A walk with Hilary Long, Genesis;
Earlier this year BathCAN’s Director Joanne, started to walk through Bath with Christian and Project leaders from our City. We will be putting the series up in full on our website in the autumn. In the meantime we will be bringing you a “slice” of audio, enough to take up the time it takes to drink that cup of tea or coffee you have been meaning to make yourself. So why not put your feet up now?
For more information about Genesis Trust click here
Other contact details: Gateway Centre, Snow Hill, London Road, Bath, BA1 6DH
office@genesistrust.org.uk
01225 463549
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A coffee with Robert von Hawrylak
Treasurer & Outreach Co-ordinator, St John the Evangelist;
It was really nice to catch up with Robert for a coffee at the end of July. I had heard so much about what he has been doing in the City in the short period he has been here. Previously based in Bristol at St Nicholas of Tolentino RC Church and with Emmaus Homeless Charity, he remains the Chaplin at Southmead and the Bristol Royal Infirmary. Robert arrived in January 2022 at St John The Evangelist in the centre of Bath to run the Mission Outreach, co-ordinating the teams across the parish. As well as the Treasurer and is part of the Chaplaincy at Royal United Hospital, Bath.
Robert recently worked with the Genesis Trust running a course on Faith for the Homeless. The course was way over subscribed and Robert was particularly blessed by the numbers that attended. It is intended to have another course for those who could not attend the first one. He is also looking to provide a lunch for those in the city who are homeless and also for those who feel isolated. Hoping to start this in September, they will be every Thursday at St Johns and will be in partnership with Genesis Trust. As well has making contact with ‘Bath Welcomes Refugees’ to provide a location to meet and support he is also looking to make space available at St Johns to work with Julian House for various outreach projects.
If that wasn’t enough, there is The Mercy Group. The group was formed by Robert at Clifton Cathedral during Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy in 2016 to support those suffering from issues affecting their mental health. Robert set up the group after being involved in a serious car accident in 2011. An oncoming driver lost control of her car and hit his car head on. He was not expected to survive the injuries. It took several years to recover physically, and he received the medical treatment he needed but found little support for the psychological side of the fallout from the accident. When fully recovered, he started the group. The Mercy Group is a non-professional group offering talking and listening support for those who need it especially when professional help is not readily available. The NHS has a long waiting list for help with mental health issues and GP’s have little time to listen. The first contact is by phone or email with Robert when a discussion is held on the support required. Following this, appropriate follow-up is arranged.
It was an enjoyable coffee with Robert and before leaving I asked him “so what now?” after these last few years of the pandemic and the current economic crisis. He replied, “the opening up of society post pandemic is now the time to concentrate on searching out all those who are isolated and ensure that they are brought in for worship and fellowship and care and support”.
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Bath Prayer room summer opening;
We are so excited to be able to open the wonder prayer space again through the summer. (located behind the Abbey to the right by Kingston Buildings)
After an amazing 10 days of prayer in early June it is now reopening for the city of Bath on Monday July 25th to 5th September. Wherever you are in “life’s journey” – this beautiful little space is simply a place to be still and reflect. You can simply walk in during daytime hours and spend a little time in God’s presence or you can scan the QR code and sign up for a specific slot on the rota.
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News from Twerton: A snippet from the Time Bank Plus newsletter
Here at the Time Bank, we are delighted to say that we have now appointed a new staff member to work alongside Viv – his name is Garry and he will be starting very shortly, so do pop into the office to welcome him and say hello. We will also be arranging a social get together in the next month or two and will be sending out details as soon as we have them.
Borrow It
Need to borrow a strimmer, a mower or a hedge trimmer to manage your garden this summer? Or perhaps a tent and sleeping mat for that camping weekend you’ve been talking about? We can help!
The Borrow It Library of Things is open on Mondays from 10.30am to 1.30pm, Tuesdays from10am to 4pm and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm. There is a wide range of gardening equipment, DIY tools, sewing machines, carpet cleaner, gazebo, musical instruments, camping gear, catering items and more. There is no charge for borrowing items, though donations are always welcome. We also have a wish list of items we are looking for, to add to our collection.
Click here for further info and our catalogue of things:
