The world looks to be united in dealing with COVID-19, yet at the same time our human values have been tested by a few acts of egoism. Maybe it is a good time to remind ourselves about some basic core human values that are common to all of our beliefs. It is a good time to get rid of our fears and practice caring for each other in any way we can. We all are in it together. Be kind and care for the needs of others as if they are your family.

Below are some quotes from our Chaplains/Faith Advisors.

‘Practise gentleness and patience with everyone, especially yourself.’  – Helen Townsend, Catholic Chaplain

‘A language says much about a culture. And in the shetls (villages) of the Jewish Pale of Settlement in Eastern Europe, the hope expressed when you said an everyday goodbye in Yiddish was a very simple (and given our present situation, I feel, pertinent) one for all of us: Zei gezunt זײַ געזונט‎‎— stay healthy. זײַ געזונט ‎- Prof. Brian Winston, Jewish Faith Advisor

‘Simply focus on what we all have, not what might be. We create through our thoughts and so when we focus on our blessings we become happy and then we share that attitude and feeling with everyone around us to all benefit. We know through science that the body’s defences are stronger when we are positive, so nothing to lose by being peaceful happy and contented especially now. – Carole Glover, Brahma Kumaris Chaplain

“Always remember you’re not alone. Spirit is always with us, always guiding, always protecting, always attempting to bring joy and make our life better.” – Harold Klemp

“Be aware of the contact between your feet and the Earth. Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet. We have caused a lot of damage to the Earth. Now it is time for us to take good care of her. We bring our peace and calm to the surface of the Earth and share the lesson of love. We walk in that spirit.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

The current pandemic has made us all stop and think of new ways to still gather and celebrate, and we have led the way for many other communities.

In the celebrations at this time of year, we recognise the earth waking up from the long, dark winter, the rebirth of the Gods, and the beauty and brilliance of the Goddesses. We find the energies easier to access, and more revitalising. Keep safe, be strong, keep well, and may your paths all continue to be brightly lit. Mellissa Wheeler, Pagan Chaplain

Jesus Christ is the hope of glory. Nancy Ng, Chinese Christian Chaplain

“One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.” (Jainism)

“I am a stranger to no one, and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.” (Sikhism)

“Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.” (Taoism)

“Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.” (Islam)

“Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things ye would not desire for yourself.” (Baha’i Faith)

“Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.” (Zoroastrianism)

“Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” (Buddhism)

“In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Christianity)

“One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct . . . loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” (Confucius)

“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.” (Judaism)

“We are as much alive as we keep the Earth alive.”(Chief Dan George)

“Live adventurously. When choices arise, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community?” (Quaker Advices and Queries)

EVENING PRAYER FOR THE TIME OF ISOLATION

Provided by The Revd Helen Hooley, Methodist Chaplain

(A candle is lit)
We light this candle as a symbol of God’s light, shining into our confusion, isolation and pain, drawing from it the comfort of knowing that God is with us, always.

(If not already there, it is placed in the window.) We put this candle in the window, to shine the light of God’s love out into the community, so that they will know that they are not forgotten.

Living God,
May we all rest deeply
knowing that we rest in the shadow of your wings, and rise to face the challenges of tomorrow with renewed strength and hope, for the sake of your Kingdom, we pray, AMEN.
Rev K Heathcoat

Tuesdays Remote Meditation

On Tuesdays between 12 noon and 1pm you can join in the opportunity to meditate remotely, in our own homes, joined simply by our intention to be still and silent. You can find a quiet corner at home, switch off your phone and spend 5 minutes, 10 minutes or more just resting in the silence and following your breath. Anyone can join in. You don’t have to sign up. If you have any questions or would like more information about how to meditate, contact the Chaplaincy at chaplaincy@lincoln.ac.uk