Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Head of the Church of England, died on Thursday 8th September in the UK – the early hours of Friday 9th September here in New Zealand. May she rest in peace, and rise in glory.

Here is an assortment of information that may be helpful for us all as we seek suitable ways to acknowledge Her Majesty’s death

1. Any church or Anglican establishment that has a flag, should fly the flag at half mast from now until the end of the day of the Queen’s funeral. No memorial services will be held in NZ until after her funeral, which is usually 12 days after the Monarch’s death. The National Commemoration Service in Aotearoa will be at St Paul's Cathedral in Wellington on 26 September. 
2. A short “Service of Reflection for the Life of the Queen” may be held over the next few days, but please be careful this is not seen as a memorial service. 
3. It is asked that Anglican churches use Violet as the liturgical colour during this two week time of mourning.
4. If you still have an evensong service (or a more traditional eucharist service), just as a gentle reminder, make sure you pray for the King and not the Queen from now on.
5. In your churches now: please consider a Book of Condolences and a Memorial Station.
   It must be decided where the signing-table will be erected; whether at the Sanctuary or Foyer ends. Consideration must be given to Traffic Flow and ability for people to approach, sign the Book, and exit. If possible, on the table have a book of condolences, a good quality pen, and a picture of the Queen.
6. The memorial station, if you choose to have one, should ideally be set up in an agreed place consisting of a portrait on a credence table or equivalent; beside a flower pedestal with pillar (Paschal?) candle. It may be considered appropriate to set up a sand tray for the lighting of candles for remembrance in front of this memorial station.
7. Pictures of the Queen can be downloaded from the Governor-General’s website 

A general prayer that could be placed on a table alongside a condolence book, or used in your services:

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, commending her into the loving care of our Heavenly Father and praying for all the Royal Family at this time:

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks and praise for the life
and work of your servant Elizabeth.
We commend her to your love and peace,
for she is yours in death as in life.
Comfort and sustain the Royal Family and all who mourn,
and into the darkness of grief bring the light of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.