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CICS End of Term Report
Monday 26th July 2010 10:20 AM
End of Term Report and a big thank you from cics for all the support given by individuals & churches
Assemblies @ Rastrick High
Can you feed yourself Malteasers using a wooden spoon with a 2 ft handle?
That was the challenge put to students in response to the topic requested for assemblies by the school - 'Thinking of Others'
A presentation from schoolworks.co.uk looking at JFK's inaugural speech was used. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" Substitute 'school' for 'country' and you can see where it all fits in.
And of course you will already have worked out that you get more Malteasers if you work with a partner!
Punch line - The verse from Matthew 'Do to others as you would have them do to you'
Lunchclubs continue to be held at the following schools:-
Holy Trinity, Calder High School, Rastrick High School, Brooksbank, North Halifax Grammar, Crossley Heath Grammar and Hipperholme & Lightcliffe High School.
Sports Day Activity July 2nd Hipperholme & Lighcliffe.
What do you do on Sports Day if you are not in an event?
The Christian Aid Paper Bag Game (PBG) of course!
Tony and helpers were asked at short notice to assist with Y7 & Y9 students so they used this popular activity. The PBG illustrates how difficult it can be for some families to earn enough money to survive and challenges students to consider what they can do help those suffering from poverty all around the world.
Church-updates.
This term Tony has visited the following churches with up-dates or presentations:-
Coley C of E; Grace Baptist; St Georges C of E; St John's Warley;
Youth for Christ Launch (see their website for details) May 14th
At an exciting evening at All Saint's Salterhebble students from North Halifax Grammar School and Tony explored the role of cics in our schools and highlighted the need to reach out to young people outside the church setting.
Halifax charity gala
Did you see the roller-bladers, uni-cyclists, balloon making mini-bus, scooters and 3 lads and a wheeliebin in the gala procession? That was cics!
Young people did us proud, bringing their own wheels for our entry this year and we are very grateful for the loan of the minibus & driver. The young people gave up their whole Saturday to take part, staying on at Manor Heath to help with the coconut shy & penalty shootout. A very positive event financially and socially in raising the profile of cics.
Out of School Activities
Organised by Esther's brother, Sam, the 16+ visit to Hebden Bridge was enjoyed by those able to take part. The next 16+ will take place after the summer break.
Soul Rush has experienced a dip in numbers attending and the group will be re-launched in September.
Adrenalin group watched the film 'Up' on the big screen at All Saint's. This evoked deep discussion on following our dreams and God's intention for our lives. The next meeting was a games night on the Moor followed by hot dogs and planning for the future.
Trust and Workers Vision Day at Gate Hough Farm.
We are very grateful to Brenda, Kenneth & Martin for the use of their beautiful flat with its view to Studley Pike, for our vision day this year. We looked at cics past present & future & sought God's guidance as we continue to work towards our aims & objectives.
Finally - on behalf of Tony and the Trustees - a massive THANK YOU to all our volunteers who give up time and energy to assist the work of cics - especially the young people who have enabled the work to continue during Esther's maternity leave. We wish those who have to leave us at the end of term, God's blessing. There are always opportunities for new volunteers please contact Tony! And Keep praying!
Posted 10:20 AM | Permalink
Workers report - May 2010
Wednesday 12th May 2010 2:01 PM
Once again we are pleased to be able to bring good news of the work of God in Calderdale schools.
Easter Assemblies and Holy Trinity Passiontide Services
Assemblies were led at Rastrick High School and Brighouse High using a resource courtesy of schoolswork.co.uk. A version of this was also used at Holy Trinity Passiontide service which is repeated to enable the whole school to be included the whole. Tony received very good feedback on the impact of the second of these services from a student- in spite of him feeling this was the less successful of the two! He was told, never to underestimate his work!
Lunch Clubs
Very interesting topics are planned for the seven regular lunch clubs. These include: - the General Election, God & Politics; Bible character studies; Be like your friends, be yourself OR be how God wants you to be; Pentecost & the Holy Spirit and Exam stress v exam prep.
Plans are still in hand to start lunch time work at Brighouse High. We are very grateful to the volunteers who give so much time to run Lunch clubs and help with other aspects of CICS work See this term's issue of Inform for a volunteers' eye view of CICS
Information Packs & New Schools
We have so much to offer schools besides lunch clubs & assemblies, including lessons on a wide range of topics which fit in with personal health and social responsibility curriculum; faith days and the
Marriage & Relationships course, that we have put together a pack which give details of these services.
We are delivering these to key members of school staff so they can be informed of all we do.
Four new schools have been contacted and Tony will follow up these contacts soon.
Out of School Clubs
Simon Endeacott (a worship leader @ All Saints' Church) was joined by Sam Kirkby, 2nd year student at Kingdom Faith Bible College Horsham at the March meeting of the 16+ group. Their input prompted some very useful discussion.
The plan is to trial material from the CAP money management course with this group in the near future.
Soul Rush (girls group) topic was 'Who's Your Idol' at their April meeting. This will be continued at the June meeting - date to be arranged.
Adrenalin (boys out of school equivalent) meets at the same time & venue, in another room. At their April meeting they had a Movie Night. If anyone of secondary school age would like to attend either of these groups please contact Tony for details.
Church Visits
Tony has made or will make visits to Coley church, St George's & Warley St John's Halifax to up-date the congregations on the work. If you would like a CICS visit at your church please contact Tony or the trustees.
It's Your Move books
These have been updated by Scripture Union for this year and have new cover design. Copies have been purchased and will be distributed to leavers of primary schools throughout Calderdale at the end of the school year. Thanks again to churches that have funded & distributed books. It's not too late to contribute if you would like to do so please, again contact us!
And finally please support the PRAY FOR SCHOOLS FORTNIGHT PRAYER EVENING at St Jude's Church Free School Lane Halifax 7.30pm Monday May 17th and include your local schools in prayers privately and in your church over the two weeks 10th - 29th May
Posted 2:01 PM | Permalink
Workers report for the website - Feb 2010
Sunday 28th February 2010 10:07 AM
Good News!
The most exciting news in this report is the re-launch of the group at Crossly Heath on Friday 26th Feb. We have been given the use of a maths room and nine young people attended the first meeting. This is fruit of lots of work and prayer and we thank the maths teacher, students and volunteers, but most of all Thank God!
Workers News
As most of our supporters will know by now Esther (our second worker) started her maternity leave on March 7th. We wish Esther and Marcus every blessing as they move house & look forward to parenthood.
Tony will continue to push the work forward and is planning to contact new schools very soon. We are very grateful for the volunteers who are helping Tony with lunch clubs and the out of school work.
Lunch Club news
Regular groups are held at Holy Trinity, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe, Brooksbank, North Halifax Grammar, Rastrick High and Calder High, Crunch Club as well as the re-launched group at Crossley Heath.
Plans are in hand to also do some lunch time work at Brighouse High school.
Assembly News
In the week commencing 15th March Tony will lead assemblies with an Easter theme in Rastrick High School for years 7 - 11 and w /c 22nd March at Brighouse High again years 7 - 11. Tony has also been asked to take part in Holy Trinity's Passiontide Service, March 26th in school.
Out of School Clubs News
16+ group It has been arranged for Simon Endeacott to speak to the group on the topic of Worship. Date to be arranged.
Soul Rush
Esther has put plans in place for this to continue for the rest of this academic year. Two dates have been planned and willing volunteers, three 6th form students and two gap year workers with local churches will look after these events.
Adrenalin - boys group.
The third meeting of this group has been held with a Valentine's Day theme. A balloon race, celebrity couples quiz and poetry competition led into a discussion on God's love for each of us. Ten young people attended the meeting, which finished with a bacon buttie supper.
Soul Rush & Adrenalin will continue to meet in their own space but at the same time & venue. Details from Tony on 07879675368. Email - tonybuck@cicscalderdale.org.uk
It's Your Move book distribution/ Church News
If your church would like to be involved in the funding or distribution of It's Your Move books which will again be given to primary school leavers throughout Calderdale (if their school agrees to take up the offer) please contact Tony. (Details as previous paragraph.)
Tony will update the congregation at Coley Church on May 2nd at 9.am & 10.30
CAP news.
Tony is now trained to deliver the three part CAP money management course. The principles of this course represent a solid foundation for any young person's finance. This will be another service CICS can offer schools.
Please pray for Tony as he again carries the work forward as the only paid worker and for the volunteers. And we still urgently need Trustees please!!!
Posted 10:07 AM | Permalink
Workers report for the website - Jan 2010
Friday 29th January 2010 1:45 PM
Assemblies (past & future) and a Carol Service
The planned Christmas themed assemblies were held at Rastrick & Brighouse High schools and for year 10 & 11 students at The Brooksbank school. The prop used for these assemblies was a cubed shaped 'Christmas present' which opened to reveal significant Christmas pictures, e.g. a turkey! The cube then folded out to form a cross thus completing the message of the gospel. Workers also did a short presentation during Brighouse High School Carol Service in St Martin's Parish Church.
Assemblies booked for this term on the Easter theme-
All March dates:
w/c 8th years, 7-11, Brooksbank
w/c 15th, years 7-11 Rastrick High
w/c 22nd, years 7-11 Brighouse High.
Lessons
During w/c 25th Jan, with the eight year 7 classes (1st year at secondary school) at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe High school Tony & Esther used the 'Plasticine Gospel' session to illustrate key aspects of the Christian faith through model making.
Lunch Clubs meet regularly as follows
Monday, Holy Trinity, Tuesday, Hipperholme & Lightcliffe High school, Rastrick High school (Key stage 3) Wednesday Brooksbank Thursday, North Halifax Grammar & Rastrick High (key stages 4&5)
Church Visit
3rd January Tony up-dated All Saints' Church
Don't forget! Speakers are available for your church. Please ask!
Marriage and Relationship course (MARS) with 16+ group
The material for this course has been successfully piloted at the 16+ group in late November 2009. Positive feedback from the twelve who attended included 'Really good!' 'Good, fun, helpful....' 'allowed plenty of discussion.....' ' would need to be adapted if being used with groups younger than 6th form age'
To balance the 'jammed packed' more serious MARS evenings 7 16+ group members met for fun food & Bible study/discussion on Mon 18th Jan.
Training
Tony will be attending a CAP money management training course in Leicester on 13th Feb.
Adrenalin and Soul Rush
Following the success of the girls out of school group, Soul Rush, a boys' equivalent, Adrenalin has been started. At the second meeting held on Dec 7th young people & 5 leaders enjoyed games and a short talk on how not to miss the best part of Christmas.
The next meeting will be at All Saints, Halifax Feb 8th.
This is also the date and venue for the next Soul Rush - 'Handmade by Soul Rush, handmade by God'
Nine girls met for the fancy dress Christmas party where they played games and exchanged Secret Santa presents. Greetings cards were also made to send to prisoners of conscience - address from Amnesty International. A short film clip, made by a local church focused on priorities at Christmas.
Esther's maternity leave.
I think most of you will know that Esther & Marcus are expecting a baby in May. Esther starts maternity leave on March 7th. Tony & Esther and the volunteers (who make such an important contribution to CICS - thanks!) have planned and prepared for the time when Tony will again be our only paid worker in schools. All the current activities, clubs etc. will continue.
Tony is also determined that he will be able to get into some new schools as well as maintain the existing high standard in existing schools.
Please pray for Tony, the volunteers, schools old and new and the trustees.
We do still need more trustees especially a treasurer!
Posted 1:45 PM | Permalink
Workers Report for the Website Dec 09
Monday 30th November 2009 8:44 PM
Warmest Christmas greetings from all at CICS in the name of Jesus - the reason for the season!
Assemblies, Lessons and Lunch Clubs
- In the two weeks beginning 7th Dec the workers will lead Christmas themed assemblies at Brighouse High and Rastrick High School (years 7-11) and Brooksbank (years 10& 11.)
- They will also be leading an assembly style slot in the Brighouse High School Carol Service at St Martin's Parish Church on Dec 14th
- Lessons introducing the Christian faith will be taken by the workers for year 7 pupils at Brooksbank school on 30th Nov, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 10th Dec.
- Regular lunch clubs continue at the following schools are led by Tony & Esther; Holy Trinity,
Hipperholme & Lighcliffe, Rastrick High School, Brooksbank, North Halifax Grammar
The group at Calder High is led by volunteers, Tracy, Beth & James
The group at Brighouse High now meets monthly after school.
Work is on-going to re-launch a group at Crossly Heath School.
Subjects covered this half term include the 'I am' Sayings of Jesus, Remembrance & Christmas topics. - Faith Day with year 10 students at Brooksbank.
Human Rights - an old topic - new format!
Students were divided into countries and one group became refugees for the day. In an introduction and conclusion to a 2 hour session cics workers challenged students on their knowledge of and attitudes to human rights and covered the following areas; prejudice, racism, poverty, greed and morality. - Holy Trinity Activity Day Nov 17th This involved half of the year 7 students and gave the chance to get to know students and follow up on previous assemblies.
Format - four themed activities each approx 50 minutes duration, as follows;-
Tube Line run by Esther Woolcock. Designed to help students to assess events so far in their lives that have affected or influenced them and in the light of that to think about their ambitions for the future.
Team building games led by school staff. Why and how do we need the help of other travellers on our life journey?
Prayer Zone led by Beth Fennell, (Care Force worker at St. Michael's Mytholmroyd( and Rosemary Wright & Daphne Cansdale (cics trustees) This took the form of four areas encouraging the students to connect with God in the areas of Questions, Forgiveness, Self -image and Difference. How does God fit into our life journey?
Play Dough World led by Tony Buck. Students create Play Dough models to illustrate key aspects of the Christian faith. These are then use to parody the world we live in and ask pertinent questions like -Why should we follow the rules? How were we created and why are we so individual and different? - Soul Rush and Adrenalin Soul Rush is an out of school time inter school club, started by Beth Bentley in her time as cics worker. Adrenalin is the new boys equivalent and has already met once.
Christmas Specials for both groups will be held 7th Dec. - MARS (Marriage & Relationship skills) material is being piloted very successfully with the 16+ group
Excellent feed back and constructive comments resulted from the first 2 sessions used at a well attended group earlier in Nov. Their comments will be very useful as workers seek to offer the course to schools. - Training and Networking 9th Nov - both workers spent the day in York sharing prayer & resources with
schools & youth workers from Leeds York & Wakefield.
19th Nov - Esther attended resource writers meeting in Wolverhampton
30th January - Tony will attend CAP money management training course in Leicester - Last -and over to YOU! CHURCH VISITS
Esther & Tony are available to contribute to YOUR worship time or evening meeting. Recently they have updated Upper Edge Baptists and members at Brighouse Evangelical Church, and Tony has shared in a Youth Service at Christ Church Sowerby Bridge. The workers & trustees would love to get to know more about our valuable supporters in their churches and to share insights of the work with you. We are open to invitations!
Posted 8:44 PM | Permalink
