Partners’ Newsletter Autumn 2018
Back to school! At Bath Youth for Christ the start of a new term and changing staff responsibilities mean an increase in our work in some schools, such as Ralph Allen – who have already booked us for Christmas assemblies! For the first time we hope to be working in The Studio School, and continue to work in St. Mark’s, Hayesfield and Kingswood. We are stepping back from St. Gregory’s discussion group although not our connection with the school, as pupils will be coming to Mexico on mission next summer.
writers remind us of the way Christ gave himself to the people around him; listening, forgiving, healing, saving and inviting them. As we head back into schools, pray that Christ will be at the heart of our ministry in local schools.
Young people spend a considerable amount of time in school. We believe it is important that we are present among them, ministering to them in word and action. The gospel
We would love you to join us.
One thing I would really like to highlight is our Annual General Meeting. This is taking place on Monday 22nd October from 7.30-8.30pm at St Swithin’s Church, Walcot
James Vaughton
Facing fears and overcoming One of the joys of the Accompanying project is the opportunity to be involved in Year 6 extra activities. In June Sam Packer joined the St Saviour’s Junior School end of year residential to the Isle of Wight at the PGL site in Ryde. The hot & sunny weather gave the children opportunity to take part in so many different activities including trapeze, sensory trail, giant swing, quad biking, dragon boat racing, zip wire, Jacob’s Ladder & Aeroball. All were encouraged to join in and perhaps face fears of height or the dark. They particularly rose to the challenge of working in teams.
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Everyone enjoyed watching the England football game, with a fabulous atmosphere as each of the six goals were scored! The week finished with the obligatory disco and thanking the staff. Sam very much appreciated the opportunity to be amongst the children away from the normal setting of school.
Getting ready to ‘GO’ – Mexico 2019 At our Showcase event last Autumn, Dave Joyce shared the vision to take young people on a mission trip to Mexico. It is now confirmed that a team of 25 - 15 young people and 10 adults - are going to Mexico in July 2019 to build a house for a family living in poverty. The adventure has already begun! In June the group met to get to know each other a little better, using some fun activities. In small teams they brainstormed about fundraising, and came up with lots of different ideas from school mufti days to Mexico evenings. In September, they will have the opportunity to abseil off Elim Church, in conjunction with Genesis, as a fundraising event. In September the plan is to produce a short film for use at fundraising events. Please pray for the team, especially that the fundraising target will be reached.
The young people from Motus Dance Academy who are going to Mexico are now full steam ahead in planning and organising fundraising opportunities. Recently they have been putting on cake sales at the local churches, each cake sold means one step closer to a seat on the plane! The year ahead will be filled with lots more fundraising events; performances, more cake sales, car washes and other community events - so keep a look out on Bath Youth for Christ’s social media for updates!
Using tech for discipleship Rich McDade, our City Centre Youth Worker, partnering with St Michael’s, Nexus Methodist and Hay Hill Baptist Churches, explains how he is using technology to help disciple young people. Youth Ministry can be an interesting task to undertake. After a Sunday morning exploring a theme, it is hard to know what knowledge & understanding is taken away for the week. The Bible App is a fantastic way to delve into the word on the go and it is possible to engage in Bible plans with friends. We started using the app at our youth group earlier this year, attaching a plan related to our current theme, which features a devotional, some related verses and a ‘talk it out’ section allowing discussion with the young people. Our experience has been very positive. Those who find it hard to read their Bible have started to engage in reading it with their peers. Some have suggested plans and it has been a tool to bridge the gap between Sundays and discipleship during the week.
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Salt and light in our schools As schools kick off the new academic year, Katie Little, our Schools Worker, shares her motivation for the work and gives some insight into what we have been doing, as well as a few changes for the coming year. 2 Samuel 10:9 Joab saw that there were battle lines in front of him and behind him; so, he selected some of the best troops in Israel and deployed them against the Arameans. I see our schools work like being on the front line daily. God has chosen and put us exactly where he wants us to do his kingdom work, and where better to do that than where young people spend much of their time growing up, discovering who they are and making memories that will stay with them. Looking back at my own school life I can instantly remember my achievements, my favourite teachers, the best subjects, my friends. I can also recall the names I got called, the times food was thrown at me or how insecure I felt about my appearance. I’m sure most of us remember highs and lows of school life. British Youth for Christ’s research project ‘Generation Z’ asked 1001 young people from varied backgrounds across the UK to complete a survey on their view of life. In answer to the question “what are the top 3 things you are worried about?”, school and exams came out on top. Worrying about failing at school is not a new issue, but increased pressure on schools to improve results is passed on to students. Teachers are working at capacity, schools are busy places with increasing numbers of pupils, providing us with an opportunity to help where needed. Working in school can be challenging at 4
times… “I applaud all of you who have chosen to be a school’s worker. At the core of it all, is your massive heart for the transformation of young people’s lives. It is a privilege to be able to be a positive voice that cares for young people and to help them reach their potential” (Rob McNerney – YouthScape). Mentoring young people provides an opportunity to be a listening ear, to support and to care. Our Shine and Strength projects battle topics of self-worth, body image and our purpose in life. Lunch time Discussion Groups are a safe place to look at the big questions in life. Accompanying allows us to transition year 6’s into their new secondary schools. Assemblies provide the opportunity to present the word of God in a fun, creative and memorable way. Last year we focused our
Christmas assembly on thinking about giving instead of receiving, and introduced our planned Mexico trip in 2019. In the next academic year our school’s work will look a little different. After using the i58 project for many years, we believe it is time to use something that is more relevant today, so will be adopting the “Connect Mentoring” model established by our Wiltshire team. However, the focus will still be on one to one young person led sessions. With the increasing need, we are looking to recruit a few volunteers for the 2018-2019 academic year. A volunteer mentor commits to give about one hour of their time, once a week to one pupil. We provide full training and support, and it can really make a difference. If you like the sound of what you have read, have a heart for young people and would like to join our new volunteer mentor team, or have any questions, please contact Katie at katie@bathyfc.co.uk for more information. We are seeing young people’s lives changed by Jesus daily in our schools. 2 Samuel 10:12 “Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”
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Prayer points for Bath 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. Thank God for new opportunities in schools and community projects. Pray for Esther Egan, who has joined the team as Social Media Intern.
8th-14th
Pray for the new initiative of mentoring young people in supported housing starting this month, especially for the volunteer mentors Tony, Amy and Brian. Pray for Simeon Wakely in Ralph Allen School as he supports young people with disabilities through a mentoring programme. Thank God for Kat Lazenby and pray that she would know God’s direction for the future.
15th–21st
Pray for the young people and adults who are abseiling down the walls of Elim Church in aid of the Mexico 2019 trip, for fun and safety as well as an opportunity to raise funds. Thank God for the financial provision to be able to recruit a Fundraiser and pray for applicants and the selection process.
22nd-30th
Pray for the next Mexico Team meeting on 26th that it would be inspiring and raise expectations. Pray for the success of fundraising initiatives. Shaping Church to Disciple Young People – for churches involved in the learning community that the initiative will impact their discipleship of young people.
October> 1st-7th
Pray for Jane van Haaps who starts with us this week as Youth Worker in Timsbury, that she would quickly establish relationships with young people and families in the community. Pray for Senior Fundraiser interviews on 4th, especially guidance for the panel in the appointment of the most suitable candidate.
8th-15th
Supporting Parents to Disciple their kids – pray for parents as they play a significant role in the discipleship of their children and for Bath Youth for Christ as we continue to think about how we support them
16th–22nd
Pray for the AGM on 22nd that it would be well attended and provide an opportunity to present our work. Pray for our Trustees and the Council of Reference as they support us in the good governance of the charity. Thank God for the financial provision in the past year, enabling us to deliver projects and make a difference in the lives of young people. Pray that we would see Him provide for all we have planned for this year.
23rd-31st
Pray for the Accomanying Project team and hubs as they begin work with a new cohort of children.
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November> 1st-7th
Thank God for the city-wide youth worship event – Arise – happening next on the 2nd. Pray for young people attending from churches across the city to be inspired. Pray that it would continue to develop a sense of unity.
8th-14th
Pray for the Shine project to be launched in Ralph Allen this month, for Katie as she delivers the sessions and for the girls who attend to be positively impacted by the material.
15th–21st
Pray for inspiration in the planning of Christmas Assemblies and for schools to be open for their delivery.
22nd-30th
Pray for our team – James, Dave, Katie, Chris, Sam P, Sam L, Lisa, Esther, Jane, Simeon – as well as volunteers who help deliver our projects.
December> 1st-7th
Pray for the delivery of Christmas assemblies in schools this month, that both young people and staff would be receptive to the gospel message.
8th-15th
Thank God for the opportunities to reach out to the community of Southdown through the Breakfast Club and Motus Dance Project. Pray for continued strengthening of relationships between the churches in the area as they seek to serve the community.
16th- 23rd
Pray for thriving relationships between Bath Youth for Christ and local churches as we seek to work together to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the young people of this city.
24th-31st
Pray for young people during the Christmas and New Year break, especially those for whom this time is not a happy one due to difficult family or other circumstances. Also, for staff, trustees and volunteers to have a restful break.
Bath Youth for Christ AGM You are invited to join us at our AGM on Monday 22nd October, 7.30 pm at St Swithin’s Church, Walcot. Come and hear about what we have achieved this past year and our strategy for the future. If you plan to join us, please email admin@bathyfc.co.uk
Staying on our mailing list! It is very important to us to keep in touch with you through our newsletter and other correspondence from time to time. In our last newsletter we asked if you could let us know whether or not you would like to remain on the mailing list. If you have NOT yet done so, please could you contact us by the end of September indicating how you would like to receive the newsletter – on 01225 336055 or admin@bathyfc.co.uk Thank you for your help with this. 7
Good bye to Kat After 9 years with Bath Youth for Christ, I am moving on! Clearing out accumulated papers, I found notes from young people from many of our schools’ projects over a number of years one from the girls’ football team at Ralph Allen, written as the project concluded; some from those who came to Art Academy; and lots from young people I have mentored. I was struck by the impact of the projects on the lives of these young people and I feel honoured to have been involved in their lives in this way. The last two years focussing on youth homelessness have been exciting, challenging and sometimes discouraging. I’m really pleased to see Nightstop up and running with the YMCA as well as ‘Connect Mentoring 1625’ launching in September. This will provide one to one mentoring for young people in supported accommodation. I believe this project will be truly transformative in the lives
of young people who have little support from parents or other significant adults in their lives. I am now moving on to work with young people in YMCA supported housing. I’ve experienced much during my time with Bath Youth for Christ which has formed me greatly as a person. I’ve learnt a lot about myself and what it means to work as part of a team. I am truly thankful for James, the trustees and our partners who have always been incredibly supportive and encouraging. Bath Youth for Christ is a very special place and I will miss it very much. Much love Kat
Not just for Youth Workers! Grove Books have just published James Vaughton’s latest book. Shaping Church to Disciple Young People looks at putting relationships with young people at the heart of church youth ministry to increase the effectiveness of discipleship. To order a copy of the book go to www.grovebooks.co.uk or contact us admin@bathyfc.co.uk.
Bath Youth for Christ is recruiting a…
Senior Fundraiser £21,665 (FTE), 7% Pension, 18 Hours per week
At an exciting time of growth Bath Youth for Christ are looking to appoint the right person to develop our income generation through fundraising. To request an application pack please email admin@bathyfc.co.uk
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Motus Dance Show One parent commented “it just keeps getting better and better every year!”; another, after watching their son dance for the first time, said “I never knew he could dance like that!” It’s so rewarding seeing young
After a break last summer, the Motus Academy Dance Show was back with a bang. Chris Porter and Sam Ludwell tell us the story of this year’s event. On the 21st of July Motus hosted their annual dance show at St. Philip & St. James Church Odd Down, and it was a huge success! Prior to the show, we had all worked hard on expression and ‘feeling’ the music. It’s not enough to just dance the moves correctly, we want the dancers to show the audience and themselves that they want to dance, enjoy the dance and feel the flow of the beats and movements. The group of dancers this year were made up of 6 completely new members, so this year’s show was their very first and they did so well! Nerves were overcome, there were a few backstage moments of panic, but the Motus family gathered round and we came together to encourage and pull it off! We felt the show needed to be special after a break in 2017 and they delivered! It was more dynamic and entertaining which was echoed by the feedback from the audience.
people stepping up and out of their comfort zone and feeling proud of what they have accomplished! A big thank you to all friends and family who came, those near and far who keep Motus Dance Academy in their prayers, to St. Philip & St. James church for letting us use their space and to everyone else who made the event possible!
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A life changed – Ben’s Story James Vaughton recently caught up with Ben, a young man who used to come to our One Eighty skate project years ago, to hear his story, and with Ben’s permission shares it below. Ben came to One Eighty between the ages of 10 and 13 years old, he loved the skating and gave his life to Jesus. During his teenage years he was drawn into smoking drugs and by the age of 16 they were having a significant impact on his life and health. He described what was to him a physical, mental and spiritual battle and how friends would visit but he would just want to hide. During this time Ben says he was aware of God’s love but he remained ill and socially withdrawn and at some point, he says, he lost his faith. As Ben told his story it was clear that although he had lost his faith, he was aware that God had not given up on him. God would speak to him in pictures and dreams and on one occasion he simply sensed that God was there with his arms open saying, “I am still here.” For Ben there was a significant sense of God’s love and power. This was the wake-up call he says he needed. He was still ill, but felt different. “I was still tempted by the drugs and haunted by a sense that the enemy wanted to destroy what God was doing, but I realised God loved me.”
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Over the next year or so things started to improve. Ben reconnected with church and decided he wanted to be baptised. When asked why he was getting baptised, he simply said, “God has a bigger plan for me.” Ben now sees that he has God-given gifts and skills that he can use as part of that bigger plan, he lives independently and is connecting with a church in Bath city centre. Ben told me, “Bath Youth for Christ’s One Eighty project was important in helping me to know God and his love. The project leaders helped plant the seed that is now bearing fruit.” Ben finished by saying, “I am still young in my faith, God is my father and I am his child. I feel like a new person.”
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A growing team at Bath Youth for Christ This September sees several new members join the Bath Youth for Christ team, so we thought they should be introduced. Please be praying for each of them as they settle into new roles and responsibilities. I’m Jane van Haaps and am delighted to be joining the team in October as Timsbury Youth & Schools Worker. We have plans to start some new initiatives and build on existing projects, with the aim to reach out to young people and families in the community. I live in Radstock with my husband and three children. Trained as a solicitor, I have spent much of my working life in Youth Work roles in several locations. For the last 9 years I have worked for BANES Council. The interview process included a presentation entitled ‘why Timsbury needs Christian Youth Work’. Using sunflowers as an illustration, these were my thoughts: “Both plants were grown from seeds planted at the same time. One was re-potted in a bigger pot in the garden. Sometimes it wilted when I forgot to water. The other was also
I’m Esther Egan the new Social Media Assistant. I will be helping manage all our social media output and supporting Bath Youth for Christ in the background (administrators are the true super-heroes). I love what media can do for us - it increases interconnectivity, can create amazing works and projects between people on the other side of the globe, and most importantly, helps us connect with young people. It enables us to understand the influences on their lives, what they want to share with the world so that we can reach them more effectively. 12
re -potted in a much smaller pot, kept in the kitchen where it was well watered, away from birds, slugs and footballs” Just look at the difference! This gave me the idea of an analogy for working with young people PEAT Pray - as Christians we believe in the power of the spiritual side of life so we pray for the young people; Expose - we share our lives with young people so that they can meet and get to know Christians; Alternative - we show them how they can make different, often counter cultural decisions for their lives; Test - we give them opportunities to put faith into action So the two sunflowers represent the spiritual growth of young people: little one = no Christian input, big one = Christian input!”
We have worked alongside Simeon Wakely for a couple of years and over that time he has shared his heart with us to be good news to disabled young people. Simeon has Spina Bifida and knows the value of a Bath Youth for Christ mentor supporting him at school. Bath Youth for Christ has committed to work with Simeon over the next year as we explore what God may be saying to us about how we can support young people who have disabilities. He has recently started to mentor a young person with disability at Ralph Allen School and we are looking forward to the expansion of this area of our work. He will share more detail of this initiative in the next issue of Partners.