|
Welcome to the July 2008 Children's Workers' newsletter. |
I can't believe that we are almost at the end of July already. Much has happened in the world of Methodism already this month. Last month we referred to. The Methodist Conference The host districts were Leeds, Sheffield, West Yorkshire and York and Hull. Now that Conference has ended you can still read reports that were presented on: www.methodistchurch.org.uk
Some of the areas discussed and decisions made can be viewed on the Conference link on the main Methodist website. Here are a couple of areas that may be of particular interest.
Youth Participation Scheme: Conference agreed to a £4 million connexion wide five year pilot. Work is already underway to get this off the ground and will start to be rolled out late 2009. Read more on the Youth Participation Strategy Report on the conference web page. Children haven't been forgotten, a full time worker in the national team will be researching into children's participation. Once again the Methodist Church is blazing the way and making a massive investment into its work with children and young people. As the journey unfolds we will keep you informed.A great new web based resource for churches has been launched to explore the issues of equality and diversity Equally Different. This can also be accessed through the main website. The materials provided for Equally Different are designed to support you and your church/Christian community as you seek ways of being an inclusive community.
More resources for worship, children and young people, will be added soon.Read about the Youth Conference Proposals: Youth Violence, Supporting Young Local Preachers in their calling, Making Bibles available to new Christians. Click on the link and find out more. www.methodistconference.org.uk.
Many of you will be preparing for Holiday Clubs and camps and then hopefully a well earned break. We offer our prayers and thoughts as you prepare for your summer activities.
Blessing and laughter and loving be yours
The love of a great God
Who names you and holds you
While the Earth turns and the trees grow
This day, this night, this moment and forever
FestivalsGreenbelt 22—25 August 2008 Greenbelt is an independent Christian charity working to express love, creativity and justice in the arts and contemporary culture in the light of the Christian gospel. The festival caters for all ages and has a family feel about it. There are dedicated programmes run for children and young people offering a fun, vibrant and exciting time. An opportunity to experience church in a different way. This festival is suitable for a whole church to attend, individuals, families, youth or children's groups. They are also looking for volunteers to help with their children's programme. for more information visit www.greenbelt.org.uk Breakout 2010This will be taking place at Cliff College 9th - 11th July 2010. Find out more on WWW.BREAKOUT2010.INFO This will see the launch of Mission Possible, part of the exciting new Youth Participation Scheme. Breakout 2008 was attended by over 1000 young people. It was an amazing and vibrant event. There was lots to do for leaders and youth. Fantastic worship, fringe events in the cafe tent, Radio Breakout, Sports and Activities. Big name bands, Y Friday and Sounds of Salvation and loads more. |
This new free online resource is now live, produced by MethodistChildren and MAYC through JMA and World Action for the whole Church to engage with the issue of Climate Change Every Methodist church has been sent a poster, a postcard and pocket card. To order more email children@methodistchurch.org.uk closing date for orders 1st September 2008. Methodist young people have challenged every Methodist church to take the issue of Climate Change seriously. Stem The Tide will resource and help each church to get involved in taking a 'Month of Action' on Climate Change The resource has been shaped by the responses of a survey sent out to children and young people in the Methodist Church. This resource will enable all ages in every church to engage in a really effective month of action, in turn kick starting a longer term change. The resource is flexible and churches can choose when they want to take their Month of Action. There is plenty of material to use with children’s groups, youth groups; all age worship, Bible study, sermons and more. There will be plenty of facts, ideas, activities and evaluation tools that will help both study and action - both as individuals and as a group. There will also be a focus on the impact of climate change on the Pacific Islands, and those who live there. The web address is www.stemthetide.org.uk (A poster has been sent to each church, with room for you to fill in which month your church has chosen for its month of action, along with postcards and information pocket cards to raise awareness.) Changing Actions free texting service offers a monthly text full of tips, encouragement and information on Climate Change. Txt Climate Change to 07786205203 Press Release from Lambeth Palace on behalf of the co-presidents of Churches Together in England 6th June Church leaders have called upon Christians throughout England to use the period from 1st September until 4th October as an opportunity to put the environment at the heart of their worship. The ‘Time For God’s Creation’ initiative, which would run annually, follows a resolution made at the Third European Ecumenical Assembly in 2007, attended by representatives of Europe’s Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant churches, that the period “be dedicated to prayer for the protection of Creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles that reverse our contribution to climate change". Why not make this your month of action? |
Stem the Tide
|
Resources You might be interested to know of two new titles in the 'building better childhoods: international perspectives series'. Both focus on projects in Northern Italy, where approaches to early education stand out because of: -A strong belief that very young children are highly competent individuals
-The high value given to family participation
-The striking impact of the above on day-to-day practice in early education settings
Based on a 2008 study visit to San Miniato, where powerful values such as a belief in the competence of the child and the centrality of family participation drive every aspect of service delivery for the under threes. It offers a striking picture of how these bold values, which go beyond 0-3 and can be applied to all learning, are translated into practice.
Written by nursery teachers recounting their experience of a project to make the most of their local natural surroundings and in doing so develop young children’s sense of independence, confidence and self-esteem. The rock climbing, potholing, river rafting and orienteering adventures are recorded with an impressive level of detail and passion and evidence of teachers belief in the extraordinary abilities and potential of young children.
All titles can be ordered online at www.childreninscotland.org.uk/publications
NEW from JMAJMA service: God us and Climate Change is now available from www.mph.org.uk This material can be used in conjunction with Stem The Tide. The service is full of ideas for an all age service including Drama, prayers, interactive activities.
This practical and creative module aims to develop a knowledge and understanding of children with disabilities and explore ways to make all activities accessible, inclusive and welcoming. This is in addition to the first module which enables children's workers to support children through the different transitional experiences in their journey from infancy to early adolescence. Both these modules are available from the website for £3 each. |
The second of the CORE downloadable modules can now be bought from More CORE Issues in TrainingStop the Press!There are only 10 spaces left on this exciting training weekend and thanks to a grant from the St Christopher's Educational Trust we can offer more bursaries for places up to £75.00. Ask your Church or Circuit if they can sponsor you to come to this valuable event.
MORE Core Issues in Training at the University of Nottingham from Friday 5th September to Sunday 7th September 2008. There will be workshops on transitions, special needs, global issues, as well as time spent looking at young leaders, spirituality and many other children's issues. This is an event not to be missed! You can book in now for the Conference by downloading the booking form from here - http://www.methodistchildren.org.uk/adults/More Core booking form.pdf The cost is £150 per person (bursaries available for up to £75) - talk to your Church Council or Circuit about supporting you to get there! Contact secretary@cgmcontheweb.com for more information. |
This ecumenical training conference is not to be missed! For those working with children, children's workers and beyond!Burma Appeal Funds received will be channeled through Church World Service, which is working in the most affected areas. |
|
If
you require any further information please contact us on children@methodistchurch.org.uk MethodistChildren is part of the Connexional Team of the |
