Oxford Place Methodist Centre

Street Chaplains

Written: 12 November 2007 [Updated 13 November 2007 & 19 November]

Out on the street

The Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and Lutheran churches were represented among the volunteers including the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds and the Chair of the Leeds Methodist District.

The Rt Revd John Packer (Bishop of Ripon and Leeds),
The Revd Tony Bundock (Rector of Leeds),
the Revd Adrian Burdon (Oxford Place),
The Revd Liz Smith (Chair of the Leeds Methodist District)

Comments and reflections from those who took part

What was good for me was that this is an example of several Churches working together and that we looking to make ourselves available when people were around rather than expecting them to come to us at times that fit our life pattern.
For me it was as important to meet with the workers as much as the clubbers. Over time I suspect good relationships could be developed with doormen, food outlet workers, those working in the station or as traffic marshalls, and of course the police and community officers.
I think what we are doing is a good thing ... and the more we get out, and the more relationships we form with the bouncers, owners, taxi drivers and regulars on a Friday night, the easier it will become.
I found the experience both positive and enlightening. I feel sure I benefited from the 'outreach' more than those I was trying to help/bless and I believe my church will get the trickle down effect of that. It was great to spend time doing something in Jesus' name with friends from a variety of churches and I felt the numbers were good although I would have liked to have explored the city a little further.
I personally thought it was well worth spending an evening looking at what happened in the city ... I'm in a positive mind about the work done.
For me it was a worthwhile experience in itself – an opportunity to spend time on the streets of Leeds when I am normally at home! I was going to say "safely at home" but in reality I did not feel unsafe on the streets, although there were a couple of occasions when I sensed some vulnerability. Nearly all the young people we encountered were open, friendly and curious about our role. There were some real opportunities for engagement and I believe the emphasis on support and offering prayers (where appropriate and welcomed) but not proselytising was the right one.

Ready to go

The Emmaus Community, Leeds

Written: 31 August 2006

Emmaus Community, Leeds
The Emmaus Leeds Community is based in the previous St Charles Catholic School in St Mary's Street, Burmantofts, Leeds 9. Emmaus Leeds is a charitable business which helps homeless young people – known as Companions – to help themselves by providing a home, and work in a supportive environment. The Leeds Community opened in November 2003, although the work of fund raising and finding a suitable building to convert had started five years earlier. From their premises Emmaus run a quality second-hand furniture store, outreach cafe, hire out a meeting/leisure room and computing facilities with accredited training, and offer a community recycling facilities. As well as a wide range of furniture the shops sells books, pictures, small electrical appliances, bikes, pianos and seasonal products. Some of the Companions are also developing skills towards completing the Basic food Hygiene certificate, and First Aid at Work certificates, European languages, and computing skills.

The business aspect is how the Community generates an income to enable themselves to become financially self-sustaining, supporting the costs of the community and providing opportunities and skills for the 23 companions who live in the community. There are a number of communities across the UK and Europe including Glasgow, Brighton, St Albans, Cambridge, Paris, in fact over 400 communities in 45 countries.

The history of Emmaus goes back to 1949, and the work of Abbé Pierre, a former MP, activist and priest who worked with the homeless of Paris. The work of Emmaus is about creating the conditions where people can help themselves and others.

Living and working in an Emmaus community is not ideal for everyone, and is not a permanent solution to homelessness. Tim had been sleeping rough in Leeds for nine months before joining the community. Tim had previously, two years ago spent time at Emmaus Brighton. While with the Leeds community Tim learned how to get on better with people, and learned business skills during his six months there before getting his own flat in Leeds.

Donations of quality goods and furniture are appreciated. These can be collected, and delivered to all Leeds postcodes. The shop and cafe are open Monday to Saturday 9.30–5.00pm and are close to the St James's hospital bus route behind Agnes Stewart School, and there is a supervised car park.

The contact person is:
Beth Frankland
Tel: 0113-248 4288
E-mail: emmausleeds@btconnect.com

More information can be found on the Emmaus website where if you select Emmaus Leeds from the 'Find my nearest emmaus' you can find out more about our local Emmaus Community.

Emmaus is a registered charity (Reg No: 1077790)

Editor's Note

There is another registered charity called Emmaus Projects with similar aims and objectives, but this appears to be distinct from the Emmaus Communities.

The Church as a Listening Place

Written: 7 May 2006

The people of the Leeds (Mission) Circuit gathered at the Oxford Place Methodist Church on Sunday 7 May 2006 in order to hold their Anniversary Service.

The congregation at Oxford Place Church

The Superintendent Minister, the Rev Dr Adrian Burdon, led the worship at which the preacher was the Past President of the Conference and Superintendent of the Leeds (North East) Circuit, the Rev Dr Neil Richardson. Councillor Ann Castle, deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, brought greetings from the Leeds City Council. Councillor Castle acknowledged the important place that Leeds Mission has within the city of Leeds and expressed gratitude for the mission and ministry of the church and people. The Rev Michael Townsend, Chair of the Leeds District, brought a word of greeting and encouragement from the District. Mr Townsend brought the greetings of the Leeds District Synod, which had taken place the previous day, and which had voted to develop a new relationship of support for the work of the mission circuit.

In his sermon, Dr Richardson, preaching on the text in Acts 17: 22-34, reminded the congregation of the importance of listening. This picked up the theme of the Leeds Mission Anniversary Report, which had been written by the Superintendent Minister and Staff of the Circuit, and which reflected upon Oxford Place as a listening place. Dr Richardson developed his theme to remind the people that, as well as a listening role, the church also has the responsibility to be a place from which the truth is spoken and the prophetic word given. Recognising the importance of the presence of the church in the City Centre, Dr Richardson's words served as a celebration of past work and great encouragement to future work in Leeds.

Ecumenical partners, the Rector of Leeds and the Rector of Holy Trinity, were welcome guests at the service. Circuit staff, the Rev Nick Baker and Deacon Ruth Hinch contributed to the service by leading prayers of thanksgiving and intercession.

The work of the Leeds Mission Circuit is strong and healthy and the people in good heart. The circuit has a distinctive ministry to Leeds City, offering care and love to the people who find themselves in the City of Leeds as well as offering chaplaincy support to the retail industry and the Universities. The mission has very recently taken on a chaplaincy to the Leeds County, Crown and High Courts.