Much has been discussed recently regarding the memorializing, mourning, and burying of Queen Elizabeth II. Most of us were attuned, in varying degrees, through the services of technology, to the unfolding of events since her passing on September 8 . I too followed along. Watching both the state funeral at Westminster Abbey and the committal service at St. George’s Chapel on Monday, September 19, one particular item (among numerous fascinations) caught and maintained my attention.
Each attendee held a copy of the Order of Service and followed along.
The Order of Service.
I listened. I observed. I watched people reading or singing from the substantial bulletin. The speakers read their contributions from the printed liturgy. Every word appeared scripted. (Even the funeral sermon, not printed in the liturgy, is printed and available online.) But what was the content? What was the focus? What was the meaning? And who may have believed it? Who will believe it?
Karen Thomas Olsen
Journey North Character 