Beverley Minster
Wendy Wale
Revd. Wendy Wale was the first Multiply Minister to have been appointed in 2019 when the programme began. She has been working at Beverley Minster as the Associate Vicar and Pioneer Minister. Last month Wendy moved on as she has a new role near Cambridge. Before she left, we caught up with her to hear about her time in Beverley.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
“Usually my dog jumping on my head! I have a little cockapoo called Jonah, we have the family nickname of ‘Jonah and the Wales’… and having to be in the Minster at 8.15am for morning prayer. Starting the day with God helps me to prepare for the unexpected- which is so often the life of a pioneer.
Tell us about one of the New Worshipping Communities you have seen grow?
“The Crossing’ has been the fruit of my time in-post, it came out of a need to have an alternative worship space for people who might not engage with traditional church. Once the lockdowns began, we realised there was a real need to support families with younger children and so we began to hand-deliver resources to the families, and ran a successful Zoom meeting each week.
A really lovely thing that happened was a family who joined us online from miles away then moved to the area…and were able to slot straight into the Crossing, having already met everyone ‘virtually’.
We eventually re-launched our sessions to take place in the garden, and we still use it in the summer. Due to the weather and some specific needs, we now run most of our sessions indoors- but still have an emphasis on creation and creativity. We see around 60 people overall, with 30 in attendance every week. If they all decided to attend we’d have to change how we do things!”
How has the Crossing had an impact on people’s lives?
“The Crossing has reached a number of vulnerable people. We have a young girl who is having a tough time at school, but finds solace and friendship at The Crossing. She even had her birthday party here! It has been a place of safety for her.
Another little girl has shown interest in faith. Looked after by her Grandparents, they all come to The Crossing together to do crafts and sing songs. She has asked to be baptised – such a small and fragile life has found her love for Jesus.
We run a group for pre-school children and their carers and we’re now beginning to see some of them come along- knowing it’s a safe space for the whole family to explore faith without pressure.”
What would you say to someone thinking of getting involved with Multiply?
“It has been such a privilege to work with Multiply. There is such a variety to the work, and it’s where people are sharing their faith. Church has to change over time because it adapts to what people need it to be. We are reaching people who haven’t yet heard Jesus’ news. Having the opportunity to work with Multiply keeps you fresh and thinking. It helps you imagine beyond your own imagination. Jesus never said that following him would be easy.
Now that Wendy has left the Multiply post, The Crossing and other groups that Wendy started have been handed over and are continuing. The Multiply work isn’t finished here….
2019 Wendy and her famous dog Jonah have moved from a vibrant University college where they looked after students, to the wonderful town of Beverley where - from the Minster - they are beginning a New Worshipping Community.
Much of this work is starting by getting to know people in the local area, hearing their stories and learning from their wisdom.
Wendy is engaging with local culture and looking to support lots of different kinds of people.
Listen here to Wendy talk with Ben about the environment, Beverley Minster and reaching young adults: