Year round youth ministry training and retreat opportunities for volunteer youth leaders, youth workers and clergy.
2010 PROGRAMME
13 JANUARY - URBAN RETREAT
03 FEBRUARY - SEXUAL HEALTH
23 MARCH - SEXUAL HEALTH
18 - 21 APRIL - RETREAT to France
19 MAY - RELATIONAL MINISTRY
08 JUNE - DETACHED YOUTH WORK
15 SEPTEMBER - SCHOOLS WORK
12 OCTOBER - TIME MANAGEMENT
16 NOVEMBER - DRUGS!
14 DECEMBER - LISTENING TO GOD
PAST EVENTS - FEEDBACK
03 FEBRUARY - SEXUAL HEALTH
'Why do Churches struggle to work with young people on relationships and sex? Is it because we are scared that we might offend someone or that it doesn't quite fit with what we were taught? With sex becoming even more obvious on TV and through the media, it's no wonder that young people are asking questions and if the church can't help guide them through these difficult times then they will simply turn to the magazines who often flaunt sex as something that is cheap and almost worthless. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to take part in a day that looked at the really practical issues relating to sexual health and relationships. Joanna Gregg and Joe Harris from the Belfast Trust Sexual Health Team came along to Jennymount Methodist and explained to us the risks in sex so that we can make more informed responses to young people questions, they know only focused on sexual health but they looked at the physiological issues which lie behind young people feeling the need to express themselves sexually. The session looked at the importance of a steady and loving relationship before anything sexual should even be considered as well as looking at the trauma and angst that can occur as a result of becoming sexually active at a young age. For some this might seem to in-depth and forceful but the resources they gave us will hopefully allow us to answer the young people's questions instead of palming them off with answers that we learnt which were often out dated and incorrect. Remember just because you think it's the right answer doesn't mean it is... Often these are just answers we pick up from hearsay and gossip.'
Johnny Crymble
CHILDRENS WORKER
MOUNTMERRION PARISH CHURCH OFFICE
As part of CIYD ‘CONNECT' programme a vibrant wee group of us [14 youth workers/diocesan youth officers] travelled from Ireland to YOUTHWORK CONFERENCE Eastbourne. This is annual event which hosts up to 1000-2000 participants - representing youth workers all across UK and Ireland.
The overall theme of the conference for 2009 was ‘transform - knowing the word - knowing the world'
The theme opened up great opportunity for discussion, allowing the conference to provide space to learn, reflect, share and to be challenged how we ourselves can be ‘transformed' in our journey of faith and also in our youth work-ministry.
We had the chance to hear from a variety of speakers and contributors in Pete Greig [24/7 prayer], Jason Gardner [LICC], Andy Hawthorne [The Eden Project/ The Message], Rachel Gardner [ROMANCE ACADEMY], Jill Garret, Ruth Hassel [CPAS], Mike Pilovachi [SOUL SURVIVOR] and Jim Wallis [best selling author, public theologian and international commentator on ethics and public life].
Not only was there the chance to engage in good teaching and to worship corporately but there were many many different agencies representing themselves. This meant there was ample opportunity to network, avail of new resources and to get hold of any many ‘freebies' as you could!!!
Well worth visiting .... challenging....thought provoking....affirming....encouraging......
ROME 09
'Bishop Richard was inspiring with what he said and how he said it - very conversational and relational'
I feel recharged, enthused and inspired'
'Relaxing thought provoking and just amazing time in incredible beauty - being in fellowship'
'Loved it - the space, the place the company the chat - truly memorable, Bishop Richard's wisdom, humility and teaching was very valuable'
The CONNECT trip to Rome enabled youth workers to take the time to be among others who were like minded travelling along a similar journey and who need to take rest, while offering the the chance to pause, think, learn, explore and encourage one another.
Our annual retreat took a slightly different view, focusing on giving youth workers the opportunity to 'get away', escape and intentionally find protected time with God. Space was available to listen to God, explore their relationship with him and be affirmed in who they are called to be. Alongside the opportunity for retreat was space to walk the historic streets of Rome; seeing places where Paul and Peter once stood speaking with great enthusiasm about the good news, entering the prison where they were both imprisioned, we acknowledged the sacrifice they made for their faith. It was a truly challenging and moving experience.
Bishop Richard was inspiring. He walked us through scripture, reminding us of how when we are away from familiar surroundings, God often speaks to us through His word and through others. Bishop Richard took time to intently hear from others to respond with wisdom into issues brought up and offer sound advice where needed.
Being away with the 'workers' brought blessings on many levels. Watching them engage deeply with Bishop Richard's teaching, observing them take time to seek God, seeing first hand a few taking time with each other to share and minister - all were humbling experiences. The 'banter' and chat among all was mighty which enabled new friendships to form among us.
There is so much to thank God for, His provision, protection and ultimately His invitation to us to walk with Him in life's journey.