Churches across Cumbria have marked Her Majesty the Queen’s funeral today and given thanks for her life in scores of services over the weekend.

A number of churches opened their doors to screen the state funeral and offer people the opportunity to come together to watch the ceremony.

About 50 people gathered at Kendal Parish Church, whilst there were also screenings at St James Carlisle, St Patrick’s Patterdale, St Mary’s Ambleside and Christ Church Silloth, with Penrith Salvation Army Corps also encouraging people to come along.

The Rev Shanthi Thompson, the vicar of Kendal Parish Church, said: “As a church we wanted to offer people the opportunity to come together to watch The Queen’s funeral. Some people wouldn’t want to be alone, some people might not have a television, so it’s good to be able to come into this holy space and feel you are worshipping alongside those in Westminster Abbey.”

Around 20 people also gathered in the Parish Centre of St James Carlisle to view the funeral and then join together for a soup lunch.

The Rev Simon Bickersteth, the vicar of St James, said: “It was such a momentous occasion in the life of our nation, so it just felt important to give people the opportunity to come together to watch the funeral. I’m conscious of the fact that there may have been people by themselves and being with others for such an event is so important.”

The BBC had waived the need for a TV licence for the day to enable churches and other community venues to screen the funeral. Over the weekend dozens of Civic, Commemorative and Thanksgiving services were also held.

Meanwhile the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, has taken part in both the state funeral and then the committal at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, as part of his role as Clerk of the Closet in which he heads up the Ecclesiastical Household.

Bishop James, who will return to Cumbria tomorrow, has also paid tribute to the ministry and pastoral care which Cumbrian churches have offered since news of Her Majesty’s death was first announced.

In a personal reflection, issued ahead of the state funeral, he said: “I’m fully aware of the many services which have been taking place in churches across our county since we first learned of Her Majesty’s death and the many ways in which clergy and congregation members have given thanks for The Queen’s life and for our new King.

“May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has done so much to honour Her Majesty and the Royal Family over the last week and may I ask that you continue to commit them all to your prayers.”

Churches are being asked to return flags to full-mast from 8am tomorrow and to close books of condolence by the end of the day. It is also suggested that floral tributes be removed – with the option of a short service - and church websites and social media channels return to normal.

Click here to view a short film on the Diocese of Carlisle’s YouTube channel of how churches marked the state funeral of Her Majesty The Queen.

ENDS

For further information contact Dave Roberts, Diocesan Head of Communications on 07469 153658 or at communications@carlislediocese.org.uk.