United reformed church

HADLEIGH

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

with monks eleigh and whatfield




 

The vision of Hadleigh URC is

to challenge the community to respond to God's love

as shown and taught by Jesus Christ.

ANNUAL REPORTS

March 2013

www.hadleighurc.org.uk

Contents

Minister’s Report 3

Planning Committee 4

What do you think over a Drink? 5

Tuesday Pause for Prayer 6

Scrabble Club 6

Lunchtime Bible Study 6

Bible-A-Month Club 7

Explorers Group 7

Sunday Club AGM 2013 9

Build Africa 11

Churches Together in Hadleigh 12

Cradle Roll 15

Christianity Explored 16

Vision4life Group 16

The A-Z Group 17

Guild 17

Prayer Partners 18

Film Discussion Group 18

Any Questions Discussion Group 19

Managers 19

Eternal 19

Youth Work Training 20

Minister’s Report

John writes in his first letter, “God is love, and those who live in love live in union with God and God lives in union with them.” (1 John 4.16) Isn’t it astounding that we can live in union with the God of all creation? Isn’t it amazing that the God who is love wants to live in union with us? Just take some time to ponder such wonders and mysteries. In fact, think of the words of the Psalmist, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46.10)

It has been a busy year and God has been good to us. We have made progress with our building projects – wonderful new heating, Ansell Centre at last underway, church plans looking exciting. People are being added to our number and the church family is growing. Our youthwork trainee is in place and doing good work with our own young people and at the Porch Project. It is a delight to see new children being added to Sunday Club. Inspired are growing in confidence in leading our worship, while we are still blessed with our organist and Music Group. Our links with community through user groups and the FIND Nativity continue to blossom.

Of course there have been problems and challenges. Some people are doing too much and it can be difficult to encourage volunteers. There are those who have faced problems of health and bereavement and we have tried to provide sufficient pastoral care. In the general busyness of church life people have made mistakes or fallen out and a new start is needed. These are all part of ‘living in love’ so that we can live in union with God.

We look forward with confidence, not because of ourselves and our abilities. We can only have confidence in God and in his love. That is why it is so important to be still and just be in God’s presence; to know his love and his care for us. This is not something that we can just leave for when we have sufficient time; we will never have sufficient. Nor should we turn to God only when things are getting too difficult.

We need to live in God and allow God to live in us every day. It is the only way in which we can possibly live in love, as Christ has called us to.

Yours in Christ, Jim.

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee have met on five occasions during 2012. Ronnie Howson (Project Manager) and Committee members are in the process of steering through the refurbishment of the Ansell Community Centre entrance, toilets and kitchen. The AC is within the curtilage and ownership of Hadleigh United Reformed Church. After due tendering process a 14 week contract was awarded to M Chisnall and Sons Ltd (Hadleigh). Work commenced on 7 January 2013. The total cost of the project including building costs, architects fees, building control fees, asbestos surveys and structural checks will amount to £140,000. It is now history, but poor communication and decision making over a period of 18 months by Babergh DC Planning Department escalated the costs of the project. Architects fees increased and in the 2012 Budget VAT on listed buildings work was increased to 20%. We are grateful to Jan Dicks who has somehow kept the goodwill of the lettees during the refurbishment period. Small support groups have drafted the layout of the kitchen and influenced the colour schemes in the toilet areas.

We are pleased to report that the trustees of the following grant making bodies remained firm in their commitment to the project.

Suffolk CC Regeneration Fund 20,000

Babergh District Council 25,000

BiffaAward 30,700

R A Quinton Land Trust 10,000

URC Eastern Synod 12,000

Garfield Weston Foundation 7,500

Ansell Management Committee 7,000

HURC Allocated Reserves 15,000

Current total of resources

available for the project 127,200

The congregation is now reaping the benefit of the new heating system which was installed in the church during late autumn 2012. Nigel Crisp monitored this installation which was carried out by E.T. Clark Heating Engineers. The total cost of the installation was £46,000+. We obtained a grant of £22,000 from Suffolk Foundation on condition that pews were removed in the worship area to increase community use.

The Planning Committee is now engaged in finalising plans to level the floor in the church, provide comfortable seating, new carpets, improve the lighting, and install an AV/IT console.

The committee is currently engaged in raising a further £60,000 to enable this work to commence in June 2013.

We are grateful for the continued support of County Councillor David Grutchfield. When the going has been tough during the year he has intervened on our behalf with Chief Officers of Babergh DC. He has also directed our pathway to new funding sources.

Chair of the Planning Committee. Sylvia Jarvis

Members: Rev’d Jim Dalgleish; Ronnie Howson; Nigel Crisp; Eve McCoid; Jan Dicks; Mervyn Cort.

What do you think over a Drink?

Another year on and WDYT? continues to meet a real need for men to get together to discuss important topics and to enjoy each other’s company. In the last year there have been several new faces around the table and there a wide variety of views on most topics. We may not have yet solved any of the world’s pressing problems, but we hopefully each have more understanding

We continue to meet monthly in the George and some of the topics covered in the last year are ‘It’s not easy being green’, ‘The United Kingdom’, ‘Do we have democracy?’, ‘Monarchy or Republic?’ and ‘Marriage’ – along with several others. The topics are not overtly spiritual, but God and religion often feature in the conversation. There was also a lot of informal conversation over many other topics.

This is a very informal group. On arrival we get a drink and then settle in for about an hour’s discussion on the chosen subject. After that we may break into small groups and talk about any subject that men like to talk about. It is often then that there are many good conversations about things that matter.

This group has been running for a surprising number of years and seems to be meeting a real need for men to get together to discuss things that really matter and to build up their relationships. I pray that God will continue to use it to draw men into thinking about him and his love for the world.

Jim.

Tuesday Pause for Prayer

We continue to meet at 10-15 Tuesday morning for 15mins of quiet prayer to listen to God. It is good to be able to draw aside in fellowship with friends and we number about 15 including people from other churches. At the moment we have 5 people on our rota to lead the prayers we would welcome any one who feels they could lead 15 minutes of quiet prayer and reflection.

After prayer there is an opportunity for anyone to stay and pray for themselves or any one they know with Jim or an Elder.

After prayer we gather together for coffee and conversation in the Community Room.

Sylvia

Scrabble Club

This is a happy group and we have gained some new members over the year. Saturday afternoon seems to fill a need for those who perhaps live on their own. We also advise them about special services to be held in Church and invite them to attend. The Sunday Club Notice Board in the Community Room is often a point of interest and thanks must be expressed to the way it is kept up to date with what the children are doing.

Barbara Dixon.

Lunchtime Bible Study

We have studied James and Matthew. We do not rush along and it can take several sessions, but the length of time does not matter. The important thing is getting to know our Bible and how it can influence our thinking in these modern times. We are now going to study the story of Jacob from the Old Testament. Due to unforeseen circumstances we shall not be starting in January but, after reading Genesis Chapters 28 and 29, hope to start our discussions on 26th February 2013. This should be an exciting study and I’m sure we shall get a sense of God’s plans throughout history and to the present day.

Barbara Dixon.

Bible-A-Month Club

This is just a small group of people who faithfully contribute each month to the Bible Society. In 2012 the Bible Society in Rwanda distributed over 2,000 Bibles to young people who live in rural areas. Through Bible study groups young people are learning about the Bible and how they can apply Scripture to their lives. The Bible Society in Jordan is helping to meet physical and spiritual needs of the Syrian refugees. They are helping hundreds of Syrian refugees through partner churches like Alliance Church in Mafraq making weekly visits to over 200 families, with food, essential supplies and offering prayer. Please pray for refugee families reached through the project. Pray that their hearts will be open to receiving the Bible, to find truth and hope in God’s living and transformative Word. Last year we sent £132.00 from our members, plus £60.00 received from a Church offering.

Barbara Dixon

Explorers Group

With the Lord as our guide in the leading of Explorers Group we continue to learn about the life of our Lord.

We have about 13/20 on the roll with about 5/10 coming regularly.

We continue to use the Scripture Union Grid material and find it best suited for us. It provides a great and varied time table which includes prayer, bible reading, drama and craft activities for all ages.

New Youngest joining Explorers Group

We had Eliza and Sam join us in September and they both have settled into the group well. Both enjoying their first DVD evening with us.

Visitors to Explorers Group

Throughout the year we have had a few visitors join us. Claire Coster and Karen Harman both came in to tell us what it is like being a Christian and working in the a School environment

Leading worship

Explorers Group leads worship at Clare URC. We all enjoy going to Clare they are a very welcoming congregation and make us feel at home as we all worship the Lord together.

A visit to see Lisa Guest

Three car loads of people went to London to visit Lisa Guest (as she was at the time) on her Gap year with XLP at Newham. It was lovely to see her and see what she had been doing in her work for the Lord.

Hadleigh Show

Tom Gordon and his band of helpers ran a successful May Show. Tom and I got together during the week to make cakes, a lovely time of fun and fellowship. The Hadleigh show is a good out reach for the church and good to see our young people getting involved and spreading the good news about God’s love.

DVD Evenings

We continue to have our DVD evenings… not as many as I would like but God willing will be better later on this year. Our latest was on the 15th. December with DVD evening and fish and chips from the chip shop. A fun evening ended with a brief discussion.

Baptism

One of our Explorers Group Anna Gordon got baptized in the sea at Sizewell. What a wonderful occasion that was. She gave her testimony and committed her life to the Lord. It was lovely to see so many people come to witness this wonderful occasion.

Marriage of two of our past Explorers group members.

In August Tom and Lisa got married what a lovely time it was and how happy they both were. Lovely to see and to think that they both attended Explorers and are leaders now. The Lord is working in them both. Lisa is now in her 2nd year of youth work training, part of that time is with the Explorer’s group.

Our thanks go to all who have helped through out the year and to all the parents who encourage their young people to come along. Also to all the people who have came to talk with us. I would like to say a big thank you to Hilary, Tom and Lisa for all their help with Explorers Group.

From All the Explorers Group Leaders.

Sunday Club AGM 2013

Minutes from JAN 21st 7.30pm meeting at HADLEIGH URC

Present: Milly & Jim Dalgleish, Michelle Elmer & Farley, Ronnie & Ann Howson, Tom & Lisa Gordon, Hilary Crisp

Apologies: Rachael Bennett

Jim opened the meeting reading from Psalm 133….’Sisters & brothers in harmony’

The minutes form 2012 Sunday Club AGM were signed

2012 Annual reports: were read. Jim suggested checking out various lectionary materials to use with Explorer group for continuity in church. Lisa has now joined Explorer’s leadership within her youth training programme.

The younger group are encouraged with new families coming along.

News & concerns: More leaders are needed in Sunday Club, particularly as Milly leaves her Sunday Club role when Jim’s retires in September. Having 2 age groups in the Community Room is proving difficult, discussion took place on rearranging groups & being more flexible, with the possibility of the older children using facilities in the Ansell Centre with The Explorer Group.

Ronnie would like to encourage more musical activities within the Explorer group.

We were all pleased that our church is becoming multi-cultural.

Health & safety: Hadleigh Baptist church is holding a course that we could join.

Finances: Report to come soon. Sunday Club will offer financial support for various activities, particularly contributions towards residential time away. (Lisa is taking youngsters on a FURY weekend away in Staffordshire this coming w/e).

Officer’s elections: Hilary secretary, Michelle Farley Chair taking over from Jim.

Distribution of Milly’s work: As raised in concern’s, a new leader/s is/are needed.

Cradle roll: provides a valued link between the church, young babies, children & their families who come for a blessing/dedication/baptism. Milly suggested 2 ladies, Linda Green & Helen Gates who may enjoy this role.

Children’s notice board in church: This needs to be kept up to date regularly. A new board is required, David Grutchfield will be asked if he can help.

2013 diary: Mother’s Day 10th March: Roots material will be followed with the possibility of potted plants being distributed with a message.

Psalm Sunday Service: Is at St Mary’s. A full day is planned, the service being followed by lunch & afternoon workshops for all, closing with worship.

Holy Week:. Lisa is planning activities for the Eternal group she leads & would like to link into the church activity. At present refurbishment work is going on in the Ansell Centre, so space is limited, events will be planned to be flexible.

Easter Sunday Sunrise service: This gathering is continually growing.

Children’s craft day: Will be arranged for after Easter.

Holiday Club: Committed help will be needed to run this.

Build Africa: A craft fundraising activity session will take place.

Sunday Club communion: Ronnie suggested we have this in September as Jim & Milly’s final Sunday Club time together. Date TBA.

Next meeting: Monday 20th Jan 2014, 7.30pm for AGM in the church premises.

Jim closed the meeting with prayer.

Build Africa

​Build Africa helps to improve the lives of young children & people in rural areas of Kenya & Uganda, helping them to have a brighter future, providing learning & earning opportunities. Learning skills offer children & their families long term solutions to poverty.

At the December 2011 church meeting it was agreed to include Build Africa as one of the church charities for 2012.

I was so pleased to be able to send off a cheque for £330 in July 2012. Thank you. At that same time another £15 from odd donations was also sent.

The Sunday Club children also helped to raise money for Build Africa, by selling home made goods in March 2012 after a Sunday service, this contributed another £120 for the project. Thank you.

We in this country have so much & others so little. Some do not have the basics of life, it is good to share our resources. I would like to thank all those who work for Build Africa & pray for them & for the people living in difficult situations.

​I receive a letter of grateful thanks from the charity each time I send a cheque. Regular newsletters are sent & these are displayed on the charity board.

If you do have access to a computer please take time to have a look at www.build-africa.org & see what is going on to help change lives.

Thank you for your support.

With Christian blessings, Hilary Crisp, January 2013

(N.B. 28.1.13 A £350 cheque was sent to Build Africa from Christmas 2012 church congregation collections. Thank you)

Churches Together in Hadleigh

Great Meeting United Reformed Church is a very active participating member of Churches Together in Hadleigh. Our Minister is Chair of the umbrella group Forum meeting quarterly, as well as contributing to the Worship Group which meets monthly. In addition Jim makes very valuable links with other churches through the informal clergy breakfasts. Wendy Atkins represents us on the Forum and Worship Group.

Each calendar year begins with The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity during January when we meet in one another’s churches for a variety of services and events. Actually covering eight days this year’s programme is as follows:

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th to 25th January 2013

What Does God Require of Us?

Friday 18th Jan. at St Joseph’s Morning Prayer 9.10am followed by reflections at 9.30am

Sunday 20th Jan. at Elmsett Methodist Church at 4pm – a service led by Rev Tim Ffrench and Rev Andrew Sankey

Monday 21st Jan. at the Row Chapel at 7.30pm a Celtic Evening Prayer led by Rev Eric Fisher

Tuesday 22^nd Jan at URC at 10.15am Pause for Prayer

Weds 23^rd Jan at St Mary’s at 7.30am Eucharist followed by breakfast.

Thursday 24^th Jan at Salvation Army Hall at 12 noon – a discussion following on from Sharing the Family Silver, linked with the theme of the week “What does God require of us?” introduced by Rev Jim Dalgleish

Friday 25^th Jan at St Joseph’s at 11am – Praying through Celtic spirituality, Father Brett.

This looks a very promising plan for this very important week. It is to be hoped that many members will enjoy these opportunities to worship with fellow Christians from different traditions.

Lent

Preceding Lent an informal Pancake Party is often held. This year all are welcome at the Atkins' Pancake Party on Shrove Tuesday 12th.February from 6.30pm until whenever. Pancakes sweet and savoury will be served. Do not eat beforehand! Chez David and Wendy at 19The Green, Tel.822535. An indication of attendance would be helpful but is not essential. All proceeds to be shared between the Ansell Centre improvements and the Porch Project.

During Lent it is usual to hold study groups to which all churches are invited. They are usually held on Wednesday evenings and Thursday lunch time when a packed lunch should be brought. In 2012 we studied the Beatitudes using Life Attitudes by Robert Warren & Sue Mayfield. Following on from that very successful series here are the details for this year’s groups:

LIFE SOURCE : this is a 5 session course and explores 5 prayer patterns. Books will purchased for participants to buy. For further details: http://www.chpublishing.co.uk/product.asp?id=2392441

The dates and leaders are as follows:

Session 1 Source of life - 20 Feb 7.30pm & 21 Feb 12.00pm - Martin Thrower Session 2 Source of joy - 27 Feb 7.30pm & 28 Feb 12.00pm - John or Liz Tubby Session 3 Source of light - 06 Mar 7.30pm & 07 Mar 12.00pm - Jim Dalgleish Session 4 Source of wholeness - 13 Mar 7.30pm & 14 Mar 12.00pm -Andrew Sankey Session 5 Source of love - 20 Mar 7.30pm & 21 Mar 12.00pm - Greg Frost

Study groups are always an opportunity for spiritual refreshment and the chance to share with those from other traditions provides insights and opportunities to be relished.

Easter

There are plans being made for some inter-church activity on Palm Sunday 24th.March, more information to follow.

On Good Friday a Walk of Witness takes place through the town. Carrying the cross and stopping at several locations where readings prayers and hymns are offered, this event attracts considerable attention and is a moving experience for those participating. This year Good Friday falls on 29th.March. The walk begins at St. Mary’s Church at 10.30am and visits all the churches in the town. An ecumenical service also starting at 10.30 and using the same readings, prayers and hymns is celebrated at the Salvation Army for those who feel unable to take part in the walk.

On Easter Sunday it is proposed to launch a Prayer List of the Streets of Hadleigh. This list will enable participating churches to focus prayers week by week on inhabitants of certain streets in the town. Eventually we hope to inform householders when their street is the subject of prayer, so that particular needs can be addressed.

An innovation during the autumn season was a series of lunch time groups called Sharing the Family Silver. In these meeting five denominations shared some of their distinguishing features and invited questions from participants. The series proved very popular and also proved that lay leadership of such groups is possible. Following the success of these groups it is proposed to hold a continuation series More Silver to Share in May-June to explore some of the areas thrown up by the previous course. Initially each denomination offered its own distinctive features, in this case topics such as worship, belonging, and education might be explored across the denominations. As before the sessions would be “home-grown” and ideally led by lay members. The proposed dates are 12.00 noon on Thursdays 23^rd, 30^th May, 6^th,13^th, 20^th June at the Salvation Army.

Additionally an Ecumenical Away Day to explore other traditions not covered in Sharing the Family Silver is proposed for a week day in September, details to be announced in due course.

During the Christmas Lighting-Up Ceremony opportunities for ecumenical activities usually arise. In 2012 a live nativity scene in the URC garden, with roaming shepherds and angels created much interest. It emphasised the plight of the Holy Family and related it to the local charity FIND which is helping provide food for families impoverished by the recession. A display in the church featured all the activity groups using the premises, included Churches Together, as well as five superb pictures telling the Christmas Story by Sue Symons the artist who combines paint, calligraphy and hand embroidery to exquisite effect. Many other groups displayed their wares in the Ansell Centre where teas and refreshments were served.

Advent Sunday is another occasion on which an ecumenical service is usually held. In 2012 at the Salvation Army there was rousing singing with their band. A similar service will be planned for 2013.

Carol Singing on the High Street also takes place on a Saturday near to Christmas, with the support of the Salvation Army band. This year it proved too wet for the instruments, but the singers were invited into the Co-Op where they raised the roof, attracted much enthusiasm from shoppers and were able to encourage more donations of foodstuffs for FIND.

Not new but strengthened this year has been the united witness in the growing number of care homes in Hadleigh. Each care home has a designated co-ordinator and a small group from different churches combine to take fellowship, worship and communion to the residents and non-residents on a regular basis.

Two groups offer ecumenical worship occasionally, several times throughout the year. Encounter provides quiet, spiritual opportunities for prayer and reflection, in a church or occasionally in a garden. These events are lightly structured around a theme, but also give freedom for those who want to use the time and space for their personal reflections. In Advent the displays in the URC made the perfect setting for reflection on Christmas and the community. Prayer Praise & Fellowship is a time of cheerful participation in stories, poems, music and singing followed by shared food and fellowship. Christmas 2012 provided a very lively evening with offerings from the very young as well as those of riper years!

Cradle Roll

During the year we gave thanks to Michelle Daniels for the way she cared for the families for many years. Since Michelle left I have kept records up to date, but am pleased to hand over the task of looking after the younger children in our church to Helen Gates and Linda Stratford.

They will make sure children receive a card on their birthdays and are invited to church events and made welcome.

In the past year 5 names have been added to our cradle roll and we have kept in touch with the families.

One among these was Anna Gordon and many of us were privileged to be at her baptism in the sea at Sizewell.

For the first time for many years the Cradle Roll boards have been hung in church on the wall near the piano. This year we have needed to add a new board, and we pray that many more names will be added in the future.

Milly

Christianity Explored

2 small groups have been exploring the basics of the Christian faith this year and, as ever, we have had very thought provoking discussions. The course helps anyone - long-time church members and those new to the faith - to look at the Christian faith from a refreshing perspective, and several of those who have done the course have decided to become Church Members.

A new course is planned to start in the near future so, whether you are well established in the church or are just starting out on your journey to find out about Jesus, you are welcome to join in. Groups meet at times to suit those taking part. More details from Milly and Jim

Vision4life Group

The group was formed several years ago to study the material published by the URC and covering the topics of prayer, the bible and evangelism.

We enjoyed using this material, and have continued learning together. Some have moved on from the group, others have joined us.

In the past year we have been looking at what the letter to the Philippians has to teach us about life in the 21st century and have had some good discussions. By contrast we have just started looking at more Vision4Life material which reflects on the importance of Jesus' family tree, and how our own story has shaped us.

The group meets monthly, in an evening, and each session stands in it's own right, so new members are always welcome.

Milly

The A-Z Group

The group meets monthly and has often looked at aspects of the Old Testament. In 2012, we studied the prophets - what they were like as human beings, and how their message is relevant today as well as in their own times.

We then felt we'd like a break and so moved into the New Testament to look at how the early church spread the Christian message, through the stories in Acts. We've discovered very ordinary, and extraordinary people following Jesus' way.

As ever, we welcome all who want to learn more of the background to our faith.

Milly

Guild

The Guild is a midweek meeting of friends formed many years ago.

This year we made the decision to move to an afternoon meeting and started at our new time of 2.30pm each Tuesday in January. We meet weekly during the winter and enjoy monthly outings during the summer.

This year our programme has been varied with subjects ranging from Revelations, Endangered Whales and a local charity to a Beetle Drive, a Musical afternoon a Social evening and a Party.

We enjoy Christian fellowship together and usually start our meetings with a hymn and a prayer. We are grateful to Philip Mann, Jill Taylor, Mary Boon, & Jim Dalgleish for leading our devotionals this year & for sharing their thoughts with us.

During the year we have raised money for various charities including £45 for Out & About, £170 for FIND and a further £42 for Out & About. We also donated £45 to the Felixstowe Seafarer's Centre and also to the church.

Our Summer outings were very enjoyable and this year we enjoyed a Barbeque, Supper at Kersey, a walk by the Riverside and Tea at the Manse

Once again we look forward to another year confident of the fellowship we share together and we extend a warm welcome to any friends who would like to join us on Tuesday afternoons.

Elizabeth

Prayer Partners

Our current prayer concerns are to be found on the weekly pew sheet and the monthly newsletter. They provide the opportunity to support one another in the church family in prayer.

A group of us also uses these prayer points when we meet as Prayer Partners. This involves meeting with an allocated partner (changing each month), sharing social time together perhaps, and praying for each other and those in need. It is a good opportunity to get to know our fellow Christians within the church family.

Milly

Film Discussion Group

This group continues to meet on the first Wednesday of the month in order to discuss films which members have previously watched on DVD at home. A different person leads the discussion each month usually using notes provided by the Bible Society and entitled “Reel Issues – where film, faith and life meet”. On several occasions this year group members have been particularly impressed with films they have seen at the cinema and have led the discussion without the use of the notes.

As usual, we have covered a wide variety of films (such as “Lars and the Real Girl”, “The Ghost”, “The Artist”, “The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud”, “Eat, Pray, Love”), and a surprising number of themes (mental health issues, accepting change, truth, loss, identity, ambition, fear of failure – to name but a few!)

It is good to share our thoughts and consider the Christian response to a wide variety of issues. Our discussions are always frank and open, and we feel able to express our opinions in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Unfortunately our group has slightly diminished in size this year so we would be particularly pleased to welcome new members.

Any Questions Discussion Group

We meet on the third Monday evening of the month in order to grapple with all sorts of issues. During 2012 we revisited several topics covered the previous year including miracles, prayer, holy communion and the creed. We are currently exploring the meaning of the word “incarnation” using a booklet entitled “God was not a baby” and written by Graham Hellier, a Presbyterian minister.

As Christians we sometimes get so used to hearing all sorts of ecclesiastical words without really knowing what they mean. “Any Questions” gives us an opportunity to explore them more deeply by studying the materials and listening to each other’s ideas.

Managers

Many thanks to all that have done both small & large jobs in the Church and the garden area.

David Grutchfield CHAIRMAN of managers

Eternal

Eternal is a group for girls 11-18years old. The group restarted in September after a years break (other than occasional meet ups) and meets on a Wednesday evening. I run the group with Katherine Green and also have help from Anna and Lucy Gordon. Seven girls come regularly and there are a few others who come occasionally.

In our sessions we look at the Bible and discuss 'life issues' that are relevant to the girls. Soon we are going to start inviting visitors to talk to us about their faith. We are going chronologically through the 'key people' in the Bible. We are currently at Isaac and plan to get to the New Testament at Advent and then work through the gospels up until Easter and then look at Acts and the Letters.

Hopefully by summer 2014 we will have covered the whole Bible! Life issue topics we will be looking at include school, exams, priorities, friendships and coping with stress. In school holidays we have day events/sleepovers which are usually opened up to other young people in the church and friends of the young people.

In October half term we ran a Halloween session with the help of Michele Farley and in the Christmas holidays we had a girls 'Pamper Party' where we looked at issues such as body image and did makeovers. In the summer five of the girls are coming to Soul Survivor (a Christian youth camp). The girls also help plan and run the evening services.

Youth Work Training

In September I began my degree in Youth & Community Work with Practical Theology. This involves going to the regional training centre in Cambridge for lectures roughly every fortnight and doing placement work 11-20 hours a week.

My placement is split between the URC and the Porch Project at St Mary's. I am involved in Explorers, Inspired, Eternal and running evening services. I do Explorers twice a month - one leading and one supporting. In Inspired my role is to work with the young people in the band to help them build confidence, understand the songs and write bits to say in the morning service.

Eternal is a girls group that I run (see separate report). I have also recently started running evening services with the help of Inspired and Eternal, we currently have two more planned over the next couple of months. I am involved in FURY and in January took two of our young people to the URC Youth Assembly.

My training is going well so far and I am enjoying university. The modules I have completed are Biblical Studies and Introduction to Youth Work, both of which I achieved a first in. I am currently studying human development and groups and teams. Next term we will cover Pedagogy and Spirituality and Pastoral Care. I also have to complete a Professional Practice Portfolio which includes writing reflective journals, directed tasks and being observed.