Creativity is a big, beautiful word for now: Chaplaincy in Lockdown

Phew.

It does seem to have been a very long time since March, doesn’t it?

The amazing creativity and skills so many of us have had to find, not just dipping our toes into online presence, but taking a run and a 2 footed leap into technology! We have found ourselves doing, encouraging worship, church and discipleship without the use of gathering in a building and as a community.

Since late March, I have had the joy of taking Morning Prayer for St Luke in the City Parish Facebook Live, using the Saturday slot to pray in a space to hold prayer for our various Student communities in Liverpool.

It has been a challenging academic term, now more so with the uncertainty of what the new academic term and overall University life is going to looks like particularly for our students all set to move to the city.

We, as the Anglican Chaplaincy have hosted online coffee morning drop ins and an opportunity for craft and chatter – which has been a welcome break to see how various folks have been keeping busy in their spare time!

Now we are spending the summer in relaunching the Anglican Chaplaincy branding, with emphasis on how we can offer pastoral support for less urgent problems, recognising that Student Services are going to be working at capacity.

We are also looking into creating space for our student communities to talk about grief, as I think everyone has been effected by it in some form during lockdown – whether grieving not seeing their loved ones (in particular our international students unable to travel home), the long awaited festival or holiday being cancelled, and in the saddest of circumstances, grief held over the death of a loved one, friend or colleague.

So we are anticipating difficulties in a lot of areas, but knowing that we can be available (albeit online) for our student communities is a real blessing. Chaplaincy is important because it crosses so many divides, and we have the blessing to be present.

We, as the Anglican chaplaincy are a diverse team covering various churches throughout the city, with myself representing St Luke in the City (specifically St Brides) with our emphasis on creative, progressive and inclusive Christian community. Creativity being a big beautiful word to focus in on right now, as we are creating ministry opportunities for a future which is uncertain – it is with anticipation and excitement!

I am looking to create a welcoming online space for our student communities focusing on a relaxed bible study, or a book group, discussing progressive Christian authors over the coming weeks – aimed at students or younger adults who may be in the fellowship and an opportunity to pray together online – is this something that would interest you? get in touch!

Students@stlukeinthecity.org.uk