MetCPA

Supporting officers and staff to be the best that they can be

WeStandTogether

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Worst and Best of Humanity

We have once again seen the worst and best of humanity in yesterday’s Westminster attack. One person was intent on harming and ending life, while countless hundreds of others tirelessly did their utmost to maintain and protect the lives of those they may not even have known. Our thoughts are first and foremost with those who have lost loved ones, those who are injured and those who will carry the trauma of what they have experienced.

We witnessed the tireless efforts of hundreds of individuals whose primary goal was to look after and secure all those under their care: members of both Houses who reassured their guests and colleagues, the staff and security of the Houses of Parliament who looked after the ill and elderly, Metropolitan Police and emergency service officers who were updating and guiding us through the process, school teachers looking after their children who were visiting Parliament, sitting them down and singing songs to reassure them, the Chaplain to the Speaker who stood from beginning to end mingling with, and reassuring all those who were there, and countless others, each doing what he or she could to assist in any way.

What particularly struck me was that in the face of this act of terror, everyone involved demonstrated an instinctive and immense courage and resilience.

This and similar acts are meant to dishearten and defeat us; they are meant to take away our resolve and aim to lead us into a spiral of revenge. Despite evocative attempts to corrupt our hearts to hatred, we on the contrary have seen acts of unwavering selflessness, sacrifice and compassion.

Our thoughts are especially with the family of PC Keith Palmer of the Metropolitan Police, and all his colleagues who continue to work for the protection of others despite their personal loss. We also stand together  for all those affected by this horrific attack, for those entrusted with the leadership, security and safeguarding of our communities, and for the safety of everyone in London and beyond.

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Prayer Letter 24th March 2017

Hello everyone,

Yesterday, Wednesday 22nd March, I left Woking Football Ground where for the third Wednesday in a row, I had been working with Woking Police, in the area of educating children from local schools in staying safe. My privilege was to be the “Stranger Danger”.
As I left the car park, I switched on the radio and heard of the horrors that had just hit London. I drove home as though I was listening to a radio play. Surely this was not true. I know a number of Police Officers in The Met.
Today I am putting together this Prayer Letter, which will be read by our Brothers and Sisters in The Lord in The Met. On behalf of us in Surrey and Sussex Police Forces, we send to you our love and Prayers at this very difficult time. A number of you may know PC Keith Palmer. A man who yesterday walked towards, when others would have run away and stood up to terror on behalf of the rest of us and Members of Parliament in particular.

I do not know how to express my sadness to you. I know it is very deep inside me. But I want to do again what I have often done, say how much I admire you all, the Met Police, Sussex and Surrey and total gratitude for all you are and do for us the public.
I have the opportunity this afternoon to visit Woking Police Station as their Chaplain to again listen, support and to say a very big thank you.

The “Bible Slot” was given to me by the Lord well over a week ago for this week’s PL. With the aftermath of yesterday, I decided as I lay awake in the night it was not suitable, but no, I can see now why it is very suitable. “You Lord have made me unique, help me to realise my gifting and to use it to proclaim Your Kingdom” (writer unknown).
Yes each one of you is unique, God built you together with capabilities that are totally different to everyone else around you, what He asks you to do is not the same as He would ask of someone else. He knows what you can carry out for Him and in your case – a very special calling, to be a Member of the Police Service.

“You are created by God in Christ Jesus to do good works which He has created in advance for you to do”.

Ephesians 2:10.

As you move on from yesterday may you know His enabling Power in your life, at work and at home.

My Prayers are with you all and in particular for those closely involved with yesterday’s happenings and also Keith’s Family, Colleagues and Friends.

If you wish to contact me please do so by clicking here, or by adding a comment below

Many Blessings in His Name, may you know His Strength and His Healing.
Alice.

 

NB For officers and staff who are affected by the attack in Westminster please see our Health & Support page

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Prayer Letter 7th July 2016

Hello Everyone,

Many thanks for the comeback from last week’s PL, including – “What an inspiring Word. The Gideon Bible story really got me thinking about how God uses us in ways we can’t imagine”.

Matters for Prayer:

  • Surrey: Ongoing healing for an Officer who has had Surgery for a foot problem.
  • Surrey: A few weeks ago we were asked to Pray for a Member of Staff’s husband. Very little has changed sadly and the pain killers are not doing their job. Member of Staff is unable to attend her work station regularly due to this situation. She appreciates our Prayers and asks that we continue to Pray.
  • London: Please pray for patience as the Met continues with it’s programme of change. Pray for resilience for the officers and staff who continue to face the immense stress  and uncertainty that often accompanies change.
  • London: As London remembers the 7th July bombings in 2005,  please pray for the victims and their families. Pray also for members of the emergency services scarred from the work to save lives on this day 11 years ago

I have just returned from Derby, where I have been with other Chaplains from SP at a three day Conference for Police Chaplains. It was an inspiring, challenging time. At the last session we were urged to be aware of how we treat ourselves. I knew at the time I heard this, that it was for the Police as well. The phrase used was “Our sacred space”, referring to that inner core, inside each one of us, that makes us who we are in God. Take time to be with God; in other words, to ultimately take care of ourselves. We are then ready for the tasks He has for us.

An old hymn comes to mind – “Take time to be Holy”

Take time to be Holy, the world rushes on, spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus, like Him you will be. Your friends by your conduct, His Likeness will see”

May you in your very busy world be able to find time to be with The Lord.

Praying much for you all and again thank you for what you do, day in and day out.

 

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