We're really excited about how (quickly!) the Boiler Room refurbishments are progressing, City of London Boiler Room Abbess Jude Smith writes. The work-teams are converting what was (not so long ago) a dusty basement, cluttered with unwanted desks and long-lost filing cabinets, into a very exciting prayer-space (in fact, *lots* of prayer-spaces!). Each time I've popped into the building over the past couple of weeks, there have been definite changes - a newly hung ceiling, a rebuilt wall, fresh paint, and much more.

 

In February a group of Christians representing groups who meet and work in the City of London itself, met for an hour in the basement of the Prophet restaurant in Worship St, EC2 for a short reception. This restaurant is just a stone’s throw from the City of London Boiler Room site (which, in case you haven't already heard, is where John Wesley’s Foundery mission centre originally sat. Leslie Griffiths, the current minister at Wesley’s Chapel, recent described Wesley's Foundery as the starting place of Methodism, the place that fused “personal religion and a commitment to social action”. Maybe we can follow this path?).

 

At that reception a few of us shared the story of the City of London Boiler Room vision, and how it first emerged - a vision for developing a mission, prayer and justice base, just on the edges of London's Square Mile. Our hope is that the Boiler Room will draw the diverse communities of the City and that of the local area together – that ‘those in suits and those from the streets’ can co-own the space together. It will be a place where friends and strangers are welcome, where young and old(er) can participate in prayer together and where mission and prayer co-exist. The life of the City of London Boiler Room, will (as with other 24-7prayer Boiler Rooms) revolve around six core values: creative arts, justice, mission, pilgrimage, community and rhythms of daily prayer.

 

Work in the building is moving on quickly, thanks to the generosity and hard work of MLS Business Centres teams (for which we are extremely grateful!). We anticipate moving in at the beginning of May and ‘officially opening’ with a month of parties throughout June. From then onwards, we will be open for people to drop in (although we would be delighted if you wanted to drop in beforehand).

 

We have already begin a rhythm of prayer - we are gathering every Tuesday from 12midday till 2pm, and on Fridays from 5pm till 8pm. You are very welcome to join us at any of these times – these are good opportunities to pray, to meet some of the team and one another, and to see the Boiler Room taking shape. (You can also get regular updates on the work at our temporary web home.

 

Practical Need #1 - People.
At the moment, I (Jude Smith) am leading the Boiler Room team. Matt Scrimgeour is also working with me, and we are keen to expand this team. (The work is ‘plentiful’, but the workers are few!?) As you pray, maybe you'll feel God speaking to you about becoming more involved? If you have some time, or know people who do, please drop me an email: [email protected].

 

Practical Need #2 - Money.
Realistically, we also need to raise more funding before we can launch. We have received a generous gift, which will enable us to get most of the equipment we need. However, we need to raise more to cover ongoing insurances, resources and salary costs. Our hope is that this will come through regular giving, as well as one off gifts. If you'd like more details, please email us.

 

Do check out this extraordinary pdf article, written by Leslie Griffiths, about the original Foundery and the activity that took place under Wesley's leadership.

 

And how about this - believe it or not, 24-7's intrepid journalist, Linda Warwick, posted an article almost *two years ago* describing 'the Foundery' site (which she'd just read about in a national newspaper) as "Wesley's Boiler Room". And here we are, two years on, about to fulfil that accidental prophecy.