Wot - no Green Goddess?

So today, commencing at noon, there will be a four national hour strike by members of our fire services and standing in the gap, as always, will be members of the British forces. They've been training to operate the equipment and understand firefighting and will, I am confident, be doing a good job. Alongside them will be contract workers (generally ex-brigade members) and fire cover will be in place (hopefully adequately).

The strike is about pensions and whatever one feels about people taking any sort of industrial action I have to say that research undertaken some years back showed a correlation between early death and doing this job, for every time the bells go down the life of a firefighter becomes just a little less.

Every time an appliance leaves the station on a shout the potential for injury, death or mental and emotional damage exists.

The Bible tells us that we don't muzzle the ox that treads the grain - if they're doing the job then they get the rewards and I'm sure that no one who has had a house fire, been flooded out or been involved in, or witnessed the horrors of RTAs would begrudge them a good pension for what is all too often a reduced time in retirement.

So today please pray for:

Those who will cover the fire grounds of the strikers and attend shouts in their place

Those who are striking that an equitable solution will be reached, and

Those who today will need the presence of any of our three blue light services (and those who attend)

Pax

Clearing the air (3) - Homelessness

Another of the issues that cause me grief is that of homelessness.

A few years back (2006) the town in which I find myself serving had one of the local characters freeze to death in a bus shelter as he endured a night in the cold conditions. At that time some of those in  the town decided that they would set about 'doing something' and yet here we are, almost seven years on from his death (January 7th) and nothing has changed.

One of the town's key officials at the time told me that, 'There are no problems surrounding homelessness in the town.' This was a true statement for when homeless people arrived they were given the fare to one of two places away from here to find a hostel. The opinion was that if we 'didn't encourage them to stay, then we didn't have a problem!'

Last year we had a homeless man whose tent had been burgled and his possessions taken. Now I don't know about you but I can't imagine being reduced to living under a canvas shelter only to find your stuff has been nicked - talk about being at the furthest end of the food chain!

Anyway, at first I tried to set him up with a proper tent, food and other stuff, but this was met with opposition from some of the locals in the place I tried to site him for the night (I needed to get him somewhere safe for one night so I could see what could be done to provide a more stable and safe environment).  In fact, not only did they call the police but they told them that there were two vagrants (me being the other) who had dared to set up camp in their nice little village!

The upshot of this was that I got him moved and the church let him stay in a building until such time as he could be housed - and he was, for after some seven weeks, the day before Christmas Eve last year, the man got a flat (where he remains) of his own!

So this is how it is:

1. Many of those who find themselves homeless are in that state becuase of circumstances that are not always of their own making,

2. Many of those who are homeless also suffer from mental illness and are in need of more than a handout, they need help and support to establish them, safely, within the community,

3. Many of those who are homeless have actually been members of the armed forces of this land and are often where they are because of life outside of the forces, and

4. If we took the trouble to listen to the stories they have to tell, we would find that the majority of those who are homeless are no different from you or I (in fact one, an former pupil at a prestigious public school and former legal type had suffered a major breakdown and was was in fact probably much better off, and better educated, than many of us before his tragedy).

So here's the bottom line on this topic - I will not stand by and see people treated badly from now on. Where I find homelessness and nothing being done (whether it be church, council or community) or worse still, steps being taken to act against them - I will shout and make sure everyone who has ears hears, and will keep doing so until something happens.

What about you?

And for those who are homeless and have served - a little reminder (and spur?) for the rest of us:

Military Chaplaincy

Just a thought but I wondered if any of those who pass by this blog might consider getting involved as Chaplain to the uniformed cadet or Armed Forces Chaplain's branches?

The Cadet forces' Chaplains find themselves presented with varying degrees of opportunities for pastoral engagements with young people. The 'Padre's Hours' bring challenges, opportunities and discussion. It's not 'God-Bothering' or sermons, it's real down-to-earth dialogue and getting the younger generation to think, challenge and stand up for themselves. There are pastoral care issues for cadets, staff and families and, of course, the opportunities for church parades at relevant times (Trafalgar Day, Battle of Britain, Remembrance, etc.).

The Armed forces' Chaplains are engaged with much the same as the cadet role with the added edge of deployment, casualty notification and all the issues that being an adult and serving (regular or reserve) bring.

Bottom line is that within the military chaplaincy roles there is an opportunity to bring Christ into the lives of a particular group of people and through the Values and Standards teaching engage with them and the Gospel.

Never thought about it before?

Here's your opportunity . . . . .

Remembrance - Vicar VCs - Mellish

The Reverend (Captain) Edward Noel Mellish VC, MC.

Born on Christmas Eve in Barnet, North London, 1880 Padre Mellish was the first army chaplain to be awarded the VC.

After being educated at Saffron Walden Grammar School, Mellish became a member of the Artists Rifles (whose church stands opposite the Old Bailey) as saw service in South Africa where he served with distinction. After a period back in England Mellish returned to South Africa and work in the diamond mines. It was there Mellish's calling to ordination became real and after helping in the local Christian witness he returned to London, studied at King's College was ordained (1912) and served his title at St Paul's, Deptford. Like Baden Powell, with whom he had served in South Africa, he proved to be a great success working with the Church Lads Brigade that he took over an old public house and turned it into a boys club (which the boys named the 'Noel Club').

1918 - war arrived and Mellish immediately joined the Chaplain's Department where he served throughout the duration of the war (May 1915 - February 1919). Not long after the death of his brother, Richard Coppin Mellish in September 1915, Mellish found himself in action with the 4th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers at Ypres. It was here during the 'Action of the St Eloi Craters' (a two-month action lasting from March to April) that Mellish was awarded the Victoria Cross.

"The object of the operation was to cut away a German salient that encroached on the British lines over a front of about six hundred yards. Tunnelling companies had prepared six mines which were blown in the early hours of March 27th. Following this at 4-15am the 4th Royal Fusiliers with the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers and some Canadian units went over the top to come up against withering rifle, machine gun and artillery fire from the Jaeger regiment manning the enemy trenches. Despite the opposition the attackers did manage to take the German first line trench but then had to consolidate, so weakened were they by the ferocity of the opposition.
Artillery duels then commenced which went on for several days. Eventually the beleaguered British units were relieved, yet local attacks went on in the area until the middle of May."

It was however the three day period of 27th - 29th March which would see the Reverend Mellish move into the annals of the Victoria Cross.

On the 27th March, Mellish went out in the battleground and brought back ten badly wounded men from an area that was potentially lethal as it was covered by the arc of fire from many machine guns.

On the 28th March, the Royal Fusiliers had been relieved but undeterred Mellish once more went out into the killing ground to bring in twelve more men and as dusk came on the 29th, Mellish led a party of volunteers to recover any wounded who remained.

A quote from a letter by an officer of the Northumberland Fusiliers who had witnessed these actions:

"Nothing could be finer than the way Captain Mellish did his duty and more than his duty during the time he was near us. Immediately the troops captured the trenches and while the wounded were picking their way painfully back, the enemy's guns were turned on full blast and the intervening ground was deluged with shell and machine gun fire. Into this tempest of fire the brave Parson walked, a prayer book under his arm as though on church parade in peace time.

He reached the first of the wounded and knelt down to do what he could for them. The first few he brought in himself without any aid and it made us think a bit more of parsons to see how he walked quietly under fire assisting the slow moving wounded and thinking more of saving them from discomfort than of his own safety.

It was only during a lull in the fighting when the ambulance parties could get out that he finally took a rest.

Next day he was out again unconcerned as ever. Some of the men would not have survived the ordeal had it not been for the prompt assistance rendered to them by Mr Mellish."

For these actions the Revd Mellish was awarded the Victoria Cross (gazetted, April 20th 1916) which he received from the King at Buckingham Palace on June 12th 1916. Mellish continued to minister throughout the war and took the Gospel and the love of Christ into the lives of many whilst he served (and afterwards in Parish ministry).

Mellish's VC can be seen at the Royal Fusiliers Museum in the Tower of London.

For those who see remembrancetide in a negative light. For those who question why we serve as Chaplains in a military setting - perhaps the words of a (Cockney) soldier, who had previously been notoriously anti-church, from the 1914-18 conflict will sum it up:

"What religion is 'e".? When told he replied,

"Well I'm the same as 'im now and the bloke as sez a word agen our church will 'ave 'is ****** 'ead bashed in.

The same is as true today. The members of the armed force's chaplain's departments take the Gospel to those who serve, stand with them where they serve and save life (spiritual and physical) by their actions!

Please pray for those who serve, support those who have by wearing a poppy and honour those who serve, have served or have gone on Armistice Day (11th November) and on remembrance Sunday (13th November).

We will remember them!

Dinner Graces

I am in the most privileged position of being invited to a number of dinners, albeit to do 'the grace', and as a result have to endure some of the most awful graces before the meal commences. It seems to me that all too often we are subjected to the most awful doggerel and smug self-satisfied tosh masquerading as 'the grace'.

The last few I have been present at were attempts at being funny coupled with the words of two or three humour-filled graces, which were made into one. This was followed by the person giving the grace looking around (ooh, aren't I clever, witting or stupid?) for laughter, applause or some other sign of approval.

The problem is that being assigned 'the grace' is not an opportunity for the speaker to shine, but rather a privilege, and quite solemn duty, in that they are leading those gathered in communication with God (as He is perceived or otherwise)!

The last grace I had to endure consisted of an introduction to the evening (which the president had done at the greeting), followed by a cute rhyming ditty in honour of the evening, the speaker, and the evening followed by what I recognised as two humorous graces lumped together to make us all laugh even more. Having completed the task, the person 'praying' (I use the word advisedly) looked around for signs of approval, before sitting down. This wasn't 'Grace' - it was someone being the cabaret!

Thing to remember when doing 'the grace':

1. This is not the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in the creation of rhyming doggerel,

2. It is not an opportunity to poke fun at colleagues or make 'in' comments about whatever it is that you and your mates find funny in your own little world outside of the dinner,

3. It is not an opportunity or perform some hideous kowtowing or other ingratiating homage to the guest of honour,

4. It is not an open mike session in the 'puerile prune' stand-up comedy club.

What 'the grace' is:

1. It is an opportunity for the person saying 'Grace' to lead those present into a place of thanks and reflection for the fare that is being placed before them,

2. It is an opportunity to give thanks for the fellowship about to be had, and for those with whom it will be had,

3. It is an opportunity, especially in a military or veterans setting, to remember those who are serving: A place to remember those who have served and to give thanks for service and commitment, and

4. At the right time, and in the right place, it is an opportunity to give people the space to remember those who would once have been at table with you but are no longer here. It's a space for reflection - not eulogies. Do this wrong and you can destroy the whole evening!!

The grace can be delivered with humour and also be topical, but it in not the light entertainment before the meal, that is the place of the Jester, not the person saying grace.


Some graces are awful and need shooting (along with those who so enjoy reciting them?).

 An example of this probably being:
  "May we not be like porridge, cold and stodgy, but like Cornflakes, crisp and ready to serve! "

And of course there's that wonderful grace so loved by Air Force types:
 "God of goodness, bless our food, keep us in a pleasant mood.
   Bless the chef and all who serve us, and from indigestion, Lord, preserve us. Amen."

Or perhaps the classics (used often in so many places:) ):
"For well-filled plate and brimming cup, and freedom from the washing up.
  We thank you, Lord. Amen."

"For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful!"

There are a few good sources of graces. It is helpful to remember that in a service setting, collects and other prayers are also useful and fitting, to this end I have listed below a few sources of graces, collects and prayers such that you should never need to descend into the "For what we are about to receive fall back. "

Air Force Chaplain's Graces

Army Collects and other prayers

Naval Graces

I'd be more than happy to receive your best, and worst, examples of a dinner grace as those for whom this post is aimed could do with all the help they can get. I'm always happy to help people who need a grace and can't find one - just add a comment or email me (St Francis' link will lead you to me).

I've been asked to add a couple of less 'full on graces' for Christmas meals, so here they are:

Love brought Jesus to the stable and love brings us around this table,
As we share Christmas meal, may each and everyone here feel,
The Christmas presence that makes this, and God's blessing, ours today. Amen.

We're here to eat and we're not messing as we share this Christmas blessing,
So let's all drink and be merry not  worrying about our expanding bellies
For that is ours another day, so God bless and spare us all we pray! Amen.

Enjoy the privilege - take the role seriously - bon appetit!


Pax

Christians and Military Service

I often find myself engaged in discussions surrounding the issue of Christians and military services and like the well-worn 'you only works Sundays, Christmas and Easter must be your busy times' and the like what usually gets trotted out is the, "How can someone be a soldier and be a Christian?" This is usually supported by the words, "Doesn't the Bible say you mustn't kill>"

Well actually the Bible doesn't! What it says is, "You shall not commit murder," and that's very different for killing is the taking of life whereas murder is the felonious (i.e. unlawful) taking of life. Walk down a road and shoot a passer-by, you have committed murder but take the life of a combatant in a war and this is not murder. Shoot a civilian in the same war and you have committed murder!

Soldiers do not commit murder and in fact soldiers are given extensive training to ensure that they never unlawfully take a life, we call this rules of engagement (RoE) and RoE is a comprehensive and detailed set of rules, changing from conflict to conflict to ensure that no local conditions cause civilian life to be taken, that set out how engagement with enemy forces is to be handled.

Watch the films and you will see combatants surrendering, weapons dropped, hands held high and the oncoming troops shoot them. War Crime - this is murder and is unlawful!

Watch the films and you'll see many examples of what is wrong and this is something that our forces are taught, unlawful killing is likely to see you in the dock! Now some see this as punishing the innocent but in fact it is protecting the innocent. That said, there are times when mistakes will happen, that's a problem with war when things are happening everywhere and confusion is only ever a fingertip away, but this is a rare occurrence and should not be assumed as being the norm. When the confusion of battle comes in, the rule is to return fire to, and target ony, those who are shooting at you. Targets are identified and because of this the accidents are few and far between.

For a soldier, the best battle to have been is is one where the field of combat is left with your army victorious and not a shot has been fired. Doesn't happen that often, but this is the goal - victory with the minimum loss of life on both sides.

There is no conflict with being Christian and serving in the Armed Forces. In fact over the coming days, I hope to demonstrate the very opposite.

Pax