Chaplaincy Prayer Letter – Winter 2021

Everyone at the Chaplaincy is grateful for your support as we continue to reach out to people in the name of Jesus.

The more stable conditions have enabled us to renew contacts in shops around the town and at Asda in Brighton Hill.  Generally staff changes have been extensive; Chaplains often meet people they know who are now working in different shops, and although there are still many empty premises the shops are now actively recruiting sales staff.  But varied and often long hours, covering for absent colleagues, pressures at home etc, have all added considerable stresses and strains to shop workers, and we have often been able to speak into these situations, offering words of encouragement and hope.

In the Courts not all cases are heard in person, but a Chaplain is present most mornings to talk with staff, members of the legal teams and those called to attend.

At the Police Investigation Centre (PIC) our Chaplain has been involved in helping people come to terms with the shock and distress caused by being involved in tragic and distressing situations. Occasionally, we have been able to support the police on the street too.

We now have two Chaplains at the Bus Station, who are valued by management as well as the staff. We have been asked to expand the service to other bus stations and are working with others to facilitate that.

We also have links with the youth café in London Road and with The Safe.

We are thankful for all the financial support we get, from regular donors, Churches and through grants.  We recently received funds to buy Christmas cards and will distribute them, along with a token gift (chocolate!) during Advent. 

Throughout Covid-19 we have maintained our number of Chaplains; some have left, we have welcomed some new people and some have been ill or needing to isolate, but God has seen us through! We would welcome the opportunity to talk to anyone about the possibility of joining us, even for just a couple of hours a fortnight.  And we also appreciate the prayers of many more people and of churches as we continue this ministry of outreach.  Next year we hope to participate in the Basingstoke Movement for Recovery, joining with Christians across the churches to serve the people of Basingstoke and to witness to God’s love and desire for reconciliation.

As people see different groups of Christians joining together to serve others we add to our witness of God’s love and grace towards all people. The message of the angels at Christmas is an all-year message which we carry – Peace on earth, goodwill to all people.

Thank you for your support; please continue to uphold us in prayer. 

And may you have a joyful Christmas, knowing His grace.

John Hayward
Chair of Trustees

Prayer Points

For the town:

• Thank God for the positive conversations Chaplains have had supporting people and bringing God into people’s lives
• Pray for shop workers, bus drivers and police officers during the pressured times before Christmas and into the New Year
• shop assistants we are getting to know, some new to the shops and some having to work longer hours
• Pray for Chaplains as they meet people, that God will guide their conversations and give them the right words for the situation
• Pray for those who come into town because they are lonely, especially during Christmas and the winter months
• Pray for older people who can benefit from someone spending time with them, perhaps rekindling their faith or helping them to see God in their life experiences and to know Him

  For the Chaplaincy:

• Ask God to inspire others to join the Chaplaincy so that we can take up the opportunities to speak of Him
• That we may keep our focus of sharing God’s love and representing local churches