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The Boaters' Christian Fellowship

For Christians who enjoy the Inland Waterways of Britain


The Hope and Anchor

A "Hope and Anchor" pub sign, consisting of a lighthouse and an anchor with a rough sea behind.

The forty days leading up to Easter is called Lent, a season of hope.

"17God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. 18So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary." Hebrews 6 :17-19 NLT.

Images are powerful reminders to us all. As Easter approaches, we remember the temple curtain being torn in two when Jesus was crucified, symbolising that all Christians now have full access to God Himself. The anchor, which many of us have on our boats, reminds us that that God is a true lifeline to all who believe.

The lighthouse on the pub sign also prompts us to remember that He is the light and will show us the way.

God bless you at this time.


Who is the Boaters' Christian Fellowship for?

Cruising on the Kennet & Avon

If you are a Christian, and have a love of the British Canals and Rivers, then the Boaters' Christian Fellowship is for you! Despite the name, you do not need a boat to be a member.

Membership is open to anyone who agrees with our Statement of Belief. We are a diverse group of many denominations. Members of the Boaters' Christian Fellowship come from all walks of life and ages. Some just enjoy walking or sitting by the waterways. Many want to own a boat one day, or have sadly had to give up their boating life. Some enjoy Hire Boat holidays. Of course, a large percentage are currently boat owners or have a share in a boat.

Getting together

Canalway Cavalcade

It is our shared love of our Lord, and common interest in the waterways that brings us together. We organise get-togethers throughout the year (formally and informally), and our Membership Directory ensures you can find other members near you. Our AGM is a lively affair, with members coming from all over the country to share fellowship and worship. As well as the formal meeting (which we keep as short as possible), there is plenty of time to get to know each other. We also enjoy a "Bring and Share" lunch - which usually has enough left-overs for tea as well!

The Boaters' Christian Fellowship is a great way of getting to know other Christians across the network. If you are new to boating, several of our members will be only too pleased to share their knowledge with you. Our regular magazine, the BCF Word, is published four times a year in full colour. It is packed with useful tips, as well as members sharing stories of their cruises. There is a series of studies on the letter of Paul to the Romans, along with news from the Waterways Chaplaincy and Canal Ministries team.

The peace of the canals

Many people, from all walks of life, feel something of the "Peace of the Canals". It is a way of getting away from the pressures of life. A chance and a place to reflect. This is why the Canal & River Trust has the strapline "Making life better by water". As Christians, we can thank God for the opportunities this presents to share the Good News.


About Us

Formed in 1995 the BCF now has over 600 members, with approximately 350 privately owned boats. Read more...

Bridges

Been given a "Bridges" leaflet and want to know the answers? Then click here...

Meet us

If you would like to meet some of our members, click here to look at their online profiles...

Join Us

If you are interested in joining the Boaters' Christian Fellowship, then click here to read more...

Contact Us

Please click here for details of how to contact us.

History

Find out how and why the Boaters' Christian Fellowship was formed.

Verse of the Day