YOUTH WORK REPORT
We are thankful for the success of our youth work in this circuit. We are blessed with such a fabulous team of youth leaders (paid and volunteers). A huge thank you to all involved in youth work in all the different churches. Although the work can be demanding at times, it is wonderful to spend time with the youngsters and serve our Almighty God whilst having fun and fellowship with each other.
Staffing
- Lynn Adderley has been in post for two years now. Lynn works in Barwell and Earl Shilton and she is based at Heath Lane Academy. She is doing a great job building relationships with some extremely vulnerable young people. Lynn’s post was for 3 years and a small group of people are currently looking into possible funding streams to see if there is money available for the post of Early Intervention Worker to be extended.
- Annette (Netty) Alesbrook has been working for a year now as a youth support worker, working 8 hours a week. She is building very effective relationships with our youngsters and adult volunteers and helping out in so many ways.
- We have recently introduced Performance Reviews for all our lay employees using guidelines from the Methodist Church. Thank you to anyone who was asked to contribute to these reviews.
- Chris (Newlyn) continues to work tirelessly on behalf of our youngsters. The trips he ran over the summer holidays proved to be very successful and enjoyable. I had a fab day out at Alton Towers with youngsters from Earl Shilton and Barwell and it was great that Ollie McAllister was able to join Chris for a couple of the trips. Rev Dave even enjoyed a little ‘bounce’ at Jump Xtreme. Sincere thanks to Chris for all his hard work organising and running these different activities over the holidays.
Youth cafés
Clubs continue to meet at Earl Shilton & Burbage (led by Chris) and Sapcote (led by Richard and Sheila). Sadly, the sessions at Barwell have ended due to low numbers attending. Volunteers at Barwell are putting their energy into the Luncheon Clubs for younger children which meet in the holidays. These are extremely well attended. We are so grateful to the willing volunteers in these churches for the time and energy they give to support these events.
GLO
These sessions are currently not running at Burbage or Newbold, due to low numbers attending. Newbold are prayerfully considering the future in order to determine the way forward. Volunteers at Sapcote are looking to start up something more faith based with a group of Yr 7’s in the Autumn Term. We do ask for your prayers for developing activities with our youngsters which will lead into discipleship.
Holy Doughnut
This lunchtime club at Hastings continues to be well attended. Chris has also taken part in some question & answer sessions as part of R.E lessons which went really well with some Big Questions asked. Chris feels these sessions had a huge impact in such a short time and with no preparation required.
Reality Bus
Reality Youth Project at Leicester has now closed, and the old bus is beyond repair. Leicester Diocese intend to start up a new bus from January and they are currently seeking to appoint a Bus Manager. We are hopeful that when their plans are finalised, it will be possible for us to book some sessions on their new bus so that Newbold Verdon & Stoney Stanton can benefit from this tremendous outreach.
Prayer Breakfasts
These are planned bi-monthly and we are so grateful for the hospitality provided across the circuit.
Thanks to Lynda Coleman for coordinating these breakfasts and encouraging all our churches to get involved. Thanks also to Chris for all his hard work preparing for these events. The last Prayer breakfast at Earl Shilton was well attended and it was great to pray for our work with children and young people around the circuit. The next Prayer Breakfast will be at Hinckley on September 28th at 9am as part of our circuit weekend of prayer. We do hope this will be well supported.
We ask for your continued prayers for the youth work across our circuit and especially our paid employees Chris, Lynn and Netty. We hope to advertise shortly for a new Children & Families Ministry Enabler with a January start date.
Sheila Grice
