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The weekend is when I often enjoy a break from my more mundane weekday routine. At nine o'clock on a Friday or Saturday evening I get ready to meet some friends. Everybody who lives in South-East London knows that a great place for a good night out is Kingston upon Thames. We like to be where all the action is so we always meet in the town centre, right in the heart of where all the clubs and pubs are to be found, as well as plenty of places to get something to eat. Over the weeks we have got to know a lot of the clubs door staff and we know where to get the best chips at two in the morning. Got the picture? I wonder!
Because it not in bars or pubs that my friends and I have been meeting, but at Kingston United Reformed Church. And, I am not a young clubber, but an older Christian volunteer who goes out regularly with my like-minded friends - Kingston's Street Pastors.
Once upon a time...': the story so far
United Reformed Church Minister Lesley Charlton has pointed out, repeatedly, to her Kingston membership that the church's premises are in the centre of Kingston's night-time action Ð and frequently challenged the congregation to consider its calling as Christians in the town centre. After several months of discussion and research, early in 2005 it was decided how our church could rise to that challenge: by working together ecumenically with other Christians in the Borough Ð through Street Pastors. The Street Pastors scheme was piloted by Ascension Trust in 2002, in response to neighbourhood problems in Brixton, South London. It is now established in major cities in Britain, and the scheme was officially launched in Kingston in November 2005. By March 2006, 24 local churches had chosen to become involved in this interdenominational church initiative. Two of the four founder members, now the management group, are from Kingston URC, which, as part of its contribution to the scheme, donates the use of its premises, conveniently located opposite one of the big clubs and near to most of Kingston's other 'night-spots'.
Street Pastors are ordinary men and women of all ages and backgrounds, although the majority of are, like me, women aged 50+. Each Street Pastor agrees to give 12 nights per year for two years after undertaking the 12 all-day Saturday training sessions, endorsed by the Metropolitan Police. These cover the responsibilities of Street Pastors and involve role-play of situations likely to be encountered. We are given advice from police, information about drugs and alcohol abuse, presentations from people with experience of working within Social Services and other relevant fields such as the Probation Service, law and education. Sociology topics include youth culture, the marginalised and the homeless. All this, so that Street Pastors are better able to understand the lives of the people they meet.
By February 2007 Kingston borough had 40 fully trained Street Pastors from 16 local churches, (6 from Kingston United Reformed Church) so that there are teams out in Kingston on every Friday and Saturday night.
And a typical night - is there one?
They are all different; it depends on when: the season, the weather, if term-time, if after pay-day. And who's in town.
Teams meet at 10.00pm in uniform and appropriate shoes! With a torch, note-pad and pen, wet-wipes, thermal (heat retaining) blanket... ... First there is a police briefing from the team's leader, who logs on with the CCTV centre, appoints a bottle-counter and a scribe (a report is submitted at the end of the night) and reminds the team of the guide-lines: ie ALWAYS stay together maintaining eye contact; take NO individual decisions or action; only NON-aggressive involvement.
The night's route and timings depend on what's happening, who is out on the streets and where they are to be found. Usually the six-hour night is divided into three shifts. During the breaks the team returns to 'base' for a drink, peace, warmth and support from the prayer-team which remains back at base. There are five in a team; four of these go out for each of the night's three shifts while (in turn) a fifth stays behind with the prayer team (volunteer 'Prayer Pastors') who pray for the safety of the team and others out on the streets. The street team prays with the Prayer Pastors before going out, at times silently during a shift, and at the end of the night.
what do we actually do
As we 4 adults walk together, in a uniform which spells what we represent, we bring and give a sense of calmness and normality to city-centre streets where normal daytime road and pavement behaviour is temporarily suspended!
So is it all worth it?
In sixteen weeks we removed 1,366 bottles/glasses which, according to the police, means there were 1,366 fewer weapons at hand for use in fights. During the 25 weeks since mid-June, when teams started going out in Kingston, we have attended 41 conflict situations and met 1,260 people ranging from 14ish to mid-40s, most between 18 and 25. (Stats as on 10 Jan 07) Many know and recognise us now; others are still curious and bemused that we are not paid.
The majority give us a positive, warm and encouraging response; people are rarely negative or abusive. They may think we are mad, but they usually thank us. We hope we are challenging their view of the Church. We have had loads of conversations; people who've nothing else important or urgent to do at 2.30am have time to chat! We are not there to preach, or even to talk about God, unless the subject is raised; we have had several quite deep conversations. We have plenty of opportunity to be Good Samaritans, to put intopractice the lessons taught to us in the parable.
After each evening I always feel that the team (and usually I, personally) have not wasted our time, that we were useful - even if the effects cannot be scientifically measured and some we will probably never know. We are simply there, to care and listen, bringing and keeping peace.
Perhaps it's time for me to see life in the clubs from the inside!
Teresa James is an Elder at Kingston United
Reformed Church and Street Pastor |
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