Our Story
We started in January 2021 coming out of Covid, with a desire to facilitate a space for people to explore Christianity. We wanted to provide an informal, safe, and consistent place where people could come together to be emotionally and spiritually strengthened.
Our approach
We facilitate a weekly (every Thursday), safe, welcoming and informal environment where everyone is heard and has a voice. Each member knows that their part is important to the whole.
We’ve had bible studies, looked at the parables of Jesus, and watched ‘The Chosen’ video series which depicts Jesus’ life with his followers. We’ve had one of our regular residents lead us in ‘Quiet Water’s – a quiet time of meditation. We also facilitated The ’30 Daily Challenge’ for those struggling with addictions to engage daily for one hour on an aspect of the cross of Christ communion and prayer. Currently we are planning a 5 day retreat in September 2022 at Othona Community.
Our reach
We are currently based at a local church a stone’s throw from Charter House Watford, with an open invitation to any Residents, ex-Residents and their friends. We have a core group of seven people, and over 50 people have joined us at different points since we’ve started in January 2021.
We’d love to see this kind of safe space to explore faith spread throughout other Hostels across One YMCA.
Get involved
Volunteering:
This group is fully initiated, developed and run by volunteers, supported by the Chaplaincy Team.
Would you like to initiate and help run a group in another Hostel location? Come with your visions, come with your understandings of Jesus, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to bring the skills and passion you have, to grow in leadership, and to grow in your group facilitation and communication skills.
Partnering:
This group has been spearheaded by The Ark Church, who oversee the sessions and the retreats, and give financially towards this outreach. Beechen Grove Baptist Church kindly let us use their space for free each week, and Othona Community have offered bursaries for our Residents to enjoy retreats.
If you would like to partner with us, we would love to hear from! Would you like to start something like ‘Church on Thursdays’ in a Hostel near you? If yes, do you need support in setting this up? Could you give financially or open the use of your building to help us spread this group? And most importantly, can you pray for us?
Connecting:
The group is run by Nadya, a Volunteer Chaplain and Pastor of The Ark Church, co-facilitated by a fantastic team of Volunteer Chaplains – Gerry (North Church, Holy Trinity) and Matt (Soul Survivor), and supported by Matt from the One YMCA Chaplaincy Team. We would love to hear from you!
Get in touch with Nadya Get in touch with Matt
