Recently there has been a feature in the news about risk of vitamin D particularly during the cold weather when people are less inclined to go out and catch the sunshine. Although quite unable to comment about deficiency diseases, there would seem to be some additional benefits for those able to attend January meetings.
Lately, these have opportunities included a chance to thank Rajinder Sophal for his dedication and work with Reading Council for Racial Equality over many years besides his support for our group. For all our marketing, publicity and social networking, friendships such as those I was able to celebrate and renew that evening are undoubtedly our best resource.
Lately I was delighted to meet up with our local Mormon Congregation again as guest at their Stakeholders conference. This very welcoming faith group which focuses so much on the family has a great deal to offer interfaith. We are particularly grateful for the structure of support behind Bev Heslin's role as membership secretary of our group.
Last week I had one of those "seventeenth century nun experiences." following a coffee morning with a friend. Those familiar with church and cathedral gift shops may know what I
mean. A middle-aged woman living in a nunnery
400 years ago could evidently see the attraction of a quiet life!
"Lord, You know better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody. Helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but You know, Lord, I want a few friends at the end.
Going home on the bus afterwards, I still felt somewhat guilty at getting so carried away in my enthusiasm. When I began work about half an hour later it was reassuring to pick up a letter from the organisers of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day. Despite the risk to protocol and polite conversation, since the theme for 2012 was to be "Speak up, speak out." it seemed a little bit more useful to do what is needed .
The Holocaust Memorial Event in Reading Civic Centre proved a very useful and interesting occasion. Fred Knoller, a holocaust survivor and author is a very compelling speaker. As indicative of his character and strength, this very elderly gentleman provided his own illustrations using a computer, and made quite sure his views were conveyed. To prove that Holocaust memorial day recognises a present need, HE Ernest Rwamucyo, High Commissioner for Rwanda also spoke very movingly about his country's suffering and challenges. Our friend Marcia Perkin's presentation involving young people from local secondary schools who had been taken to see the death camps,demonstrated the importance of education to challenge prejudice and so provide hope for the future.
Last nights Reading Interfaith Group event on the subject of "How to work for peace" proved particularly good for both body and soul. I am so grateful for Rob Deeks and Peterson Sentenga for their generosity of time and wonderful contributions to this event. For me this was not just a learning opportunity but the beginnings of a friendship for our group with the Aik Saath organisation in Slough and the people of Rwanda. Despite recent genocide in Rwanda there is still a commitment not to give up on each other, and show the courage to forgive. Peace-making very often involves taking risks.
During last night's meeting we were surrounded by the generosity of those who support us, through their thoughts, prayers, loaning us the room, attending despite the cold weather and also providing food. Times like these I feel so honoured to chair this quite remarkable group. Despite very different backgrounds and perspectives in which our views are shared, we enjoy being with each other. Although it may not be possible to behave like a seventeenth century nun all the time, here in our own community of Reading there does seem to be both an opportunity and a need. Through our publicity, programme of events and support for others, we have an opportunity to listen, learn, share a spiritual journey, eat rather a lot of food and set an example for others.
