Exploring Nightchurch

Wander into the Cathedral Green on a Friday night; see the group gathered around a large BBQ up by the War Memorial; smell the burgers being grilled and hear the conversation and banter between cooks, servers and those enjoying the food. You've just encountered the edge of Nightchurch. Overseen by Dave Morgan, a trained chef who coordinates the Big Issue sellers in Exeter, this is the Nightchurch feeding station with its friendly and helpful contact team. See the lights on in the Cathedral and enter. Here is our Welcome Team led by Viv Asher who will chat with you and hand you a programme of the evening's activities with accompanying map of the cathedral layout. If you are looking for solitude you will not be pestered or grabbed but, equally, if you would like a tour it can be arranged.

Make your way up the South Aisle and soak up the magical atmosphere of the Cathedral at night, lit only by candlelight and roof lights. You hear the sound of conversation and laughter, turn right and go through to the FairTrade Café in the Chapter House. Mugs of hot tea, real coffee and biscuits are served by Margaret Williams and her hospitality team. Sit at a candlelit table and talk with the other guests, play a board game or enter the discussion concerning the debt problems faced by the world's poorest countries. We value highly our partnership with Christian Aid at Nightchurch and Laura McAdam and Charlotte Page are wonderful advocates of its work on justice and fair trade issues. Discover how to be part of the solution by taking small actions that, with others, make a huge difference.

Should you walk up to the East end of the Cathedral you may find our Listening and Healing team coordinated by Elsie Howells. Here is a chance to talk confidentially with someone and receive quiet prayer for God's healing and direction. Should you wish to find a quiet space then enter one of the chapels that has been prepared by Erika Davies and the Spirituality group with a prayer station. Put a stone on the cairn for someone you know carrying a heavy burden or light a candle for a situation that is in need of God's light and guidance. On your way back down the North Ambulatory you may meet some of our stewards led by Andrew Gullick, or Jim Pilkington, our Nightchurch Virgir. Their ministry is vital to Nightchurch's effectiveness as we deliberately set out to be an inclusive community where everyone can find a place to belong. We are all wounded in various ways but some are more vulnerable than others. The Nightchurch Stewards and Listening Teams combine to ensure that we can be open for all, that people are safe and at the same time that this gem of a building is cared for.

At 9pm, in the Justice and Peace Chapel (now warmly carpeted), you can join a learning group where Frank Rothery facilitates a conversation about aspects of God, faith and life. We want to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ following his pattern, teaching and way of life. At 9.30pm, all the different activities of Nightchurch close down and we join together in central worship - sometimes a Eucharist, more often a service of the Word - an opportunity to offer everything back to the Living God and to look for renewed  hope, strength and guidance.

Nightchurch has been up and running now for over a year. We are a group of about 40 people from diverse backgrounds who have a passion to share God's love with the generation that the Church is generally missing. Nightchurch was set up to engage with both the unchurched and the dechurched - a Fresh Expression of Church at Exeter Cathedral on a Friday Night. Running alongside the Friday night ministry, Steve Jones, our Team Coordinator, is teaching and mentoring Pioneer Disciples on a year long course. They meet some Mondays and Saturdays to learn skills for engaging better with the unchurched and dechurched. Last year six pioneers graduated (three of which still serve with Nightchurch) and this year there are six more. Steve also oversees our website.

Nightchurch is not perfect! To be honest, we are a bit messy, we make mistakes and are learning as we go. We have certainly not arrived but seem to be on an exciting journey in good company. God is teaching us as we travel with him:

1. To not be afraid to start small and simple - its often the best way; to acknowledge our vulnerability but keep our eyes on what God can do with a few willing hands and hearts;
2. That ‘Creating community is one of the most important tasks of mission' -especially today where, in many parts of our country, community is a notion and not a reality;
3. That we discover our unity when we work together in mission. As we exercise our diverse gifts the Body of Christ becomes alive and active...and achieves its transforming work in the world;
4. To be good news, not just talk about it. We are trying to live the values of God's Kingdom. As we become good news in the neighbourhood, it provokes questions that make people enquire about the reason for the hope that is within us.

Nightchurch Values: We are seeking to be an inclusive community with Christ at the centre, learning how to be generous with hospitality, creative in spirituality and passionate about justice.

If you would like to explore being part of this company, we would love to meet you and discover how your gifts may be expressed and shared. If you cannot be physically part of the team but would like to support the venture we would value both your prayers and financial assistance. Cheques made out to ‘The Dean and Chapter' and sent to me at Flat 3, The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1JS will be gratefully received.

Mark Rylands
Canon Missioner

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