SEEDFIELD METHODIST CHURCH

Reports to Annual Church meeting 27th April 2008

BEAVERS REPORT

We currently have 10 lads and 2 leaders. Over the past 12 months we have had quite a good year and have done a variety of crafts and activities. We have joined in with all the group in helping to raise money for scout group funds by helping to collect jumble and served on the night. 

We had a good time at the scout reunion where we served refreshments to all the guests, got to know people who used to be beavers, cubs and scouts and listened to their stories of things they used to like doing. 

We had a group sleepover and joined a very wet treasure hunt in July. We had a trip to Blackpool in October where we had tea in a restaurant, ice cream from McDonalds walked on the beach and went through the lights.

This year we are having a week in Sweden staying with Sophia who will be organising our activities for us. No Beavers will be on this trip but Val and Donna will be going.

We are looking forward to the coming year and hope that it will be as good, if not better than last year. We are always on the lookout for new leaders and if there is anyone who feels they would like to join us you would be most welcome. Either come along on a Wednesday evening or speak to myself or Tim Boaden.

Finally we would like to say thanks to Donna for all her help.

By Val Simpson

COMMUNICATIONS REPORT

Main tasks for the next few months:

1 New "postcard" style welcome cards to give to visitors, friends etc. These will include details of regular activities/meetings.

2 Improve use and appearance of the boards in the hall. Some boards are being re-allocated g a board with photos of the various groups and activities going on at Seedfield. New paper and borders have been ordered.

3 Encourage all core groups and more social groups to contribute to the Messenger. We have asked the stewards for each core group to specify which issue(s) their group will contribute to during the next year so that everyone will know more about what's going on in the church.

4 Church directory of contacts for each group.

ECUMENICAL REPORT

Here are a few ‘highlights’ of the past 12 months, organised by Bury East Churches Together:-

A relaxing evening of good music and Christian content presented by Christian Aid Choir Northwest at Bolton Road Methodist Church, and well attended (12/5/07).

‘Harmony Weekend’ on 16th & 17th June at St. Joseph’s Church and Yarwood Street Mosque: these events to enable people to mingle and each find out more about the other were attended by about 100 at each venue. An opportunity to gain better understanding of other faiths and to build bridges, whilst recognising that only one God cared enough to send His own son to die for us and redeem us.

The Summer Praise in Clarence Park which never took place – an extremely wet season, and on the fixed date a Sunday afternoon downpour and thunderstorm! Tim still has the music and introduction material for another time.

The Civic Carol Service, held in the Elizabethan Suite on 18th December, went very well. Main contributions were from United Christian Singers, Rochdale Salvation Army Band and children from St.John with St. Mark’s School.

The Lent Course over five weeks was based on the Lord’s Prayer: Praying it, Meaning it, Living it with excellent material, CD and questions provided by ‘York Courses’. Tim led one of the groups attended mainly by members from ChristChurch, Walmersley and St. Joseph’s. The general feeling of this group was that members had enjoyed the relaxed home group setting, learnt something new and wished that there could be more home group meetings – not necessarily all year though – as there was a need to be fed spiritually. Most had either not experienced a home group before or there were none existing amongst the activities in their church.

These events and other meetings and services of Bury East Churches Together are generally not attended by Seedfield Methodist folk (with one or two exceptions), and we are perceived unfortunately as being seemingly an insular, not-participating church. My attendance as just one Seedfield human body at these ecumenical events and meetings cannot correct this impression.

We are, however, hosting a service with Christian Aid and celebrating Pentecost on 11th May at 6 pm preceded by tea at 5 pm.

Tim Boaden, Ecumenical Representative

FAMILY WORSHIP TEAM REPORT

For the past couple of years a number of people have met together to pray and consider how the worship at Seedfield, especially the monthly family and parade services could be more inclusive to involve children, young people and families.

A small group has been formed to lead worship during these first Sundays in the month. This gives the ‘main’ worship team the opportunity to be members of the congregation and worship without any responsibility for leading others once a month and also provides a ‘training ground’ for anyone within our congregation who would like to be involved, on a less regular basis, with leading worship. The group has been involved with taking services since September 2007.

The future ……………….

It is hoped that the FWT will be able to provide assistance (during other Sunday services) where the preacher feels he/she would benefit from someone being able to provide an input geared directly towards our children and young people. We are also exploring the possibility of using drama in worship. 

These plans are in the very early stages of infancy and the FWT would really appreciate the prayers of everyone in the congregation at Seedfield.

FINANCE AND PROPERY REPORT

Finance issues:

• The membership and various groups using the building need reminding of the running costs related to the building and the opening of the building. This will be linked to Gift Weekend via a letter to all user groups.
• Gift weekend envelopes will be simple plain envelopes with a sticker attached printed as a Gift Aid declaration form.
• Provisional approval has been granted by treasurer to provide a continual float for ongoing property expenses (small expenditure). Possible value will be around £500. This is for people who make purchases but do not want to put expenditure on their credit card.
• The church has been approached re: use of a room, kitchen and toilets for day of polling. This has been agreed with a slight increase in charge on last year. Approx. £260.00.

Property issues:

Repairs maintenance:

There has been an ongoing problem with theft of lead from the church roof/gulleys. We are now on our second insurance claim to replace stolen lead. The decision has been made to replace as much of the existing lead as possible with a ‘lead’ alternative which has no value on the scrap metal market. In addition any new lead has been painted with anti-vandal paint and parts of the roof have razor wire erected.

• The clean up day last year has improved the appearance of paintwork in the hall.
• Church house kitchen units have been replaced and some new tiling.
• The small roof over the Minister’s vestry toilet has been repaired externally. The internal roof plasterboard has been removed and timber allowed to dry. This will be replaced along with damp plaster.
• Light bulbs in Church are being replaced with low energy bulbs.
• Fire extinguishers all meet H & S requirements

Emerging priorities:

• Replacing the doors/frontage to church hall (agreed at previous church council).
• Hot water boiler for drinks in kitchen (wall mounted).
• Sink between kitchen and ‘primary’ needs fitting
• Church notice board outside church - repair/replace.
• Pointing on wall at back end of church & Limefield room external wall - Quotes being sought.

Health and Safety:

• We need to conduct a fire drill during a morning service

Brian Sharples – Core Group Co-ordinator

GUIDES REPORT

We would like to make an urgent appeal for more helpers as we are at capacity of girls to leaders and more due to move up in the summer. We will also be loosing 2 leaders over the summer and the unit will be unable to function unless we get a least one more leader who is willing to take up a warrant. 

As it stands, if one of the 2 remaining leaders are unable to attend, the Guides would not be able to meet that night. We are one of the largest Guide units in the area and are currently considering opening up a waiting list for new Guides as our numbers keep growing. It would be dreadful if the unit were forced to close due to lack of volunteers.

There is not much involved in taking up a warrant in terms of demands on your time – other than coming along to help on a Friday, you just need to be between the age of 18 and 65 and able to help on a Friday in term time, between 7.30 and 9.00 on a reasonably regular basis. You do not need any special talents or abilities!

HOSPITALITY AND CATERING REPORT

As the core group is fairly new there is not a lot to report.

At the moment there are only two of us and we really need to have at least two more if we are to do a successful job, so if there is anyone who feels that this is something they can help with please speak to me, otherwise I shall have to “volunteer people”.

So far since the group was formed I have catered for a music group from Germany who where here last August to do workshops with the Young people. I catered for the children’s Christmas party and Carol services and assisted with two faith lunches.

The next items for your diary are a faith tea after the Church General Meeting and also the Christian Aid evening in May.

Val Simpson - Core Group Co-ordinator

JUNIOR CHURCH REPORT

Activities

We have continued our programme of activities based on the Scripture Union SALT material in groups appropriate for each age range. 

You may have noticed that we have contributed to various areas of ‘whole church life’ including having a Junior Church Children’s Choir for Christmas (we hope to make this a regular event, together with a special Choir for Gift Weekend and, perhaps, Harvest Festival). Again, we organised the flowers for Mothering Sunday.

Our Christmas party had a different format this year. We decided to invite all the children (from babies to year 6) at the same time and had a performance from the Good News Puppet Theatre Company, followed by tea. This worked very well and positive feedback was received from children and parents.

Staffing

The Junior Church was sad to say ‘farewell’ to some teachers and helpers during the past year and would like to thank Pat McCormick, Jackie Lee, Paula Wroe and Denise Madgin for all the time, prayer and effort they have contributed to our young people over the past years. 

We have been very pleased that many of our current ‘year 11’ young people have enthusiastically agreed to become helpers and also to welcome three new teachers – Clare Clow, Pauline Kershaw and Grace Higson. 

Thank You

We would like to take this opportunity to say a big “Thank You” to everyone who teaches and helps in Junior Church on a regular basis and also everyone who supports Junior Church by prayer, being actively involved or just by being interested in our children and what they are doing.

Junior Church Co-ordinators

LADIES CIRCLE REPORT

Our Circle continues to meet regularly with good attendance although our members are less than we would like.

In May we had a very enjoyable lunch time at Park Farm and in August our annual outing took place to Smithalls where we had lunch and entertainment. Our ‘in-house’ social activities were the Christmas party in December, Candlelight Supper in March and Harvest Supper in September.

We gained a lot of knowledge about travel during the year from Mrs Betty Garvey (Baltic cruise), Mrs Jenny Haigh (preaching and sharing the Gospel in America) and Rev O Ntshanyana (life in South Africa).

Our variety of speakers is due to the excellent work of our Speakers’ Secretary, Mrs Dorothy Rothwell, and we are so grateful that these people gave up their time to come and share with us.

We constantly think of our members now in Residential Homes and others who are not well enough to come to attend. We miss them a lot.

We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 and extend a cordial invitation to ladies to join us (no minimum or maximum age!). We assure them of a warm welcome.

By Nan McCready

LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT

2007-2008

• The Leadership Team pulled together well during Mark’s absence, taking on any necessary responsibilities and were able to help build closer ties with the Circuit through this time.
• The Leadership Team were very involved in the church’s prayerful discussions and plans for a new church worker; and setting up the appointments team.

2008-2009

The Leadership Team are looking forward to the coming year and hope that the needs/gift analysis for church and community will broaden the church’s outlook and encourage our outreach and spiritual growth.

 

MEN’S NIGHT OUT REPORT

 

This year we have continued to hold monthly social meetings, at a variety of venues, for food and drink, relaxation, discussion and games. We have also held a couple of “Everyone’s Night Out”, meetings together with the ladies group.

Numbers over the year have fluctuated but those who have attended have had an enjoyable evening out. Unfortunately due to wet weather in the summer our annual bowls evening had to be cancelled. We hope for better this year. If you would like to join us watch for dates in the notices.

By David Roscoe

 

ORGANIST / CHOIRMASTER’S REPORT

Tribute

Brian Wood tendered his resignation as Organist / Choirmaster at Seedfield after 61 years from the end of December 2007. He will still be available to play for weddings and funerals if required and also stand in for holidays etc. A presentation with a gift of £100 was made to Brian in recognition of his long service on his last Sunday 30th December, and the choir were in full attendance (approaching 30).

New Start

I come with no formal qualification for either organ playing or teaching choirs, and follow in the steps of a very experienced organist, and I wish to record my thanks to Brian for his encouragement and assistance. Subsequent reports to the church will be much shorter, but at this “handing –over” it is fitting to inform you of some changes and improvements I will seek to bring to Seedfield in this new, challenging and exciting calling to serve, with God’s leading and help:-

• Introduction of occasional new hymns, songs and tunes, choir-led of course.
• Cherishing the good hymns in ‘Hymns & Psalms’ but open to others too.
• Regular choir practices, as requested by regular choir members
• The nature of the choir practices is intended to be prayerful, joyful, relaxing, supportive, and encouraging for the individual as we look to God with praise.
• Building a repertoire of introits and anthems for use through the year.
• A choir outing and a sociable review evening each year.
• A thorough turn-out of old choir music, keeping what is still useful or adaptable, and embracing newer music that has a relevant message.
• An open invitation to anyone in the church (no age barrier) who is able to sing to join us and ensure the continuance of a choir at Seedfield, together with musicians who would like to accompany the choir for certain occasions.
• Presenting opportunities for learning and developing our gifts; we must never stop learning!
• The possibility of an occasional musical and drama event to look forward to: God has put a gifted bunch together here, but it is you the members who will decide if this happens by deciding to participate.
• Closer, stronger liaison and integration with the congregation of the ‘second service’ and those who lead in worship, inclusion of young people in events.
• Better forward planning, arranging and communication.

Do speak to me about any of these things if they strike a chord.

Tim Boaden – Organist / Choirmaster

 

PASTORAL REPORT

During the last twelve months the leadership of the group has been taken over by David Roscoe. The secretary’s position is still vacant though temporarily filled by the former holder, Alison Poytress. We have had two pastoral carers who have stepped down from service, David Rigby and Denise Madgin. We give thanks for their service.

A number of our fellowship have died during the year. We give thanks to God for the lives and service of Arthur Disley, Eric Eastwood, Harry Hardman and Beryl Hardman. We have welcomed into membership Hannah Boaden and Joshua Warburton. At present there are 163 members.

As a pastoral group we would encourage members of the fellowship to feel that they can be supported by their Pastoral Carer. We recognise that many of you belong to fellowship groups within the church where no doubt you find support, but if you are not and feel you need someone to support you, please ask.

David Roscoe Core Group Co-ordinator

 

PRAYER REPORT.

Dear friends,

The best place to start this report would be to highlight the positive things that have occurred over the last twelve months. Twice we felt it necessary to call on the church family to come together for urgent prayer. Twice we saw the response to that call in the attendance of those who came. On both occasions we called on the Lord to pour out His healing on two of our family.

Firstly there was John Fairbrother, who was to undergo his treatment for cancer. As we are all aware now, John responded well to the chemotherapy and we have learnt that the tumour has shrunk to half the original size. Although a small cancer has been found in his hip bone the specialists at the Christie hospital have said they will not treat it yet as it is giving John no pain. We must continue to remember John, Liz and the whole family in our own quiet times.

The second call to prayer was for our minister Mark who as we were made aware, became ill with depression. Once again the prayer warriors at Seedfield turned out in numbers to petition the Lord for healing. We can say with joy (and not some small amount of relief!) that Mark has felt fit enough to resume his position as the pivotal figure of the Lord's work at Seedfield.

We must not though, cease to prayer for these two friends and their families. It was heart warming to see so many turn out for our brothers in their time of trial, but it still remains a mystery as to why the monthly prayer times see so few in attendance. The core group cannot emphasise too greatly the need for the church to be more active in corporate prayer. We as a group meet weekly for prayer at Tim and Susan's and would welcome anyone wishing to join us.

Finally, a personal question to you. If you do not attend the church prayer meeting, why not? What is it that keeps you from joining with other brothers and sisters once a month in this act of praise, thanksgiving and fellowship? I didn't used to fancy brussel sprouts! And then I tried them!

Prayer core group

 

SCOUT GROUP REPORT

2007 was a successful year for our Group as a whole.  There remains a definite need to provide the adventure and discipline of scouting for lads to help prepare and encourage them to responsible and resourceful caring citizenship.

We celebrated the Centenary of the Scout Movement by holding a reunion at Seedfield on 14th November at which a good many former scouts, leaders and helpers turned up to share experiences and enjoy a grand buffet. Brian and Audrey and Mick Standring received presentations for their considerable contributions to the formation / financial support of the Group.   

A' Quiz-Aid' Social Evening run by the Scout Group is planned for Wednesday 14th May which we hope will be attended by many church members and others. Proceeds will go towards Christian Aid work.

Tim Boaden, Group Scout Leader

 

SEEDFIELD METHODIST STAGE SOCIETY REPORT

Cinderella was our 2008 pantomime. It was watched by well over a thousand people including the one hundred and fifty or so who attended the Charity performance. Twelve establishments, which care for people who are disadvantaged in some way attended this year, with a wide age range represented. Many letters were received expressing warm appreciation for the invitations and for the quality of the show.

Each year over a hundred people contribute in some way towards the success of the production and this year, once again, the development of a ‘team spirit’ was much in evidence with all those involved clearly enjoying the opportunity to be part of this large exercise in co-operative working.

We are always on the look out for willing helpers and if you feel you have something to offer when next year’s production gets under way – for example helping with the preparation of scenery, costumes etc – please do have a word with Ken Mears (Stage Manager), Paul Denney (Producer), Val Simpson (Wardrobe) or me.

We are grateful to those members of groups within the church who made adjustments to their routines in order to accommodate rehearsals and performances.

John Fairbrother - Stage Society Chairman

 

SENIOR STEWARDS’ REPORT

First of all Lesley and I want to thank the stewards’ team for their regular commitment, reliability and support. Every Sunday, we can depend on them to fulfil their tasks efficiently and it is a privilege and encouragement to work with you all.

We have not introduced any major new developments within the role and responsibilities of the stewards this year. In fact, we have tried hard to get rid of some jobs, which we felt would better serve the church if completed by skilled and gifted others. (E.g. Please read the new arrangements for the Harvest and Christmas decorations in May’s ‘Seedfield Messenger’.) We are still looking for a regular rota of volunteers to help with the sound system or laptop each Sunday (Please see the senior steward or Andrew Clow, worship core group co-ordinator if you can offer your services)

Thank you to all those who have taken up new responsibilities in the life of the church this year + those who continue to give of their time, energy and money. Although we cannot list you all, we do want to mention our new church worker appointments team. Please pray for the interviews, currently planned for Sat. 10th May. A huge thank you too to Heather Denney and Brian Sharples, as they step down from the church worker management team after more than 10 yrs. hard work! AND please pray for their replacements.

As our current youth worker Jon Miller + his family leave us later this year, we pray God’s richest blessing on their future home, church fellowship and work-life AND say thank you for all their contributions to our church fellowship during the past 5 years.

Finally, thank you all for your support throughout what has occasionally been a difficult and challenging year. I know the Leadership Team have also appreciated your prayers and encouragement especially during our minister, Mark’s sick leave. We are glad that he is now back with us and continue to prayerfully support him too.

May we, as God’s family here at Seedfield, continue to grow together in the grace, knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus AND to serve Him and each other faithfully during the years to come.

With our love as always, Janet and Lesley

 

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT

The core group which comprises Sheila Warner, Val Simpson and Tim Boaden has not formally met this year due to illness and the extent of other commitments of each to the life of the church and elsewhere.

There is, however, no shortage of substantial social needs, concerns and issues whether at local community, national or international level. The Good News of Jesus Christ has to be conveyed with practical loving actions and an active voice to have a cutting edge in contact with the world where light and salt are needed. Faith without works (exercising of faith) and likewise merely a social gospel are dead.

This is a short summary of some of the social issues encouraged by the group and/or taken up by individual members at Seedfield:-

• Open Doors Great Big Tea Party: kindly hosted by a Seedfield TRA contact in The Drive – many thanks to Pam Baumber. C.£100 raised and more awareness of the suffering but growing Church.
• Sexual Orientation Regulations & the Derby Resolutions of the Methodist Church: we submitted that the resolutions needed updating to clarify and consolidate a Biblical stand but with a spirit of love and not condemnation, and this helped ensure that a liberal divergence did not get approved at Conference.
• Human Fertilisation & Embryos Bill: Tim wrote to our MP but did not manage to get a hearing with him; instead a letter back indicated that David Chaytor is for the Bill and not sufficiently perturbed at the scale of unborn childrens’ lives taken or prospect of children denied a father to relate to.
• Christian Aid Week: nearly £562 raised, but only 7 collectors in 2007 so we could not cover our allocated streets. Other nearby churches tend to raise rather more because 20 or more people collect. Apart from the funds, it does show a visibly caring church.
• At least one Home Group sets aside a small amount of money each meeting and this goes to help TEAR Fund in immunizing and helping families against HIV/Aids.
• Individuals who give their engeries and time at Epworth Grange. Individuals’ efforts – e.g. letters to supermarkets and governments to boycott trade against barbaric seal slaughtering.
• Action cards and petitions via main service gatherings from time to time – e.g. campaigning for trade justice and debt pledges to be realized.
• Fairtrade: encouragement of all groups/users of the church kitchen to use only fair-trade products where these are available. This needs developing.
• Harvest gifts continue to be distributed by Seedfield TRA and greatly appreciated by those in need beyond the church family; special needs/support in the church family should also be addressed where they can be at harvest time and through the year.

A message for 2008: There is much potential in the Body of Seedfield. If we fail to use it in service ‘in’ the world, we risk becoming atrophied/redundant; the church ceasing to be noticed, with no influence or growth; and we will have to account for that one Day. If we do all we can, we will experience vibrant activity under God’s leading, having impact and growth and adversity too; and at the last a ‘well done’.

Tim Boaden Core Group Co-ordinator

 

Treasurer’s Report

This is my second report as treasurer and, as last year, I’ve included with it a table displaying:

• a half yearly summary (from the beginning of September 2007 to the end of February 2008) of the church’s expenditure and income (a copy can be found at the end of the reports)
• the budget for the current year (Sep 07 to Aug 08)
• the actual expenditure and income for the previous year
• Hopefully, it will give you some idea of what monies come into the church and how they are spent. The half year summary (when you double it) gives a rough guide to how close we are to our budget and can be compared with the previous year’s expenditure and income.

What do we spend money on?

I thought I’d provide with a more in depth picture of the different ways we use the money received. As I mentioned last year, all the money goes into one ‘pot’ but it’s easier to keep an eye on using different headings.

General = ‘Everything else we spend that isn’t linked to the buildings, mission or youth work’. This is made up of:

Assessment & Connexional – money we have to pay to central funds – used to pay ministers’ salaries etc.

Communication – printing and paper costs e.g. The Messenger, weekly notices; web-site, copier and photocopier use and maintenance, postage, advertising e.g. we’ve spent £480 this year on adverts for a new worker.

Worship – anything that supports or enhances our worship e.g. song books, catering for youth choir visit, flowers, palm crosses, communion wine, copyright and other licenses (£479 this year), Christmas decorations etc.

Donations – money passed on to other organisations through retiring offerings or gifts the church makes to individuals organisations

Training – money to support the core group ‘Formation’ and to pay for training materials for home groups

Property = ‘Everything we spend to clean, maintain and run the church premises and contents’

Repairs – (this includes maintenance) so, new windows, roof repairs (we’ve had lead stolen from the roof on two occasions since September), boiler servicing, piano and organ servicing etc.

Utilities – Gas, water, electricity. We currently spend £740 a month on gas and electricity

Caretaking – keeping the inside and outside clean

Equipment – anything we have to buy for the premise e.g. notice boards

Insurance – church buildings and contents

12 Linton – now just maintenance or refurbishment costs for the house as we’ve paid the mortgage off

 

Mission = ‘Everything we spend to support our partners in mission abroad and at home’

Hopefully no need to go through sub-categories here!

 

Youth = ‘Everything we spend to support youth work’

Again, hopefully self-explanatory. Most spending under Junior Church is for teaching and other materials used on Sunday.

What do we need to spend money on?

All the above, but we really need to spend a lot more on

• maintaining the building for the future – especially to meet the recommendations of the quinquennial inspection.
• mission and outreach, particularly in the community. Isn’t it worrying that we only spent c. £1330 on outreach last year but c. £1240 on equipment?

Where does our money come from?

Last year about 85% of our total income came from congregational giving (and the tax we can claim back on that), about 6% came from Gift Weekend and a similar amount from interest and endowments. We do not receive any monies from the Methodist Church.

In other words, what we spend depends on what we give, week by week or month by month.

I’d guess there are about 120 adults worshipping at Seedfield across both services, giving nearly £73 000 p.a. – that’s an average figure of about £600 per adult per year (£50 per month/£12 per week) just to cover the bare essentials. Of course, some of our fellowship are in a less privileged financial position than others and would not be able to give £600 p.a. That means others need to give more.

What can I do?

• If you are a tax-payer and not covenanting at present, the first thing to do is see John Wroe and make your current giving worth more by allowing us to claim the tax back
• Take a look at what it really costs to keep Seedfield worshipping, serving and sending, and prayerfully consider whether you need to adjust your giving

Jem Wood, Treasurer

WORSHIP REPORT
 

So many thanks to Brian for the many, many years of excellent music. We pray for many blessings on Tim´s work as organist.

The worship leaders´ training course that Janet Vipond is leading is going well. There are about 10 people on the course.

Thanks to the Family Worship Team for leading the parade services since September. Feedback has been very good.

We´re pleased to have Mark Roper and Ruth Warburton with us again, and we pray for their continued recovery.

Thanks to everyone who´s helped in the meanwhile, particularly Paul Vipond.

Andrew Clow – Core Group Co-ordinator

YOUTH WORKER REPORT

In an effort to contribute to the streamlining of the reports of the General Church meeting as well as looking at the vision of the Church we have for this report opted for a new format.

Instead of a blow by blow dissection of every little thing that we do in terms of youth work we will look at three key ideas, firstly “What has gone very well this last year?”, secondly “What has gone very badly this last year?” and finally “What is the next big plan for the future?”.

What has gone very well this last year?

The biggest success story for us in terms of youth outreach at Seedfield can be summed up in two words “The Mix”. The Mix which is our new youth group for 9-12 year old's has proven the most popular youth activity we do as a Church. The first week we opened we had 3 young people, the second we had 8, the following week 11 and has been increasing to the point where we now have some 30 members and 20+ each and every week. It is an extremely busy group, with a lot to fit in over the 1½ hours we meet, so busy in fact that our two adult volunteers Theresa and Ruth who were originally on a rota now both come every week if they can, in addition we have help from Vanessa Lord and now Laura Sharples who help us run our craft activities and generally make themselves available to the young people to chat.

We follow a semi structured pattern of free time, tuck shop, God Spot, crafts and organised games but the timings of these are and indeed must remain interchangeable as the demands of the young people change from week to week.

The group is so appreciated that a number of fathers of young people in the group took part in a darts marathon to raise money for The Mix and raised over £1000 for equipment and trip subsidies.

What has gone very badly this last year?

Sadly our oldest age youth group closed due to very poor attendance. When we asked what reasons they had for leaving we discovered that school work was keeping them so busy that they couldn't commit to attending every week. It was sad to see such a long standing group fail but it may just be that such a group had naturally run its course and that we needed to try something new. We are now trying that new thing by adopting a rota of activities over a 4 week period.

What is the next big plan for the future?

With the changeover of youth workers in September we are obviously making an effort to create a handover pack to make the change as smooth as possible and of course this limits what we can do in terms of any grand changes as there will not be a great deal of time in which to establish the change. We are instead going to focus on improving the activities and groups we already run and look at how they can more effectively bring young people to faith in Christ as well as running more confirmation classes as well as a possible homework club.

All of our youth work is only made possible through the volunteers that help us run our activities and the prayers of the Church behind all that we do.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the young people we serve in the name of Christ to thank everyone who is able to and does support us in this way and to call more people to the most excellent vocation.

Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." LUKE 18:16-17

Jon Miller - Seedfield Youth Worker