Amesbury Baptist Church in Wiltshire is partnering with Slimming World to host a 'Hog Roast' and shared meal in a park adjacent to the church on Monday 4 June.  The slimming club have recently used a room at the church for their weekly meetings.

"It had been on my mind to engage more with our local community and free food is always a good method," says minster, the Revd Barry M Davis.  "If there is a down side, I have to pick up the hog and roaster at 5.30am as it takes six hours to cook. Somehow I think it is worthwhile."

Food is at the heart of other Baptist celebrations. Edmonton Baptist Church in North London will be holding 'The Big Lunch', inspired by a national initiative of the same name.

Acomb Baptist Church in York will be taking part with other local churches in The Big Picnic whilst Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church in Essex are organising a Jubilee Tea Party.

Amongst other Christian initiatives will be the lighting of beacons on 4 June and over 650,000 Diamond Jubilee New Testaments have been ordered by churches to distribute to their community.