Post date: 27-Nov-2009 12:36:36
I did not come into contact with the Chaplaincy until I had been at Southampton for three years, because of my course and personal circumstances. During those years, I had spent time looking for fellowship, a church community, somewhere to explore my faith, but found that people tended to prejudge my capabilities due to outward appearances (for example, being concerned that I had come to church by myself, or making assumptions about where and whether I took communion).
Once I moved to somewhere where I could access campus easily, I wandered down to Chaplaincy myself. I was very pleasantly surprised by the lack of judgement in the first conversations I had with both Simon and Catherine; Simon discussed through my previous faith experiences and not only what I wanted to get from Church and/or Chaplaincy, but also what I could do for others, acknowledging that there was no reason for me not to be part of the ministering community (both inward and outward) that Chaplaincy is. This reignited my faith journey; I had become disillusioned after becoming disabled as people had started to place me more in the category of 'one to be done unto' rather than an active Church member. Before I left Southampton, I had had several serious talks exploring lay ministry. This would not have happened had Chaplaincy and Simon not been so accommodating; the community accepting me as myself meant that I could sit on the floor/against a wall to receive Communion every week in fellowship no matter how I was feeling...and that I could take an active part in readings and biblical discussion, growing my faith. Now I have moved elsewhere, I am having to consider receiving reserved sacrament alone. The community's supportiveness and openess would not be present if it were not for the provision of the building and Simon and his colleagues; it helps and supports students of faith and of none.
Even now I have left Southampton, I still get supportive vibes from the Chaplains and the community: having moved across the country (which would have been much harder had it not been for the chaplaincy friends who came and willingly helped me pack), I was recently overwhelmed to receive a beautiful A4 handmade card with supportive messages towards my new life from the Chaplains and many of my old friends. How many other communities forget about students once they are away from them? As well as giving me hope, people are still supporting me in faith and out, whilst I look for a church here (which I am not sure I would be doing had it not been for my 2 years experience of chaplaincy at Southampton).
I realise times are tight...but Chaplaincy and the Chaplains do so much for so many students that is not replicated elsewhere in Southampton at either the University or in the local community. Please consider the impact the proposed budget would have on so many students.