Youthwork Report

Youth & Families Report - November 2008

After8s
Commenced this autumn and has 6 members. Leadership is myself and a rota of the parents, which is working well. This term we have the theme of ‘Friends’, and have looked at telling our friends about Jesus, how Jesus made friends, reaching out, making friends.
CraftZone
This continues to grow in depth, we have a regular and loyal group of children and parents attending on a weekly basis in term time. This term we have been looking at ‘Heroes of the Old Testament’, including Joshua, Moses, David & Daniel. 1 big highlight was the harvest celebration. The children and church were encouraged to send in non-perishable food items. The children at craftzone decorated boxes into which the food was packed and wrapped. The ‘hampers’ (40 in number), were then distributed by parents and children.
Alpha
Once again we are running a joint course with Hildenborough at St. John’s church hall. This is taking place on Thursday evenings. Paula Marsh is attending as an assistant leader.
‘Alpha’ Home Group
Started this autumn with 5 members – hosted at Leslie Dyers house and meeting fortnightly. It is hoped that we will have 2 new members from the current Alpha Course when that finishes in December. The away day is on 22nd November at Sisters of St. Andrew, Edenbridge.
Youth Alpha
The joint Tonbridge Churches Youth Alpha Course at Carroty Wood has now finished. There were 26 youth on the course. 2 of our youth attended and it is hoped that they may go on to be Confirmed by the Bishop this November. I also attended as a joint leader at The Kent Youth Alpha Holy Spirit Weekend at Broadstone Warren Scout Camp on 31st Oct-2nd Nov. providing the intro talk on Friday evening. There were 80 teenagers and leaders at this very successful weekend. Our church is to receive a donation for my services at this event.
Leigh School
I continue to attend (with Lionel) weekly assemblies at the school. 2 of the assemblies were on the Shoebox appeal and Life at the time of Jesus, we have also looked at Jesus’ baptism and how He gathered His disciples.
Shoebox Appeal
This was officially launched at the school on 15thOctober with invitations going out to all parents to pack a shoe box with toys and gifts for needy children. Wendy & David Sellicks have kindly offered to be the ‘warehouse’ for collection again, which is the 28th November this year.
Gambia
Once again plans are well underway for next years project. In February 2009 we have 25 in our party travelling to Africa to complete the next phase of the toilet block as follows:
Build a privacy wall around the toilet block
Lay/connect water pipes from existing supply at classroom block
Infill with concrete base
Complete boys urinal
Install 6 washhand basins
Render all walls in and out of toilets
Shell tile the floors
Install toilet fittings
Paint walls and doors
Repair floors to nursery school
Repair and paint walls to nursery school
I am also travelling to The Gambia on November 20th to do some preparatory work
Anyone wishing to assist or requiring further info please contact me.
David Bennie
Youth & Families Minister 01732 834252 isdaddyrasta@sky.com