YOUR GUIDE TO THE NATIONAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY 2018 GARTMORE HOUSE | 17-20 AUGUST
A PLATFORM FOR YOUNG ADULTS TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN DECISION MAKING WITHIN THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
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GUIDE TO NYA 2018 CONTENTS WELCOME PRE-ASSEMBLY INFO
TRAVEL DIRECTIONS ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION DEPARTURE ACCOMMODATION & WHAT TO BRING CAKE WORSHIP DISCUSSION TOPICS PREP
WHO'S WHO
MODERATOR & CLERK STAFF PASTORAL TEAM LOGISTICS & HOSPITALITY TEAM WORSHIP TEAM SMALL GROUP LEADERS 2017 YOUTH REPS CURRENT MSYPS
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HOW NYA WORKS PURPOSE SMALL GROUPS
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HOW WE DO DISCUSSIONS WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EVENT NYA ONLINE CODE OF CONDUCT
PROGRAMME INFO
PROGRAMME SITE MAPS DISCUSSION TOPICS WORKSHOPS ECUMENICAL HUMAN LIBRARY WORSHIP REFLECTIVE SPACE LATE NIGHT OPTIONS HOUSEKEEPING SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY CHALLENGE
GET MORE INVOLVED
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YOUTH REP ELECTIONS MSYP ELECTIONS GA YOUTH REPS MODERATOR & CLERK 2019 INTERNATIONAL TRIP OPPORTUNITIES COSY COLLECTIVE FUND NYA 2019 PLANNING WEEKEND NYA 2019
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JARGON BUSTER
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WELCOME
NYA 2018
For those of you that don’t know me I’m Suzi Farrant, the Young People and Young Adults Development Worker for the Church of Scotland. As such the running of National Youth Assembly (NYA) is my responsibility so I’d like to say thank you for choosing to come to NYA 2018 and I look forward to journeying with you through the weekend. We've produced this guide to help you prepare and to get the most out of the weekend - we recognise some bits will be daunting, particularly if this is your first time at NYA and you're coming on your own. Please don't worry, we are a really friendly bunch and you'll settle in quickly. There is a lot of information included, some of which you need before you come and some of which you'll need while you're there. If having got to the end you have a question, are a tad confused about something, or are even a wee bit lost with it all please just get in touch (you can email me at sfarrant@churchofscotland.org.uk) and I'll try to help as best I can!
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PRE-ASSEMBLY INFO TRAVEL DIRECTIONS
NYA 2018 will take place at Gartmore House, near Aberfoyle in Stirlingshire. There is a car park at Gartmore so you are able to bring a car if you have one. For directions just type the postcode FK8 3RS into your satnav/Googlemaps. For more info on the centre, ( t r a v e l d i re c t i o n s e t c ) p l e a s e t a ke a l o o k a t t h e i r w e b s i t e h t t p s : / / www.gartmoreestate.com/gartmore-house/about/location/. Gartmore is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, so not easily accessible by public transport. If you need to travel by public transport we are putting on a coach for you which will leave Stirling (outside the train station) at 4pm on the Friday and have you back there by 6pm on the Monday. I will send further details to those who have requested a place on the coach in due course. If you haven’t requested a space but think you now might need one, just let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION NYA 2018 begins at 5.45pm on Friday 17th August with registration being open from 4.30pm so you need to try and aim to be at Gartmore House between 4.45 and 5.45pm. When you arrive at Gartmore you will need to check in with us first - those of you aged 17-22 will need to head to the youth centre, those of you aged 23-25 will need to head to the main house. In each of those places you will find a check in desk where you will be able to find out which room you are in and be given a delegate pack. Once you’ve found your room, settled in and had a look through your pack you will need to find your small group leader who will explain what is going on where. If the weather is dry the small group leaders will be outside in the space between the two buildings but if it is wet they will be in the lounge in the main house. Your small group leader will be emailing you before the event starts so you will know who you are looking for and they will all be wearing red NYA polo shirts with ‘SGL’ on the back so that should make them easily visible. Key members of staff will be wearing black NYA polo shirts with ‘TEAM’ on the back so they should be easy enough to spot. If you have a question, are a tad confused about something, or are even a wee bit lost, find one of them and they will do their best to help. The first session will be before dinner so we really do need you there and settled in by then. If you know you are going to be late then please let me know so I can make sure we don’t have food being wasted.
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DEPARTURE NYA 2018 finishes at 5pm on Monday 20th August. The return bus to Stirling will leave Gartmore at 5.15pm getting you to Stirling train/bus station at approx 6pm so you can arrange your return travel after that. There will be no evening meal for you on the Monday so you will need to factor that into your plans. If you are leaving for any reason before then, please let one of the staff team know before you go.
ACCOMMODATION & WHAT TO BRING You will be staying in shared ensuite rooms. Bedding and towels will be provided so all you need to bring are clothes and toiletries. For the most part you just need to wear clothes you are comfortable in; there is no need to dress up smart. We are having a ceilidh on the Saturday evening so you might want to bring your glad rags and dancing shoes for that! It’s also a good idea to bring a Bible, a camera to capture all your happy memories and some money for the vending machine should you fancy some snacks at any point.
CAKE! It is always good to have some cake in the CoSY cafe in the evenings and as 2018 is the Year of Young People we thought it might be fun to theme our cakes on our childhood favourites. We'd therefore encourage you to get baking and bring some of your tastiest treats along for folk to share.
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WORSHIP We'd like you all to share with us your favourite hymn/song and a few words about what it means to you. Our hope is to use some of these hymns/songs and stories during opening worship on the Friday evening. Please let us know by filling in this survey by 3rd August. http://sgiz.mobi/s3/NYA-2018-worship We are also very keen that we get as many folk as possible involved in different aspects of the worship. If you would be willing to do a reading or a prayer, if drama is your thing and you'd be willing to be involved in a monologue or short sketch or if you play a musical instrument and would be happy playing as part of a group to lead us in singing please let us know by filling in the survey. We can't promise to have opportunities for everyone but we will do our best.
DISCUSSION TOPICS PREP In order to get the most of our our discussions it will help if you have done some prior thinking about some of the issues we will cover. Don't worry we won't be testing you on anything! END OF LIFE ISSUES: We'll be looking at child bereavement, funeral poverty and life for those with life limiting/debilitating conditions - that's a lot to think about! Consider your own stories or speak to others in your church about their experiences - what is it like, what could the church be better at doing, what would be helpful etc. BEING ECUMENICAL: We'll be looking at ecumenism in Scotland and what it could look like in a post Brexit Europe - that's a lot to think about! Consider your own stories or speak to others in your church about their experiences - have you been part of a different denomination, what are the differences, have you worked together with others before, what are the benefits, what are the challenges etc. SOCIAL MEDIA: We'll be looking at how we can live out our faith online and how local congregations and the national church can use social media more effectively - that's a lot to think about! Consider your own use of social media and that of your local congregation - what is it like, are there things you won't talk about or share, what could the church be better at doing, what would be helpful etc.
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WHO’S WHO MODERATOR AND CLERK The two most prominent roles at NYA are the Moderator and Clerk. Both the roles are undertaken by delegates nominated by their peers and chosen through a prayerful discernment process.
NYA MODERATOR:
NYA CLERK:
Name: Tamsin Dingwall
Name: Seonaid Knox
Day job: Youth Worker for Callander Kirk
Day job: Researcher for an MSP
Fun fact: She once walked on fire to raise money for charity
Fu n f a c t : S e o n a i d h a s b e e n a vegetarian for more than ten years.
For the last year Robin Downie has been working tirelessly as the Moderator of the NYA and he has done a fantastic job representing all of you. We'll officially be thanking him on the Friday evening as he hands the baton on to Tamsin Dingwall who will be the Moderator for this year. Tamsin is going to bring her own unique style to the role and will do a great job at making you all feel welcome and included. She will be very ably assisted by Seonaid Knox who takes over the role of Clerk from Catriona Munro. Moderator and Clerk are not easy jobs and I know they all will appreciate your prayers as they change roles.
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STAFF There are two of us who are based at the Church of Scotland main offices (121) that have been beavering away since January to help pull the event together.
EVENT CO-ORDINATOR:
NYA INTERN:
Name: Suzi Farrant
Name: Catriona Munro
Day job: Young People and Young Adult's Development Worker
Day job: Office administrator for the Church of Scotland and NYA Intern.
Fun fact: Suzi is a lover of maps and always likes to have one on display by her desk.
Fun fact: Catriona's favourite author is Douglas Coupland.
We couldn't possibly put on the event ourselves so we also have a great team of folk who will be helping us journey together; some will be with us all weekend (listed below) and others will be popping in for a session or two. Key members of the team will be wearing black polo shirts with the NYA/M&D logo on the front and TEAM/STAFF on the back so they should be easy to spot. If you have a questions, are a tad confused about something, or are even a wee bit lost, find one of them and they will do their best to help.
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PASTORAL TEAM The Pastoral team lend a supporting presence and a listening ear to delegates (and team!) over the event. They will be willing to chat, whenever you want, about whatever you need - the good stuff and the bad stuff. There is a pastoral room (room 14 in the youth centre) where team members can be found so that is the best place to go if you can't see any of them around the site. The team will have a dedicated mobile number which you can use if you want to arrange to meet one of them 07891479809. Please make use of the team - they are all fab listeners and have a great deal of wisdom between them, which I'm sure they will only be too happy to share, and if you're lucky they may even share some chocolate too!
Name: Liz Crumlish, team leader
Name: Shuna Dicks
Day job: Liz is a minister leading the Path of Renewal Project
Day job: Minister at Cults Parish Church, Aberdeen
Fun fact: She is the secretary for RevGalBlogPals, a global network, supporting women in ministry, and engages in CPD on cruise ships with other female ministers.
Fun fact: Shuna has met the Queen's corgis!
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Name: Liam Fraser
Name: Andrew Kimmitt
Name: Fiona Reynolds
Day job: Campus Minister at Edinburgh University
Day job: Trainee minister and PhD student
Day job: Minister for Moniefieth Parish Church
Fun fact: Once the lead singer of an unsuccessful rock band, with whom he once trashed the stage at the Liquid Rooms.
Fun fact: Andrew has shared his secret recipe for the perfect omelette on BBC Radio Scotland.
Fun fact: Fiona lives with her husband, a Dachshund and six gerbils.
Name: Bruce Sinclair Day job: Minister at Jordanhill Parish Church. Fun fact: Bruce likes sailing on Tall Ships, and once learned how to unicycle (not at the same time though!)
Name: Michael Mair (Moderator's Chaplain) Day job: Minister at St. David’s Broomhouse Parish Church Fun fact: Michael can play the bagpipes.
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LOGISTICS & HOSPITALITY TEAM The logistics and hospitality team will be ensuring the programme runs to time and that everyone is in the right place at the right time. They will be on hand to welcome the various guests who will be visiting over the weekend, and setting up resources and rooms for the different programme items. The team has organised and will be running the team challenge on Friday night, and will be on hand in the CoSY Cafe at night.
Name: Karen Wallace
Name: Angela Grant
Day job: Youth Development Coordinator for Glasgow presbytery.
Day job: Young people's ministry support worker in Dunfermline Presbytery.
Fun fact: She loves spending time with her family and friends, chocolate and anything Disney - especially Winnie the Pooh!
Name: Catherine McIntosh Day job: By day Catherine is PA to the Moderator of the General Assembly. Fun fact: She is a qualified Highland Dance teacher.
Fun fact: She enjoys crafting.
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WORSHIP TEAM In the run up to NYA, the worship team prepares the worship with input from some of the delegates. Over the course of the weekend there will be a variety of worship led by the team and with others taking part at various points.
Name: Darren Philip, team leader
Name: Lynsey Kimmitt
D a y j o b : Yo u t h a n d C h i l d r e n ' s Development Worker at Livingston Parish Church.
Day job: Solicitor
Fun fact: Darren has been chased by wild rhinos. Twice.
Fun fact: Lynsey plays bassoon and is playing in an orchestra with Nicola Benedetti in December.
Name: Susan Macfarlane
Name: Esther Nisbet
Day job: Tesco Customer Assistant, and community project worker.
Day job: Donor Administration Coordinator for the Blood Transfusion Service.
Fun fact: Susan loves working with puppets.
Fun fact: Esther loves cheese - and cheesy jokes!
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SMALL GROUP LEADERS For the weekend you will be based in small groups. Each group is led by a volunteer delegate who has been to NYA before and can help you figure out how best to get your voice heard.
Name: Gigha Lennox, SGL Co-ordinator
Name: Jenny Bisset, Taylor Room
Day job: Youth Outreach Worker at St. David's Broomhouse Church.
Day job: Teaching assistant in Germany
Fun fact: Gigha and her sisters (Skye and Tiree) are named after Scottish islands.
Fun fact: a monkey recently broke into where she was staying in India and stole her food whilst she was sleeping!
Name: Fraser Borland, Meeting Room 1
Name: Hannah Dunlop, Russel Room
Day job: Fraser is studying music at the University of Aberdeen.
Day job: Carphone Warehouse
Fun fact: This summer Fraser went on a mission trip to Taiwan.
Fun fact: Hannah used to play the piano.
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Name: Grant Henderson, Meeting Room 2 Day job: 4th year physics student at Strathclyde. Fun fact: He has written and performed a piece of music for John Sentamu.
Name: Helen Kerr, Library Day job: On the leadership team of the Guild. Fun fact: Before retiring, Helen worked in Malawi, Uganda and Cambodia.
Name: Connor MacFadyen, Library Day job: Works for CofS Pensions Dept and soon-tobe Theology student. Fun fact: Connor once had coffee with one of the Pro c l a i m e r s i n Pr i n c e s Street.
Name: Andrew MacPherson, Oak Room
Name: Rebecca Pennykid, Meeting Room 3
Name: Blythe Rodger, Cayzer Room
Day job: Andrew is a Change Analyst for the Bank of Scotland.
Day job: Studying music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Fun fact: He is not long back from a CofS trip to Japan and South Korea.
Fun fact: She has appeared on the BBC a few times.
Day job: Team Manager for adults and children with learning disabilities and special needs. Fun fact: Blythe is a qualified nail technician and loves doing nails.
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2017 YOUTH REPS During each NYA 18 individuals are elected to work alongside the Moderator and Clerk to take things forward. This team contribute to the Blue Book report and Supplementary report to be presented at the following year's General Assembly. Throughout the year the youth reps are also given the chance to attend a variety of events across the country, speaking to Churches, Guilds, Presbyteries and other groups about NYA. Some of last year's youth reps will be at this year's event, so if you're interested in becoming a youth rep yourself for this coming year (see page 34 for more info), please do speak to any one of them and they'll be happy to share some of their experiences.
2017-2018 Youth Reps Jenny Bisset, Fraser Borland, Gillian Campbell, Tamsin Dingwall, Hannah Dunlop, Chris Fett-Worsfold, Rachel Hunter, Seonaid Knox, Connor MacFadyen, Susan Macfarlane, Esther Nisbet, Grant Petrie, Euan Robb, Blythe Rodger, Tara Shannon, John Urquhart, Emma Vaughn
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MSYPS NYA has the privilege to be involved with the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). Every two years two people are elected to serve as MSYPs representing the Church of Scotland. This is a great opportunity for the church to get its voice heard in the wider community and be seen as politically engaged and active. Our MSYPs for June 2017 – June 2019 are Rebecca Craig and Connor MacFadyen. As they are representing you, at various points throughout the year they will need your help so keep an eye on our social media for details or get in touch with them via their MSYP email addresses (as below). They will both be at this year's event, so if you're interested in becoming an MSYP yourself (see page 35 for more info), please do speak to one of them and they'll be happy to share some of their experiences.
Name: Rebecca Craig MSYP
Name: Connor MacFadyen MSYP
Day job: Physics student, working in a microscopy lab
Day job: Works for CofS Pensions Dept and soon-to-be Theology student.
Fun fact: Rebecca has 9 hamsters (by accident!)
Fun fact: Connor once had coffee with one of the Proclaimers in Princes Street.
Email: rebecca.craig.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
Email: connor.macfadyen.msyp@sypmail.org.uk
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PURPOSE
HOW NYA WORKS The National Youth Assembly is a platform for young adults to voice their opinions and actively participate in decision making within the Church of Scotland. It is also a place where they can connect with other young Christians, worship together, share experiences, and learn about living in the way of Christ.
SMALL GROUPS As well as coming together as a whole group for discussion, delegates are allocated a small group and given time over the weekend to further reflect upon and discuss the issues in these groups. Being in a small group allows you to get to know some folk well so you don't feel lost and helps those who don't like speaking in front of large groups get the chance to have their say so everyone's voice is heard. Groups are split by age, and each small group leader (SGL) is a delegate who has been to NYA before. Your small group leader will facilitate discussion and speak up in the full discussions on behalf of anyone in their group who may not be comfortable doing so themselves. If you're not sure of something, your small group leader is a good person to ask for guidance. The groups will meet in the following places: Meeting room 1 - Fraser Borland Meeting room 2 - Grant Henderson Meeting room 3 - Rebecca Pennykid Cayzer room - Blythe Rodger Oak room - Andrew MacPherson Russel room - Hannah Dunlop Taylor room - Jenny Bisset Library - Connor MacFadyen & Helen Kerr
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HOW WE DO DISCUSSIONS Over the weekend, there will be three key topics looked at and we'll spend one day on each topic. Before the discussion gets going, there will be a guest speaker who will address the assembly with some input, giving ideas to think about. These speakers are specialists in each area, making their contribution invaluable. Following the input, you will break off into your small groups to have an in depth look at the topic, giving everybody a chance to let their voice be heard. Your SGL will guide your group through these sessions. Please bear in mind your groups offer a safe space to share respectful dialogue, so don't be afraid to speak up and air your opinions. Once the discussion has been had in small groups, everybody comes together and we continue things as a full group. The Moderator will chair this part of the discussion, ensuring comments are relevant and succinct and that everybody who so wishes has a chance to speak. During this session the Clerk will minute the discussions, the outcomes of which will be brought to the General Assembly in the Blue Book report.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE EVENT? All the notes from the small group discussions and the minutes of the full group sessions are collected and given to the Clerk and Moderator which they will use to form the basis of the Blue Book report for the General Assembly. As well as working on that report, the Moderator and Clerk will oversee the team of Youth Reps as through the year they work together to turn the talk of the weekend into action. Youth Reps will be elected to go on one of three working groups - one for each topic. Each of the three groups will look at the discussion notes and look at ways they can get involved with the work on a larger scale. This may involve collaborating with other CofS groups, they might make up resources, there may be an event they wish to put on to highlight their topic - the possibilities are endless! Do speak to one of the current Youth Reps (you can meet them on page 16) to see what ways they've been involved.
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NYA ONLINE NYA has a very active online presence. Through the year much of the work we do is posted on our various social media channels and on the CofS website. Facebook is a good place to start. You can find information on all our recent work, events and updates on what we've got coming up. Our Moderator has a Twitter account, on which you can get snapshots of what all they've been up to. Follow @nyamoderator to see an insight to the NYA Moderator experience! We're also on Instagram, although not very good at sharing photos out with NYA! We have a Youtube channel where you can find a variety of videos, including the ones the NYA 2017 youth reps produced about different church roles. Our pages on the CofS website have it all - information on our events, reports, people, activities and opportunities to get involved. There is a wider young adults section too which has info about GA youth reps, funding opportunities and international trips.
cofsnationalyouthassembly
@nyamoderator @cosy_nya
cofs_nya
CofS Youth
www.churchofscotland.org.uk/nya
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CODE OF CONDUCT NYA is like a family; we are all different but are all equally welcome and need to get along with one another. If we follow these guidelines then we'll all have a great weekend: ‣ Keep God in mind in everything you do and strive for a Christ like attitude at all times. ‣ Respect everyone on site (team, delegates, visitors and venue staff) showing an understanding of others’ feelings, beliefs and opinions. ‣ Everyone's voice is to be listened to so don't be afraid to speak but if you do please don't hog the microphone, keep your responses short and to the point. ‣ It is ok to disagree with someone but challenge the issue, not the person. ‣ Communicate well: listen to others and think before you speak. ‣ Through your actions help us provide and maintain an atmosphere/environment conducive for the sharing of opinions and concerns. ‣ If you feel uncomfortable or see an attitude you do not like, tell one of the team. ‣ Model the behaviour you wish others to follow treating everyone equally and with respect. ‣ Try to be inclusive at all times, considering the welfare of others. ‣ Respect others’ right to personal privacy. ‣ Remember that someone else might misinterpret your words or actions. ‣ Do not make suggestive gestures or remarks, even in jest. ‣ Do not have any inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others.
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PROGRAMME INFO PROGRAMME The programme is packed and whilst we can't force you to attend everything we would really like it if you did - having said that the late night sessions are definitely optional as I for one will be needing some sleep!
FRIDAY 17TH AUGUST: 4.30pm
Arrivals/registration
5.45pm
Small groups opening conversations
7pm
Dinner
8.15pm
Opening Session with worship - The People of God Gathered
10.30pm
Small group activity challenge
12am
Late night options
SATURDAY 18TH AUGUST: 8am
Morning prayers (optional)
8.30-9.15am Breakfast 9.30am
Worship - The People of God Re-named
10.30am
End of Life Discussion input
11.15am
Refreshments
11.45am
End of Life Discussion small groups
1pm
Lunch
2pm
Creative workshops
3.30pm
End of Life Discussion full group
4.15pm
Refreshments
4.45pm
End of Life Discussion cont.
6pm
Worship - The People of God in All Generations (in the Russel Room)
7pm
Dinner
8.30pm
Ecumenical human library
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Break
10pm
Ceilidh
12am
Late night options
SUNDAY 19TH AUGUST: 8.30am
Morning prayers (optional)
9-9.45am
Breakfast
10am
Walk to Gartmore Parish Church
10.30am
Church service with refreshments
12.30pm
Lunch
2pm
Being Ecumenical Discussion input
2.45pm
Being Ecumenical Discussion small groups
4pm
Refreshments
4.30pm
Being Ecumenical Discussion full group
7pm
Dinner
8.30pm
Issue based workshops
10pm
Worship with communion - The People of God as Family
11pm
Late night options
MONDAY 20TH AUGUST: 8am
Morning prayers (optional)
8.30-9.15am Breakfast 9.30am
Worship in small groups - The People of God Remember
10.15am
Social Media Discussion input
11am
Refreshments
11.30am
Social Media Discussion small groups
12.30pm
Lunch
1.30pm
Social Media Discussion full group
3.30pm
Refreshments
4pm
Closing Session with worship - The People of God as One Body
5pm
Home Time
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SITE MAPS There's a lot going on across the Gartmore House, so here the site map should help you see where everything is so you know where to be!
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DISCUSSION TOPICS
All discussions will take place in the conference hall END OF LIFE ISSUES: We have three people coming to share with us about different aspects of end of life issues. Bryan Kerr (a minister in Lanark) will help us think about funeral poverty, Gayle Taylor (a bereavement support practitioner for Child Bereavement UK and a Church of Scotland minister) will help us think about child bereavement and Maureen O'Neill from Faith in Older People Scotland will help us think about life for those with life limiting/debilitating conditions.
BEING ECUMENICAL - Ecumenical Relations Committee: Liam Fraser will be sharing with us about the work of the Ecumenical Relations Committee of the Church of Scotland and helping us think about ecumenism in Scotland and what it could look like in a post Brexit Europe. ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland - an ecumenical body) are currently undergoing a revisioning process so our discussions will help inform them as to what young adults think.
SOCIAL MEDIA - Communications Department: We'll be looking at how we can live out our faith online and how local congregations and the national Church can use social media more effectively. Jane Bristow and Jill Stevens who work in the Communications Department at 121 will be joining us to help us think through these things.
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WORKSHOPS The workshops are optional in so far as you can choose which you go to. Have a look at the descriptions below which will tell you what to expect from each and if you want to change from the one you've been allocated let Suzi or Catriona know. You get to go to one creative workshop and one issue based workshop. You've been allocated which based on the preferences listed during booking - see the handy label on your delegate pack for yours! The Creative workshops aim to offer a hands on approach to various themes, allowing you the chance for some practical involvement. Issue Based workshops are designed to let you hear about specialised subjects from guest speakers who work or have had experience in a particular area.
CREATIVE (SAT PM): Conversations in Prayer Graham Fender-Allison & Suzi Farrant Oak Room
What is prayer? How do I know when I’ve prayed? Where is the best place to pray? How often am I supposed to pray? Does prayer change anything? Christians have been debating these questions for centuries. For some, prayer can feel natural, relaxed or energising – for others, it can feel like a struggle, a duty or a puzzling activity. This workshop offers a space to explore questions about prayer, share stories of how prayer has felt and consider how our congregations can be places for conversations about prayer.
Preparing and Leading Worship Phill Mellstrom Meeting Room 1
The word liturgy is derived from the Greek: λειτουργία or leitourgia, which literally means ‘work of the people’. By its very nature, therefore, worship should be participatory. The idea of worship being something that we are not actively involved in raises the question ‘How can it be the work of the people if the people are not involved?’ This workshop offers space to consider how we might participate in worship.
The Bible: Don’t Go It Alone! Jo Love Russel Room
The Bible is for arguing with, playing with, living with, connecting with. Come and have some serious fun as we take the plunge into a couple of holy tales, using methods that can be used for lots of scriptural adventures. Simple techniques, surprising insights. Best enjoyed in company. (And tried and tested on Suzi Farrant. Just sayin’!)
How Can We Do Politics Differently? Irene Mackinnon & Chloe Clemmons Meeting Room 2
A creative workshop exploring how we can do politics differently and the way in which our ideas and opinions can shape the world that we would like to live in. Get involved as we take a hands-on approach to some of the important issues facing people in Scotland today and discover how each of us can engage with politics so that we can change things for the better.
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ISSUE BASED (SUN PM): Community Development John Finch and Naomi Dornan Russel Room
A look into what Asset Based Community Development is and how it works, using real life case examples to explore together. Delegates will look at how Church can be incorporated into this way of thinking, and how that may change thinking at local, presbytery and national levels.
Forces Chaplaincy Mark Dalton Meeting Room 2
An insight into the work Her Majesty’s Forces Chaplains do at home and abroad. What is the role of the Church of Scotland in the team? What role can local churches play in supporting the work?
Faith in Schools
A chance to discuss what place faith has in schools. Do schools pay a part in the faith development of their pupils and staff? Are issues of religious discrimination dealt with appropriately? What role do churches have in schools?
Meeting Room 1
International Experiences Various Young Adults Oak Room
A number of youth delegates will share their experiences of trips they've been on across the world - Taiwan, Rwanda, Serbia, South Africa to name a few. There will also be information on how you can get involved in upcoming trips.
ECUMENICAL HUMAN LIBRARY Aware that many people won't have had the opportunity to meet with people from other denominations to consider what the similarities and differences are we thought it would be useful before our discussion on Being Ecumenical to have that opportunity. Therefore we've invited people from different denominations to come and meet you - they'll share a bit about their denomination and then there will be time for you to ask them questions - far more interactive than reading a book! We will also have some ecumenical and international youth delegates with us throughout the weekend whom we are delighted to welcome. Among our number we will have representatives from the Church of England, the Evangelical Church of Lebanon, the Presbyterian Church of Malawi, the United Reformed Church and the Scottish Episcopal Church.
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WORSHIP Worship at NYA will probably be very different to what you are used to in your local congregation. Please don't be worried about this - there are many different ways we can worship, and we all have different likes and dislikes. By experiencing things that are new to us we have the opportunity to meet with God in a fresh way, so I'd encourage you to approach the worship with a spirit of openness and ask questions of your own reactions to it - why did you like that particular bit, what was it about that other bit that made you feel uncomfortable, how did participating in that bit make you feel, where and how did you encounter God? The worship this year is themed on the People of God and will happen in the conference hall unless otherwise stated: Friday evening - The People of God Gathered Saturday morning - The People of God Re-named Saturday evening - The People of God In All Generations (in the Russel Room) Sunday morning - we will be attending the service at Gartmore Parish Church Sunday evening - The People of God As Family Monday morning - The People of God Remember (in small groups) Monday afternoon - The People of God As One Body
REFLECTIVE SPACE If you head down the youth centre corridor the first room on the left has been set up as our reflective space. In here you’ll find various prayer stations — perfect if you want to reflect on the day. There will also be some sheltered areas set aside with items to help you recharge your social batteries — think fairy lights, cushions, sand, pebbles & colouring books! This space will be open throughout the weekend so whenever you need a moment to yourself feel free to head there.
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LATE NIGHT OPTIONS After the close of the programmed sessions, there is an option to stay up a little while past bedtime for a variety of activities on offer in various places. There is no obligation to go to any of these if you don't want to, but they offer a chance to unwind and get to know one another in a more relaxed setting. Each of these options is open to everybody - you can drop in to them all, or stick to just one each night. Go alone or explore them with friends - this time is yours, so spend it as you wish!
COSY CAFE: The CoSY café will be open every night in the lounge. Here you'll find the room decked out with sofas, fairy lights and tea lights creating a lovely relaxing atmosphere. Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, tea, coffee and home baking will all be available — this will be the place to be! If you’re wanting a chat with one of the pastoral team, you’re likely to find some of them in here as they like a sweet treat and a blether to end the day with!
ACOUSTIC WORSHIP: Those of you who want to bring an instrument will have the chance to join in with some acoustic worship on Friday night. The Russel Room is available to use so come along and share in some informal worship with others. This option is open to everybody, so if you don't play an instrument don't let that stop you coming along.
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BIG CHATS: SAT = GENDER, SUN = MENTAL HEALTH Back on the programme this year due to popular demand are a couple of big chats. These are essentially safe spaces for conversation on a topic where no question is off limits and right/wrong answers aren't expected to be found. Hosted by Suzi Farrant & Esther Nisbet they are a chance to explore issues together without fear of recrimination, of being wrong, or of talking about the wrong thing.
Big
s t a Ch
There will be two Big Chats this year and both will be in the Oak Room. On Saturday night you can come along to a discussion about gender (we'll explore issues of gender identity, gender in the church, gender justice and anything else you want to bring up). On Sunday night you can come along to a discussion about mental health (we'll explore issues of wellbeing, what the Bible has to say and the churches response). There will be a couple of boxes available in the foyer before hand for you to put in any questions that you want explored as part of the discussions. These discussions are of a sensitive and personal nature, and there will be members of the pastoral team on hand if you feel you need somebody to talk to about anything that comes up in the discussions.
SOMETHING SPORTY: On Saturday night the sports hall will be set up with some sports. There will be a couple of delegates on hand to lead leisurely games of football, frisbee or similar in a relaxed setting. Come on your own, or with some friends - you'll be welcome to join in any time.
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HOUSEKEEPING EMERGENCY & FIRST AID: Several members of the team including Suzi are trained in first aid so if at any point you are in need please come and find one of us. The best places to try first are the supper kitchen in the youth centre or the lounge in the main house as this is where the first aid kit will be stored during the day. If you need first aid or any other assistance overnight please call the pastoral team mobile 07891479809 and someone will come to help.
DEPARTURE: Those of you staying in the main house will need to be out of your rooms before morning worship on Mon. Luggage can be left in your small group rooms. Those in the youth centre don’t need to be out of your rooms until the event finishes but you will want to be packed before worship. Everyone will need to say your goodbyes and pick up luggage quickly after closing worship; the coach to Stirling will leave promptly at 5.15pm. Please make sure before leaving that you have handed in your voting handset and lanyard as we don’t want to have to chase you for them once you are back home! There will be boxes for them and your room keys on the way out of each building.
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SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE NYA is made up of a very diverse group of people. We come from all over, we're all ages, we're all from different backgrounds and have different experiences to share. But we're all here. Together as people of God. Our faith is one thing that unites us all, but how many other things can you find in common with people? Over the weekend we're challenging you to find out the little - and big - things you have in common with each other, and find how many similarities there are among everyone. How many people have the same favourite book as you? Who's all been to your favourite holiday destination? How many others hate the same Tom Hanks films you do? Find out, and using the photo frames that will be dotted around the site, get as many pictures as you can, using the hashtag #samebutdifferent to build up a picture celebrating the similarities and differences of the NYA.
SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY CHALLENGE On the first evening you will be sent on a scavenger hunt with your small group - it’s a chance to get to know one another and a have a bit of fun in the process! Each group will compete together visiting various locations across the site and completing questions and challenges at each to gain rewards. As a whole the session will encompass questions from all three discussion topics, a range of very varied team challenges, as well as an all important Bible element, and there will be a prize for the winners. So put your heads together, work as a team and don't go giving away your answers! All instructions will be given in the conference hall at the start of the session.
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GET MORE INVOLVED YOUTH REP ELECTIONS Each year 18 people are selected to represent the NYA during the year alongside the Moderator and Clerk with 9 of them being selected to go to the General Assembly. In your delegate packs there will be a job description letting you know what the role entails and what we expect. Have a read of it; speak to some of the folk who have been reps in the past (see page 16 for who they are), and think about whether you would like to put yourself forward for election this year. We expect there to be 4-6 meetings throughout the year, generally held on Saturdays, 10.30-3.30pm in a central ish location (in the past we've been in Stirling, Linlithgow and Dunfermline). There will also be some work to do in between meetings so we will use Facebook to communicate throughout the year. Any of you can be a youth rep although only those aged 18-25 in May 2019 will be able to go to the GA. The 9 reps for the GA will be chosen according to availability and how involved they have been throughout the year. This year we will be electing people into a working group, there is one for each of the discussions so we need six people in each group. Assuming more than 18 people apply to be youth reps we will keep a reserve list for each of the groups so that if anyone resigns from their position during the year there will be others asked to take their place. If you think this is a role you would like to fulfil you need to fill in the youth rep nomination form (also in your delegate pack). There is a bit for you to fill in, detailing why you would like the role and whether you have been before. Once that’s done you need to find two other folk who think you would be a good person for the role and get them to fill in the other bit of the form. Completed forms then need to be put in the box in the lounge by midnight on Sunday. If we need an election all the forms will be displayed down the youth centre corridor on Monday morning and you'll be given a chance to read over them before choosing who to vote for. All delegates will receive a voting form and be able to vote by completing the form (you can choose 4 people for each working group) and putting it in the box by 1.30pm. The chosen 18 will be announced and commissioned during the closing worship session.
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MSYP ELECTIONS NYA has the privilege to be involved with the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). Every two years two people are elected to serve as MSYPs representing the Church of Scotland. This is a great opportunity for the church to get its voice heard in the wider community and be seen as politically engaged and active. We are now in the election process to decide who will serve as MSYPs June 2019 to June 2021. We will broadly be following the same process as other local authorities/ groups to elect our representatives and this will happen in 5 phases: 1. Expression of interest - 1st August to 31st October 2018 2. Confirming candidates - 1st November to 8th January 2019 3. Promote the vote - 8th January to 14th March 2019 4. The vote - 15th to 27th March 2019 5. The result - announced on 29th March 2019 There is some work to be done for each stage but it isn't an onerous process so please don't let that put you off! If you are even vaguely interested please complete the expression of interest form online by 31st October, stating you wish to stand for the Church of Scotland (one of the National Voluntary Organisations). You'll then be sent an automatic response with some more info and a link to a very quick online learning module (all about SYP). At that point you are free to drop out of the process or confirm that you wish to stand as a candidate and continue on. For more info and to complete the form visit https://elections.syp.org.uk/
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GA YOUTH REPS Alongside the 10 NYA reps, each presbytery is invited to send a youth rep (aged 18-25) to the GA 2019; if every place is filled that would mean 56 young people taking part. Youth reps spend the week together and far from being dull, everyone who goes says it’s one of the best weeks of their year, see www.churchofscotland.org.uk/youngadults. Anyone interested in being a presbytery rep should have a read of the job description and think about whether this is something you would like to do. If it is download the nomination form (it’s the same form for each presbytery and there is one in your delegate pack), complete it and send it to your presbytery clerk by 1st February 2019. On the form you need to give some details about yourself and why you want to be a rep, and then get two different people to nominate you (one of them needs to be your minister/youth worker). The form also needs signed at the bottom by your minister. By putting your name forward doesn’t mean you will get chosen, but if you don’t put your name forward you definitely won’t! A youth rep does not need to be a youth worker or someone involved in work with children and young people in the church, all we ask for is a young person willing to give their views on all aspects of the work of the Church of Scotland. Also, while we would prefer it if a youth rep is able to be there for the whole week we recognise that it is not always possible given that the assembly falls during university exam time. Therefore a youth rep is able to attend only for part of the week if necessary; for example over the last few years we have had youth reps leave to attend exams and come back the next day. We just need to know for our accommodation booking. Dates: 4.30pm Friday 17th to 5pm Friday 24th May 2019 Venue: Assembly Hall, Edinburgh and accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express. Cost: Nothing – accommodation is provided and money spent on food and travel will be reimbursed (up to £15 a day for food)
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MODERATOR & CLERK 2019 Each year a Moderator and a Clerk is elected to represent the National Youth Assembly for one year. Together they will lead proceedings at the 2019 Assembly, and continue that work forward, reporting to the General Assembly of 2020. In your packs you will find role descriptions for both posts, and a nomination form. They will also be available on our webpages soon. Have a read through them, pray over them, and if there is somebody you feel would be a good fit for either role, you can submit the form either in person to Suzi over the weekend or you can post it to her at 121 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4YN, or email it to her afterwards sfarrant@churchofscotland.org.uk. Forms need to be submitted by 31st October 2018. After that date Suzi will approach those nominated to see if they are willing to put themselves forward. Those that are will be invited to write a supporting statement. At one of their subsequent meetings the youth reps will receive those nomination forms and supporting statements and having considered the qualities they want in the next moderator and clerk will prayerfully begin the discernment process. They will consider each candidate carefully, thinking through what has been written on the forms and adding in their personal experience of the people concerned. It is important to note this is a discernment process not a vote. After the youth reps have met, a group of previous NYA Moderators and Clerks will continue the discernment process by considering the candidates, what the youth reps have said about them and adding in their own experiences of being in the role. At the end of this discussion someone will have been suggested for each role. These candidates are shared with the Congregational Learning Team of the Mission and Discipleship Council for their approval, after which the selected candidates are asked if they are willing to accept the role. The news is then announced. Please pray for all those involved in the discernment process and the candidates as it is not an easy process to be in.
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INTERNATIONAL TRIPS Throughout the year there are opportunities for young people to go and represent the Church of Scotland at events around the world organised by our partner churches. In the past people have gone to Taiwan, Malawi, India, Hungary, Czech Republic, Israel/ Palestine and Germany. These trips are an amazing opportunity to see other parts of the world and interact with Christians from another culture and many of them are fully funded. See our web pages www.churchofscotland.org.uk/youngadults for stories of previous trips and keep an eye out on social media for details of upcoming opportunities and how to apply.
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COSY COLLECTIVE FUND The CoSY COLLECTIVE special trust is a pot of money set aside for the use of young people in projects that enable them to creatively reach out to their communities.
What can be applied for? Small grants (normally up to £200) will be given to projects in local communities (not overseas) run by young people. Within that the scope is endless. Some ideas are: • Starting a new youth group • Buying equipment • Running an intergenerational social event for the church • A rural group needing transport to an event/meet with another group • Resources for a Bible study group • Resources to start an outreach café for young people in the community • Running a sports day event for children in the community • Starting a community children/youth choir • Running a Christian focus week in the local school • A celebration of the work done in the community with children and young people
Who can apply? Any young person, involved in the Church of Scotland, aged 25 or younger can apply. Applications from individuals or groups will be accepted.
Who will decide where the money goes? The CoSY collective team; this will be made up of 3 young adults, 1 from each of the areas (priority, urban & rural), the National Youth Assembly Moderator and two members of the Congregational Learning team of the Mission and Discipleship Council. They will try to ensure that the fund is equally split between projects in priority areas, rural areas and urban areas.
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When do we need to apply? Applications will be considered throughout the year. Given the timescales involved in making the final decision we advise that you get your application in at least 6 months before the proposed event/need.
What happens afterwards? Each group/project receiving a grant will need to write a report detailing how the money was spent and what the outcomes were. This will enable us to celebrate what has happened and show the wider church how young people are being proactive in reaching out to folk in their communities.
What happens once the money has run out? We are hoping that doesn’t happen! Assuming it is a success, we will be approaching the Mission and Discipleship Council to match fund the amount that the NYA raises in the future. Of course any group or individual is able to donate money to the CoSY COLLECTIVE at any time.
How do we apply? There is an application form on our young adult webpages - download it and once completed email it to Suzi sfarrant@cofscotland.org.uk. If you need any more information or want to discuss if you are applying for the right sort of thing just get in contact with Suzi and she'll help. It’s amazing what you can do with a small grant and a bit of enthusiasm. And remember, if your idea needs a bigger grant then there is always the Go For It Fund you can apply to.
COSY COLLECTIVE TEAM: We are now needing some new people to be part of the CoSY collective team. We get very few applications in so this really isn't an onerous task! All the team does is decide where the money goes which it does by email (there are no endless meetings to attend!). The team is made up of 3 young adults, 1 from each of the areas (priority, urban & rural), the NYA moderator and 2 members of the Congregational Learning Group of the Mission & Discipleship Council. The existing team have served for two years so we now need to find others to take on the young adult positions and be part of the team. If you are in an urban area, a rural area or a priority area parish (that would be all of you then!) and are interested in helping decide where the money goes then please fill out the nomination form (also in your delegate pack). The completed form then needs put in the box in the lounge by midnight on Sunday. If a vote is needed all the forms will then be displayed and folk given a change to read over them before choosing who to vote for. All delegates will be able to vote. The chosen 3 will be announced during the closing worship session. You can be part of the CoSY collective team and have another role (youth rep, MSYP, GA rep etc) so don't let that put you off putting yourself forward!
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NYA 2019 PLANNING WEEKEND You're all welcome (staff & delegates) to come along to the planning weekend for NYA 2019. This will be 25th to 27th January 2019 at the Windmill Christian Centre in Arbroath. It is free to attend (you'll just need to pay to get there) and I'm looking for about 30 folk to be there. Book online before 13th December 2018. www.nya2019planningweekend.eventbrite.co.uk
NYA 2019 NYA 2019 will be 16th to 19th August at Gartmore House. Get the dates in your diary now and encourage others to do likewise! Booking and publicity will be available sometime after the planning weekend in January. As this will likely be the last NYA we are hoping to go out with a bang - you won't want to miss it!
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JARGON BUSTER
Over the weekend, you may hear some terms that are unfamiliar to you. As you get to used how things run, these terms will become second nature, but until they do, this jargon buster will help explain them. You can find a clear short guide to how the Church of Scotland is structured made by some of the NYA 2017 youth reps on our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rA4vgKOFXw0
NYA
National Youth Assembly - the annual Assembly for young adults 17 - 25 in the Church of Scotland to come together in worship, discussion and fellowship.
NYA Moderator
Elected to represent the NYA for a full year, the Moderator chairs the youth assembly and will lead the youth rep team through their work following the assembly.
NYA Clerk
Elected to work alongside the Moderator to support them at the Assembly and as they prepare the reports to be presented at the General Assembly.
NYA Delegate
Young adults who attend the NYA.
Youth Rep
Elected at each assembly, 18 young people are chosen to represent the NYA and will work with the Moderator and Clerk to further the work of the Assembly through the year.
MSYP
Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament - two elected representatives from the Church of Scotland spend two years serving on the Scottish Youth Parliament.
CofS
Church of Scotland
CoSY
Church of Scotland Youth - the collective body of young adults across the CofS. There are several regional CoSY groups across the country.
121
121 George Street, Edinburgh - the address of the CofS offices where most CofS staff are based.
Council/ Committees
The Church of Scotland's day to day policy making and practical decision making at a national level are organised into six main councils and a number of associated committees and other departments which work out of 121.
M&D
Mission and Discipleship Council - this body works to promote an overall focus for mission and developing resources for congregations. M&D is given authority by the GA to enable young people to contribute to decision making through the NYA.
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General Assembly - the Assembly meets annually in May as the supreme court of the Church. The representatives who attend (around 800 from across Scotland, and internationally) have the powers to make Church law and set agendas for the councils, committees and departments of the Church.
Moderator
Meetings of the GA are chaired by the Moderator of the General Assembly. He or she leads daily worship, keeps order, rules on points of order, and signs documents on behalf of the Assembly. The role is an honorary one, held for 12 months. After the GA, they spend much of the rest of their time in office travelling as a Church representative in Scotland, other parts of the UK, Ireland and overseas in an ambassadorial capacity.
Principal Clerk
Acts as Clerk to the GA, advising the Moderator on Church law, practice and procedure. Based in 121, the Principal Clerk will continue this support through the year, as well as offering guidance and training to Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries and other Church bodies.
Blue Book
The annual reports from each council, committee and department is collected in the Blue Book which is presented to the GA for debate and discussion among commissioners.
Presbytery
The district level of governance, presbyteries are made up of all the ministers within the region, and an equal number of elders.
Presbytery Clerk
Similar to the Principal Clerk, Presbytery Clerks will support the Presbytery Moderator at Presbytery meetings, and be point of contact for the region.
Kirk Session
Local parish level of governance. The Kirk Session oversees the local congregation and the members of its parish. It's made up of elders and is presided over by the Minister. Kirk Sessions can be of Unitarian model, whereby the Kirk Session oversees all matters - spiritual and temporal - or it can be run jointly with the Congregational board, where some elders and other members of the congregation deal with matters relating to the running of the building, leaving the Kirk Session to focus on spiritual matters of the church.
Session Clerk
Session Clerks assist the ministers at Kirk Session meetings - drawing up the agenda, taking minutes and following up any correspondence are all all formal parts of the job, with volunteer roles within congregational and church life also of great importance.
Elder
Elders are ordained members of the Church and hold a key leadership role within a congregation. A varied role, it includes decision making at Kirk Session meetings and can involve pastoral care duties to members of the congregation and parish, serving Communion elements, taking in the offering and welcoming the congregation to worship.
Minister
Ministers of Word and Sacrament have a varied role too. Most ministers will be based in a charge where they will conduct worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals of those in parish. Ministers also have a role in pastoral care, ensuring the spiritual wellbeing of the people in their parish.