What on earth does a Chaplain do?

A word from the Medway Campus Chaplain

I am often asked by new students, and their parents, “What does a Chaplain do?” 

That question, alongside some recent survey results, has helped to form the basis of this report, produced in August 2019. Obviously, I cannot speak for all university Chaplains as everyone brings their individual personality, gifting and experience to the role, but I can tell you what this Chaplain does throughout the year.

I have been part of the Medway Campus family since February 2011, initially in a part-time Chaplaincy role with the University of Greenwich.  Then, in May 2017, I formally took on the role of Medway Campus Chaplain and, during this time, it has been my pleasure and privilege to serve the students and staff of the University of Kent, Christ Church Canterbury University and the University of Greenwich.

Between 29^th May – 30^th June 2019 we carried out an on-line survey, asking students for their feedback regarding the activities Chaplaincy runs both on and off campus.  A total of 110 students completed the survey and many of the results are presented within this report. 

You may have heard about our World Café or TABLEtalk but not be fully aware of what these events are, or where and when they happen. You may know a little about our Bargain Corner, but not why it began, or how it works.  Within this report you will learn about all of these activities and you’ll hear what students think.

More than anything, I hope you will come away with an understanding that Chaplaincy, amongst other things, is about welcome, community, care and hospitality … regardless of faith, ethnicity or gender, etc.  It is about being there to welcome, to walk alongside people when the going is tough, and rejoice with them as they celebrate graduation.

I cannot close without recognising and thanking the faithful support I receive from local Medway churches. Most of all I would like to thank our local church volunteers Frank, John, Mandy, Pauline, Jon, Sue, Lesley and Wayne, without whose help the World Café and TABLEtalk would not be able to function. With further thanks to Frank for the many hours he invests in our Bargain Corner.

Happy reading,

Lynne

TABLEtalk

TABLEtalk was created by the Medway Campus Chaplain in 2004, primarily, but not exclusively, for international students. These evenings provide a great opportunity for students to meet with other nationalities, to build friendships with some local people and, in the process (if needed) to practise their English.  Most evenings have a theme and are designed to be fun and interactive. Throughout the year we draw on our toolbox of 40+ themed sessions, covering such topics as ‘Culture Shock’, ‘Story Telling’ ‘Communication Breakdown’, ‘Fears & Phobias’ and ‘The Art of Public Speaking’. 

This event is not a formal English class but it provides a relaxed and fun environment in which to improve day-to-day conversational English, whilst also developing such  things as interpersonal, communication and team-building skills. 

TABLEtalk currently runs on Thursday evenings, from 7:30-9:30pm, between the end of September until the end of June each year. The Chaplain is ably assisted by a small team of local church volunteers.  Students do not need to sign up to attend – simply turn up and they'll be warmly welcomed. Historically, attendance can vary from 5 to 45 students, so flexibility is often the order of the day. 

TABLEtalk has been running here in Medway since October 2011 and, in that time, has been attended by 455 students from 63 different nations. 

 

World Cafe

Our World Café has been running on the Medway Campus for many years; it pre-dates the current Campus Chaplain, but is part of regular Chaplaincy activities. The Café takes place in the Student Centre, Blake building every Wednesday from 12 noon to 2pm and is open to ALL students at the Medway Campus ( we welcome staff along too ). 

The Café provides a great time for students to take a bit of a break from their studies, to come along and relax, chat, play games, meet others and make new friends. 

Each week World Café is facilitated by a small team of local church volunteers, under the oversight of the Medway Campus Chaplain.  Tea, coffee, squash and yummy cakes and biscuits are provided - all FREE of charge :-) 

Occasionally we hold various cultural events at the cafe, such as, Christmas, Diwali, Easter, St George's Day, Chinese New Year, Norooz (Persian New Year), etc.  We are always open to suggestions. 

Bring & Share Lunches

2019 statistics show that almost 500,000     international students attend university within the UK(!).  Guesstimates claim that approximately 90% of those students will never get to experience a British home. As a Christian, who believes in a God who welcomes ‘the stranger’, the Medway Chaplain has a heart to put a dent in those figures. 

Approximately every six weeks, a Bring &   Share Lunch is held in the Chaplain’s home. These gatherings provide an opportunity for students to showcase a dish or drink from their home nation; and to enjoy a social afternoon feast together.  We especially like trying new foods and cultural dishes  …  no matter how spicy!!

 Bargain Corner

In September 2012, Chaplaincy started up a small bric-a-brac service on campus, initially selling warm clothing for international students who were not  prepared for British weather.  However, it became  obvious that there was a need for other items, such  as bedding and kitchenware.  This service soon snowballed and has grown year upon year. 

We also discovered that students had little, or no,  under-standing of the term 'bric-a-brac' and our usual response of 'stuff' was unhelpful.

With student assistance, the Bargain Corner took shape and new posters were designed. 

Staff, students and local churches donate items, which are sold at minimal cost and, in turn, that money goes towards subsidising Chaplaincy run student activities, such as bowling nights, pizza and film nights, etc.  We have a growing partnership with the UoG Student Accommodation office and also Liberty Living, where re-usable items left in halls by students are donated to the Bargain Corner. 

Most sale days take place at the start of the  academic year and throughout the autumn term, in particular.  Though students are welcome to come visit anytime the Chaplain is free. The Bargain Corner also provides a great opportunity for students to volunteer and help facilitate our sales. Within the past year we have had a growing partnership with the GKUnions Volunteering Programme. 

Trips & Social Events

There have been six Chaplaincy run trips this academic year: Cambridge, Canterbury, Oxford, Brighton, Ramsgate/Broadstairs and Hever Castle.  A total of 124 students participated in these trips. 

We have also taken students to: Fireworks Night, Dickens Christmas, Passion Play (Trafalgar Square) and Sweeps Festival. 

In addition, Chaplaincy partnered with the University of Kent on trips to Leeds Castle (Sept 18) and Dover Castle (May 19). 

In our survey 62 students responded that they had taken part in one of our trips or social activities. We asked students, ‘In what ways have these events improved your time at the Medway Campus?’ 

 

More than Tea and Biscuits

In addition to all of the above activities, the Medway Campus Chaplain is here to provide a safe space, a listening ear and to assist with the general well-being of our students (and staff) at UoK, UoG and CCCU. 

During the 2018–2019 academic year the Chaplain saw 87 students pastorally.  Some students just once, others for on-going matters.  These times have concerned academic and personal stress, on-going physical and mental health issues, bereavement, gender identity, faith, financial challenges, language help, supervisory issues, etc. 

Chaplaincy works in close liaison with all three well-being teams here at Medway, as well as GKU Advisors, and actively sign-posts students who need further help.