Our Youth Pages...CRUNCH
Crunch began around six years ago. Initially it met to discuss whether there was mileage in re-establishing an across churches youth event, however there were some more pressing concerns, namely,
- To be supportive of paid and volunteer church youth workers in Tower Hamlets and on its borders by meeting to pray together and sharing concerns and encouragements in the work
- To network more widely with church and non-church agencies
- To establish opportunities for collaborative working
Crunch meets monthly and have re-established a youth event for young people – next one being on Saturday 7th July at Victoria Park Baptist Church in Grove Road, 6.30-8.30pm. Details to follow...
The next Crunch meeting is Tuesday 10th July, 9.15am at Bethnal Green Mission Church, 305 Cambridge Heath Road. It will take the form of breakfast for voluntary youth workers with the aim of acknowledging and affirming the work of volunteers and providing some training opportunities for them.
To find out more contact Mark Hutchings, Youth Worker, Bethnal Green Mission Church on 020 7729 4286 or email youth@bgmchurch.plus.com or call Ryan Lynch, Senior Youth Worker, Good Shepherd Mission on 020 7739 3822.
East End WI
You may be interested to hear that the East End now has its very own Women's Institute. The WI was made official last month and will be based out of St Barnabas. The group have a whole host of interesting events planned and are keen to get involved in the local community. Membership is open to all women so please touch base to find out more.
A website is planned but, in the meantime, please contact Niki Stevens at niki.stevens@btinternet.com
Sports Leadership Course
Would you be interested in a nationally accredited course for young people aged 14 plus in our churches?
The focus would be for young people who are in our churches who would like to gain extra experience as preperation for helping on sports/missions activities. It would also be an opportunity to do some Bible teaching around leadership with a sports emphasis!
The Sports Leadership course will run, provisionally, the week starting Monday 23rd July 2007, assuming enough people are interested.
Let Mark Hutchings know what you think at youth@bgmchurch.plus.com
Also , there have been discussions around whether there might be mileage in developing a Young Leadership training course for church young people drawing on the gifts and talents of the youth workers who might contribute sessions… There is a possibility that Duke of Edinburgh Awards could be awarded to Christian young people taking part ….food for thought…. Again, please contact Mark as above.
Job Opportunity
The STREET LEVEL Inclusion Project in partnership with the RANK FOUNDATION challenges you to consider a special opportunity.
We are looking for someone PASSIONATE about working with young people (ideally from Hoxton/South Hackney) who wants to pursue a CAREER in youth work .
Over 5 YEARS you will study for a DEGREE in youth and community work with the YMCA George Williams College whilst developing your leadership skills working for the Street Level Project.
You will be PAID a competitive salary (JNC Level 1-2) and given all the SUPPORT you need on this exciting journey.
For more information, to discuss the post, or request an Application Pack:
Call – 0207 729 7719 (Call if you would like to arrange a time to drop by for a chat)
Email – chrisk_streetlevel@yahoo.co.uk
Closing Date: Friday June 22nd. Those successfully short- listed must be available on Wednesday July 11th for a Selection Day and August 8th for a college interview.
St Barnie's Jumble
The children attending the St Barnabas Sunday School undertook a project recently to help out everyone in the parish. They made a giant sign to advertise the jumble sales, which can be used over and again. You will see Father Brian proudly modelling the finished article below!
Made from old material, the children used fabric pens and paints to colour in a letter each and Niki Stevens, whose idea it was, sewed it all together with great dedication (and a few glasses of wine, we understand!)
GAP Project
You may be interested to hear about a Youth Inclusion Project called the Gap Project. Please have a look at their website: www.thegapproject.org which has a lot of detail on it. The project has been running for 7 years and aims to help young people overcome barriers, learn new skills and gain confidence. They are always looking for volunteers to help with the project but people who work with young people may feel that they know some who could be referred!!
They are holding their Annual Achievemet
Event on 12th July - see flyer opposite for information.
Tower Hamlets Mobile Toy Library
Do you think any of your children's groups would be interested in borrowing toys for their sessions? Toyhouse, a non profit making organisation based in Tower Hamlets, actively facilitates and promotes play as central to children’s wellbeing. They have a mobile service, whereby toys can be delivered to church and borrowed for a month at a time. This service is for pre-school children only so if you have toddler groups meeting in your church please click here to visit their website to learn more. Or, alternatively, contact hvmtl@toyhouselibraries.org.uk
