Friday 30 January 2009

Minibuses

I had a query last week about hiring minibuses in Worcestershire. If you are looking for a minibus, take a look at the county site called Sharelink. You can also find guidance about getting qualified to drive the county minibuses.

Children and the Internet

I posted a while ago about Safer Internet Day on 10th February. If you want some resources to work on this topic with children or young people, have a look at Childnet International. There's a video about cyberbullying which is available free to schools. I've purchased leaflets which will be going out with the mailing next time.

Tuesday 27 January 2009

YOUTH EVANGELISM FUND

This year sees Worcester diocese getting the Youth Evangelism Fund. I have just received the briefing documents for this so will be preparing application packs and publicity over the next couple of weeks.

For those of you already thinking that this might be FOR YOU, take a look at the criteria set for those applying:

Aims
The Fund affirms projects and proposals that share the Good News of Jesus Christ in ways that make sense to young people.

Projects and proposals should:
• be creative, prayerful and culturally appropriate for young people.
• be planned and developed by young people themselves.
• demonstrate the love and justice of God practically.
• have a “local” focus - towards young people in a specific community, area, or network.
• start something new (or build on what already exists in a new way).
• build on partnership and co-operation between different churches and organisations.
• form part of a wider strategy for the Church’s mission in an area or community.
• have been well-researched, and draw on examples of good practice.

Projects and proposals should enable young people to :
• encounter the Gospel at their own pace and in their own way.
• come to participate more fully in the life of the Church, either within the existing Christian community or through a fresh expression of church.

Criteria for applications
Applications should :
• be made by young people, and developed with their active contribution and involvement.
• have clear aims and objectives, and be able to explain why this project is being suggested, what it hopes to achieve, and how.
• learn from recognised good practice. (New and radical ideas for youth evangelism will be welcome, but these will need to be carefully thought through.)
• involve careful and appropriate consultation – for example with local church leaders, diocesan specialists (particularly youth and mission/evangelism officers), and relevant authorities (such as schools, colleges, local authorities).
• be aimed at the 11 to 20 age group.
• be clear how the proposal fits into the mission strategy of the Church locally.
• fit into an overall pattern of work with young people, and show how young people who make a Christian commitment will be able to nurture and develop their faith.
• be undergirded by a sound understanding of equal opportunity issues.
• reflect and incorporate good child protection procedures.

Priority will be given to :
• evangelism in areas where the Church is weakest in its outreach to young people (for
example in deeply rural or inner urban areas, or in small and struggling churches,
or among those marginalised within society).
• projects that seek to engage with distinctive youth cultures and groupings.
• specific, time-limited projects, or provision of “seed” money to help a project get started.
• projects which involve a partnership with local churches, communities or Christian organisations.

Successful applicants will:
• normally receive only part of the total cost of the venture, depending on the circumstances of the project and its needs.
• be expected to share their insights and experiences with other groups and churches, so that lessons and good practice can be shared.
• take particular care when relating to people from non-Christian faith traditions.
• ensure that evangelism is not manipulative or aggressive, and at all times respect the freedom and integrity of young people.
• encourage the development of local creative prayer support.

Friday 23 January 2009

Blobs on the Blog

I was chatting with some teachers recently about this great resource from Pip Wilson. There was the original Blob tree and from there, he has now developed all kinds of Blobs including the latest Blob Spirituality. These are great for using with people, young and old, to help them think about their place in a community, how they feel about themselves and their relationships with others and helps groups learn about how other members of the group feel.

Thursday 22 January 2009

Children's and Families Worker, Pedmore

We are a friendly parish church within the open evangelical tradition with a vision and sense of God’s call to extend our work with children and families.

Are you an enthusiastic, committed Christian, able to take a lead in growing our mission to children and families?

In this new post you would build on our existing ministry and develop outreach programmes.

Salary between £20,000 and £24,000 dependent on qualifications and experience.

For further information and an application pack please contact

The Administrator, St Peter’s Church Centre, Pedmore Lane,
Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 0SW

Tel No 01562 887287 (9.30-12.30 weekdays)
or email

This post is subject to Criminal Records enhanced disclosure

INTERVIEW DATE:
WEDNESDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2009

See our website

Wednesday 14 January 2009

Far Forest Centre


The Far Forest Centre has a new website.


This is still under construction but will have more information over the next few months.


We love our Youthworker

To encourage churches to enable the best possible youthwork, Youthwork the Partnership and Amaze have put together a campaign fronted by cartoons from the fantastic Dave Walker.



You can see the launch of the campaign at Spring Harvest or head on over to the Schoolswork site to see the cartoons.



I also have a hanfdul of each cartoon postcard which I will be giving away at the children and youth leaders training event INSPIRE on Saturday 7th February.


Spring Harvest 09

Spring Harvest runs three different weeks at two different venues (Skegness & Minehead). This year they are:


Week 1: Saturday 4 - Thursday 9 April 09

Week 2: Thursday 9 - Tuesday 14 April 09

Week 3: Tuesday 14 - Sunday 19 April 09


There are various ways to book for Spring Harvest




Most exciting for peopel involved in youth minsitry this year will be the launch of the new WE LOVE OUR YOUTHWORKER innitiative at each week at both venues.


Do let me know if you're taking a group and I can try and put you in touch with other groups from the diocese who are going the same week as you.

Soul Survivor 09

Details are also up now for the Soul Survivor weeks this summer.

Week A
Venue: Stafford Showground, Staffordshire Dates: Fri 24th- Tues 28th July More on what's going on at Week A...

Week B
Venue: Bath & West Showground, Somerset Dates:
Wed 12th- Sun 16th August Week More on what's going on at Week B in Somerset...

Week C
Venue: Bath & West Showground, Somerset
Mon 17th- Fri 21st August More on what's going on at Week C in Somerset...

Do let me know if you're taking a group and I can try and put you in touch with other groups from the diocese who are going the same week as you.

Pass the Word

This year the theme of the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage is Pass the Word.

Booking forms are here and all kinds of useful information about preparations are here.

It's only £45 per person if you book now (£55 after 1st June).

Here's what they have in their programme:


  • You pitch your tents on Monday in one of our camping villages on the best site ever....cafe tent, games pitch, big top and loads of open space!
  • The pilgrimage kicks off on the Monday Night with an amazing opening service, followed by a BBQ and Disco. Time to meet new friends.
  • Take part in daily Bible studies......sounds boring? Not so, this is Bible action with a difference! Go on give it a try!
  • Receive water from the shrine's Holy Well ...want to know more? Come and do it! Mass with the CJM band each day in the ‘big top' it has to be experienced to be believed!
    ‘All Night prayer' like you've never experienced it before - are you up for the challenge? ‘It was one of the most moving and amazing nights of my life' (2008 pilgrim)
  • Trace the footsteps of millions of pilgrims as you walk the famous Holy Mile
  • Tuesday afternoon FREE to go to the seaside or visit one of the many attractions nearby
  • Wednesday afternoon....a massive selection of activities from inflatable assault courses, trampolining, break dancing, dance, singing, art and craft all FREE on site and around the village!
  • The big Walsingham five aside ‘footie' challenge! Sort your team now!
  • The Word Café opens each day 'til late. A place to meet, play games, listen to music and enjoy drinks and snacks. Shop always open in there and THE place to charge your phones!
  • And finally.....last night disco and karaoke and the most electrifying farewell Mass possible on the final morning.

Do let me know if you're taking a group and I can try and put you in touch with other groups from the diocese.

Monday 12 January 2009

Peruvian Link

In 2010 I will be travelling to Peru as part of the diocesan link and I would like to take 2-4 young people (aged 16-25) with me. If you know any young people who would like to apply for this opportunity, please get in touch.

Youth Work on the Edge



There’s a great training opportunity later in February on Saturday 28th February. There’s a whole host of great speakers including people from the Frontier Youth Trust and Worth Unlimited. It’s £10 including lunch from 10.30-3.30pm in Birmingham and will be worth every penny! For a booking form email here.

I-cans

I am putting together a set of resources called I-cans which will be self-contained resource pots with everything you need to run a particular bible study, discussion, activity or worship session. If you have any particular session you would like featured in these resources, please do get in touch.

Resources for Lent

I’ve been sent some samples of the Love Life Live Lent resources, targeted this year at children, young people and families. The site provides an hour’s session for your youth group each week plus you could give each member of your group their own booklet to work through during the week for each day of Lent. There’s also a book for families and a book specifically aimed at children.

Rock the Cathedral


On Saturday 6th September we had over 350 people rocking the cathedral to the music of Formal Affair, The Fans of Faye, Dan Haynes, The Relentless Craving and Finchley. When they weren’t listening to the awesome music, young people were able to chill out at Breathe in the Chapter house, get active in the juggle zone, re-energise at the café or find some space at the prayer zone. Adults who came along also had the benefit of the Adult crèche complete with mini golf and newspapers. In between the bands we also had some compelling drama from the young people of Matchborough and some wise words from both Jon Pedley, vice-chair of the youth council, and Bishop John.


There’s now a commemorative video of photos taken on the night. If your group were there and want to remember one fabulous night in September or if they weren’t and they want to know what they missed, get in touch with me and I can send you a copy in exchange for a small donation of £3 to the funds for Rock the Cathedral Again 2010.


If you have or know a kicking Christian band locally and would like to be considered for Rock the Cathedral Again 2010, get in touch with the youth council via their revamped
website at where you can see their review of the event.

Conference of European Churches

The Conference of European Churches are inviting applications for stewards (18-30 year olds) for the Assembly in Lyon in July.

Do you want an International Worship experience?

Our Director of Development Robert Jones will be at the conference as part of the liturgy team.