August 2013

Dear Friends

As the heat wave continues into the start of the school holidays, there will be many parents and children looking forward to the enjoyment of this fine weather.

Although welcomed by many people holidaying, the hot weather will, I am sure, bring with it its problems and challenges. Preparations are currently being made for many country shows, the organisers of the Bakewell show are saying that they will have to water the show jumping arena, if it does not rain. What a difference from last year!

During such a heat wave, the Scout Association celebrated the centenary of Scouting in 2007 with a Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park Essex, from more than 150 countries, 28,000 young people – girls and boys, aged between 14 and 17 – and 12,000 adult volunteer leaders. Jamborees take place every four years in different countries. It is above all an educational event to promote peace and understanding among young people all over the world. The idea is to have small units of mixed cultures and faiths, living, working and learning. [Incidentally, during the planning stages, the local police believed that their resources would be stretched to the limit with so many young people from so many different countries meeting together. In truth, there was 1 policeman allocated, who had a brilliant time].

Along with 2 other countries, Scouts from South Yorkshire camped with Muslim Scouts from a very poor African country, financially supported by other more wealthy countries. A hot day, different cultures, but a common friendship and sense of adventure, lead to the inevitable “battle” with water. Water cannons, buckets of water and a responsibly organised “fight”. Water is generally so abundant in Europe, but not so in Africa. The African Scouts had such respect for the value of water that they could not take part in the battle, moreover, they requested that the battle should stop. Without any discussion and in total agreement and respect for the African Scouts wishes, the battle never started and much more important, a lesson learned, a very important lesson of tolerance and respect.

As we enter our third month of interregnum, we continue to recognise the gifts and skills that we have each, individually been given. In my view, interregnum should not be viewed just as a time of waiting, but as a time of opportunity. We know that we must continue with the practical side of “running” the church, but we are also given an increased opening of developing our own spiritual awareness and offering to provide a deeper commitment to our faith. But just as the Scouts at the jamboree, we need to have tolerance with the situation and a true belief that we will be guided, by the strength of God’s hand, to make the right decisions within our Church community.

Stephen Clapham