Good Morning,
This Sunday, St Clement Danes Church; the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, is celebrating Founder’s Day with a special online service.
The Chaplain in Chief leads on this anniversary service.
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Shame the prayer for the supporters of the RAF Family doesnt include the RAFAC…
Mentions every other part of the RAF.
We’re useful when they want a cheap blues presence. A hindrance when we cost or want anything in return.
If RAFAC is truly to be considered part of the RAF family nowadays (Regular, Reserve and Cadet!) then it is notable that we were apparently excluded from these words, though perhaps the chaplain who wrote it was merely ignorant, rather than it being an intentional slight. I have no intention of watching it to determine that for myself so I take it on trust.
That said, I also very much do not care: I was perfectly happy when we were independent organisations that the RAF somewhat supported when they were able to. Perhaps the words of the prayer are a truer reflection of reality than some might wish to believe.
(PS: I deleted the reactive attack posts from earlier. Play nicely.)
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no need - the prayer is written halfway down, for ease quoted below
A prayer for those who support the RAF Family
O God and Father of all, as we call to mind those who serve in the Royal Air Force and Royal Auxiliary Air Force, hear our prayer for those who support them and their families. Especially we pray for the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the RAF Widows Association and the RAF Charitable Trust. Uphold and encourage them in all their work, that our communities may be strengthened by their endeavour; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
the argument is somewhat moot but as it was “those who support the RAF Family” does that include the RAFAC - do we support the RAF Family or is the RAFAC part of the family?
if the latter then yes, understand missing from the opening line - but does the RAFAC “Serve” - we are all uniformed civilians afterall. we do not attest.
the founders days is in recognition of the RAF and although accept the RAFAC is an extension of that, is not something which belongs to the RAFAC in the same way it does for the RAF and RAuxF.
I should have been clearer in that I had no intention of looking into any aspect of the service.
@steve679 perhaps, but it would have been good to get a proper mention. Even if all we do is provide fodder to make things look blue as the RAF doesn’t have the people or rattle a tin here and there as RAFA bods are too old or in our branch can’t be bothered, just liking the idea of private drinking club. I wish I was joking on that last point. 
i am on a (struggling) RBL Branch with (successful) club - so i know what you refer to only too well.
i get that - but Joe Public on the Street when then hear “RAF” they’ll think the regulars and reserves, not the youth group so I don’t think the Prayer was missing anything. Unlike RAFA, RAFBF, RAFWA and RAFCT what we do isn’t 100% in support of the RAF or its personnel…