I have to write these reports for Church Council. They actually give a good rap of my ministry stuff. Feel free to flick through.
Advent Conspiracy
During the Advent season, Nite Rocks explored the Advent Conspiracy. The services incorporated liturgy, prayers, multimedia and silence, and were quite engaging for those who came along. Phil seemed keen to use the framework at Morning Worship in 2009.
North Rocks Carols by Candlelight
Our 5th birthday proved to be successful, both by achieving our aims, and financially speaking. Attendance seemed up from previous years, and the entertainment seemed more suitable for the audience. I owe a massive thanks to Dave Robinson, Jorge & Susan Rebolledo, Mikey Groom, Claire Anderson & Mel French who formed the organising team, as well as the many who contributed on the day. It seems this little community event continues to connect with the families and young people of North Rocks.
NCYC
From January 3-9 I was in Melbourne for NCYC. My primary role was helping facilitate bible study sessions for 250-300 people, unpacking the political reading of Mark’s gospel. We got genuinely good feedback from many people, and our group represented a diverse range of cultures, ages and experiences. Over the week I also helped with some chaplaincy and community leading.
NCYC 2011 is at the Gold Coast – I’d like to think we could get some young people to head up there.
Summer Camp
I went along to the UCA NSW Synod Summer Camp in the 3rd week of January. My role was to facilitate bible studies and leadership training for 12 school leavers who hope to become leaders at other camps. Was a challenging experience (we all had very different expectations), however I found the input of the weekend to be personally challenging and rewarding.
Youth Ministry
Possibly my biggest project over the past 7 months takes shape this Friday, when we re-launch our youth groups for 2009. Over that time, I’ve tried to develop a plan which seeks to connect with God, our community, children and our congregation.
The noticeable changes include combining Kids Klub & Priority One (and the introduction of a shared meal every week), personnel changes in the teams and the focus on hands-on leadership development. It also means the programs are less dependent on personalities, which allows for smoother transitions and teamwork. The process has been lengthy, frustrating, exciting and is not finished. I’m still seeking people to be involved in leadership opportunities and to volunteer to supply dinners.
Nite Rocks
Nite Rocks ran 4 successful ‘Summer Series’ services, featuring members of the congregation sharing messages each week. The shorter services were followed by a barbeque or pizza, and proved to once again be a great time of fellowship and encouragement.
The Nite Rocks Leadership team (formed in late ’08) is meeting Thursday 5th Feb to discern and plan the future of the gathering. It’s exciting to once again have people who are keen to participate in the leadership of this service.
Young Rocks
Young Rocks (Sunday School) has restarted, with a full roster of teachers for the three classes (very exciting). After speaking with several leaders, there is a growing sense that the current material (Seasons of the Spirit) is pretty ordinary. We’ve committed to using the material through to Easter, however I’m researching alternate material to be implemented in term 2. I thank all the teachers for their faithful service and patience.
In the Future
· Once again I’ll be teaching 2 scripture classes at North Rocks Public School on Tuesday mornings.
· North Rocks Community Church’s Youth Camp “Encounter” is running from April3-5 at Attunga Country Campsite. Rob Hanks, the Synod Youth Worker, will be speaking and preparing small group material.
· I’ve joined a committee exploring youth & children’s ministry in the Parramatta-Nepean Presbytery (up to 6 meetings/year), facilitated by the Presbytery Children, Youth & Families Worker.
· Mel & I will be attending the Hunter Presbytery Easter Camp (Mel as a pastoral carer, myself as the speaker) and then taking 1 week of holiday immediately after.