Issue 3 - Marham Matters Online

Station commander’s
foreword
Heavens Above
Station
commander’s
foreword
At the time of writing this,
RAF Marham Service and
civilian personnel, both at
home and overseas, are
directly supporting the
United Nations Security
Council Resolution 1973,
implementing a No-
Fly Zone over Libya.
Written By: Padre Ian Brown
By the time you read this I’ll be
gone… Thankfully it’s nothing
serious… it’s just that I’ve
been posted to RAF Leeming.
to keep an eye on those around us
for signs that things are not well.
Changes in behaviour, a shortening of
temper and perpetual lethargy are just
some of the indicators that someone
As my family and I pack
our lives into boxes once
again, I am reminded of
the particular stresses
may need support. If this is you, or
someone you care about, maybe
it’s time to seek help. Marham is
blessed with a wealth of available and
The belief that we are
always accompanied on life’s
journey and that there is a
and strains placed upon families
accessible support; not least through
future hope, is what spurs
within the military community.
SSAFA and the Chaplaincy team.
people of faith to press on,
We are a transient people;
For Christians, times of uncertainty
despite the circumstances.
always on the move, wondering
and change are faced in the knowledge
God is faithful. Therefore, I
what’s around the corner.
that we do not travel through life
encourage you to spend time
The current economic climate,
alone. God is with us. At Easter time
this Easter considering your own
coupled with the recent fallout from
we are reminded of the extent of God’s
understanding of God. If you find
the SDSR has meant that what is
love for his creation. As we come face
even the smallest seed of faith
already an unsettled, uncertain life,
to face with the mocking, beating and
within you, bring it before him in
for many people has become even
crucifixion of Jesus we find that we
prayer and ask for his strength,
more so. Living for any length of
are confronted by our own difficulties,
peace and love. My prayer is that
time with ambiguity and uncertainty
failures and pain. Thankfully for us,
the birth of hope in you will help
The first sortie of
Operation ELLAMY, a
3,000 mile round trip
deep strike mission
that delivered Storm Shadow
precisely to the aim points,
was a monumental effort
from all of you. Subsequent
sorties and deployments are
testament to your continued
“I have always believed that it
is our people and not the ‘kit’
that makes the difference,
and yet again, you have
proved this in spades!”
is a difficult place to be; it will
naturally take its toll on everyday
life and the impact is not to be taken
lightly. In fact, spending long periods
in the “waiting room of life” is often
the hardest place to be.
Our brains are naturally wired
up to problem-solve; given enough
data, such as a job offer, a location
and a time scale, our brains will
the story does not end on Good Friday.
Easter Sunday brings with it the
celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and
the birth of hope.
Upcoming services
Service Times:
Mothering Sunday
3 rd April, 1030, St. Margaret’s Station
you through these testing times.
Thank you for a great tour
Padre Ian
Maundy Thursday
21 st April at 1900, St.
Margaret’s Station
professionalism and dedication.
automatically begin to make links
Church. For all the family.
Church. Holy Eucharist
I asked you to adopt a 24/7
and plan how we can make things
in commemoration of
approach and give me your
absolute best. Self-evidently
the fact that we delivered such
approach of its personnel.
Undoubtedly, we will still be called
role is vital. The Community
Support Hub team are available,
happen. However, it’s when our
brains do not have sufficient data
with which to work that problems
Holy Week and
Easter Services
Christ’s Last Supper.
Good Friday
an historic mission in such
upon to respond when necessary
as always - please do not
may occur. It only takes one piece
Palm Sunday
22 nd April, 1400, St. Margaret’s
style speaks volumes about
and I ask that we approach all
hesitate to use their experience.
of the jigsaw puzzle to be absent or
17 th April, 1030, St. Margaret’s
Station Church. Stations
the ‘people’ who deliver the
future challenges as we have in the
The team have a wealth of
ambiguous to have an impact upon
Station Church.
of the Cross followed
Tornado Force capability. I
last two weeks. In the meantime
knowledge and contacts to
our thinking. Amplify this by even
by Hot Cross Buns.
have always believed that it
we need to look closely at how we
guide and help you through
a small amount and it’s not long
Holy Communion
is our people and not the ‘kit’
continue to support our deployed
any concerns you may have.
before the impact is significantly
20 th April, 1200, St. Margaret’s
Easter Day
that makes the difference,
personnel, their families and how
I am humbled by the
affecting everyday life and
Station Church.
24 th April, 1030, St. Margaret’s
and yet again, you have
we sustain our efforts over the
way in which you have all
relationships.
Station Church. Holy
proved this in spades!
next few weeks. I believe that
responded to this unique
So the question is, what are we
Communion with Blessing
Marham has an excellent
the welfare and wellbeing of the
challenge and immensely
to do in times of uncertainty and
of the Easter Candle and
reputation, which is directly
family, is paramount at this time
honoured to serve with you
change Whilst there is no definitive
renewal of Baptismal vows.
related to the attitude and
of uncertainty, as their supporting
at RAF Marham at this time.
answer, we all have a responsibility
MARHAM MATTERS ISSUE 3
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
Visit: www.marhammattersonline.co.uk
ISSUE 3 MARHAM MATTERS