The Big Thank You project.

Worshippers from across Suffolk are being encouraged to celebrate the Queen's 60 years of service to the nation.

The Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, is encouraging congregations to recognise Her Majesty's commitment to the country by taking part in the The Big Thank You project.

The initiative is giving people an opportunity to add their signature and good wishes to Her Majesty the Queen on special thank you letters being displayed in cathedrals and churches around the UK.

Containing an introductory paragraph by diocesan bishops, the letters give the public a chance to say a few words in appreciation of 60 years of loyal service.

Once compiled into one Big Thank You letter later in the year, the letters from each Diocese will be delivered to Buckingham Palace.

Bishop Nigel launched the initiative within the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese on Sunday 5th February, during a special service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

The Bishop was at the Cathedral in the afternoon for choral Evensong, which featured music played at the Coronation (Handel's Zadok the Priest and Elgar's Imperial March).

During February the Cathedral will display a copy of the Cathedral's Visitors book, which HM The Queen signed on her visit to Suffolk in April 2009 on the occasion of the Service of the Royal Maundy. A souvenir booklet of that day is available to purchase in the Cathedral Shop.

Letters will now also be available at churches and the Cathedral to sign and The Bishop said: "This initiative is an opportunity to say thank you for her Majesty's devoted service to our nation during the past 60 years.

" I know that many people want to support the diamond jubilee celebrations and this letter gives an opportunity to do so personally. Her Majesty's Christian faith is very clear, and it is highly appropriate that the Church should initiate one way of people's gratitude being expressed."

Bishop Nigel is also encouraging churches to celebrate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee by taking part in the Big Lunch in June.

The aim is to see as many people as possible across the UK having lunch with their neighbours in a simple act of community, friendship and fun. Churches can play a major role in making this the biggest Big Lunch ever, by either hosting or taking part in a Big Lunch within their parish.

For more details of how to get involved in either initiative, please contact  your local church or the cathedral or visit www.stedmundsbury.aglican.org/go.diamondjub  

Published by the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and reproduced with permission.