Methodist Central Mission, Birmingham

This has been a year of removing the bowl and placing our light on the lampstand, as we share with others the life of the Methodist Central Mission in Birmingham City Centre.

With much talk of “Fresh Expressions”, we realised that we have initiated three new Christian worshipping communities over the past few years. Our “Radical” gatherings continue to engage people with critical issues through worship and film nights. Last year saw the launch of “Street Banquets”, a regular opportunity for members of the Birmingham Street Community, including rough sleepers, to come together with their friends for open-air communion. Then last December we opened the “Children’s Church” for 5 to 11 year olds. All of these worship events are ecumenical, and open to all.

Our Chaplaincy work grows with explorations into Homeless Sector Chaplaincy, and ongoing support of ministry in the Law Courts, Aston University, Retail sector and the NEC group. Brian Taylor, our Law Courts Chaplain, continues to care for the staff of the city centre courts, including judges, clerks and security guards.

The Law Courts Family Centre has undergone a major review of its work after 30 years of ministry. Conducted by Barnardo’s, the review has enabled the staff and trustees to reassess the future of the Family Centre.

We are making a major contribution to the homeless sector of the city. This includes the founding of the Birmingham Christian Homeless Forum, our involvement with the Street Banquet and Cold Weather Response Team, and discussions about Chaplaincy. Our Street Ministry has become a crucial aspect of our work.

While we saw the departure of Michael Jagessar (Aston University) and Alison Maddocks (Retail), and will soon say goodbye to Israel Selvanayagam (Inter-Faith), we look forward to further developments in these Chaplaincies and Consultancy.

Partnerships with the Birmingham Chinese Methodist Church, St. Basil’s and Cruse remain strong. Through ‘Believing in Birmingham’, we were active participants in the “Christmas Presence” shop, and will help with the facilitation of the Human Trafficking campaign. In order to strengthen our mission, we are in conversation with Carrs Lane URC about closer partnership.

In our small way, but particularly with the help of others, the Central Mission brings light to Birmingham City Centre, a place where you find the world at your feet.

Rev. Neil Johnson