We're passionate about supporting the 60 employed CYF workers that are connected with the churches in our association. We also want to walk with all the churches and their volunteers as they seek to be Good News through many different ways including toddler groups, schools work, discipleship groups, youth clubs, Messy Church. Finally we never want to lose sight of the 95% of children and young people who are not in our churches and who God loves deeply and would love it if they got to know Him better.

Inspire
Each month we hope to share a story about where we're seeing God at work. This month Rachel Mitchell from Bloxham Baptist Church shares about the wonderful work God is doing through Soccer School.
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This summer saw lots of children (both boys and girls) come to soccer school to learn new skills and celebrate Christmas!! Star Strike Football has run its 7th annual soccer school. Rob Taylor used to be part of Bloxham Baptist Fellowship but now lives in Nottingham. He has a passion to teach football with a difference. Each day children were taught a new skill and practiced it through games and activities. His primary goal is for children to learn about Jesus and play with the right attitude. All coaches are Christian and have opportunities throughout the week to share their testimonies with the children.

The coaches model good attitudes and praise positive behaviour. There is a teaching session each day; this year we looked at the story of Christmas and the children even came with festive hats and jumpers! Every afternoon ends with a mini world cup between all teams. The week culminates on Saturday where all the families are invited to come and support their child(ren) and see them awarded with a trophy. The coaches talk individually about each child and what significant part they played in the team.
Every year the parent’s feedback is positive; praising Rob and his team for creating a different attitude and one in which everyone is encouraged to play and know they belong. The message of Jesus is strong and our prayer is that these seeds grow in the children and families.
Have you got a story to share? So far we've heard from a church that runs a discipleship group for those aged 7-11, a church that works with homeless young people and the exciting work of one churches work with Girls Brigade. I'd love to hear from others; you can send me your thoughts on c.hooper@scba.org.uk
Connect
There are 3 opportunities a year specifically for those employed in our churches to work with children, young people and families to gather together. 
FUTURE CYF GATHERING DATES:

South:  9th March 2019 United Church Ferndown 10:00-14:30

North:  2nd March 2019 Abingdon  Baptist Church (TBC) 10:00-14:30

The CYF Retreat

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After an awesome CYF retreat in 2019 the next one has been provisionally booked for 16th-18th June 2020. We'll hopefully be returning to the House of the Open Door but this can't be confirmed until February. We start with lunch at 1:00 although you can arrive from 12:00 and we'll be ending late morning on the 18th. Joth Hunt will be leading our time together. 
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 In whatever capacity   you're involved in working   with children, youth and   families we'd love for you   to become part of our Facebook community. Here we can share resources, ideas and encourage one another in the ministry that God has called us to.
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Clare, Amy, Chris, Rachel and Simon
We are the CYF steering group and would value your prayers as we meet to discern how our association might best serve the churches in their work with children, young people and families.

We've recently compiled a guide for churches who are looking to employ a CYF worker. When we met on the 18th September we looked at how we can support one another locally so that no one needs to feel isolated in their role. Our next meeting is on the 9th April.

Simon is the moderator of this group and can be contacted at-
simon@coshambaptist.org
Resource
Resources that might help when supporting children and families through illness and bereavement.
If you're ever in the position of supporting a dying child and their family please make sure you have someone who is looking out for you; who is praying for you and is there for you should you need to talk.
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I am the CYF mission developer for SCBA and I would love to meet with you and listen to where you think God might be leading your church regarding how it's working with, or might work with children, young people and families.

Please get in touch regarding any training needs that you have, if you're looking to employ a CYF worker, if you need to chat something through or if there's something else you think I might be able to help with.

There are many different opportunities out there that can help churches connect with those under 18. Here are a few of them which I would be more than happy to chat through with you.
(Click on picture for the link)
Training Courses​ 

​There are many different training opportunities for those that work with children, young ​people and families; here are a few of them. Please do get in touch if this is something you'd appreciate praying about and talking through with someone.

​Clare Hooper
c.hooper@scba.org.uk
0784 037 8788
CYF Tool Kit: Not a training course but a tool kit to help your church or CYF team reflect on it's work with children, young people and families. It includes a quick check list. www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/279872/_CYF_links.aspx

Footsteps: If you're part of the CYF team at your church than this training is ideal. It will deepen your understanding and you'll develop the skills necessary for ministry amongst children, young people and families. www.scba.org.uk/footsteps.html 

Horizons: An online training programme for volunteers that are working with children and young people. And it's free!!
www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/371596/Online_training_programme.aspx

Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission: Provides accredited training for those with experience and who are called to specialist ministries and mission with children, families and communities where they live. Integrates a high level of theological education and reflection and offers the opportunity for further study going forward. www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk/children-youth-ministry/children-family-course/ 

MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission: If you've got experience in working with children, young people or families and would like to have the opportunity to to sharpen your understanding by critically reflecting on your experience and theology than this opportunity might be a good fit for you. www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk/theological-studies/taught-ma/