PADRE’S PEACE

Honington has seen much change over the past 3 years.

When I was posted here in 2020, we were in the midst of Covid. Anyone who could work from home was encouraged to do so and it was so good to see the station emerge from lockdown and get back to “normal”.

Since then, there have been other changes; the new way the station is run, alongside the standing up of the C&RF and ASF forces have changed the ways we operate. And for many of us change can be challenging. We sometimes like to sit in our comfort zones –this only natural because comfort zones are reassuring.

Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.”

In the military this is certainly true – we need to constantly evolve and develop to be effective in an ever-changing world.

This summer chaplaincy will change. I will be moving on – to Marham - and will be replaced by Padre Rachel Cook (Cookie) who will arrive here from Brize. However, Padre Jo will be staying till she is replaced in Spring next year, and Claire (OIC padres!) will be a constant reassuring presence.

In May I led worship for the Annual gathering of the WAAF/ WRAF/RAF(W) ASSOCIATION, at the Doric Hotel in Blackpool.

They meet each year for their AGM, social time and act of remembrance and rededication led by an RAF Chaplain.

I preached using the birth story of the prophet Moses, from the Old Testament, and the 5 significant women in his early life and how they encapsulated the characteristics of many women who served in the RAF and WRAF over the years: collusion, secrecy, instigating and acts of heroism. Any woman currently serving in the Royal Air Force or who has ever served is eligible to join the

Chaplaincy will continue to be available 24/7 despite all these changes, and whoever is stationed here will strive to care for those of all faiths and none.

Our ever-changing world can at times be scary and uncomfortable, we don’t always want change, but I have found that the constancy of my faith helps me ride out unexpected events.

There is an old Christian prayer which sums it up for me:

Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may rest upon your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Change never leaves us as it finds us, and it’s not always a bad thing.

But we all need a place of constancy, especially when all around us is uncertain.

May the “constants” in your life keep you strong – even when all around you seems to be changing!

With best wishes and prayers