Upper Reaches CIO Update at the close of 2022

 

Dear Prayer Community,
 
When we signed off towards the end of 2021, we faced many uncertainties in the year ahead: with little idea that we would see a war in Ukraine, an energy and cost of living crisis, 2 new Prime Ministers and the proclamation of a new Monarch. However then, as now, we look to a God whose love is steadfast and certain and whose purposes are unchanging …
 
Meanwhile, our part in God’s purposes in Temple Quay has continued this year with a refreshed group of Trustees, all working in the Temple Quay area, and our first part time Business Chaplain Ralph Mann. Ralph has been involved in the story of the Prayer Barge over the years - including designing the Upper Reaches logo and external branding on the Prayer Barge, and a series of artworks telling the story of our journey. Apart from our core Rhythms of Prayer we have also seen the wonderful art exhibition Calming the Storm in the weeks leading up to Easter, and the appropriately named Times of Transition music event on the roof of the Prayer Barge. As always, we are blessed by glimpses of God’s amazing encouragement and choreography whenever we step out. The exhibition saw groups of young people enjoying the opportunity for silence and reflection in the Prayer Barge, but also being reminded of the Easter story which they “hadn’t thought about since school days”. There was also a truly remarkable encounter on the bendy bridge at the music event. A worker in Temple Quay had woken up being encouraged by God to return to church and had responded by saying “you’ll have to put someone in my way if that is going to happen”. That "someone" was one of our volunteer team on Victoria Bridge (who had arrived on his paddle board), who spoke to her about the music event, learnt of her passion for paddle boarding, and ended up inviting her to church the following Sunday.
 
This term has seen Ralph mingling among those outside in Temple Quay and us exploring what Business Chaplaincy could look like going forward, whilst at the same time supporting the University of Law with our confidential listening service.
 
We have a renewed sense of the significance of the Prayer Barge in the life of Bristol and particularly Temple Quay. The new trustees are focusing on the core rhythms of prayer and how to open the Prayer Barge more often for those working in Temple Quay. We are also encouraged to make the Prayer Barge available to bless small groups for whom the special space works so well. Examples include choirs, book groups, workplace prayer groups, leadership teams of charities churches and social enterprises for away days etc. The voluntary contributions which are then made to the running of the Prayer Barge reduces the need for further fundraising for annual running costs. We are also delighted to be collaborating with Bristol Chaplaincy, and Rich and Lois Evans will be creating opportunities for wellbeing and prayer on Tuesdays every week during term time in 2023. This is an exciting development, and we look forward to continuing to work with them.
 
So, our work continues for the long haul. We can’t claim big numbers, but we can attest to God’s presence and the movement of His Spirit in this place. We long to see more of His purposes and people to His Glory.
 
To leave you here are a few matters for prayer:
 

• For His continued provision in increased monthly giving to the work of Upper Reaches – would you consider giving a few pounds a month for a year – we have low running costs, but these are increasing, and there is always maintenance to provide for?
• For protection for Ralph and Rich as they step out in 2023 as 'Business Chaplains', and for fruitful encounters.
• For new connections in Temple Quay
• There are many Christians in Temple Quay who we don’t know, and also those who might be interested in volunteering on the Prayer Barge in some way or using it for some purpose which would bless a small group . If you know of any, would you consider connecting with them and pointing them in our direction?

 
Thank you for your support and prayers: and we hope to see many of you at some stage in the New Year.
 
Kindest regards,
Victor and the Trustees    
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