Reflection & Prayer

Hello everyone,

I hope you have been able to enjoy your Christmas and that you have a Happy New Year. These statements are normal after a Christmas break, but I have a feeling a lot of you will say that Christmas was not what was anticipated. That was certainly the case with me. Then we moved up to The New Year Celebrations…

I spent the change of the year on Facetime with my older Daughter in Seattle. As time was ticking up towards midnight here, they were just about to have a late lunch there, 8 hours behind us. A huge blast of fireworks around my home told me midnight had arrived and 2022 was with us here in the UK.

I thought over that happening some time later. There is no way that God walked on with me and left my Daughter behind in The States, no more than He stayed with her and allowed me to walk on, on my own here in the UK.

“Allowed me to walk on… on my own”.

As I thought on that statement I had made earlier, I cannot say how much I shivered inside. Being without God! It was truly frightening.

I am so thankful that we read in Hebrews 13.8: “Jesus Christ is the same, Yesterday, Today and Forever”

May we be aware of that throughout 2022.

Many Blessings

Alice.

Hello Everyone,

In the evening of Monday 13th December, we had a wonderful time at the Surrey & Sussex Emergency Services’ Carol Service, which was held at St Saviours Church, Guildford. So encouraging for people to meet some we had been Praying for during these last months:

Members of Surrey Police, Sussex Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and volunteers, East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service Board, National Health Service and Street Angels joined together with family, friends and retired staff along with others online celebrating the real meaning of Christmas.

These Christian Police Association led Carols are an annual tradition in Surrey and Sussex, and last night’s service raised a fantastic £278.72 for Woking MIND, the Chief’s Charity.

Lucy Webb, Associate Minister at St Saviours Church said: “One of the highlights of our calendar at St Saviour’s is hosting the Emergency Services Carol Service. This year was no exception – it was such a privilege to welcome those from a wide range of services on Monday evening, and it was great to have the Surrey Police Brass band adding to the festive atmosphere.

“Through the carols, readings, prayers, talk and beautiful performance from our band we once again immersed ourselves in the Christmas story and reflected on the message that Jesus brings each one of us hope, comfort and joy. Thank you all so much for sharing this special evening with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon.”

The carol service was recorded, and anybody is welcome to watch it in case they were unable to attend.

https://youtu.be/Y87LQJB679Y

Have a wonderful time together in your families. And huge thanks to you if you are on duty during this time.

The next Prayer Letter will be out at the end of the first week in January.

In His Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace Name.

Alice.

Hello Everyone.

Thank you for sharing with us last week about your time spent with the CPA Conference, Simon. Very encouraging to read.

We do seem to dive from one happening to another very regularly at the moment; in this World and nearer home – in this Country. I believe it is true to say, I have never been on such a roller coaster before in my life.

So… it was with great joy I received the following writing from a fellow Chaplain in Surrey Police. You will see, when you read it, a group of promises from His Word; placed into a kind of a “Letter from God”. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me and will continue to do so.  Author unknown.

I am God and today I will be handling all your problems.

• Please remember that I do not need your help.
• If life happens to deliver a situation that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.
• Kindly place it in the ‘something for God to do’ box.
• All situations will be handled in my time, not yours.
• Once the matter is placed into my box do not hold onto it worrying about it.
• Instead focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
• If it is a situation you think that you are capable of handling, please consult me first to make sure it’s a proper solution.
• Remember I neither slumber nor sleep so there is no need for you to lose any.
• Rest in peace and remember I am only a Prayer away.

Rest in Him

Alice.

Good day all

I have been given the privilege of writing the prayer letter this week. Like many people, I’ve had a very intense week of work, and it is easy to lose sight of what we have and are grateful for. Last week I attended the CPA National Leaders Conference for a short period to see off Lee Russell the retiring Executive Director who has been such a great support to me over these last couple of years. Whilst there, Paul Netherton spoke, as outgoing President, and he talked about some of his work. He was able to, as part of his role National role, speak to counterparts in other countries about their policing, and his faith! In France, he said, they are not allowed to have a Christian Association as a staff support network – how lucky we are! 

I look forward each week to reading the prayer letter – it’s like a little nugget of gold straight from heaven, and a colleague who retired last week has asked to continue receiving the email as he felt the same and on occasion it really spoke into situations he faced. And so, I wanted to extend my thanks to Alice Potter for all her hard work in faithfully writing this email each week. I know she loves to do it and has great love and respect for each of you, and so it is nice to say “Thank you” back.

This week I was asked by a manager in MCIT who is part of a new Wellbeing and Inclusion Group, what initiatives we had [to offer] – the answer was easy – the prayer letter! I really don’t know how I’d cope without the Word of God.

Paul Netherton went onto say that it is important for us in these times to be Relevant and Resilient, and so I wanted to leave you with two passages this week:

“…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,…” [1 Peter 3:15]

and to remind you,

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33]

The one thing I like about Christian Police Conferences is that you get to worship with other police officers and staff. With that in mind can I remind you also about the various Police Carol Services coming up.

Take care. Have a blessed week.

Simon

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for the replies to last week’s Prayer Letter.

One came from Wendy who continues to heal following a knee replacement. We have been Praying for her recovery. Wendy wrote –  

“Thank you, Alice.

I read the prayer letter then went on to read my Bible notes before sleep. 

This was the reading; it was most apt. 

Matthew 11:28–29
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’”

I will add the following from Eph1. 11.

“It’s in Christ we find out who we are and what we are living for”.

Many Blessings in Him as you Rest in Him.

Alice.

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your on-going Prayers for those to whom I have referred in these PL’s.

I have just read a blog written by a friend who is a Pastor of a Church. He talks about “People being tired, fragile, emotionally dried tanks, Covid depleted”.

Earlier in the week I was reminded of my favourite verse found in Eph 2.10.

“You are a Masterpiece, created by God in Christ Jesus; to do good works; which He has created in advance for us to do”.

But Lord … We are tired and fragile…

The reason I was reminded of my favourite verse is because Bear Grylls mentioned it in his Book which I read daily called “Soul Fuel”. Having written my favourite verse he went on to expand on the writings in a way I have never seen in that verse before.  I have paraphrased it below –

He loves you

He values you

You have a purpose

You have Power

May you know in your heart the way Jesus sees you this coming week. No matter how tired or fragile you feel; He is Your Enabler.

Many Blessings

Alice