Blog Roll - CICS News

The last school year has proved to be an excellent opportunity to work in some of the local secondary schools delivering lessons, assemblies and running lunchtime clubs. I am very grateful for the welcome and help provided in schools, and am indebted to my loyal supporters. Recent lesson topics have included poverty, women's role in the church, prejudice and equality - not necessarily linked! As the school year ends, clubs may finish the term with BBQs, but, sadly, the group at North Halifax Grammar School were faced with the tragic and sudden death of John Clarke, the head of RE. The group held a bun stall to raise money for the memorial fund set up by the school, and we contributed sessions on suffering to help the school community.

The Halifax Charity Gala in June was blessed with excellent weather. CICS had a trailer in the procession and ran two very successful stalls. Thanks to all involved, especially to the young people who helped enthusiastically with the coconut shy. We are also involved in running out of school events aimed at reaching young people across the district. We work in partnership with the XV team (Xtreme Vision) to provide opportunities for young people across Calderdale to engage with each other and with God. XV organised the 'Hope 2007 Tour' in May at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax - an evening which thrilled and challenged the hundreds there and led to a Youth Alpha course. The purpose of this national tour was to promote Hope '08. Many Calderdale churches and groups are beginning to plan their contribution to Hope 08 which is a national initiative intended to promote the Christian faith by word and deed through and beyond 2008. See www.hopecalderdale.org.uk for more details.

In July we worked in ten primary schools in North Halifax in partnership with Elsie Russell. (See next page.) We took assemblies to assist the transition work for those pupils about to move to secondary school. With the agreement of the schools we presented the whole year 6 with 'It's your move', an excellent booklet published by Scripture Union containing lively hints and assurance about this major move. It was also an excellent opportunity to introduce myself and CICS ready for September.

CICS hopes to develop this transition work as its Hope '08 project, aiming to reach all 90 primary schools in the district. This will take much organisation, help & finance. If you would like any further details about how you or your church can become involved in this project then please contact the CICS office ASAP. The 2006/2007 school year has been an exciting time for CICS and we have seen much growth. 2007/2008 promises to be even more exciting and your continued prayer and support will ensure it is.