Cityspace has grown out of conversations between individuals committed to the exploration of faith journey and prayer, and orientated towards caring for people in the city.
Though sharing a Christ centred spirituality, this diverse group of people were not commissioned by an existing organisation, but were drawn together in 2003 through involvement in ‘Retreats in Daily Life’. Their desire was to broaden and translate the principles of ‘Retreat in Daily Life’ to be more accessible to people in the city.
They recognised that within busy city life, it can be hard to access reflective spaces, particularly spaces and conversations where one’s life journey could be explored. Those becoming connected with - what is now known as - Cityspace, recognised that some people appreciate simply finding a few moments of undisturbed contemplation space in the city, while others might appreciate the opportunity to explore their decisions or life journey with a trained prayer guide or spiritual director.
Our first event
The first practical manifestation of Cityspace was a three week event in November 2003. A number of organisations (all churches) and individuals took part. The churches made their spaces available for as much of the working day as possible. Reflective spaces and prayer stations were set up in these spaces, trained prayer guides were available for conversation and ‘mini lectures’ were offered on different ways of praying. The open times, available services and lectures were advertised using a paper programme and on a website.
Following a review of the event, those involved in discerned that Cityspace was well placed to gather and promote existing reflective events, spaces and conversations initiated by other organisations. So, rather than offering a one-off or annual event, Cityspace could provide people in the city with an easy-to-access information hub.
Website and holding group
Work has subsequently focused on developing this website as the core means of offering information on reflective events, spaces and conversations. Alongside the practical establishment of the website, work has also been ongoing to establish membership of the Cityspace Holding Group. The Holding Group includes a spectrum of individuals connected in different ways to space, reflection and spiritual conversation in the city and meets quarterly to support the work and guide the future direction of Cityspace.
The vision of Cityspace has thus grown into one centred on providing access to people and organisations in the city who can offer support to those desiring the space to be, space to reflect or space to enter into conversation about decisions, life journey or faith.