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I'm not a robot

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:20:09 GMT

‘For a time, I believed that mankind had been swept out of existence and that I stood there alone, the last man left alive’. This is a quote towards the end of HG Wells’ sci-fi novel, The War of the Worlds, published in 1898. Some elements of this book made me think about the situation we face today.

The book is about an invasion from Mars. The Martians decide to colonise Earth because of climate change on their own planet. After the invasion near Woking, in a space of four weeks, they lay waste to Surrey and London using their fearsome Heat Rays and Black Smoke. The population flee north in panic, displaying the best and the worst in human behaviour towards one another. At one point the narrator thinks he’s the only person left in London, as described in the quote above.

But the Martians were slain not by the heavy guns brought to bear on them, but by bacteria, to which they had no resistance. As Wells describes it, ‘after all man’s devices had failed, they were slain by the humblest things (bacteria) that God, in his wisdom, had put upon the Earth.’

In the real world, humans have developed resistance to many bacteria, but not all. The most deadly pandemic to hit this country was the bubonic plague (or Black Death) in 1348, in which an estimated 60% of Europe’s population perished. The plague would continue to break out in waves over the next 330 years. Somerset was badly affected. In 1348-1349, it’s thought at least half the population of Taunton may have died.

In his story, Wells remarks that the Martian invasion was ‘not without benefit…it had robbed us of that supreme confidence in the future which is the most fruitful source of decadence.’ Perhaps as we reflect on the current, real life Covid pandemic, it is useful to accept that we don’t have all the answers, either.

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, tells us that God created everything. This must therefore include viruses and bacteria. Apparently, there are 10 million viruses known to us, the vast majority of which our bodies tolerate without problems. About 200 viruses cause disease, including HIV, Ebola and Coronavisuses. So, the question may be asked, why does God allow bad viruses to exist, and not just leave us with the good ones?

Better minds than mine may have theories about that. But I can only think this is not a question we are capable of answering. Because God is sovereign over all of us. We were made in God’s image, but not equal to Him.

We are not robots on this Earth. We were given free will, which means we are capable of doing both good and evil. Doing good includes loving one another as Jesus commanded. In the context of Covid, in my opinion, this must include having vaccinations, obeying the Public Health advice and helping those who are suffering.

When I make an online purchase, I’m often asked to tick a box to confirm ‘I’m not a robot.’ Apparently, the reason for this is to deter scammers. Perhaps when we are asked to tick this box, it could be a prompt to thank God that we are indeed not robots and to pray that we would love our neighbour as Jesus requires.

When I look at the stonework in our ancient church in Taunton, I think about the countless prayers that have been offered to God down the centuries, and visualise those prayers having seeped into the masonry. There are wooden plugs in some of the pillars; in my imagination I think they may be holding those prayers in! Knowing that generations of Tauntonians have prayed here before, is one reason why an ancient church like ours is a special place for me. From the Middle Ages, for example, prayers would have been said here for deliverance from plagues, at a time when medicine was not as advanced as it is today.

Jesus reminds us that ultimately, we are all dependant on God’s grace, and our faith in that fact. This holds true, irrespective of the century in which we live and however good medical advances are. That will never change.

We had a poster displayed in our Chaplaincy office at the Market House which said this:

There are three kinds of people in life:

· Those who have been through a storm

· Those who are in a storm

· Those who are about to go into a storm

For finding comfort during Covid today, someone helpfully wrote this:

Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms; it comes from knowing Jesus is in your boat.

Looking forward: Providing Chaplains to Taunton's Courts

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 11:16:57 GMT

Could you make a difference as a Chaplain at Taunton's Courts Service?

Taunton is home to magistrates’, family and Crown courts, and the town’s Team Chaplaincy is in the process of forming a group of Chaplains initially to serve the magistrates’ court.

The hope is to operate on one day each week, at both the morning and the afternoon sessions, with at least two chaplains from the team on duty; If this is something that interests you, you will be able to choose the level of commitment you can offer.

Chaplains are there to listen, to serve - for example by pointing to sources of support and advice, and to hold people in their prayers; in all this they may have opportunities to discuss faith. Those who attend the court often need reassurance, comfort and hope for their future. Chaplains will also offer their presence and support to those who work within the courts, and it is with their welcome and permission that we enter.

We have a short video which you can view on our YouTube channel here (click on the link to view the video). This video, introduced by Trustee Mike Haslam, explains the heart and the thinking behind Courts Chaplaincy

Previous experience in the legal world is not necessary, and full training will be provided. Though we are ecumenical in the chaplaincy, we use the resources of the diocese of Bath and Wells, and they will be running their ‘Exploring Chaplaincy’ foundation course over two days soon – on 14th September and 5th October; this gives time to ponder and explore, and no commitment is expected at this stage.

If you would like to consider courts or other chaplaincy, please get in touch with the Chaplaincy Development Adviser, Revd Mike Haslam, at mike.haslam@bathwells.anglican.org or contact me at mgwhayes@gmail.com as I am always happy to talk about any aspect of this.

Michael Hayes, Courts Chaplaincy team leader

Keeping Chaplaincy links during the 'new normal'

leadchaplain@tauntonteamchaplaincy.co.uk (Adrian Prior-Sankey) — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 12:15:15 GMT

Adrian Prior-Sankey reflects on keeping Chaplaincy links during the 'new normal'

Even in normal times chaplains don’t wait for people to come to them, but in lockdown and the current mixed bag of contact opportunities, how should chaplains seek to make themselves available?

I have the privilege of providing chaplaincy support in a number of spheres:

As a police chaplain I found myself barred from the police station and sought occasional opportunities to chat with officers out and about in town but as things have eased I’ve been able to deliver quantities of my wife’s yummy bread pudding and other delicious treats. The brief encounters have all been productive.

Chaplains who get alongside veterans found it frustrating that they couldn’t offer pastoral support and leadership for the 75 ^th anniversary of the end of World War Two. I am the local Royal British Legion chaplain and discovered that veterans were willing to chat whilst taking exercise in the park. The local council kindly invited me to record comments and prayers for VE Day and Armed Forces Flag raising week and enabled one of our team members to officiate at a restricted attendance event for VJ Day. I enjoyed the company of just less than 30 veterans who met at the Golf Club to hold their own act of commemoration.

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office has some 800 employees, most of whom have been home working so, with the office out of bounds, opportunity to interact have been negligible. However the enterprising members of the Christian Fellowship have continued to hold a weekly Bible Study and dialled me into their call. This meant I could keep abreast of the news and changes taking place. The HR team kindly put my contact details in their electronic staff bulletin.

The most rewarding chaplaincy link has been with the young people of the Sea Cadet Corps. A crash course in the use of ‘zoom’ saw me leading a weekly on-line meeting for the 10-12 year old age group trying desperately to make it different from their schooling and exciting enough to keep them attending week after week. I discovered some fascinating resources which resulted in spotting real-time shipping movements around the world then focusing in to see some of the vessels as they entered harbours with live webcams. You’ll have to talk to me in person to find out how you can make an elephant (and many other things) from discarded plastic milk containers!

The unusual methods of engagement have not been without their challenges but all have helped individuals share to a greater or lesser level about their own issues during the crisis. The warmth of their greeting is testimony to the esteem in which chaplains are held and appreciated.

Our latest initiative is to reinforce the message of our availability to those who we still can’t greet face to face. The leaflet is being sent to staff notice boards and newsletter editors to get our phone number and email address out there.

Adrian Prior-Sankey

Making a difference as a Trustee

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 09:35:16 GMT

Have you ever wondered how to make a difference in Taunton? One way could be to join the Trustees at Taunton Team Chaplaincy. Andy Hall, Chair of Trustees, explains more about TTC and the role.

Making a difference
Have you ever considered being a trustee of a charity?

Would you consider volunteering with Taunton Team Chaplaincy in this way?

Our wonderful volunteer chaplains in Taunton businesses interact with people in many walks of life. But you can also make a difference in another important way as a trustee by helping to “steer the ship”. As our title states, we are a team.

Let’s look first at what we do and then the role of a trustee…

What is Taunton Team Chaplaincy (“TTC”)?

TTC is a local charity which provides spiritual care, emotional support and a listening ear for people in various settings in Taunton. 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of TTC starting up.

Chaplains are members of local churches who are motivated by their Christian faith to be friendly and compassionate to people in times of need. We have 32 volunteer chaplains at the moment. Chaplains are not counsellors but will signpost people to professional help if needed. Chaplains will engage with people of any faith or none, and will happily talk about their beliefs if they want to, but that is a prerequisite….

Chaplains are managed by a paid Lead Chaplain, Adrian Prior-Sankey. We keep close links with churches and civic life of the town.

Where do chaplains operate?

In shops for the benefit of staff and the public. Shops range in size from large national stores to sole traders;
In offices for staff, particularly Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, and the UK Hydrographic office;
In 7 care homes, for residents and staff;
At the Railway station, for travellers, staff and vulnerable people who are sometimes attracted to the railway. Chaplains there are known as ‘Rail Responders.’
With marginalised people, including homeless support groups and the YMCA Dulverton Group;
In open spaces, including town centre and parks.

Each of these areas is called a ‘cluster’ and is headed by a volunteer convenor.

In 2021 we intend to add a seventh cluster by offering chaplaincy at the local courts, where we have the enthusiastic support of court officials to start work.

We have a ‘drop-in’ office in the town centre.

Do chaplains make a difference?

In some ways, that’s not for us to judge, but in 2019, chaplains had significant conversations with 5000 people. Subjects discussed included work, health, family and faith.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, chaplains have been restricted in making face to face contact at their usual placements, but new ways of offering the service are being devised, including a telephone support service. The considerable after effects of the pandemic in terms on employment, livelihoods, mental health and wellbeing mean that chaplaincy will be needed in ever greater measure. TTC will endeavour to meet this challenge.

What does a trustee do?

Trustees are responsible for leading TTC to deliver its purpose as effectively as possible. The trust board members’ key roles cover strategy, performance and assurance. The board shares collective responsibility for the decisions it makes. As of August 2020, there are 5 trustees.

The board works closely with the Lead Chaplain who always attends trust board meetings, as do our volunteer treasurer and part-time administrator.

A trustee may wish to pick up a portfolio for one or more aspects of the Board’s work, depending on their skills and interests. Portfolios currently held include:

Finance
Development
Admin and premises
Profile and promotion
Governance
Line management of Lead Chaplain

A trustee may also wish to mentor one of the clusters (current vacancies exist in these clusters: offices, railway, marginalised, open spaces). The trustee would work with the cluster convenor concerned.

I will be stepping down as chair in 2021 after 8 years. We welcome new trustees to join us, but there is no expectation on them to take the chair when they join.

What’s the cost of being a trustee?

Just your time- a valuable commodity for all of us, of course. However, you will receive back the satisfaction and reward that you are helping the community. The board meets every 2 months for 2 hours. During the pandemic we meet by video link.

TTC is a limited company as well as a charity. This means that the personal financial liability of an individual trustee is very small. Our chaplaincy activities and trustees’ liabilities are insured.

What qualities are needed in a trustee?

We welcome women and men with skills and a compassionate heart for other people, based on a belief that Jesus showed us the way to love one another, supremely displaying ‘the way, the truth and the life’ in His own life and ministry.

How is TTC supported?

First, through prayer. Friends of TTC join trustees and chaplains in praying for our work each week and for the people that we meet.

Secondly, from a financial point of view we rely entirely on donations and grants. Some local churches and private individuals kindly donate to our work. We also need to attract external grants to make up the difference between our costs (about £30k per year) and donations. Fund raising and financial oversight is therefore one ongoing aspect of the trustees’ responsibilities.

Would you like to know more?

I would be very happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have, on an informal basis with no obligation involved.

My name and contact details are:

Andy Hall

07817 680436

Email : scc.chaplain@gmail.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this

Andy

Reflections on Lockdown - New Opportunites

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 09:35:46 GMT

During Lockdown, our Chaplains had to change the way they could help people. June Morton, Chaplain to Tesco, has shared some thoughts on how she changed her approach to Chaplaincy.

I started to visit Vivary Park in April for exercise but also for the fact that Vivary is special for me. I enjoy watching the seasons come and go each year and I find it a place where I can just sit and be still with nature.

As lockdown became part of everyday life, I fell into the way of speaking to anyone sitting alone, or even a couple sitting together. I visited the park most days and faces became familiar to me so I found it easy to share our viewpoints about the virus. Folk were happy to share their views on Covid-19 and, for those living alone, often admitting to being lonely, I made a point of looking out for them each day and calling them by their name.

When, and if, I feel it appropriate, I ask the question "Have you given thought as to why this pandemic has come about?" and receive varying replies.

I offer my own view of us not treating our Earthly Home (Mother Earth) with as much consideration as we should, myself included!! I then lead on by saying that a Higher Power might be at work in the Universe, wanting not only Nature to be given respite but, also, ourselves.

I add that lockdown has certainly given me time to make adjustments to my life and I am grateful for this. I ask if their experience of the last months has any similarity to mine. I also tell them that I am a Christian.

I keep the discussion very light-hearted and know when to say "Thank you for listening and do take care."

Chaplains on the Frontline

Wed, 20 May 2020 15:24:20 GMT

News from our Chaplains

One of our Care Home Chaplains, Jason Organ, talked about his work and his faith during this difficult time.