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17 April 2012

Jubilee New Testaments to be given out at Big Lunches

Christians all over the country are joining members of their communities in preparing for Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch celebrations, with many planning to give away new special versions of the New Testament.

In June, the nation celebrates 60 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign with a weekend of events.

The Eden Project, which organises the annual Big Lunch, has asked Hope to help churches get involved. Last year, more than three million people shared food in their communities and got to know their neighbours.

This year it’s expected that up to six million people will sit down together for the Big Jubilee Lunch.

HOPE has also partnered with Biblica and the Church of England to produce a Diamond Jubilee edition of the New Testament to give away at the lunches, or by local churches in schools and other Diamond Jubilee events.

The New Testament includes eight pages of images from the Coronation and the Queen’s life, linking her 60-year reign and her Christian faith.

It also includes a suggested reading section with Bible references on various topics and a clear guide to help explain what Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection mean.

More than 44,000 copies were ordered over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Roy Crowne, HOPE’s executive director, said: “We are thrilled with the response so far. We are making this souvenir New Testament available at cost price – just 50p a copy – so that churches can give them away as a lasting reminder of the Queen’s 60 years of faithful service to the country and Commonwealth.

“We hope that many churches will use this opportunity to give this special gift to people in their communities as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.”

NTJubileeDr Rachel Jordan, the Church of England’s national mission and evangelism adviser, added: “The Queen was given a commemorative version of the Bible herself on her Coronation Day with the words that it was the best gift she was ever going to receive.

“Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the Church in this land gave back to the nation, in marking her Diamond Jubilee, the best gift they will ever receive – the free gift of the New Testament?”

You can order 50 copies of the New Testament for £25 here

If you’re planning to distribute the New Testament in your street or at your local school, HOPE would love to hear about it. Please email lucy.cooper@hopetogether.org.uk with details.