Partners’ Newsletter Summer 2018
Director Writes Welcome to our new look Partners’ newsletter. We hope you like it but more importantly, are inspired and encouraged by what you read. We have not only re-designed inline with new Youth for Christ branding but have also introduced a few changes to our content, including a more in-depth article about an area of our work in each issue. This time the focus is our Life Academy programme. Findings of research published just over a year ago by Youthscape showed that churches continue to struggle with talking about areas of life that affect teenagers beyond faith. One of those areas is that of relationships and sex, both of which are a gift of God and yet, Youthscape’s research tells us, are little discussed. At Youth for Christ we believe God is Alpha and
Peer Mentoring Running this project in Hayesfield has been amazing but also really challenging. Due to the school being across two sites, the pairs found it tricky to negotiate timetables to book in mentoring slots. We supported, encouraged and reviewed often to hear how things were going. All in all, I think it has been a great experience for the mentors to learn responsibility of a new role, to advance their skills, and to have the feel-good factor of helping someone out. The mentees fed back that they loved the variety of activities that they got to do during their mentoring sessions. There are, with any new projects of course, teething problems, however most pairings have been a success and the challenges are something we look to overcome in the future of the Peer Mentoring Project.
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Omega, in other words, to quote an old song, ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’ and that includes the questions and activity of young people in relation to relationships and sex. God has a Good News message about these important areas of life and we are committed to playing our part in sharing that through our Life Academy programme. If, as you read the article, you think you would like us to deliver this important programme to the young people with whom you work, please do get in touch. As ever, it is important to say, we could not do what we do without your support, encouragement and prayer. Thank you. James Vaughton
Shine
I used the Christmas break to revamp and update the Shine programme we deliver. Partly because it hadn’t been reviewed in a few years, but also in preparation for running it out in 3 schools this year. I had the privilege of working with 16 year 8 girls from Ralph Allen. A favourite story of mine from this course involved a girl who in the first week held her head down, looking quite glum and low. As the weeks progressed she began to enter the room with a smile, hold her head a little higher, smile more often and join in the activities with confidence. Week 5 arrived, and she said “Mrs, I just want you to know that thanks to this course I’ve learnt to really love myself, I mean I’m pretty awesome!!”. How amazing is that! I love to witness girls realising just how unique and valuable they are. Katie Little
Feedback from a group of seven Year 7 girls from St Mark’s, gives an insight into how they find the course … …they enjoyed decorating gingerbread men, they would have liked more games and longer sessions, & they enjoyed being in a group together. When asked how it had helped them, one girl wrote “It helped me become a bit more confident”, which is really encouraging as she had been quite quiet at the start of the sessions. Also, four of them said that they are more aware of their own & other people’s emotions – another plus. A new group has now started on the course at St Mark’s. Sam Packer
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Life Academy
According to a Middlesex University study, 53% of 11- to 16-year-olds have seen explicit material online. In December 2016, Youthscape Research Centre carried out a survey with young people in over 2000 local churches. The report, Losing Heart, stated that 48.7% have no sex and relationship education and 67.8% aren’t talking about pornography. The impact on a young person, of becoming enmeshed in viewing sexually explicit material is significant. It can lead to an addiction, is likely to impact their view of 4
sex and relationships, potentially impacting sexual intimacy and marriage in later life. Furthermore, such behaviour can elicit feelings of shame and guilt in a young person about something that they feel trapped by, do in secret but know is not healthy. Pornography is just one of the topics discussed within Life Academy our 10-week relationships programme. The sessions, rooted in a Christian perspective of relationships, consider topics such as identity, love, choices,
safe relationships and sexual health. Bath Youth for Christ has delivered this important material in schools and in partnership with local churches. We believe giving young people, a listening ear and creative activities and the opportunity to discuss topics can see lives changed. Many in the church hold to the sanctity of marriage. So why is it we don’t talk about it? Surely, if we say these things are important, it is critical that these things are unpacked so young people are equipped for the world they face day to day. They need to know they can turn to the church, without fear of judgement when things do not go well, mistakes are made, or they are unsure what to do. One 16-year-old girl told us, “I felt safe to speak my mind and supported.” This sense of safety is vital. At the start of Life Academy, we state the orthodox Christian view about sex and relationships. Working with young people of faith and those with no faith means belief in waiting for marriage, for sexual intimacy, does get challenged during the course. The course is designed to understand and consider different life circumstances and to help establish young people’s values and beliefs surrounding sex and relationships. The course equips young people with the skills and confidence to make informed, positive choices about their relationships and sexual health. We have worked with a variety of young people; one, as a result of attending, was able to break free from a destructive relationship,
another young person told us they were the product of a one-night stand, however both parents loved and cared for her as their daughter. This young person learnt the importance of trust within a relationship. We have worked with a young woman working through the challenges of being transgender. These situations are all challenging and as Christians we may have strong feelings about some of these issues. We are clear about the Christian perspective, however we also believe it is important to love the young people where they are, to hear their differing views and experiences without ‘casting stones’ and to encourage and challenge when the connections made allow this. We believe this is the ministry of Christ, who did not hold on to what he had but let it go, to be among us, to serve, love and redeem us (Phil 2:5-8). We have seen young people’s views and behaviour change through Life Academy. One girl told us that, “Life Academy has taught us about life, relationships and sex.” Another that, “…it helps educate us on life, healthy relationships and self-respect.” We recently led a course with Wes, Youth Minister at All Saints in Weston. He fed back how Life Academy created a greater openness for young people to talk about the things that really do matter to them. Having run Life Academy for six year we know it is transformative. If you are interested in arranging for us to run a Life Academy course with your youth group, please contact Dave Joyce dave@bathyfc.co.uk or call the office on 01225 336055.
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Prayer points for Bath May> 1st-7th
Pray for the Y7 girls starting Shine at St Mark’s that they would grow in confidence and self-esteem. Pray for Sam that she will know how to encourage these young people. Thank God for the peer mentoring project and pray for direction on how to move it forward. Thank God for new trustees Jenny and Karen and pray for wisdom and discernment for our trustees
8th-14th
Pray for the young people about to start GCSE and ‘A’ level exams, that they would be peaceful and not stressed. Pray for staff in the schools as they seek to support the students at this time. Pray especially for the young people we have mentored that are about to start exams.
15th–21st
For year 6 children about to take SATS & prepare to leave Primary School. Pray they would enjoy the last few weeks of this stage of their education and be excited for the next phase. Pray for James (and Dan and Steve from Wilts Youth for Christ) as they Walk Wiltshire on 18-19th. Pray for the success of the Danceathon fundraiser on 19th.
22nd-31st
Thank God for Simeon Wakely who has joined our team to mentor young people with disabilities. Pray for this exciting new project that it would be well received in schools and be an encouragement to the mentees.
June> 1st-7th
Shaping Church to Disciple Young People – pray for all the churches involved, that young people would encounter God and be more effectively discipled through the local church’s involvement. We have meetings this month and again in September.
8th-15th
For the 13 children who come to Going Bananas, that they would know God loves them. Pray for those leading, especially Sam, that they would have wisdom to help the young people discover God for themselves.
16th–22nd
Pray for those of our staff involved in schools work – Katie, Sam P, Sam L, Chris, Rich and Dave – that they will have wisdom to know how best to support the young people with whom they work and to be able to prioritise need. Pray for support from the schools in which they work.
23rd-30th
Pray for James and Dave as they seek to lead and develop the charity, that they will have clarity about the future direction. Pray for the next Arise event on 29th, that it would be a blessing and encouragement to the young people attending. Pray for the appointment of a new member of staff, working in Timsbury. Interviews take place on 29th.
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July> 1st-7th
Thank God for the continued support of individuals, groups, churches and charitable trusts that enable Bath Youth for Christ to reach young people. Pray for continued favour as we seek to secure funding for current and future projects.
8th-14th
Thank God for the opportunity to take a group of young people to Mexico in 2019. Pray for the planning process of the trip, that young people feel encouraged and inspired to be involved and for fundraising initiatives to make it possible. Pray that it would be a significant experience for the young people.
15th–21st
Pray for the mentoring of young homeless people; especially for Dave & Kat as they develop this new initiative.
22nd-31st
Pray for a restful break for both staff and young people over the summer holidays. Pray for the families of staff as they are able to spend more time together over the next few weeks.
August> 1st – 7th
Thank God for the success of the Accompanying Project, now in 7 schools in Bath, as well as schools in South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. Pray for its expansion in the coming academic year.
8th – 14th
Pray for young people receiving exam results in the next couple of weeks and for parents, school staff and others who seek to advise them about their next step.
15th – 21st
Thank God for the opportunity to expand our work into Timsbury. Pray for the new worker in the village, that they would integrate well into the community and quickly develop connections with young people.
22nd – 31st
Pray for children who are about to start Secondary School, that they would settle quickly and be excited about this new phase of their education. Pray for our staff team as we prepare for a new academic year.
Staying on our mailing list! It is very important to us that we are able to keep in touch with you through our newsletter and other correspondence from time to time. Due to new legislation (The General Data Protection Regulations – GDPR), from 25th May 2018 we will only be able to send our newsletter to you if you OPT IN to receive it. We have included a response form for you to complete and return in the reply envelope, or to save our costs, please send us an email with the information, so that we can keep in touch. If we don’t receive instructions from you, we will delete your details from our database and no longer send you the newsletter. Our Privacy Notice, detailing how we process personal data and your rights can be found on our website. If you would like to receive a paper copy of this, please contact Lisa Hawkins on 01225 336055, or admin@bathyfc.co.uk Thank you for your help with this. 7
Mexico 2019 In July 2019 we are planning to take a group of young people and adults to Tijuana, Mexico to work with Amor Ministries, building homes in a poor community. In March we held an information evening to help those interested in joining the trip to understand more about the project. As well as showing a couple of films about the work, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Gayla Congdon (Founder of Amor Ministries) to talk about her experiences in Mexico and why building houses is so important for the Mexican communities. The evening provided an opportunity to explain how such an experience could change the lives of young people as they learn about poverty, justice and putting their faith into action. Dave Joyce
New Trustee – Karen Turner I moved with my family to Bath just over a year ago to start a new role as a lay chaplain to students at both Bath Universities. We’ve been made to feel at home here in new schools, new jobs, with new neighbours and among Christians from many different churches in Bath. Although I’m now working with students, I have a background in teaching and youth work and so it is great to be able to support Bath Youth for Christ and to keep in touch with a ministry focus that is still close to my heart. I’m particularly interested in encouraging opportunities to mentor young people and have seen how God works powerfully through regular and intentional conversations when we are open to Spirit-led listening. 8
As a new resident, I’m beginning to notice the huge differences in background and opportunity for young people living in different areas of the city. I would love to see the churches being a catalyst for change and for sharing God’s love across the barriers that divide us.
Part -time Youth and Schools Worker Salary £21,682 (Pro Rota) + 7% pension contribution
We are looking to appoint a part-time youth and school’s worker who will deliver youth and schools work in the Timsbury area of Bath. This exciting new role is in partnership with Bath YMCA and St Mary’s Church. • We are looking for a committed Christian with a passion for mission among & discipleship of young people • You will be responsible for developing existing relationships with schools and helping develop relationships with local primary schools in the area and able to work both as part of a team and on your own. • You will have excellent relational, interpersonal and communication skills, whether working with young people, church leaders or senior management. • You will have a relevant qualification and/or experience in working with young people • You will be part of a creative and supportive team which believes that a difference can be made in the lives of young people in the local area. To find out how you could make a Christian difference among the young people in Bath, email us at Bath YFC; admin@bathyfc.co.uk or call 01225 336055 to get an application pack. We look forward to hearing from you. Closing date 15th June and interviews 29th June
There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post-holder is a committed and practicing Christian.
Could you mentor a young person? Bath Youth for Christ are looking for people who can offer a listening ear, support and encouragement to young people aged 16-25 who are living in temporary accommodation. Volunteer Mentors will be supported by Bath Youth for Christ, receive training and will be reimbursed any expenses incurred in providing activities for the young people. If you are interested in finding out more then please join us on 9th May, 7:30pm at the Manna House, St. Philip and St. James Church, Odd Down, Bath, BA2 2QF Get in touch with us at: Email: admin@bathyfc.co.uk Tel:01225 336055 9
Woodcroft 2018 In February we took 22 young people to the Woodcroft Christian Centre for our annual retreat. The theme - ‘The Great Escape’ – looked at how we ‘escape’ and connect with God. We studied prayer for three days and dived deep into how prayer and our quiet times can shape how we connect with God. The first afternoon was spent playing games inside or outside, or playing instruments together - we had a great time escaping. This led into our first session, looking at Jesus’ example of prayer and what he said about using big words when we should just be ourselves.
The second day was filled with activities such as Nerf wars, escape room, man hunt and a quiz, finishing with the film ‘Moana’. On the final morning we spent the time building each other up with kind words. This was a lesson in how our words impact those around us. Woodcroft 2018 was an incredible success, we connected more with one another and with God, we prayed together and took some time out for ourselves. We are all very excited about what happens next.
Shaping Church to Disciple Young People Our SCDYP Learning Community kicked off on 24th February with seven churches coming together to hear, explore and consider how their church might be better shaped to more effectively disciple young people. The day started with The Ven Dr. Adrian Youings, the new Archdeacon of Bath, speaking from 1 Thessalonians 1 - how we are called to be disciples, modelling discipleship to others. James Vaughton shared his research on this subject and it was exciting to see
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folk from different churches discussing how discipleship in our own settings looks and might develop. The Fuller Seminary’s ‘Growing Young’ material was used during the day and at our next gathering on 23rd April we spent time reflecting on what folk in the different churches thought about the church and its discipleship. We are really excited to announce that in the summer James’ research will be published as a Grove Booklet. More details to follow and please do pray for this work.
Fundraising A number of our staff have been, and continue to be, busy fundraising. Here are some of their ‘exploits’! Sam Packer hosted a Clothes Swap in February and accepted donations in lieu of presents for her Silver Wedding Anniversary, raising a total of around £430. Katie expresses her thanks to those who supported her recently: I cannot say a big enough thank you to everyone who supported and donated to my Bath Half fundraising. We made just under £800!!! Despite running through snow blizzards, in what felt like -10c on the day we completed 14 and a half miles (more than the 13.1 we had planned) in 2 hours and 40 minutes! Thanks again to all! Lisa Hawkins, together with Jenny Clarke (Trustee) took part in the Bath Beat Walk on 21st April, raising about £360. Motus Dance Academy will be doing a ‘10 hour Danceathon!’ on 19th May. That’s right for a whole 10 hours the dance floor will always be occupied... many litres of water will be drunk and we will need to do some serious stretching afterwards! Your support will give us that extra fuel to get to finish strong!” You can donate by going to https://mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/motus10hrdanceathon Walk Wiltshire – The Director’s Challenge – 18-19 May 2018 James Vaughton has taken on a variety of challenges over the years; marathons, mountains, moorland and most recently in 2016 Tough Mudder, which he completed with the team. This year James will be walking 100km (60 miles) in two days from Malmesbury Abbey to Salisbury Cathedral. Whilst there are no mountains, the length of the walk over such a short time will be a major physical challenge (as a recent training day made clear). James’ motivation is to fundraise as much as possible for the ministry of Youth for Christ among amazing young people, whether dancers, young homeless or those in schools. Please would you consider sponsoring James on this latest challenge? You can do so by completing the enclosed form and sending it to our office (address on the back page) or by going to www. give.net/walkwilts2018. Thank you. Save the Date On 6th October, the trustees will be hosting a Quiz Night. This event was a great success last year and we look forward to welcoming as many as possible to join us for a fun evening – with PRIZES!! Details to follow.
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