Faith is for more than Sunday

Cambridge is a global center of learning and excellence. Castle Street Methodist in the city has become a melting pot of professionals from a wide range of disciplines.

The Revd Jenny Pathmarajah is minister at Castle Street, she explains, “I try to foster an environment where people can come together and share whichever aspect of themselves they want to bring. A church is shaped by its members as much as the church shapes them."

The dynamic at Castle Street means that some members bring their work gifts into their faith life, supporting the church and helping by stewarding or managing finances. Others volunteer in the wider Church, such as on national committees. While for others, church offers a chance to leave being a professional at the door and to get some peace of mind to focus on spiritual matters.

“One thing is certain, faith is for more than Sunday”, says the Revd Jenny. “What we talk about in church can be helpful when work is challenging and when there are moral decisions to make.

“I strive to ensure that those with gifts to offer are recognised and able to contribute, while ensuring that those who need the support of the church are re-energised with the love of the spirit.”

Some of the members at Castle Street agreed to share how their faith and careers relate.

Edwin is a pharmacist who works for the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association. Since the 1990’s Edwin has been a part time DJ, he is also a steward at Castle Street.

“There's been moments of what I will call ‘ethical judgments’, where I've asked myself, ‘What would Jesus do? What is the Christian thing to do at this moment in time?’ When it's not clear cut, you need another avenue, and that's where my faith really comes into play.”

Jane has spent most of her working life as part of the Probation Service.

"It’s about second chances. People are not the worst thing that they have ever done."

Anna grew up in the Methodist Church and is now CEO at Camcycle, a membership charity based in Cambridge working for strong, healthy, sustainable communities in the region through increased levels of cycling.

"My faith means I come to work with love and respect for everybody and bring a thoughtful consideration to what I do. I really value other people's perspectives, even if they’re different to my own, and I try to diffuse arguments and heal divisions."

Charles is Professor of French and Co-Chair of the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics at the University of Cambridge. Charles is also a member of the Methodist Heritage Committee and chairs the Archives and Records Advisory Group for the Church. He is also one of those working to co-ordinate how the Church should consider reparations for slavery.

"I see the study and teaching of languages and cultures as a vocation. My approach to this work is informed by careful ethical engagement, with a focus on equality and social justice issues. My interest in those areas has directed me towards research around colonial history and working on the legacies of enslavement. Therefore, it is very important for me to be part of a justice-seeking Church."

Izzy has just completed a master’s degree in data and artificial intelligence and is about to start working as a project coordinator for a virtual reality project that helps people overcome speech anxiety.

"I'm part of the Methodist AI Working Group and we're going to be presenting our report to the Conference this year. Now that my studies have finished, I coordinate and deliver a VR-based therapy programme for students experiencing speech anxiety. I am so grateful that I've been able to move into a space that is connected to my studies, whilst using my skills in a positive way."

Jacob is a radar and communications engineer with the British Antarctic Survey and is supported by the church while away.

“My minister ensured I was loaded up with reflective books and readings before I went. I was invited to record a bible reading and be part of a service which I filmed overlooking the base with glaciers behind. When I return to Cambridge, I give talks about my experience to raise money for the replacement church floor.”

Yowl is a banker who married into Methodism and became a member of the Church .He is now a steward at Castle Street.

"I tend to forget about my work when I come to church. Talk to anyone, whether they're professionals or not but being a Christian makes us equal. Whatever jacket we wear in the world, we take it off before God."