Radha Krishna Temple

 "There's a nursery trip to a temple could you go with Ralph?" A text from our son-in-law George informing us that our grandson Ralph had the opportunity for a trip out if one of us could go. The nursery needed adults if possible to accompany the children. Well it was too good an opportunity to miss to have time with Ralph and visit a temple. So I took him as we do on a Monday to his nursery and stayed which delighted him. Mind you it revealed how many adults and other children knew him. He was soon off outside playing with a little girl who said "come on Ralph" leaving me to stand and wait until the trip began. As the temple was in Stratford I assumed we would go by train or bus but no. Once we were all lined up ready it became clear we were going to walk, three and four year olds!!! This could be interesting as I know how much Ralph likes to walk- I think not. 

Holding my hand we did indeed walk all the way chatting on route. We planned his birthday tea (his birthday falls just before Christmas) so we thought lets do one earlier. So to no surprise he wants Pate sandwiches, Jam Sandwiches, crisps, jelly and ice cream, ginger biscuits and lemon biscuits, birthday cake. It was a great way of spending time with him and seeing him in a different environment.

Now as I have been used to hosting visits by children to the various churches where I have been the minister I did have certain expectations. It was not clear that the nursery staff had prepared the children on what to expect, though to be fair three and four year olds will find that a challenge. However I was surprised that no one actually greeted us at the door just to get things off to a good start. The children were great in removing their shoes and washing their hands before entering a large carpeted space with all the images of the Hindu Gods on the wall facing us. We gathered on the floor near the front and a talk of sorts was translated by a parent and member of staff. It was really important that at least two of the children and parents were Hindu and so great to see that the nursery was ensuring that all the children's experiences drew upon a wide diversity of faiths. I discovered later from a member of the Temple community that their priest had recently left, and he has been excellent in conveying the stories and explaining the images. Well I know that its not every ministers thing to talk to children and many a school trip or school assembly has been spoilt by a minister or vicar who can't relate to children.

Having time to be with Ralph meant I could reinforce some of the information and walk him along in front of the various God's. He loved the fact that one of them dealt with all the baddies and had special powers to do so.

We experienced a prayer time with chanting, candles and bells though it would have been helpful if it could have been explained better.

The children were all offered fruit to eat and we went to the area for hospitality for a drink and to eat fruit.

Finally it was time to walk home. "I'm tired" came the cry from Ralph and I can't blame him. But with a bit of encouragement, a short shoulder ride, well I am getting old, we made it back.

Who truly knows what he learnt or took in. But to have the experience is valuable and for me wonderful to have time with Ralph.

Creator God 

you came to us in Christ

and dwell within us through Your Holy Spirit.

You have revealed

you made all

love all

and invite us to do the same.

So thank you

for the insights of others

and may we learn

to live alongside one another 

with out fear

with true respect

and so live in Peace. Amen   (c) Mark Goodhand 2nd December 2022