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The eBulletinWelcome to this new edition of the eBulletin, we hope you enjoy reading about what we've been up to and what 's coming up in the next few months. It's been an exciting year for NYFC, and we want to thank you for your support - without it we could not carry out our mission with young people. As ever we want to hear your thoughts on the eBulletin, so please email Mark if you have any comments. Don't forget you can always have a look at our website for the latest news and information, just go to www.norwichyfc.co.uk. |
It's been an exciting year so far for us at Norwich Youth For Christ. We've been privileged to see young people making decisions to follow God almost every week, and in all sorts of places - normally we might expect to see some decisions at Fridays, or at our churches on Sunday mornings, but young people have been confounding our expectations by making these decisions almost everywhere!
You might remember that in the last bulletin we wrote about YFC's DNA, and how the driving force for our work is a desperation for young people to know God. It seems to us that as we've been more aware and determined in focusing on this, God has brought the fruit in these young lives.
In this edition you'll read about some of the stories from the last few months, and some of the things that are coming up. For example, we recently held our first Express event which was a great success, and looking ahead Reality is fast approaching.
We're praying for more of the same from here on: more single-minded focus from us; more open hearts to what God is saying to us; more obedience in following his lead; and more celebrations as we see each life changed.
Reality is approaching fast, and while there's still lots to do there's been a lot of progress too! For the benefit of readers who haven't heard about Reality yet here's a quick explanation: Reality is a one week project this July which will make God's love a Reality for the people of Norwich. It's bringing churches and young people together from across the city (and some from further afield too) to work together in one united week of evangelism and community action.
At the moment we're doing a lot of work in finalising the community projects for the week, and in raising funds for the event. We've had some successes with the funding, like the barndance at St Luke's in March, but we've also had some disappointments and there's more to do there - if you'd like to give to Reality in particular, please contact Fliss at the office.
Bookings are starting to pick up now, though there are still plenty of places left, so please encourage your young people to get involved. We're also particularly looking for team leaders to help look after the intrepid groups of young people as they work in the communities around Norwich.
As we speak to different people about Reality we receive an overwhelmingly positive response in every conversation, and we're excited about the potential to make an impact on the City and build more unity amongst God's people. The challenge for us and the Church is to make sure that this potential really does become Reality.
How can you help? Sign up as a delegate or team leader today! Go to www.reality-norwich.com and click on 'Book Now'.
 | We recently interviewed Duane Elkins, Area Co-ordinator for Lakenham, for the Reality website. The site is the best place to keep up to date on what's happening with Reality, featuring news and interviews like this one... |
What made you volunteer to be an Area Co-ordinator for Reality?
A friend put my name forward! Seriously, I thought it was a good opportunity to be involved in community action with other churches here in Lakenham and the City and wanted to be a part of that. When I was asked to co-ordinate here in Lakenham I was happy to agree.
What has the response been like from Churches?
On the whole pretty good. There are several churches that are hard to break into still, but those that are involved are really looking forward to it and excited about it. So far we've got St. Paul's, St. John's, Ipswich Road URC & New Hope involved and not just involved, but enthusiastic about the idea!
How are plans for your area coming together so far?
We've had several meetings planning for the Summer, we believe that most things are working out. We've got a Holiday Club planned already, and we've just had a volunteer who wants to do something else as well, maybe working with community wardens, so we're just looking into that now.
What are you hoping to see come out of Reality?
More church unity, and with that the community out there seeing that we are God's disciples because of the love we have for one another. I want to see the words of Jesus in John 13:35 being demonstrated here and now, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
We recently held the first Express event for 11-14 year olds. The event was a huge success, with more than ninety young people from across the county taking a journey into outer space to explore new planets and find out about friendship.
Danger Polarity Reversal!In the event of a Polarity Reversal use your hands to create downwards pressure on your head and keep a continual motion of bringing your knees into the air, increasing speed until polarity is reversed! Failure to follow these instructions may result in spontaneous explosions!
Polarity Reversals were just one of the challenges facing young people who attended the first Express event as they performed their mission to discover what true friendship really is and to consider what a friendship with God could look like.
The evening was lots of fun, with games, singing, special effects, discussions and drama. After all the mayhem one third of the young people responded to the challenge to accept God as their best friend!
Express wouldn't have happened without a great team - over thirty people took up roles including small group leaders, drama, prayer, PA, lighting, video, soundtracking and even draping!
There are two further Express events planned for this year, on the 29th September and the 8th December. Express is particularly aimed at 11-14 year olds on the fringe of church, and due to its popularity we strongly recommend you contact the office if you would like to bring some young people to either of the next two Express evenings.
In February 2006, St Andrews in Eaton was transformed into the snowy world of Narnia - complete with lamppost! With a huge wardrobe - Mrs MacReady, Professor Kirk, Susan and Lucy explored with about 70 kids coming along over the three days how Aslan's death and resurrection shows us how God sent His son Jesus to die and rise again revealing in an awesome way how much He loves us. With energetic songs, creative prayer, messy crafts and crazy games it was a great time sharing our amazing God with the young people of Eaton. |
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The 14-22 year old Wymondham Youth went on their weekend away at Ringsfield Hall in Suffolk at the end of March. With the weekend called Absolute > Beyond Limits they looked at Joshua and how God used him. With an 8 ft ball, awesome worship times, guest speaker, outstanding food and a 24-1 prayer room it certainly was a excellent time where God was at work speaking into lives and changing people to be more like Him. Some of the young people on the weekend away hope to use and develop their gifts on the younger youth weekend in September.
Ang recently took a Rock Solid group away for the weekend, here's a report from one of those young people...
On Saturday 14th March, I (Miriam), Naomi, Ellie, Jess, Hannah and Danny (members of the St Mary Magdalene Rock Solid group) went to The Horstead Centre for the weekend, with some other Rock Solid groups too!
To participate with the activities, we were split into two different groups; I met lots of new people and made friends.
Firstly, we were challenged by the 'Spider Web'. Our task was to squeeze everyone in our group through one of the holes on it, without touching the sides. Luckily, we succeeded.
Afterwards, we moved onto the rope swing. It was funny as a few times a person fell off! This followed balancing on a log with all group equally spaced out. It was great!
After a refreshing break (warm squash and cake), we moved down to the river for canoeing with Jeff. He showed us how to canoe, stop, turn etc and eventually we pushed our canoes into the river. I was paired with Ellie. After lots of cork collecting, races etc we came back to shore for a mouth watering lunch!
The afternoon was spent on high ropes. Scary! I kept saying I couldn't do it but everyone else said I could. Suddenly, as I was coming down the ladder, safe and sound, I realised I had just done all of it with God's strength within me. It was a great feeling. Something to remember.
In the evening, Danny (from Y.F.C) gave us a talk about his life. It was very moving.
Sunday consisted of the rock climbing wall. Abseiling, bouldering, zip-wire and rock wall was packed into just the morning! I went on the zip-wire but unfortunately I got stuck! They had to send down a special ladder thing so I could take the pressure off my harness. Embarrassing!
After that was a delicious lunch which was made up of: vegetable/meat pie with veggies followed by a lovely rich chocolate cake. Mmmmmm!
Overall, my trip to Horstead was excellent and unforgettable! Compliments to the cooks and thanks to both the Horstead and Rock Solid leaders!
NYFC Presents 'The Liberator', 13th October 2006
In the last bulletin we were just able to sneak in notice of Saltmine's forthcoming visit in October. We can now confirm that they will be joining us on Friday October 13th at the King's Centre in Norwich.
As well as a chance to see their new production, 'The Liberator', the evening will be a great opportunity to introduce a friend to NYFC and what we do, as we will be giving a short presentation before the play.
The evening harks back to the Annual Thanksgivings we've done in the past, bringing a high quality and thought-provoking theatre group to Norwich, and letting us share our vision and heart at the same time. We've always found these evenings to be really good for helping others to understand the passion we have for young people, and we hope that this will be no exception, so if you can think of someone who'd enjoy the production and might be interested in NYFC too, then please bring them along.
Tickets will be priced at £5 and will be available from the office. The evening is not designed as an evangelistic outreach, and would be most suitable for adults and older teens who are either part of the church or on the fringes of church. We expect that demand will exceed the capacity of the venue, so please don't leave it too late to get your tickets!
We have lots of exciting staff news for you this article....one of the reasons we're a little behind schedule on this bulletin is due to our first exciting update....
Mark and Naomi have had a little boy called Daniel, born 26th April. He was a little later than expected and a good size weighing in at 9lb 11oz. Mum and baby are doing well, and his older sister Grace is enjoying her new brother. Mark had a couple of weeks off on paternity leave and now he's back to work with lots to catch up on! Please pray for Mark and his growing family. Pray that he gets a good balance of home and work life and gets good sleep in order to be effective at work. Thank God for the safe arrival of Daniel. |  |
 | Exciting update two! - You may remember in our last bulletin that Bex wrote about shortly leaving us to have a baby. Well, Aimee was born on 23rd March weighing in at 8lb 6oz. Bex is doing really well and loving being a mummy. Please continue to remember her in your prayers. |
Exciting update three! - On the 8th April on Sheringham beach something really, really exciting happened! Andy asked me to marry him! I'M ENGAGED! We are very happy and look forward to a new chapter in our lives together and all that God has in store for us. The wedding is in September so we have lots of plans and preparations to sort out....but as administration and organising is one of my favourite things to do, it shouldn't be too difficult! Please pray for us as we go through the next couple of months leading up to the wedding. |  |
eBulletin Exclusives!
Since we wrote the stories for the print version of this Bulletin a few things have changed on the staff front!
Rob Forder has been accepted onto a social work course a year earlier than expected, so he'll be leaving us at the end of August. Rob has been our pioneering Fusion worker, filling the very first placement with Acle and Poringland. He's been a great asset to the team, and obviously we'll be sorry to see him move on, but we share his excitement at the next phase that God's taking him and Shelley (his wife) into.
Rebecca Wright's maternity leave finishes at the end of August, and she has decided that she will be leaving to concentrate on being a mum, rather than trying to juggle between NYFC's somewhat unpredictable working hours and childcare. Again, we're really going to miss Bex and all she brought to the team, but we're really pleased that she's looking to stay involved on a voluntary basis.
Finally, we're in the process of recruiting more Fusion workers! Phil and Emily Strange will be joining us on 1st August to work with churches in Gorleston, and we're bringing someone all the way from Illinois, USA to work in Reepham and Hellesdon! Please pray for a smooth ride with the Visa department of the Home Office, and pray for Amanda as she prepares to uproot herself and move to Norfolk - we'll introduce her properly in a future bulletin.
In the next few weeks we will be recruiting some replacement staff, so if you know someone who might fit keep an eye on our website where we'll post the vacancies.
Over the last few months I have seen God move powerfully in many young people's lives!
Back in February I had the privilege of leading eleven young people to Jesus in a Christian Union run in Thorpe High. A good number of them are attending a Youth Alpha course we have set up on a Thursday Lunchtime in the school and we are also helping them connect with their local Churches.
In our first Youth Service at Heartsease Lane we saw three young people make a first time commitment to follow Jesus - they are also attending a Youth Alpha course along with another six young people.
In March I was asked to speak at a CU held in Acle High School, eight young people responded to the gospel and are now being discipled by Rob Forder.
"In the last few months, through Frankies girls club and No SWET, I have come to understand that God is real that he loves me and wants to be part of my life. I have accepted him into my life and I believe in him.
On a Monday Night I run a Youth Club called "Frankies" from St Francis Church, we get a great number of young people aged between 8 - 12yrs old. Over the last few months the team has been building great relationships with some of the young people, talking about Jesus and how he has a plan and purpose for each of their lives!
Just a few weeks ago one of the team shared a story about how God wants to be part of their lives today! Then I gave the opportunity for the young people to respond to accepting Jesus into their lives, thirteen young people stood up infront of all their friends and asked Jesus into their lives, it was truly amazing to see!
Again Youth Alpha courses have been set up for these young people, as well as cell groups on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.
I had recently a privilege to visit the YFC Norwich. What a great team you have there! It was so good to be able to thank them personally for their faithful support and relationship going on between Norwich and Poland for years. What is more exciting, we could talk about strengthening our ties and the idea of a possible visit of the YFC Norwich leaders to Poland and our future partnership in mission projects.
YFC Poland's ministry has been growing significantly lately and even lack of staff and resources has not prevented it from an encouraging increase in size and area of spiritual impact. Each day new youth work opportunities come up and make us seek ministry partners who would like to bless and be blessed by reaching out to Poland's youth. Youth work YFC Poland is presently involved in includes: Rock Solid clubs set up in different cities across the country; manifest- a revival movement within youth generation- manifest events include big concerts, conferences and summer camps; school ministry based on English as a medium of individual evangelism; 1x1 Contact - ministry among underprivileged children and teenagers; leadership training and partnering in evangelistic or charity projects with other christian youth organisations in Poland and abroad.
We truly look forward to seeing God put YFC Norwich team and us together on a mission field in Poland soon. We are also praying for a full-time volunteer who would like to come for a year and help us co-ordinate school ministry in Wroclaw as well as to participate in other YFC activities. Maybe you are the one?!
Following some positive feedback to my article in the last bulletin, we've decided to have a regular slot in the bulletin for me! It would be good if I was actually an expert in finance, and then I could give you helpful financial tips - but I'm not! I do however know the ins and outs of NYFC's finance and what our financial needs are.
Firstly, I want to say a huge thanks to the number of you that responded to our last bulletin and either sent in one off gifts or asked to complete a standing order to give to us regularly. I realised that every cut-off slip happened to have a picture of me on the back! It therefore made me smile every time I opened an envelope and saw my smiling face. Some of the cut-off slips came in from completely new people not on our mailing list, so if you were one of the people that introduced someone else to us THANK YOU so much.
Supporter's Barbecue
On 9th August we're holding a barbecue for all our fantastic supporters as a little thank you and a chance to meet the team. For more information or to let us know you'd like to come please get in touch with Fliss at the office.
The situation today is..... we still need more regular giving. Those £10 and £20 a month standing orders really do add up and help us so much. So please continue to seek out new supporters who you think would like to invest in our work.
After you responded so well to my suggestion last time, here is my latest idea: have you considered holding a fund-raising event for us? This doesn't have to be on a huge scale - you could simply hold a dinner party for some friends telling them it's a fund-raising evening so they need to buy tickets! I'll be very happy to chat through any ideas you have and supply copies of our bulletins or other information.
Please keep praying with us.....Here's a 'through the week' prayer scheme you can use:
Monday - Monday is our staff day, when we have a chance to pray and study together. Please pray that God would work in us through these times, giving us the passion, strength, humility and boldness we need to serve him in NYFC. Pray that God would continue to look after the staff and their families, and that staff would strike the right balance between work and home.
Tuesday - Pray for our finances. We depend on God working through his people for money for salaries, rent and rates, equipment (buying new bits and fixing old bits), training, resources, petrol, etc...
Wednesday - Pray for our work in schools, that the positive influence we have in young peoples' lives in the twenty-two schools we are involved in continues. Pray also that we are inspired and continue to have fresh ideas in the way we run the lunch-time clubs, assemblies and lessons. We are planning a mission week in November, pray that God would lead us on this.
Thursday - Rock Solid clubs continue to have a great influence on young people all over the city and beyond, thank God for the many lives that have been transformed through it! Please pray that this continues, and for the leaders of these clubs that they are refreshed and continue in their enthusiasm for the work. Thank God also for the success of Express, and for the 30 young people who gave their lives to God that night.
Friday - This is another night where many of us are involved in taking youth clubs at Wymondham, Reepham, Acle and Poringland. Please pray for the young people in these areas that they are open to what they hear of the gospel message through the clubs. Please also pray for Fridays, the monthly event to disciple young Christians.
Saturday - Pray for the team to have quality time with their families, and that they are given a chance to really relax and enjoy the time off they have. Pray for the work of the NYFC website, that it would be another means of communicating the gospel even when we're doing other things.
Sunday - Please pray for Reality. We really want to see lots of people impacted this summer by this project and ultimately people come to know Jesus.
Pray in all our work we would see young people become Christians. Pray for the young people that have recently made a committment to follow Jesus, that they would grow in their new faith and this would affect their friends and family around them.
Dates for the Diary7th July - Fridays Gift AidIf you give to NYFC and pay income tax, you can help us reclaim extra money from the government by completing a Gift Aid Form. You only need to do this if you have not already done one for us. |
Contacting UsIf you want to email us our addresses are: office@norwichyfc.co.uk If you prefer the more traditional approach, then our postal address is: Norwich Youth For Christ, 3 Brigg Street, Norwich, NR2 1QN Our telephone number is 01603 620678 |
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