For many years now, some have held a vision for a city centre chaplaincy in Bath. One autumn afternoon, three people from Bath Abbey and St Michael’s Without trialled a 'chaplaincy' in the city. They spent the afternoon, holding many rich conversations, and discovered opportunities for prayer.
Encouraged by that, the group decided to run an experiment, during the Bath Christmas market. Mike Haslam our Diocesan Chaplaincy Advisor provided the group with training and encouragement in preparation.
Cath Candish, Assistant Curate Bath Abbey Group Ministry, is part of the chapliancy team, she says, “We launched the chaplaincy at the start of the Christmas Market. We have around 15 wonderful volunteers, from different churches (and denominations) across the city centre. ”
Since the market opened at the end of November, the team have been at the market to support stall holders by bringing hot chocolate and brownies to them first thing in the morning as they are setting up. They’ve also visited them on Fridays and Saturdays, and have also available to visitors who come from all over the country to the Chrismas market.
Cath says it has been wonderful to be able to be there with everyone, “So far, it has been a great joy and privilege to offer a welcoming presence, a listening ear, to discern where the Holy Spirit is at work, and to join in. Watch this space!”