Club Chaplain Stuart Wood writes:

Reading through a recent match programme, I was interested to notice that it contained a 'Congratulations' to a couple on their marriage. This is something that has been on my mind for a while - how can we at Cambridge United Football Club, and I as Club Chaplain, help folk celebrate and recognise those major moments in their lives?

During this past year, it has been my privilege to conduct two weddings, one service of believers' baptism, and one service of blessing of a child, all for folk connected with Cambridge United.

And in the recent past I have also been privileged to lead thanksgiving services for folk who have passed away - family relatives and/or Cambridge United fans - attend thanksgiving services on behalf of the Club, and I have visited Cambridge United fans in hospital and at home.

I've been speaking with folk at the Club about my role and how it may develop, and one of the areas that we would love to look at developing is to be more part of those major life moments.

The service of blessing was held at Barnwell Baptist Church where I am Minister, and would be very happy to do so again. But what is to stop this happening at the Club? Why not make an occasion of it and celebrate around one of the home matches?

We are not registered for weddings, and in speaking with Chaplains from other clubs it doesn't really work out as viable. But there is nothing to stop us offering a service of blessing at the Club, and a number of my fellow colleagues have been involved in such occasions at their clubs.

Although we don't like speaking of death it is a certainty we will all face, and for our loved ones too. Should you find yourself in that position, I would be very pleased to help out and assist in any way I could.

And I am always willing to visit folk who are unwell, whether at home or in hospital. All I need is to have the details passed to me and I'll do the rest. So if you find yourself heading to hospital for surgery or treatment, or you know of a supporter who finds themselves there, please do get in touch and let me know.

As the Club continues to stabilise and looks to move forward, it is one of my prayers for the Club that we will better serve our family of supporters and Club associates. We often speak about Cambridge United being a family club, and it is certainly my hope that - to use words from the Bible - we can "rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn".

May we truly share together through life's joys and sorrows, and if you think I or the club can help in any way, then please contact me via the Club Offices, or direct at Barnwell Baptist Church Office on Cambridge 292454 or Stuart@barnwellbaptistchurch.org.uk

Stuart

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