Chaplains are back on the streets and visiting shops and other work-places.
Look out for us and feel free to chat!
We are particularly keen to support shop workers, especially those whose jobs are in jeopardy. The stresses and strains of the uncertainties of the last year are taking their toll and it can be healthy to talk to someone about the pressures you are feeling. Chaplains will listen and help you express yourself so that you can view your situation more clearly. We will seek to signpost you to others who can provide advice or practical support. Help is available.
Or, you might just want to have a ‘normal’ conversation with someone after so long not meeting people. We all, chaplains included, feel slightly uncomfortable at meeting people now restrictions are being lifted. So no one need feel alone and we will get back into the routines again, perhaps more appreciative of others after these enforced separations.
One Chaplain wrote of his experience: I went out this morning in my chaplaincy uniform and had 5 or 6 reasonably good conversations as well as lots of other smaller encounters. There was a definite spring feel in the air and people were sauntering about. There are always people willing to talk! I spent a bit of time at the URC where they are giving out food, and they appreciate our presence as Chaplains there for a while if we can. I also went to places I had visited regularly and spoke with some old friends. I saw one or two familiar faces generally about in town and there is often someone you know or can reconnect with, which is nice. I think people are feeling a little more optimistic now. Heading home I spoke with a 90-year-old gentleman on his scooter. He is an ex-serviceman who now lives on his own. He has restricted sight and hearing and I offered to visit him and gave him a Chaplaincy card with information about supporting organisations and churches.
So you never know what God is doing or what encounters can happen! It’s just good to be there.
If anyone fancies giving up a couple of hours on a routine basis each week please come and give it a try.
We see that keeping safe and getting vaccinated are still high priorities and encourage everyone to wear a mask indoors, keep some distance from others and wash their hands regularly.
We will also be on London Road at lunch time and in the afternoon to support the cafe and food table at the church.
And on 3rd April we will be supporting local churches as they present the meaning of Easter – and it is not just about bunnies and eggs, however cute they may be!
May God bless you and watch over you.
John Hayward
Chair of Trustees
