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.

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.

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

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.