Book now for these events
TOTALLY Wired
16 March 2010, Windsor Baptist Church, 7.30-9.30pm
An essential seminar for all parents, church leaders, youth leaders and anyone who cares about young people and the technology revolution.
Young people today 'live' in a new digital world of instant communication that is changing what it means to be a teenager. And this is just the beginning. Yet this world is alien to many of us who are responsible for safeguarding and caring for young people.
How can parents, churches and youth workers not only understand what is happening, but also change the way we work with young people to take account of it? What impact are online social networking sites having on young people? Where does Christian youth and children's work fit in this online world? This high-quality, interactive, enjoyable and challenging evening event aims to explore some of these vital issues.
Presented by Chris Curtis, Director of Luton Churches Education Trust. Chris is currently Director of a Christian project in Bedfordshire developing therapeutic work in schools. He writes regularly for Youthwork magazine and has spent the last year researching the impact of the digital world on young people.
Hosted by Andy Burns, Director of east to west. Andy Leads a team passionate about bring hope to vulnerable and 'at risk' young people . He has never written for Youthwork magazine, but is occasionally allowed out on his own.
Many thanks to Matt Summerfield for allowing this Urban Saints event to be used by east to west.
To book, contact east to west. (See details on the right)
The Youth, Culture and Mission Lectures: Gender
18 March 2010, LICC, London
25 March 2010, St George's Church, Leeds
Following on from the inaugural Youth, Culture and Mission Lectures in March 2009, the series continues by tackling and encouraging debate on the provocative topic of The Role of Gender in Youth Ministry.
Hosted by Andy Burns of east to west and with high calibre lecturers including Dr Elaine Storkey and Dr Kristin Aune, the two identical days (one in London and one in Leeds) will look at a theological perspective on gender and reflect on current research into the roles of men and women with a third lecture slot delivered by two excellent practitioners exploring the different needs of young men and young women and the impact that must have on the way we work.
The Youth Culture and Mission Lectures are a response to the increasing numbers of youth workers studying youth ministry and theology at undergraduate or postgraduate who wish to keep up-to-date with that field once they have graduated.
Cost will be £30 including lunch with some concessionary places available. Further details and booking at: ycml.org.uk
For a short period, registering on the website will allow you to download the audio from the 2009 lectures for free!
Schools work changes lives
by Nicola Lainsbury
Luke's story is a clear example of why being based in a school makes such a difference. I met Luke at the beginning of the school year, said a few hellos but nothing more than that. Then in February he started attending one of east to west's support groups and that was the point life started to change for the positive. Luke had been taken into care when he was five following on from abuse by his siblings and after a near fatal assault by his mother.Ê As you'd imagine he struggles with self-esteem and has difficulties controlling his temper which limits his interaction with his peers.
Just getting him to attend the group each week was a miracle in itself as he'd with draw himself and often walk out. Yet each week he'd hear the others share their life stories, both the highs and lows and gradually he learnt to trust and realised they too had issues. It took some time but he eventually decided to share his story which was a profound and humbling moment.
Luke now engages with the group, goes on cinema trips, sends instant messages like it is going out of fashion and allows the other guys to hang out with him at break. Which in turn has boosted his confidence and self-esteem. Maybe the greatest outworking of Hope is that he now has friends and the long journey of reconciliation with mum as begun.
Read more about our schools work...
A story of success
Dan's role as Police Community Youth Pastor continues to grow from strength to strength. Dan has recently been drawing alongside a young gang member, Paul. Through Dan's engagement and commitment Paul is now focusing his energies into positively developing his life and is now engaged in work experience and has applied for college.
The PA at Connexions, who Dan worked alongside to bring this outcome to a reality said: "I truly believe without the Police Community Youth Pastor role we wouldn't have been able to engage with Paul to support him into work or training. As a result of the positive support from Dan, Paul is now completely focused and I'd like to take this opportunity to commend this work."