Partners taking good news relevantly to every young person in Bath
Autumn 2017
Director Writes I have recently returned from Cape Town, following a mission trip to Elsiesriver. You can read about it in this edition of Partners. Whilst there, listening to the stories of people and the community, I began to ask myself a question. What is the story that I live? In other words ‘what story does my life tell?’ The community we stayed in is a tough one. The headlines in the local press are primarily negative. The story they tell is one of a poor community struggling to respond to issues of drugs, gangs and shootings. Two weeks before we arrived, 13 people had been shot, resulting in 4 deaths. During our visit, whilst dropping one of the local team off, Jerome and I stumbled on a police road block, minutes after someone had been shot. It is hard to avoid this story. Although it is not the only story, sadly it is the one that
hogs the narrative. It is the story the local people tell and all too often the only one they believe. There is another story. The Gospel. Jerome and his team are living that story as they serve children and young people, as they feed them, share Good News of Jesus with them and mentor them. Jerome’s team - Eban and Lerato - in spite of very difficult personal stories (both have lost parents), are also trying to live a different story. Whilst there I met a young journalist who was local, but knew nothing of
Bath YFC Partners Evening & AGM Thursday 19th October 2017 (AGM 7.00 – 7.30pm, Partners evening 7.45 – 9.45pm) @ St Luke’s Church, Wellsway, Bath, BA2 2BD The Partners evening is a celebration of what God has done and is doing through the work of Bath YFC. The evening will feature live dance, films of various Bath YFC projects, interviews, presentations and an opportunity to talk with Bath YFC staff and trustees about the work.
the work of Pinnacle. He was blown away by the work and wanted to tell this different story with the whole community. He saw the importance of a different narrative. As people of hope we are called to live a different story. What story does your life tell? The challenges are a little less stark in the UK, but we, God’s people, are called to be those who by our words and actions tell a different story to the narratives in our media and society at large. We can live a different story because Christ lived, died and rose again. As we kickoff into a new term, pray for the team as our work starts again, that we will live and speak a story of hope, one that breaks through the prevailing narratives and brings life. James Vaughton
St Mark’s School their feelings or try to solve friendship issues. I like to fix things and have learned that isn’t always an option. At times I have needed to help the girls find a plan to ‘live with’ long term issues and discover coping strategies.
As I drive to St Mark’s on a Wednesday, I always pray “Lord make me useful” - and He has never let me down! Once the rush of Breakfast Club is over, I get ready for a day of mentoring. This year I have mostly mentored Year 8 girls, whom I first met at the Year 7 residential and were involved in the ‘Shine’ programme. Our times together may be just chatting or may involve an activity. It’s a real privilege to share in the lives of these young girls, to listen to them and help them make sense of
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One girl has some processing issues and a fiery temper. Although she knew shouting at teachers wasn’t the right thing to do, she needed guidance to come up with a plan herself, which she did! Another girl with selfconfidence and body image issues admitted she doesn’t enjoy clothes shopping and changing rooms. We both made a list of things we don’t like about ourselves and discussed whether they could be changed or whether we had to learn to appreciate how we are made. I cannot take the credit for that activity but it
worked well – thanks Katie! Here, some of the girls give their perspective on the sessions:
“I like meeting with Sam because it makes me feel I have someone to talk to if I don’t want to talk to my parents and it helps my confidence” “It’s an easy way to open up” “It is lovely to have some time to let out all your emotions and for someone fun to cheer you up” I feel humbled to have had such kind comments from them, I love working at St Mark’s and pray that the girls I have worked with this year will feel empowered and better about themselves as they start Year 9.
Sam Packer
Motus Dance It is always a little worrying when you take time off from work! Despite the preparation of yourself and the group, you never really know what it will look like when you come back! A huge thank you to Chris who soldiered on through injury to keep the sessions going! Also to the volunteers and young leaders choreographing and teaching. As expected a few dancers left while I was away and the adjustment to a new group dynamic isn’t easy. However, we are still in touch with those young people and some are gradually returning. I was pleasantly surprised to
see which dancers stepped up and really pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones! During my absence, 5 new dances were choreographed and taught by the young people! 3 of the girls who had preferred to stay at the back and mess around, were at the front leading the group. They had been meeting up through the weeks to create new material and it is amazing to see how dance has helped to form new friendships among them. It has been so exciting to see how well they took to the latest dance that I choreographed. We have used 'Blinded by your Grace', an openly Christian track. In the past, this would have caused mixed opinions
from the group, but this time they all love it! They have worked incredibly hard with a style of music and dance that we have not yet explored (grime) and it has been amazing to watch them dance and sing along to a song about gratefulness for all God has done. Exploring the lyrics together has opened up some significant conversations. I am looking forward to seeing the dancers progress their own choreography and the return of other members. Please keep the dancers in mind through September as some of them start new schools and even new jobs. Particularly for Rhiannan who is starting her first year at Winchester University!
Sam L
Bath Drop-In Inspired by a conversation between BANES and Bath YFC, during the summer holidays we linked with the council to run a pop up drop-in for young people. The aim was to provide a safe space for young people to acquire service information, link up with local agencies and most importantly have somewhere to go. The weather did have an
impact on the success of the project, but we persevered and experienced some small victories every so often! Sugar Smart drew a few young people in to listen to their promotion of healthier lifestyles and try some delicious fruit water. Representatives of Curo and other council teams were involved, providing some useful material for the young people. The initiative provided a space to nurture
and encourage young people, provided them with free information and most importantly WiFi and a plug to charge their phones!
Rich
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Mission Elsiesriver About a year ago we began to dream about the idea of a mission trip to Cape Town, to work with Pinnacle Youth Outreach (PYO), a charity supported by Bath YFC. This culminated in recruiting a small team to support the delivery of an annual holiday club run by PYO - 4 young people Frances, Ben, Naomi and Molly, together with James, Sam and Jane Conboy. Our fundraising campaign raised more than enough for the trip and the ‘excess’ allowed for 2 members of the PYO team to receive a small salary. Thank you to all who contributed.
On 29th June we flew to Cape Town. The group were ‘shared’ around families from the local church connected with PYO. The hospitality was warm and generous and we were made so welcome. The main focus of the time was a holiday club
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for 150 5 to 16 year olds. A full programme each day included singing, breakfast (1500 bowls of porridge served in the week), outdoor games and bible study classes, focussing on different biblical characters such as Saul, Joseph and Hannah. After lunch, exhausted, the group would say “see you tomorrow” and the children left for the day. It was great to see the smiles on the children’s faces. Frances reflected that she saw God at work in the way the children were so loving to us. Molly said that in spite of the challenges they face, they seemed care-
free and taught her not to worry so much. The children loved playing with Naomi’s hair and learning Cat’s cradle. Ben really got stuck in with leading the singing during the week and even led a song in Afrikaans. It was amazing to see the UK team stretched and growing
as they served the children of Elsiesriver. There were some difficult times when all were tired and energy low, and we are so grateful for the prayers of those at home. There were lots of amazing moments; playing with the children, running an evening soup-run, hearing the stories of local old people during a visit to a sheltered home, eating good food, the view from the top of Table Mountain, watching penguins play in the sea and being immersed in the local culture with God’s people. One of the highlights was the humbling visit to the Victor Verster prison where Nelson Mandela was held for the last 14 months of his incarceration and where the end of apartheid was negotiated. Not open to the public, we were given a private tour by a prison employee who had met Mandela. He told stories about the man who, though definitely not perfect, lived a different story in spite of the
division and hatred. It was truly inspiring. We asked Molly to reflect on the trip:
“Where do I start? There wasn’t much about the trip I didn’t enjoy, but meeting the people of Elsiesriver was the highlight. I’ve lost count of how many hugs and kind words I received, they truly are some of the kindest people.
I found it challenging to see the hunger of some of the children. I often falsely use the term “I’m starving” when I’m hungry, but for a few of the children this is a reality. Some chased us around the hall asking for more food, saying they hadn’t yet eaten, not out of greed, but because they were actually hungry. On the last day, some returned at supper time with empty containers for us to fill for another day. The experience taught me to be grateful for what I have and not take it for granted. The children were so
content with what they had, even just a piece of string to play cat’s cradle. Many of the people we met had experienced loss, but were so thankful to God for what and who they did have. I find when things go wrong I tend to focus on the negatives, but I’m now going to try to be a true Capetonian and remember all the joys and blessings in life.” Before leaving, the PYO and UK team led the Sunday service and enjoyed a meal with our hosts. Ben, Naomi, Molly and Frances all wanted to stay longer and our Elsiesriver friends waved us off saying “see you again.” During the trip we saw God at work in us and others, and we are grateful for his provision and protection. The team are very grateful for your support and ask that you would pray as they consider how things move forward from here. Several would like to return, so we are sure another chapter in this story will be written…
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Prayer Focus September > 1st-7th
Please pray for a smooth transition for Year 7 children as they move to Secondary school, and that the Accompanying Project will help a number of them to adjust to the changes. For new teachers and other staff in schools as they start the academic year.
8th-14th
Please pray for Motus and for Sam as she takes up the reins again after Maternity leave. Pray that the dancers who have left in recent months would return and that new members would be added. Pray for openness amongst this group and opportunities for Sam and Chris to talk with them about their faith.Pray for YFC staff returning to school projects that they would have opportunities to impact the lives of the young people they meet.
15th–21st
Thank God for the opportunity to take young people to Soul Survivor and Greenbelt and pray that the impact of the events in their lives would last and develop over the coming months. Pray for young people leaving for University this month for the first time, that they would be quickly integrated into their new environment.
22nd-30th
Pray for thriving relationships between Bath YFC and local churches as we seek to work together to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the young people of this city.
October > 1st-7th
Pray for the work in the 3 city centre churches with which Bath YFC has partnered and for the programme that Richard has put together for the young people of these congregations. Thank God for the opportunity to work in Kingswood School for the first time and pray for Rich and Dave as they deliver the Rock Solid material to Year 7s and 8s.
8th-15th
Please pray for our Trustees – Dan Jones, John Lawton, Jerry Parr, Louise Cripps, Jeremy Steeds, David Chambers and Paul Little – for wisdom in their role. Pray for the recruitment of new trustees.
16th–22nd
Thank God for all our supporters and pray for the success of the Showcase event on the 19th that all involved would be encouraged and for an impact to be made on those attending.
23rd-31st
Thank God for the provision of finances. Pray for the Youth Homelessness Project, particularly that more hosts will offer their homes for NightStop and for Kat as she continues to progress the project with the YMCA.
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November > 1st-7th
Pray for the Arise event happening this week – and pray that it would continue to develop a sense of unity across the city. Pray for those young people involved in organising the event and those attending. Pray for the discussion group at St Gregory’s that this would be a place where the young people can develop their faith.
8th-14th
For ‘Prayer Space’ in Hayesfield & Ralph Allen – that Katie would have a clear vision for the role of this initiative and how it can best meet the needs of students. For continued favour and more opportunities to work in schools.
15th–21st
Pray for the development of the discipleship programme in churches. Thank God for the success of the Accompanying Project and pray for its expansion into new schools. For staff members – James, Dave, Kat, Sam, Sam, Chris, Lisa, Rich – that they continue to find favour in all they do, and experience success.
22nd-30th
Please pray for Sam Packer as she works in the East side of Bath – Breakfast club & mentoring in St Mark’s, Accompanying in primary schools. Pray for the planning of Christmas Assemblies and for schools to be open for YFC to lead these next month.
Would you take in a stranger? Last year we worked with the YMCA to establish Nightstop, which arranges emergency accommodation for young people in crisis by providing a safe place to stay in the homes of individuals and families who are called Volunteer Hosts. Nightstop are making a call for volunteers who would like to be become hosts. Most volunteers host a young person for between
1 and 3 nights, but it is really up to the individual/ family to decide their own availability. All Hosts will be entitled to receive an expenses allowance of £10 every time they accommodate a young person for the evening. “Even just offering one night of rest, I think it just reminds young people that people do care” (Nightstop Host)
Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer Host with Bath Nightstop? Email the YMCA at Nightstop@bathymca.co.uk or telephone on 01225 325912.
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Soul Survivor This summer Chris and our intern from last year Naomi, took a group of 4 Motus dancers and 2 youth from St. Philip’s Church to Soul Survivor week C in Peterborough! This was the first year the event was held in its new venue, the East of England Showground, which meant a 4 hour minibus trip! We partnered with Weston All Saints Church – 12 youth & 3 leaders. It’s always great
really powerful times of worship together, followed by amazing vulnerability from the youth during the ministry times. Dan even made a commitment to Jesus during one of them - HALLELUJAH!!! Many people prayed for the group while we were away and I’m especially thankful to the local Southdown churches for their part in this. We certainly felt the protection
when the opportunity arises to partner with others and we really enjoyed camping with another Bath group.
and safety net even with one young person being sent to hospital (she’s ok now)!
4 of our 6 had been to Soul Survivor before, and first timers LOVED it too! We had some
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The group have bonded not only on a personal level through camping and eating together for 5 days, but also on a spiritually deeper
level due to the nature of the event. I’m so excited for the follow up after this trip, which is a high point of the year. It’s my hope that we can grow the enthusiasm and expectancy engendered by the event and am looking at options for discipling the young people helping them grow and deepen their love for Jesus. Thanks to everyone who has supported the young people and leaders, it was an eventful week!
Chris
Dave’s Sabbatical – A change of pace
What a privilege to have a sabbatical at Bath YFC! A true blessing and time to hear from God in a new way. My sabbatical started with some DIY at home as I felt I just needed to do something completely different from looking at a computer, being in a meeting or doing youth work. Therefore, the first few weeks were spent painting walls and laying laminate flooring. Then in the third week my time was more focused on my children, for example seeing Riley at his athletics club and going on Ava’s pre-school trip to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol. My fourth and fifth weeks were spent with Urban
Saints Mexico building a house for a family living in considerable poverty. This was an amazing honor and I am hugely thankful to everyone who helped to get me there. The new house will significantly change the family’s life forever as they now live on a concrete base and their home is waterproof. We built the house for a
with a great group of people from Bath and Wiltshire, aged 11 through to 74! We bonded so well as a team through this very practical experience. Through the experience of being in Mexico, God has really opened my eyes to the
family of seven. The father has a job as a security guard, receiving just one dollar an hour, so is really struggling to get his family out of poverty. The home will improve their health and give them a better chance of staying together and for the children to go to school.
poverty other people face in our world and how through different projects we can make a difference and give them support to live their lives with dignity and escape the cycle of poverty.
It was also amazing working
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Thanks again for all your prayers throughout my sabbatical.
Greenbelt In August we took a group of 8 young people to the Greenbelt festival. It was the first time at this event for all of them and it was a fantastic experience. Greenbelt has the atmosphere of a mainstream festival, yet provides opportunity for ministry and personal spiritual growth. Prior to the event I spent time encouraging the young people to be the change in Church that they desire. During Greenbelt, God spoke directly about this to the group. For four days we sampled beatboxing, workshops, concerts and
raves. We also listened to a Bishop from Fiji explain how he has integrated young people into his Dioceses, and heard from a group of young people about their perspective of Church and the changes they would like to see. By the end of the few days away, we felt closer to one another, energised from
the atmosphere and music vibes and inspired. I have grown to love the young people so much, they have a genuine heart for people and I pray that they hold on to what happened for them at Greenbelt.
Rich
Congratulations ‌ to Katie and Jo who were married on Saturday 26th August. The sun shone and a packed church enjoyed a beautiful ceremony filled with God’s presence. We wish them every happiness for their future together and look forward to welcoming
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Mrs Katie Little back to the YFC team!
Quiz Night Bath YFC held a Quiz night on 10th June at St Luke’s, Wellsway to raise money for Plant House. Nearly 100 people turned up in 19 teams which made for a highly competitive and fun evening! There were the regular general knowledge, TV & film and Food & Drink rounds as well as a
chocolate tasting, smell and a controversial kazoo round! The winning team, ‘the Coalition of Chaos’, won by a clear margin and got a bumper hamper of goodies including wine, chocolates and whisky! There were also prizes for the 2nd and 3rd placed teams and a special booby prize of 3 rolls of
cellotape and some biscuits to the bottom placed team. A huge thank you to everyone who helped out on the night and to everyone who came along to support - we raised over £900, which was amazing!!
John, Kathy and Jerry (YFC Trustees)
Legacies James reflects on the receipt of a recent unexpected gift and asks you to consider whether a legacy for Bath YFC is something you might consider.
“Legacies.” There, I said it! I find it a little awkward as this involves two things we don’t like talking about; money and death. However, in the light of the blessing of the recent gift from a long term partner and the knowledge that many charities benefit from legacies, I am highlighting this to ask if you might consider making a gift that will bring life, in your will? Legacies are an opportunity for us all to consider how what God has given us in this life can make a difference beyond our time on this earth. In case you are wondering, this is not just a consideration for those who
are older. In the next edition of Partners we will include a flyer inviting you to include Bath YFC in your will. I am mentioning it now to give you time to think and pray about whether this is something you could do. Thank you for reading and considering this.
Please feel free to get in touch with me via email james@bathyfc.co.uk, if you have any questions.
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