Westfield Stratford City, the largest urban shopping centre in Europe, opens its doors on 13th September 2011. It is a huge retail and leisure complex anchored by John Lewis, Waitrose and M&S. It is also the gateway to the Olympic Park. The picture below shows the completed shopping centre as final preparations are made for the opening.


At the heart of the shopping centre (on the third floor, next to the Café Court) is a space for prayer, called a "rest and faith space" and named "inSpiration". This is a project of churches in Stratford who have formed a new organisation called "inSpire Stratford Ltd". The prayer space will be open 7 days a week from 11am to 7pm and will be staffed by volunteers from churches in the area. In addition, as the project develops, there will be a team of volunteer workplace chaplains who will visit the various shops and offices in Westfield Stratford City.

Rev. Julia Murphy has been appointed as part-time Team Vicar at St. Matthew's, West Ham, and also as Chaplaincy Co-ordinator at Westfield Stratford City for 2 days a week. Julia said, "I am privileged to be part of this new venture and I'm looking forward to leading a great team of volunteers, as we seek to serve our neighbours, just as Christ commanded us to do." The picture below shows Julia at her Licensing in March 2011 with Bishop Stephen, together with Matthew Slade and Jenny Cowan from Westfield Stratford City management.


"inSpiration", as a space, is open to people of all faiths and none. It's hoped that lots of people will take the time to visit the space while shopping at Westfield Stratford City - perhaps to spend a few moments praying for the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, as the Olympic Park is adjacent to the shopping centre.

If any members of Stratford Churches are interested in volunteering at "inSpiration" they should contact Rev. Julia Murphy on 020 8519 2524 or email Revjuliamurphy@gmail.com