Chaplaincy to the Frankfurt Christmas Market

1st November – 24^th December 2025

Intentional Listening Presence

Be.friend Birmingham City Centre Retail Chaplaincy is organising for the annual Chaplaincy service to the staff and stall holders of the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Many staff work very long hours and are away from Germany, Romania and Poland for several weeks. The work can be stressful, with both quiet times and very busy times. Chaplains provide a listening and befriending service and can provide pointers to further assistance. It can be hard for workers to remember what Christmas all is about…

Revd Elaine Hutchinson, be.friend Team Leader, has offered this Chaplaincy service for the past seven years, and it has been welcomed by both the stall holders, staff and the management. The Chaplaincy Team distribute leaflets which have been translated into Romanian, Polish and German languages so that people know exactly what the Chaplaincy offers, which is an intentional listening presence.  Elaine is looking for Chaplaincy volunteers for the six-week period from 1^st November, who would be able to give a couple of hours a week. Polish, Romanian and German speakers would be very welcome!

Training for new Volunteer Chaplains to the Christmas Market will be provided by be.friend. This training, which is compulsory, will consist of half a day’s introductory training and is specifically for those with no previous Chaplaincy experience of the Christmas Market. The date will be Monday 6th October 2025 12-3pm with light refreshments at The Church at Carrs Lane, Carrs Lane Birmingham B4 7SX.

For enquiries email Elaine Hutchinson at chaplain@carrslane.co.uk or Mobile 07769586031

Who is be.friend?

be.friend is an established ministry which provides Chaplaincy and a listening presence to the retail sector of the city. The Chaplaincy has an existing team contact Elaine at chaplain@carrslane.co.uk if you would like to know more.

Chaplaincy Team 2024