Helpers needed!

At every child's baptism in the Methodist Church, we the community of believers promise to maintain the church's life of worship and service so the children may grow in grace and the knowledge of God. One of the ways we keep this promise is through our two youth groups. They meet every week for a mixture of Bible study, games, arts and crafts, cooking, singing and dancing, drama, scavenger hunts, bowling, and loads of other activites. These groups are places where kids and teens can have fun, make friends, and learn about our faith. It's a great place for them to bring friends who normally have no contact with a church, and it's a fun and safe environment in which they can grow.

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Both groups rely on having several adults to help during each meeting, not just for safeguarding reasons, but also so each child can have care, attention, and protection. We need adults who will play games with us, contribute to our conversations, and put the kettle on.

I'VE HEARD PLENTY OF REASONS WHY PEOPLE THINK THEY CAN'T GET INVOLVED:

"I'm too old!" No you're not. The church is a family, and we need more than big brothers and sisters to help us grow and learn. We need Mums and Dads and Aunts and Uncles and Nannas and Grandads. I appreciate it takes a certain amount of energy to join in some of our games, but there is no age limit to showing love and getting involved!

"I don't know what to say to teenagers." Teenagers aren't aliens, and practice makes perfect! All our activites are already planned - the kids and I (Beth) do that. So we just need you to come along and give a listening ear and your enthusiasm. We're not so scary when you get to know us!

"I can't commit to coming every week." With enough volunteers we can have a rota of helpers, so you'd only need to set aside one or two nights per term. If there's a specific activity or topic you're especially interested in joining in, that would be great!

"My child is in the group and I want to give him/her some space." A very valid argument! May I remind you, though, that we have two youth groups who need help. Also, a lot of our actvities involve splitting into smaller groups and teams, and there's plenty of space for you and your child to join in without bumping up against each other. And when it comes down to your involvement or us having to cancel an evening becasue no one will help, I'm sure the kids would prefer to have you there!

PLEASE GET IN CONTACT IF YOU CAN HELP!

The Usual Suspects is girls ages 14+ and meets on Wednesdays from 7-9pm.

THe Youth Group is ages 10-15 and meets on Thursdays from 6:30-7:45

Please contact: Beth Little

studentworker@canterburymethodistchurch.co.uk

07983729334

THANK YOU!

Ichthus 2011

Ichthus student group resumes 29th September in the Upper Room at St. Peter's. Join us for Bible study, games, food, films, and more! This autumn we'll consider who Jesus was exactly, who he claimed to be, and what that might mean for us to relate to him.

Join us on Sundays as well for lunches after the morning services, hosted by families in the church. We've got two student- and youth-led services planned this term, so singers, musicians, readers, actors, and everyone is welcome to contribute!

We're looking forward to our charity fundraiser again this year running a bookstall at the One World Fair. Other ideas for charity work or outreach are always welcome.

In January we'll again send a delegation to the National Methodist Student Conference, this year hosted by the Durham Uni MethSoc; I hope you can come!

There are loads of things to get involved with at St. Peter's, not just to be a part of our community, but also to gain experience and volunteering hours: work (and play!) with tradecraft, the eco-congregation award, youth ministry, music, messy church, coffee mornings, harvest celebrations, and more.

Church Stewards Re-elected

At the recent Annual Church meeting it was voted that the team of church stewards should continue for another year. These are: Wendy Irons, Sue Floyd, Kaye Merrywest, Macdonald Mauchaza, Simon Arnold, Angela Gibbens and Margaret Anderson.