News
Street Pastors meet the Moderator of the Church of Scotland
Shaw Anderson, Chairman and Chris Jewell, Chief Executive of Street Pastors in Scotland had a very useful time yesterady with the Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh to look at opportunities to highlight and develop more Street Pastors. The Moderator will be joining two Street Pastor patrols later in the year.
A mother says thank you
The Rail Pastors recently encountered the mother of a young person who thanked Street and Rail Pastors for helping this person not to take their own life, during a previous conversation.
.Photo owned by Scotrail.
Street Pastor conference Saturday 5 October
Tickets are now available for the Street Pastor Scotland conference; Saturday 5 October in Stirling at: https://buytickets.at/ascensiontrustscotland/1260929
All are welcome who have a heart for Street Pastors as well as all those involved the Street Pastor family. This is free to attend.
Please remember that Sunday 6 October 2024 is Street Pastor Sunday, and some Recruitment Resources that may help you are now on the website under About Us; these are the Street Pastor FAQ’s, and the Join the Family leaflet.
Peebles new Street Pastors
The Border Telegraph reported on the commissioning of new Street Pastors on 15 June. This was a good occasion when God’s presence was felt.
Good feedback on the work of community partnership including Fife Street Pastors
Read this report about how crime is reducing in Dunfermline bus station.
Community Inspector Neil McGurk has this to say: “The bus station has had significant issues. From the turn of this year, we have had quite a significant reduction in calls to the bus station – I think we are getting half the calls compared to this time last year so hopefully measures being put in place are starting to bear fruit.
“Various work is ongoing with our partners including the bus station, safer communities and Fife Street Pastors have been deployed. Regular attendance by our officers, once a shift where possible.”
Great to see the Fife Street Pastors and their community counterparts getting a mention!
Peebles commissioning of new Street Pastors
Borders Street Pastors commissioned new Pastors in Peebles on Sunday. It was good to see a Prayer Pastor commissioned alongside the Street Pastors. We are thankful for opportunities to serve new communities, Peebles is one of our newest patrol areas in Scotland.
Ally from Greatest Hits radio was there and wrote this story: https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/street-pastors-peebles-commissioning-service/
Dumfries patrol
On Saturday, Chris Jewell and a team of Street Pastors travelled to patrol in Dumfries as part of Guid Nychburris Day getting Street Pastors known, in preparation for starting a new intiative in Dumfries and Galloway. The team said hi to hundreds of people young and old. We also had a photo with the Queen of the South, and the Queen of hearts on stilts!
We give thanks for the Salvation Army who patrolled with us, and gave us use of their premises as a base.
Stirling Street Pastors – ready to lend a hand
More street pastors have been commissioned for Stirling, and are ready to care, help and listen on the streets and university campus.
“We weren’t able to recruit and train volunteers through lock down so our new recruits will enable us to increase the number of patrols we are able to put out on a weekly basis.” Christopher Whitehead, Chair of Stirling Street Pastors.
As with many charities in Scotland, Street Pastor volunteer numbers dropped during Covid. In Stirling, we have been greatly encouraged that the numbers are picking up again with four new recruits commissioned this week. Chris Jewell, CEO of Ascension Trust Scotland, carried out the formalities and his message was that we should increase our expectations of what God will do. And indeed, we now have ten more recruits ready to start training next week (there’s still time to sign up if you want to be part of this great team)!
“The inestimable work that Street Pastors do for vulnerable folk in our city is genuinely heart-warming! These volunteers give practical meaning to being the hands and feet of Christ.” Rev Attie van Wyck, Park Church.
A lot of people we meet on the streets think we are crazy when they find out we don’t get paid to do this. What we tell them is that the work is very rewarding especially when some very practical help is given to vulnerable people to keep them safe and get them home. It’s also very enjoyable talking to different people who are out having a good night. It is a privilege too when someone really wants to talk about what’s going on in their life, and how a listening ear is so important. There is no doubt that some patrols can be very challenging and hard work, but that doesn’t put the Street Pastors off. It’s very often in those difficult situations that people need the most help
We enjoy working together with the local Police, Stirling Council, Go Forth Stirling, Safebase, Pubwatch and the University. We look forward to carrying on our work and are thankful for the support from local churches for prayers and funding.
Get in touch; just search for Stirling Street Pastors and you’ll find us on Facebook, Instagram and the Web.
New Caithness Street Pastors
Congratulations to Caithness Street Pastors who commissioned 4 new Street Pastors were in Thurso St Peters and St Andrew’s Parish church. This will enable Caithness Street Pastors to have some patrols in Thurso, in addition to exisiting patrols in Wick. Two Regional Councillors and the sub-divisional commander spoke warmly of the work of Street Pastors.
Ascension Trust anniversary dinner
Join us for the Ascension Trust 30th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
on Saturday, November 18th 2023 at Central Hall Westminster,
Storey’s Gate Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH.
It’s time to commemorate three decades of impactful work and celebrate our incredible journey together. This in-person event promises to be a memorable night filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt connections.
We’ll kick off the evening with doors opening at 18:00 with a warm welcome and a chance to mingle with fellow attendees. Indulge in a delightful dining experience carefully curated to satisfy your taste buds.
Throughout the evening, we’ll share inspiring stories of transformation, highlighting the positive impact Ascension Trust has had on individuals and communities. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and forge new friendships to expand your network. Dress to impress and come ready to celebrate and dance at this important milestone event.
Book via Eventbrite by clicking the link below. COST: £45.00 (plus booking fee)
https://
We can’t wait to see you there!