Lorna and I watched the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday - yes we were up early and watched it live. It was pageantry, pomp and circumstance that was overflowing with symbols and myth and legend. There was much you could take from what is probably a once in a lifetime event for most – I was around for the Coronation of Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II, but I do not remember being aware that it was happening – being four years old at the time. My parents were not what you would call monarchists by any stretch of the imagination. Through all the pomp, circumstance, ceremony and liturgy – Anglican worship at its highest and perhaps best – depending on your view of liturgy, what came through loud and clear for me was the theme of service – of serving and not being served. If the Coronation had taken a popular turn the theme song might have been, Gotta Serve Somebody by Bob Dylan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC10VWDTzmU – no, I’m not really serious. The theme of service was there right from the beginning, when a boy chorister welcomed the King. The King responds with the declaration he has come not to be served but to serve: Young Person (Chapel Royal chorister): Your Majesty, as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you in the name of the King of Kings. The King: In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve. This was followed by the Greeting by the Archbishop of Canterbury: Dearly beloved, we are gathered to offer worship and praise to Almighty God; to celebrate the life of our nations; to pray for Charles, our King; to recognise and to give thanks for his life of service to this nation, to the realms, and to the Commonwealth; and to witness with joy his crowning and anointing, as he is set apart and consecrated for the service of his people. Let us dedicate ourselves alike, in body, mind, and spirit, to a renewed faith, a joyful hope, and a commitment to serve one another in love. Then followed the Recognition: Archbishop of Canterbury: I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King: Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service: are you willing to do the same? The King’s Prayer continued with this theme: God of compassion and mercy whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. The sermon, preached by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was surprizingly brief - even for an Anglican sermon continued the theme of service, “Each of us is called by God to serve. Whatever that looks like in our own lives, each of us can choose God’s way today.” The Presentation of Regalia by the Archbishop of Canterbury again stressed service: Receive this kingly Sword. May it be to you, and to all who witness these things, a sign and symbol not of judgement, but of justice; not of might, but of mercy. Trust always in the word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit, and so faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this life, that you may reign for ever with him in the life which is to come. Amen. Service was also part of the Eucharistic Prayer: Jesus Christ thine only Son our Lord; he may be the Defender of thy Faith and the Protector of thy people; that, with him, we may learn the ways of service, compassion, and love, The final Blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury ended with a blessing for all whom each of us serve: Our help is in the Name of the Lord; Who hath made heaven and earth. Blessed be the Name of the Lord; Now and henceforth, world without end. Christ our King, make you faithful and strong to do his will, that you may reign with him in glory; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, rest upon you, and all whom you serve, this day, and all your days. Amen. The King is called to a life of service as we are all called to serve and not to be served. If we could live out this calling, this world would be an even more wonderful place. May you be blessed to serve on you journey.