopping lists! helpline@mkfoodbank.org.uk. If your church is holding an event for the Coronation, why not Collect Donations for MK Food Bank.
MK Food Bank will collect donations from your house on Monday 8th May 2 - 4pm.
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Service and Prayers - If you’re looking for help with special services the Church of England has produced lots of guidance. Hope Together has produced a special prayer that you could add into a specific or normal service to bring a Coronation focus.
Download the Coronation prayer for King Charles III
Coronation Primary School Assembly - The Coronation is a great opportunity to offer an assembly in your local primary school. For the assembly plan and powerpoint click here.
The Coronation Prom, Saturday 6th May at 7pm is a free live stream from the Royal Albert Hall. The Coronation Prom will draw on the rich historical tradition of Coronation music. The massed choir and All Souls Orchestra will perform royal anthems and overtures by Elgar, Holst, Handel and John Williams. More details here.
Crowned King - Point to the King of Kings with a special Coronation Souvenir of Matthew’s gospel with an illustrated introduction on the coronation. Crowned King includes beautiful images and an eloquent introduction by Catherine Butcher that unpacks the inherent Christian symbolism in the coronation. Purchase it here
