Partners Newsletter for Bath Youth for Christ - Spring 2019

Partners’ Newsletter Spring 2019

Director Writes I had the privilege of being with Sam, Chris, Katie and a couple of Motus Dance members during a Christmas assembly, listening and watching them share the good news that God loves us and has a plan and purpose for us. This message was shared with over 1,800 young people in Bath. School assemblies, mentoring work, Motus Dance and all our youth work are obvious ways we work to see the lives of young people changed by Jesus.

We also believe it is important to shine a light on youth work to encourage and challenge the church in Bath to consider how it will reach out. One of the ways we do this is through research. In this issue we publish our findings from our Bath churches youth work audit. It makes for both encouraging and challenging reading. It is good news to be able to share that churches are working with more young people in general and reaching more

young people outside of church than 12 years ago (when we last did an audit). However, it is also clear that there is an ongoing fragility to youth ministry in church settings and our report makes some suggestions about how we could build a stronger church youth ministry.

Please can I encourage you to read the article but also consider downloading the research which is available at www.bathyfc.co.uk/publications/.

Please can I also invite you to use the research as an encouragement to pray. To pray for the young people in your church, community and in schools.

Thank you for supporting our work.

James Vaughton

Help raise funds for the work of Bath Youth for Christ and have some fun Following the success of the 2017 event, when over 100 people joined us for a fun evening, we are hosting a Quiz Night on Saturday 6th April (venue tbc), 7.45 for 8pm Please consider bringing a team – max 6 people, £5 per person.

Cash bar and refreshments will be available throughout the evening.

To book places please contact Lea Lawton – lea@bathyfc.co.uk or 01225 336055

By Friday 22nd March 2019 For something completely different, and a great day out with friends or family, consider signing up for the Bath Beat Walk/Run on Saturday 27th April.

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There is a choice of distances - 12.5, 17, and 21 mile and 26.5-mile routes. Lovely scenery and refreshments on the way – drinks, cakes and other food – make this a very doable and enjoyable event.

We are looking to enter a team and will pay entry fees for anyone raising sponsorship for Bath Youth for Christ - target of £250 per person, but we’d really appreciate anything you can raise.

No limit to number of places – the more the merrier!

For more information and to book a place please contact Lea Lawton (contact details above)

Celebrating gifts and talents We always look forward to sharing the good news of the gospel with young people in schools, and Christmas assemblies provide a great platform for doing so. Here, Katie shares something of our 2018 experience.

Focusing on the gifts God gives us, provided the opportunity to explore how everyone is unique, and that we all have something different to offer. In today’s society young people in particular are susceptible to comparing themselves to others and feeling that they aren’t good enough. Basing the assembly on Romans 12:6-8, we sought to share a different narrative: We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Motus Dance Academy once again demonstrated their talents, providing an encouragement for others to be proud of and use their skills, gifts and talents.

Including a clip of the actor Chris Pratt’s award acceptance speech provided a relevant way to get across our message. His ‘9 rules of life’ provide some great and quirky life lessons.

Most importantly, he states clearly that he believes in God and encourages young people to consider God’s place in their lives, learning to pray and to trust in Him.

We were privileged to present the assembly to all year groups in St Mark’s and Ralph Allen Schools, as well as years 7 & 8 at Kingswood School, in total reaching over 1,800 young people.

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Discipleship of young people in Bath More young people are connecting with church and more churches are reaching those outside of church communities.

Christians in Bath are working with over 850 young people on a regular basis, equating to nearly 7% of the young people in the city.

A similar survey by us in 2006 found that the church and Bath Youth for Christ worked with about 700 young people on a regular basis. This increase is encouraging because it appears to challenge the often-negative narrative, that fewer young people are engaged with the local church.

As part of our discipleship work, Shaping Church to Disciple Young People (SCTDYP), we contacted 56 churches about youth work.

26 responded by completing our survey. Our awareness of the ‘church picture’ tells us that this was most of the churches in the area who are working with young people, however we

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are aware a few who have an active youth ministry did not respond.

Digging into what we heard we see that of the 850 we are reaching, nearly 50% are in some sort of discipleship in the local church, with 85% engaged weekly. This may not be on a Sunday. 80% of the churches that responded are working with young people who do not identify with a particular church. This is encouraging news when compared to 12 years ago when 50% of respondents said they engaged with young people outside church.

There is a variety and depth to the youth work that is going on. This is important for building relationships, which underpin good youth ministry. 316 young people from 70% of the responding churches attended some sort of Christian residential programme. SCTDYP made clear that such experiences are often significant ‘decision’ moments in the journey

of faith for young people. It will be interesting to see if the end of Soul Survivor has any impact. We hope not and would encourage church groups to find new opportunities for the young people they work with to experience a Christian camp, festival or mission. Mentoring work is now a significant part of youth ministry with 9 out of 26 responding churches stating they provided some form of mentoring. Along with singlegender groups, this is offering additional opportunities for discipleship alongside the more familiar small group model.

church leader change. Since starting SCTDYP we have seen several youth workers leave.

Some have been replaced, others have not.

Volunteers are vitally important and often the mainstay of youth work. Even where there are paid workers this is often still the case.

It was encouraging that all but a couple of respondents seemed to have a good team of volunteers. Volunteers must not be taken for granted. We would like to see the church intentionally resourcing and investing in volunteers, not just to fill rotas, but to make disciples.

We are encouraged by what we heard, but also aware there is no room for complacency.

A piece of research we conducted in 2012, whilst not similar enough to provide a comparison, did suggest the Christian community was working with over 1,000 young people on a regular basis. It may be that this was a high-water mark and our current audit shows a slight correction.

Anecdotally, we see less youth workers and more part-time workers in Bath and so it would not be a surprise if there had been a slight drop from 2012. Youth work remains vulnerable to youth worker and

The research finishes with some practical suggestions for local churches to consider when thinking about how to invest in youth ministry. To read them please go to our website: www.bathyfc.co.uk/9things/. We recognise these things are not easy, but we believe they are important. Fundamentally, if the local church wants to reach and disciple young people effectively it must put youth ministry on the same priority level as all other areas of ministry within a church. That means putting youth ministry front and centre in the heart and mind of the whole church and its current and future plans.

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Prayer points for Bath January> 1st-7th

Please pray for the staff going to the National Youth for Christ conference (7th-11th) and especially for James as he leads a seminar on Ignatian Spirituality. Pray for the National leadership team – Neil O’Boyle, Lauren Fox, Nathan Iles, Joel Preston and Laura Hancock.

8th-14th

Thank God for the good relationship with the church in Batheaston. Pray for the new Headteacher at Batheaston School as she starts this week and for her to have a good relationship with the church and Youth for Christ. Pray for Lea lawton, Fundraising Co-ordinator, and her family. Pray for Year 11 and 13 pupils taking mock exams this and next week.

15th–21st

Pray for the volunteers attending Connect Mentoring training on the 19th and their progression into mentoring in schools. Please pray for Dan Jones and Paul Little who have recently stepped down from the board of Trustees.

Dave Joyce, Assistant Director, and his family.

22nd-31st

Please pray for the Trustee Meeting on 28th January, for wisdom where decisions need to be made. Thank God for the commitment of the trustees to support the work of the charity. Pray for Chris Porter and for his work in Southdown.

February> 1st-7th

Thank God for the good relationships we have with schools in the city and pray for this to continue and develop further. Thank God for the refurbished St Mark’s sanctuary and pray that it would be a space where young people can find peace and refreshment. Pray for Sam Packer and her family.

8th-15th

Thank God for the developing relationships we have with children in primary schools through the Accompanying Project and pray that this work will help in their preparation for secondary school. Pray for James and his family.

16th–22nd

Pray for those on half term break – staff, parents and young people – that it would be a time of rest and refreshment. Pray for Sam Ludwell and her family. Pray for the youth drop in at Riverside Youth Centre.

23rd-28th

Thank God for the children attending Going Bananas and pray for more to come along. Pray for Esther, our media Intern, that she would continue to find ways to promote our work.

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March> 1st-7th

Pray for the Mexico Mission team, that they would grow in their relationship together as they prepare for the trip and that funding will come in. Pray for continued wisdom for how we can effectively be involved in youth work in the city and where to concentrate our efforts.

8th-14th

Pray for the work of our sister centre, Wiltshire Youth for Christ. Thank God for the encouragement of continuing to receive funding through grants and pray for new funding sources.

15th–21st

Thank God for the work established in Timsbury and pray for older young people to get involved as volunteers. Pray that the community in this area would be built around, and with, young people. Pray for Jane in her work as well as her family.

22nd-31st

Pray for the young people finding out which secondary school has offered them a place. Pray for those who are disappointed, that they will be able to come to terms with the decision made on their behalf.

April> 1st – 7th

Pray that as we head towards Easter we would have opportunities to share the hope of the message of resurrection among and with young people. Pray for the success of our Quiz Night on the 6th, that many will attend, it would be a fun evening and raise funds for our work.

8th – 14th

Pray for youth ministry in your local church, for the young people and those who serve them through volunteering. Pray for Simeon as he continues to develop his role in supporting young people with disability.

15th – 21st

Pray for a restful Easter holiday break for all. Pray for Lisa and her family.

Thank God for the continued faithful support of donors, both individuals and churches.

22nd – 30th Pray for young people preparing for GCSE and A Level Exams. Pray for those taking part in the Bath Beat fundraising event on 27th, for good weather, safety and fun.

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Connecting with Young People in supported housing For some time, we have partnered with the YMCA in Bath to help support young people at risk of homelessness. In recent months, Dave Joyce and 3 volunteers have been mentoring young adults living in the YMCA ‘platform for life’ houses in Bath and Keynsham. There have been challenges along the way, mainly due to the chaotic nature of the lives of the mentees, and we have needed to be flexible and willing to meet up at unscheduled times. Nevertheless, relationships are being built. Here, one of our volunteers shares his experience.

This project caught my attention as I could see how it would offer a valuable opportunity for young adults to discuss challenging issues in a supportive environment. Having met with Dave, and Kat Lazenby (YMCA), I was keen to be involved. Following the application process and training, Dave and I met with Janice (not real name) who agreed to the mentoring.

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Through face to face meetings, during which we discussed Janice’s family background, her work situation and her house mates, I have been able to provide some support. When we have been unable to meet, a text message has helped us to keep in contact. One encouraging outcome of the mentoring is Janice’s willingness to attend an anger management session. It also raised some difficulties in the house in which she lives, as a result of which the residents met to try to resolve their differences.

The project seems to have been of value to Janice. This has also been a valuable experience for me. Having the opportunity to meet, listen to and offer encouragement and support is a real privilege.

A young person’s ‘journey’ to Mexico In previous issues of partner, you will have read about our mission trip to Mexico in July.

Here Chris writes about Amy*, a member of Motus Dance Academy, who is joining the team.

We want young people to live life to the full and believe that Jesus is key to this happening - John 10:10 – and at Motus we seek to provide opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills, and try new things. Amy has always brought positivity and warmth to the dance academy and she naturally stepped up to the responsibility of choreographing and leading dances. Over the years there have been many conversations about life and faith, usually in the moments between dancing, with Amy and other dancers. As a result of such moments we decided to take several dancers to Soul Survivor in 2017. Although Amy was not part of that group, she has been part of our ‘Young Leader Scheme’ and engaged in Life Academy and Youth Alpha.

Over the years Amy has grown in confidence, dancing ability, leadership and openness to Jesus. The opportunity to go to Mexico excited her, although the significant fundraising target was initially a big concern, as it was for 2 other dancers interested in joining the team. The good news is they are GOING and we are excited for what God will do in their lives. Recently, Amy has had to deal with some very tough life events, but through it we believe God is inviting her into adventure and relationship with Him. The mission to Mexico will be significant for her future, as it will for all the team, giving a different perspective on justice and compassion. God is at work in Amy’s life and we thank God for her journey so far! *Name of young person has been changed for confidentiality.

The Breakfast Club at St Mark’s The Breakfast Club at St Mark’s has been running for approximately eight years in The Sanctuary, every morning between 8 and 8.30am. Here Sam Packer tells us a bit about her experience with the young people at the school.

We regularly have 25-35 students attending for free tea, coffee, toast & cereal. Since September 2017 we have received a donation of bakery goods from Tesco via Fare Share, which makes Monday mornings exciting as we sift through the bag to see how many croissants there are or if it’s cheese bread or sourdough!

With the refurbished Sanctuary, it makes for a great start to the day, in a light & airy room where there is space to catch up with friends, play games and have breakfast. There is one Y11 boy who apart from illness, has been every day since starting in Y7!

We are grateful to some of the Churches in Bath, Kellogg’s & Tesco for their generosity in supporting this valuable project over the years.

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Timsbury

In the last edition of Partners, we introduced Jane as our new Youth Worker in Timsbury.

Here she gives an update on what has been happening.

My first 2 months in post were a positive time of making contacts and partnering with the wider team at Bath Youth for Christ. It was encouraging to be able to link with the St Mary’s church and find out about their work with children and families. The ‘Light Night’ on 31st October was a real highlight. The church, filled with lights, welcomed people in for free hot chocolate and conversation.

Everyone commented about the lovely atmosphere as they flooded in – a welcome break from ’trick or treating’!

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I was also able to meet with the headteacher of the local Primary school, as a result of which I started to help with the Forest School twice a week and assist with lunchtime duties.

In the future there will be opportunities for me to be involved in assemblies from time to time.

We were keen to find out from the local young people what they would like to see developed in the area and so I arranged a consultation evening to tease out some ideas. In January we will start to meet with a small group for a cooking workshop and I have plans to develop a creative project. We are grateful for Tony Cook’s work in securing funding for this aspect of our work.

Together we can see young people’s lives changed by Jesus.

I would like to give a monthly gift of £ _____________ or a one-off gift of £ _____________ to see young people’s lives changed HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE? Enclosed cash or cheque

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A growing team at Bath Youth for Christ In November we appointed Lea Lawton to a new role as Fundraising Co-ordinator. Here she tells us a little bit about herself and her plans for fundraising for Bath Youth for Christ.

Being married to John (Bath Youth for Christ Trustee) and my involvement with Hay Hill Baptist Church has given me the privilege of hearing about the charity’s great work over a number of years. I also have experience of setting up and fundraising for a charitable project through the ‘Make Lunch’ initiative in Bath. I’m excited to join the team to help boost our fundraising, applying for grants and arranging events.

We are pleased to announce two events

Hello, I’m Becca and I have had the joy of volunteering with Bath/Wiltshire Youth For Christ since September. I’d been wanting to get involved in some form of children/ youth work for a while but wasn’t 100% sure what that would look like. I finally decided to contact Bath YFC as that was the website I kept coming back to, having been blessed by Norwich YFC when I was growing up.

I work in Trowbridge, for an independent financial advisers, and now, before getting the train home on a Tuesday night, I get

happening this Spring - a Quiz Night and the Bath Beat Walk/Run. We would love you to join us, so please see details in this newsletter and contact us to register for either event. You’ll also notice we’re now registered with Amazon Smile, so if you shop with Amazon please set us as your charity.

the fun of hanging out with a great group of young people exploring more of God’s character and building each other up in our faith. I am also a Trustee for Bath YFC and am excited to get more involved with the great work YFC are doing in Bath and Wiltshire.

If you shop at Amazon please support Bath YFC by shopping at: smile.amazon.co.uk and selecting Bath Youth for Christ as your charity.

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