Maureen Stoolman
I was approached about training for City Centre Chaplaincy several years ago. I thought and prayed about it, but I was still not sure I had the natural skills for the work. I then came across some words from the Methodist Covenant Service.
'Christ has many services to be done:
some are easy, others are difficult
some bring honour, others bring reproach
some are suitable to our natural inclinations
and material interests,
others are contrary to both .....'
I realised that God was gently leading me to become a City Centre Chaplain. I enjoyed the training. It was challenging, but made me even more sure that this was what I was being led to do. I am in my second year of chaplaincy now and the more visits I make to my allotted shops and businesses, the more I feel privileged to share the lives of the people I meet.
It takes time to build up relationships and I still feel apprehensive when I approach a new shop, but generally I find that people are very open and welcoming. I have shared in the happiness of a new baby, a new job, promotion and a wonderful holiday. I have also listened while people have told me about illness, family problems and failing businesses. I have offered to pray for people and they have given me permission to do so. I once was making a routine visit to a shop and the manager invited me in and said that I had come at the right time as he had a big decision to make and he wanted to talk about it. He has now moved to another job, but I continue to pray for him as well as all the other people I meet. It is such a privilege.
I feel very much supported by the other Chaplains, the Lead Chaplains and the Trustees. The regular prayer meetings are an integral part of the work we do. We do it in God's strength, not our own.