1 January 2023 was a Red Letter Day in the story of Waterways Chaplaincy! It was a day that marked the transition of the chaplaincy from being a part of Workplace Matters to becoming an independent, ecumenical charity within the Church Army family.
We have left Workplace Matters (WM) with fond memories and much appreciation of the way that, in 2019, WM ‘birthed’ WWC and continued to nurture the ministry. The effectiveness of their encouragement over the years has seen WWC grow into a unique nationwide charity being Jesus’ hands and feet amongst the waterways communities.
You might say that it is a sign of success that WWC is now ready to strike out independently and grow further, only now with the support of the Church Army.
Workplace Matters continues its own journey focusing on the London Luton Airport Chaplaincy which is locally focused within the Diocese of St Albans. We pray for their continued effectiveness in sharing the love of Christ with airport staff and troubled passengers.
In contrast, Waterways Chaplaincy’s ministry has a more natural affinity with the Church Army. Wilson Carlile, who established the Church Army in 1882, believed that God’s love is for everyone. He was passionate about his faith and wanted to share the good news of Jesus with people who would never dream of stepping foot in a church. That continues to be the Church Army’s mission today and is why the Waterways Chaplaincy fits so well into its family of ministries.