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Praying for YOUR school!
Monday 9th April 2007 5:45 PM
Imagine a group of four teenagers, three grandparents, a teacher, four parents and a school librarian in a frontroom. What have you got??
In my experience it could be a prayer-cell for a local school. For Sharnbrook Upper School, Bedfordshire, our group of four to thirteen people of all ages met once a term. We came from a wide range of churches, but with one aim - to pray for and support our local High School. The teenagers were members of the school Christian group, and they told us how the group was doing, and the challenges they were facing. The teacher was the member of staff who sponsored the group, and he or she would share any special needs of the school community at that time. The rest of us had varied connections with the school: our children or grandchildren were or had been there, or it was our place of work, or we were local church members with the school on our heart.
Over the years it was exciting to see how God answered our prayers. On one occasion we provided refreshments for a special event which the school Christian group organised to share their faith with their friends. Other contributions included being invited in to talk about our life and faith, or to be on an 'Any Questions?' panel.
My experience in Bedford leads me to hope for such prayer cells in Calderdale. Could you set up or join such a group in your area to support your High School? Each group I knew of was different, making their own arrangements to suit their members. But we all shared the same longing and excitement - to see God at work and blessing our local school and its members of all ages. If you think you'd like to be involved, why not talk to others in your area, or phone Mark Stephenson (01484 714148) to find out what might already be going on in your part of Calderdale. Who knows what God will do as we pray?
Posted 5:45 PM | Permalink
March News
Saturday 3rd March 2007 3:13 PM
Update on Schools Work
Assemblies
We have been able to present another week of assemblies at Rastrick High School the week commencing 29th January. We looked at the subject of making excuses and encouraged students to become slow at making excuses and quick to take responsibility for their own actions.
The week commencing 5th February we were invited to lead a week of assemblies at The Brooksbank School, Elland. We used the 'Puma/Adidas' story to look at the topic of friendship. This was an excellent opportunity for the profile of CICS to be significantly raised in this school as we were also delivering RE lessons in the school this week. We were very well received in the school, who showed us great hospitality throughout the week.
Forthcoming Assemblies:
- Rastrick Assemblies w/c 19th March
- Crossley Heath - We will be leading the year 9,10 & 11 Assemblies in the w/c 5th March
- Rock Solid will be taking Easter Assemblies at Brighouse High School w/c 26th March
- We are continuing to try to raise awareness with schools that we are able and willing to lead assemblies.
'What is a Christian? - We spent 2 weeks at Brooksbank School delivering this session to 10 year 7 classes. The students really enjoyed this participative lesson and I'm sure there will be further openings for us in this school. We are currently in the process of delivering this session to 8 year 7 classes at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe High School.
Christians and Poverty - We have been asked to give some input to a 2 hour session on the subject of poverty for a year 10 group at Brooksbank. Comic Relief is just 2 days after this session. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate what Christians believe about the outworking of their faith.
Morality - We have also been asked to take a year 11 session at Brooksbank on the subject of moral decision making. We will look at the Christian perspective on this issue.
Faith Day - We will also be having discussions with the head of 6th form at this school with a view to CICS having some kind of input at their 6th form faith day.
Lunch Clubs
The lunch clubs that are running include:
- Holy Trinity - one on Monday and one on Wednesday. Tony tends to lead one and Heather leads the other. Monday's group continues to be very well attended and cannot be run unless both Heather and Tony are present. We have recently taken the decision to run a youth alpha course with this group. Whilst the numbers have initially dropped we feel that those who are still attending are gaining more from the group.
- Calder High School - led by James (vicar at Daphne's Church) - Tony will be working on attending this more frequently over the next two terms. This is difficult to attend unless cover can be found for the Monday group at Holy Trinity.
- Hipperholme and Lightcliffe - Both of these groups have experienced a decline in numbers recently. Please pray that we will be able to continue the work at this school.
- Brighouse - Lorna and Steve Bowers run this club and invite Tony to lead a session occasionally.
- Rastrick - on Friday. Tony gets to this as often as possible. It is led by Mark Stephenson and John Bouckley. We will be working through the 10 Commandments with this group until the Easter holidays.
- North Halifax Grammar - Praise God for answers to pray with regards to getting involved in this group. There is already a core group of 6-8 'churched' young people attending this group. We are working towards running a youth alpha course at the school with the intention of the young people inviting their friends o attend.
- Brooksbank - We will be launching a CU at Brooksbank on Thursday 8th March. The school have been really helpful in the setting up of this group supplying a room, helping with the publicity and a Christian member of staff is willing to come in on her day off to assist with the group.
Update Re: Other Schools
- Crossley Heath - As detailed above we have been booked to lead assemblies here. We have also been given the green light in terms of running a lunchtime club. Tony is waiting for David Sharpe to get in touch to finalise the details of this group. Tony will make sure he speaks to David when he is in the school this week.
- Sowerby Bridge - Tony is trying to contact the RE teacher he met at the school when he had a tour recently. There is potential for a church visit and helping out with the RE lessons at the school in the future. We already have a volunteer in place to help to run a CU and a couple of members of staff have approached me about helping to get a group going.
Training for Volunteers
Scripture Union held a training day for Children's & Youth Workers at Oakes Baptist Church, Huddersfield on Saturday 24th February. Tony has been involved in the planning and promoting of this event. He lead two seminars at the event, one was age specific: working with 14-18's and the other was reaching young people beyond the church - exploring church links. The whole day was well received by the 58 people that booked and attended. Bob Hartman was excellent and the other seminars were well received and feedback from those who attended suggests they were useful for their ministry.
After liaising with the trust I offered places to some of our volunteers with CICS offering to pay their booking fee. Unfortunately only one of our volunteers was able to take the offer and attend the training day. He (Sam who helps at Rastrick's Rock Solid) found the training day very useful.
The overall take up for the day was less than anticipated and Scripture Union has made a £187.00 financial loss.
3. Church Presentations
Tony has arranged visits to the following churches;
18th Mar - Brighouse Evangelical Youth Service
4th May - St. Matthew's Men's Group (Northowram)
17th June - St. Andrew's
We are also waiting to confirm dates with Christ Church, Pellon & 'The New Beginnings Centre'
Tony was also booked in at short notice to speak at a recent joint baptismal service held at Halifax Elim Church. This was a joint service with Halifax Central Church. 9 people in total were baptised with 3 of them being young people who go to Holy Trinity. There first real contact with Christianity was through attending the CU at Holy Trinity. This was an awesome evening.
We also had the opportunity recently to promote our work at The King's Church. This was very well received by the church who was encouraged to hear about the work we are involved in.
4. Other Events
XV - God is really moving in this area. I'm a little out of the loop as I've missed the last few planning meetings. There has been a wonderful core group established containing a diverse mix of people who are united by their desire to serve young people in this area.
The first XV youth congregation will be held at The King's Church on the 20th April.
As I'm sure you are all aware we are hosting the HOPE 2007 tour with appearances form LZ7, thebandwithnoname & Blush at The Victoria Theatre on the 20th May. We aim to be instrumental in the publicising of this event. We need to sell in excess of 1100 tickets to young people in this district and beyond.
X:sport unfortunately it is not feasible to run an event this year. However, Tony will look at the possibility of being involved in the event running in Bradford 23rd - 25th July. There may also be opportunity to offer places to young people that Tony has regular contact with in Calderdale.
5. Links with SU
Su Training Event - Mentioned above
SU Holiday - The en:gage holiday was a real success with 25 young people attending the holiday. I was apprehensive about the holiday before hand because of the age group. I found that I adjusted very well to the age group and felt that I was able to contribute a great deal to the team. This was great experience for me of an SU holiday and it would be great to be involved in a similar holiday in the future that is attended by young people from some of the CU's that we run!
The work of CICS continues to steadily grow and new opportunities seem to be arising o a regular basis. I believe we currently offer a great deal to the schools and there is real opportunity for our work to expand further. It is important at this stage that we are careful about the extra work we take on. We must be protective over the quality of the work we deliver and focus on maintaining quality in this season. Please pray as we seek to follow God's will for this work.
Posted 3:13 PM | Permalink
Second Goal!
Saturday 17th February 2007 4:46 PM
"What a team", says Percy
I've followed CHURCHDALE UNITED all my life, and they never learn", grumbled Percy as he made his lonely way home from the ground. "All they ever do is defend and they'll never win that way. It'll be another relegation." Very few people bothered to support the team, and they were mainly pensioners. Indeed, young graffiti artists had ridiculed the team so persistently that the name boards showed 'CRUTCHDALE UNTIED'. That evening Percy searched out his 50 year old copy of "How to play football", put it in an envelope with a suitable comment and posted it to the Directors.
Well, I'd forgotten", said the Chairman as he read the ancient booklet, "The aim is to score goals. We should be attacking the other goal, not just waiting for the ball in our penalty area. We need an attacking formation, practise till we're match fit, and plan for a new strategy. Our lot have been putting all their time and ingenuity into arguing in the dressing room. But first we must certainly find some attacking players or forwards as this booklet calls them."
The Directors were convinced by this and dug deep to restructure the team. With two forwards going for goals and the others supplying and supporting them, CHURCHDALE began to make headway. No longer UNTIED but UNITED advancing.
Matthew 9. The sight of the crowds moved Jesus to pity; they were like sheep without a shepherd, harassed and helpless. He said to his disciples, "The crop is heavy but the labourers too few; you must ask the owner to send labourers to bring in the harvest".
Do you know?
How many schools in Calderdale serve secondary age pupils? - 12 or 15 or 19
How many secondary pupils are in these schools? - 5000, 10000 or 15000
How do you eat an elephant?!!
Going forward
Schools and churches are learning what CICS can offer, and our reputation has become established as a reliable and professional organisation.
But look at the numbers! The Trustees always realised that at least two workers will be essential if CICS is to offer help in schools from Todmorden to Brighouse. We have had 27 months experience to refine our structures. We are deeply grateful for and strengthened by the growing prayer and financial support, and this gives us the confidence to aim to employ TWO workers from September 2007, a target which we are calling CICS Second Goal.
Posted 4:46 PM | Permalink
February News
Monday 12th February 2007 4:42 PM
We have had an extremely busy and blessed start to the New Year. The beginning of January brought new opportunities, contacts & answers to prayer! During the last few weeks we have been given the opportunity to assist an existing Christian Union at the North Halifax Grammar School. This group has been running on and off for the last 2-3 years and has been predominately student led. We are thrilled that we now have the opportunity to help to run this group and we have had around 8 students coming along to the group already.
We have also become very involved over the last few weeks at The Brooksbank School in Elland. We were initially asked to deliver 10 sessions for the RE department on the topic of 'What is A Christian?' for the whole of Year 7. We have since been asked to lead the assemblies at the school and at the time of writing we have delivered 3 out of 5 year group assemblies on the subject of friendship. We are also finalising plans for a lunchtime group to be held on Thursday lunchtime with assistance from a member of staff willing to come into help on their day off!
We are also in the process of developing links at The Crossley Heath School and have been booked to lead 3 assemblies. We are also exploring the possibility of running a lunchtime club here as well. We have recently lead a week of assemblies at Rastrick High School on the subject of Excuses.
Whilst all these new opportunities are exciting they do highlight the growing need that we have for a 2nd worker. We would appreciate your prayers for this. Please pray for God to guide us to the right person at the right time and pray also for the increase in giving we will need to finance the next schools worker. We are currently working in 9 of the 19 schools in the district, almost at full stretch. To realise our vision of reaching all of the schools in the district our workforce must increase. Pray too for volunteers to help out in the 8 lunchtime clubs we are already involved in running.
We are also becoming involved in many of the new out of school youth initiatives in the Calderdale area. Please pray for the development of a youth congregation aimed at 11-18 year olds working in partnership with Christian youth leaders and young people from the area. Also pray as some of the members of this planning team explore the possibility of having a Youth For Christ centre in the district.
We are working in partnership with Scripture Union and schoolswork organisations in Yorkshire to hold a Children's and Youth Work training day held at Oakes Baptist Church, Huddersfield on Saturday 24th February. Please contact me for further details or a booking form.
Please also pray as I help to lead a Scripture Union Holiday at Edale in the Peak district for 8-12 year olds. The holiday is called en:gage and takes place next week.
Finally, it was a great privilege for me to be asked to speak at a baptismal service held at Halifax Elim Church. The service was held in partnership with Halifax Central Church and 9 people (Many of them being young) were baptised. 3 of the young people baptised were introduced to the Christian faith through one of the CU's that we are involved in running.
Also look out for our new MySpace page at www.myspace.com/cics_calderdale
Key dates for Feb
w/c: 5th Feb Assemblies & Lessons @ Brooksbank
11th - 16th Feb En:gage holiday @ Edale
w/c 19th Feb February half term in Calderdale
w/c 26th Feb 'What is A Christian' Lesson @ Hipperholme & Lightcliffe'
Posted 4:42 PM | Permalink
Happy New Year
Wednesday 3rd January 2007 5:13 PM
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year? I have had a lovely Christmas break getting over the busyness of the Christmas period. Assemblies, lunchtime clubs, Carol & Christingle Services, Christmas Parties & Meals.
This season is a fantastic opportunity to share with secondary school students and staff the real meaning of Christmas and the significance that the birth of Jesus has for all of us. We have had many opportunities to do this in the weeks leading up to Christmas. We have lead Christmas Assemblies at Rastrick High School and Brighouse High School. We have also had plenty of opportunities to get involved in the various Carol & Christingle services that schools are facilitating in partnership with local churches. December was a great time for us as we continued to strengthen the relationships we have with local schools and many schools seem to be encouraging us to get even more involved in what they do.
We have also been able to form new relationships with other secondary schools and there is growing potential for us to become involved in working partnerships with them in the near future. The lunchtime clubs continue to be well attended and a great opportunity for us to get to know the students. Each club has its own unique dynamic created by the core group that attends. This creates challenges in keeping the material we use both fresh and appropriate to the group we are leading. I am grateful for all the invaluable help we have received over the last term from volunteers based both in the school and the community.
As we continue to be involved in the existing groups (Brighouse, Holy Trinity x2, Calder High, Hipperholme & Lightcliffe x2 and Rastrick High Schools) we are also pursuing the prospect of new groups. There is potential for new groups starting at North Halifax Grammar & Crossley Heath schools in the new year. We are also looking at possible opportunities to lead assemblies at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe High and The Crossley Heath schools.
2007 promises to be an exciting year for CICS as we seek to continue and develop the crucial work we are involved in as well as actively working towards securing a second worker to further increase our potential to reach the whole of the district. We continue to value your prayers and support for the work that we do.
God Bless,
Tony Buck
CICS Schools Worker
Posted 5:13 PM | Permalink
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