crossramsbury.net

You might have guessed from the fewer posts in the last couple of weeks, that I’ve been away!  There is much to catch you up with though, so please don’t give up on us!  The first couple of weeks in my summer break were spent, as usual, with the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, who were based at an Engineers’ Camp down at Chickerell near Weymouth. 

We take away some 300 cadets, aged from 12 – 18, and some 80 adults, who I do admire for all the hours and energy that they offer these young people.  As you will know, when you take people out of their usual surroundings and circumstances, you’ll find that all kinds of issues and emotions emerge.   For two weeks, these good people become my “parish”, and I live and work alongside them as we undertake all kinds of activities, physical, emotional, and spiritual. 

After some eight years, I am now an accepted part of the whole community, offering a listening ear to all souls, whether they have a particular faith or none, and I have found an amazing amount of ministry, which challenges and rewards.  Last year I baptised two members in the sea off Cornwall, and this year I have attended the funeral of a wife of one of our officers, and I have just conducted a funeral for one of our female officers.  Next week, I will conduct the marriage service for two of our NCOs.  Most of the pastoral work involves people wanting to discuss relationships, worries about friends and families, and hopes and ambitions for themselves and the future.

It is no holiday, but I do throw myself into all the activities, and try to live alongside these people as I know that Christ would do, and indeed did!   I was captured during an exercise when I was being transported down to negotiate with a group of insurgent terrorists; and after a period of time, I was rescued by another unit, and grateful for the care and attention that the padre usually is afforded.  The photo shows you that I try and blend in to whatever background circumstances are – although my hands need a little more camouflage cream!  Fresh air, solid food, and companions to journey with – what more could a padre ask for?

Yesterday found me at the 1030 service at Wilton, and a triple baptism for the parish priest, Mark Wood.  I settled into my pew to find we were trying out for the first time a new form of the morning service with a baptism.  The previous Family Style worship left the regular congregation rather wanting for liturgy, and the normal parish Eucharist would not have been accessible for the baptism family and friends.

The service worked well, and the three candidates, a mother, her daughter aged about eight years, and a baby from another family, all performed their words and actions impeccably, and Mark spoke well during the address.  A happy connection for the congregation too, so we wish them and the candidates and families well for the future.

Within the pew notice sheet for the coming week was an interesting event coming up this coming Sunday 1 August.  “Walking with the Poet” is an open afternoon at St Peter’s Fugglestone, in celebration of George Herbert, Rector of Fugglestone and Bemerton from 1630 – 1633.  The event begins at 1500, with a short history of the the Church, and then from 1530 there is an organised walk through the grounds of Wilton House from St Peter’s to St Andrew’s Lower Bemerton, hearing some of his poetry on the way.  After tea at Bemerton, there is a short service of Evening Prayer at St Andrew’s.  Sounds great, and if you’d like to go on this outing please phone the Rector [01722 742571] or the Parish Office on [01722 742393]

After the service and lunch last Sunday I headed out to Milton Lilbourne to conduct a marriage rehearsal for two young people.  The marriage is not until October, but the groom is serving in the Army, and has just come back from Afghanistan, and will need to go back out there until just before his wedding.  It was a moving occasion, gathering the families and running through the service for them.  To be honest he looked too young to be a Royal Engineer recce platoon commander, too young to be risking his life out in that theatre, but I was impressed with his courage and commitment. I realised that for many people, the disruptions of this effort to keep peace in a remote part of the globe, and to give the Afghan people a chance of rebuilding their country will have lasting impact on so many lives.  Please pray for the couple as they prepare, long distance, for their wedding day, and for protection and peace for all those who serve in this way.

Each year for the past three or four years, Anita and I get an invitation to attend the Chitterne Flower festival, and it is an event we always enjoy attending.  This year was no exception, and the arrangements of flowers, with the theme “Quote: Unquote” were really breathtaking.  I can’t remember all the connections between the quotes and the arrangements, but this one was “A Rose Between Two Thorns”, and just enjoy the others!

The food served in the Village Hall next door to the church was delicious, and at one moment in the afternoon, I think we could have convened a meeting of the Stonehenge Deanery Synod!  We had the Lay Chairman, four clergy and the Archdeacon!  We avoided that temptation by sitting and tucking into our scoff.

later in the day we returned to the church, and as I am prone to do, starting chatting to the visitors admiring the arrangements.  One of the gents sitting quietly at the back of the church, engaged in conversation with me, and I asked him about the Veteran’s badge he was wearing.  Of course, as an old soldier he was quite happy to tell me all about his regiment, and the places that he served.  He carried on to tell me about some of the Chaplains that he served with as well. 

We were able to chat easily, and after a while, as old soldiers do, he picked up on something that had been troubling him for a long time, but he claimed that no padre had been  able to sort for him.  I’m quite used to being challenged by military personnel, and often I can’t offer the answer someone is looking for – but I try to share the dilemma, and encourage the person to keep searching and to trust in God for truth.

With all that he had witnessed, how could he believe in a God who allows good people to suffer.  I said that I could not answer that for him, but I have often asked myself that  question, and for myself, I came to the conclusion – how do we know that we are loved? 

When my children asked me, Daddy, do you love me?, and I answered Yes, of course I love you, they would follow up with, How do we know that you love us?  I replied, Because I will always try be here for you; when the life you lead is good, you’ll not need to ask me that question, but I will still love you.  When the life you lead is tough, you will not need to ask if I love you, because I will be there for you, and I will do anything I can to make the pain and the hurt, [which we all suffer, all of us]; I will do anything I can to make that pain and hurt more bearable.  How will you will know that I love you? Because the pain you are suffering, however it is caused, allows me to show you how much I love you.

The old soldier smiled, and nodded his head, said thank you, and walked away to give his wife a warm, long  and lingering hug.  And we said it with Flowers.

This week I was privileged to put on my Royal Army Chaplains Department combats, and travel out to one of the Army Cadet Force detachments to give a presentation on the six core values of the British Army.  I first had to get into the Garrison, and I was saluted politely as I passed the reception/guardroom.  I saluted back, as I was sitting in the roofless MGF, but was not quite sure whether officers are supposed to salute whilst driving!  I probably have broken some military protocol, or civilian driving regulation.  Someone will tell me – just hope it is not contained within some kind of summons!

The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is one of the UK’s oldest, largest and most successful youth organisations. With over 47,000 cadets in around 1,700 local detachments across the country. At the heart of the ACF are our 8,500 adult volunteers who inspire youngsters to achieve.

It was a hot night, and the 20 cadets were trying sooo hard to concentrate on my presentation, which I spiced up with some leadership, and team exercises.  At the end, rather than assess their knowledge of the content of the presentation, I asked them to assess my presentation – what was good about it, what main points will they remember, and how might I improve the presentation next time?  Under the circumstances, I think I did well – they certainly helped me to polish the presentation for next time, and I found out what they had learned.  

What had they learned? The six core values, which all ranks must receive teaching on every year, are: Courage, Discipline, Loyalty, Integrity, Selfless Commitment, Respect for Others.  On the handout I asked them to take away, was a grid, with the six core values printed out.  I asked them to think about who they know who models the values; what challenges are facing the cadet at present; and then what might they do to try and overcome that challege, using the core values to measure their options and response.

Today I was privileged to be invited to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst for the passing out parade of the Professionally Qualified Officers Course 101.  This is the course that trains officers serving the likes of the Medical Corps, Legal Service, Vets and such non combatant arms of the British Army.

As the Bishop’s Liaison for Armed Forces in the Diocese, I was representing the local church, but I was also proud to be seeing a former Cadet Force colleague pass out from her initial training.  Clare has been a great friend, and I know how tough her training has been, testing her physical strength and courage to the limits, but also her spiritual reserves too.  She’s lost a stone in weight, and the bruises were obvious on her legs, but she stood proud as any in her Royal Army Chaplains Dept uniform on that famous parade ground, as the Adjutant on his horse led the parade.

Before that a moving service in the Memorial Chapel, with traditional hymns including I vow to thee my country, And did those feet, and a stirring sermon on the Serve to Lead motto of the Academy, using the Body of Christ as an image of valuing each as equally important for the good of the whole.  Soon these padres, medics, and support services will be deployed in serious combat situations, dealing with trauma, triumph, and tears; looking to provide care, compassion, and confidence. 

The Band of the Scots Guards played, and relatives and friends, dressed for the occasion in hats and smart suits, reflected the warmth of the sun in their pleasure at seeing such fine people commit their talents and passions to serving the soldiers and citizens in our own country and across the world.

May God bless you, and keep you, and support and uphold you, and your loved ones in the days and years ahead.

The night has passed, and the day lies open before us …

Well, what was it like?  Well, it was colder than last year, and a cold wind whistled around the Cloisters all night, and at some stage, I’m not sure exactly when, I did feel drops of rain on my face.  I remember tucking my head deeper into my sleeping bag, and not worrying.  I did hear myself snore a little from time to time, but my sleeping companions said it was nothing compared to some roaring snoring at the other end of the row.

We settled down for the night after a short but poignant service led by Canon Ed Probert, the Canon Chancellor of the Cathedral. John interceded, Bishop Stephen gave a short reflection on how invisible homeless people can become – when faced with an authority figure, or when we choose to ignore them.  Our free supper was provided for us by Tesco, and the “hot dog” type bun filled with some cold meat, washed down by a hot coffee, sent us off to our sleeping bags.  The younger people were chatting in softened tones around us, and Wilts Army Cadets, local church youth groups, and St Edmund’s School Salisbury were represented; but us oldies needed to get our heads  down.  I pulled my hat down over my head, and as predicted, I soon was dreaming with the angels, and woke around 0600 with only that light sprinkling of precipitation to interupt a good night’s rest.  I was fortunate, others looked pretty wrecked.

As the younger people slept on, we swiftly rolled up our bags and mats, and headed out to breakfast with Canon Ed.  Then I needed to get home.  Home, such a simple requirement and yet full of sensations for me this particular morning.  I could not wait to get out of my clothes, and feel the razor blade on my stubbly cheeks and neck.  The warm water washing the sweat and gunk from my body, the warmth of the towelling gown I wrapped myself in.  How would I have felt if I had been denied those basic washing provisions?  And family to chat with, and feel valued by – not much to ask, but denied for many.

I carried on with my day’s plans, but those who will be sleeping out again tonight will find more important tasks than I – where will they find food, how will they avoid being compromised by being moved on, or their possesions stolen, and where will they find shelter and companionship today, tonight, tomorrow?

The big exercise on the Plain has now finished and there is an absence of noise and military vehicles and personnel. Over the last few days I have been aware of the noise of guns and helicopters, none of them has caused me to be afraid but they have caused me to think about what it must be like for those for whom the sights and sounds are not benign.

I never been in a place where there has been armed conflict nor have I ever served in the military and so have no idea of what those who have or are may feel. So the following may not be correct but I did try to put myself into the shoes of two people.

The first was the civillian who tried to live their life in manner that was respectful and caring and who was involved in the conflict because they lived in the place, it was their home. I couldn’t find the words to express my thoughts and realised what a strain it must be to live under such conditions, alwasy wondering if that day would be your last, if your home would survive, how you will feed the family and provide for every day needs.

The other was the child who was growing up in a place where nothing was safe, where you are being told by your parents not to trust anyone, a place where you see things beyond your understanding. How do you cope? No wonder children who live in this environment can become violent and see no other way of behaving.

It made me more aware of how lucky I am to be in an area where these sounds and sights do not make be afraid or stressed. It also made be realise how flippant we can be when thinking about events in other parts of this world, some not too far away, and the people involved.

Well, we are nearly  there.  I think most of the arrangements are made, our visits post Christmas are planned, there are nice smells emerging from the kitchen, and a healthy pile of attractively wrapped boxes have appeared. 

I needed to go out this morning to get a new battery for the MGF, and as I left the front door step to head towards the garage, I realised the whole of the front drive was coated with a perfectly flat 15mm layer of ice.  There is only about 10m to travel but I think I managed an Arabesque, followed by a camel spin, and a double toe loop before arriving gracefully at the garage door.  Why is it there is never anyone around to witness my ice-dancing skills?  I understand that there are many ice rinks appearing this Christmastide, and perhaps I should either offer my skills as a teacher, or charge young budding stars a fiver a go.  Nah – it will all melt in time for Midnight Mass, for me at the Cathedral this year, and Christmas Morning, again for me at Bishops Cannings.

As we enjoy the comfort and support of friends and family, and the plenteous feasting that most of us will indulge in, may we also think of those people who will be hungry and lonely.   My thoughts will be especially with those who have been parted from a loved one this year, and those members of our armed forces who are a long way from home.  I wish you all safe journeys, joyous worship, and the peace and happiness that the Christ child brings to the whole world.  May you realise God’s blessing in your life this Christmas.

Pot Pourri I guess is the feeling about the ministry we’ve been engaging since John came back from his Extended Ministry Development Leave [Sabbatical in old money!]  I thought that it would mean that we’d be able to find some more space and get back into doing the things we had time for before John went away!  Silly me!

Looking back over this past days in December my diary tells me that we’ve covered the following together. [Am I starting to refer to my diary as part of me, or another fellow companion on the journey of life?]  The first week I attended a Bishops’ Advisory Panel as an Advisor.  This is part of my national responsibilties, as we meet and recommend to the Bishops whether a candidate should continue into training for the ordained ministry.  I love this work – it is tough and emotionally demanding – but something which I feel suports the national church and enriches my own ministry.

I came back and preached at the funeral of Canon Michael Ward, a colleague from Devizes and then Alderbury, who sadly died of cancer only two years after retiring.  It was the most wonderful uplifting occasion though, with some 350 people crowding into St Mary’s Church Fordingbridge.  God’s rest for you my dear friend.  The following Sunday saw me drive 120 miles round trip to take services at Bishops Cannings, Melksham, and Swindon – the last service being a Regimental reunion for the soldiers of the Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wilts Regiment.

The following week saw me catching up with DDO and AD work now that John’s back, and handing back some of the situations we’ve been managing for him.  That weekend, Anita and I managed to get away for a rare weekend together.  We scuttled off to Suffolk and had such a great time visiting, and shopping and eating good food.  We stayed at Dunwich, which has just half a town left after the sea has washed away much of it, including three churches, over many centuries.  The result is that it still bears the name of the suffragan bishop to St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the Bishop of Dunwich, the undersea see!

Coming home saw me heading off with the Ramsbury Six, on a residential 24 hours on planning and working together for the coming year.  This is a valuable time away when we can really get some quality time to sort out the issues and working arrangements for the coming year.  It was a useful time.

Other events have included the Grand Christmas Card signing for the cards that go out to the clergy and others in the area – I’m not sure quite how many I signed, but I’m pleased mum and dad named me Alan and not Christopher, or something even longer!  An ordinands in training party, a couple of Christmas lunches, and then the weekend.

Pot pourri – yes a real mix, but it does still smell good!

A packed Holy Trinity parish church at the garrison town of Tidworth greeted the Bishop and I, as we licensed and welcomed the Rev Patricia Powell as the Associate Priest to the benefice of Tidworth, and Ludgershall, with pastoral responsibility for the community of Tidworth.

Pat had many supporters from the Woodford Valley, where she has served since being ordained in 2003.  It was particularly good to have the senior army chaplain for the garrision of Tidworth present, to extend a welcome, and to assure cooperative mutual ministry, from the garrison commander, and the forces personnel and their families.

The Ladies Choir from Ludgershall led the singing, and I was impressed by their “uniform” of wearing red sweaters, rather than choir robes.  I’m told that they wear white blouses in the summer, and the red in the winter months. After the service, we were treated to the usual heaving tables of buffet food which was gratefully received and cleared.  We wish Pat, working with Malcolm Freeman, the Rector, and the ministry team every blessing in this new challenge.