confirmation classes April 29, 2006

I’ve got three young people to prepare for confirmation and I’m wondering what others do in preparation for confirmation.
Two of them are in the group which is covering youth alpha this term, and it is likely the other has already been through the youth alpha course.
The bits of my confirmation classes that I actually remember are the explanations of communion, and anglican liturgy. There was one in the group who missed out the word ‘catholic’ every time we said the creed in church, because as far as she was concerned she wasn’t catholic. To hear the explanations of what we were saying was really helpful (especially in this case!)

So my current thinking is to do a mix of basic christian stuff and anglican stuff. But I’m interested in what others do. So, how do you prepare young people for confirmation?

books April 27, 2006

I’ve been reading quite a bit recently. My Mum has been throwing out lots of books (they no longer fit in her bookcases) and I’ve brought home at least 10 to read!
I’m currently reading the Big Stone Gap trilogy by Adriana Trigiani. I’ve enjoyed the first two, and look forward to starting the third later today.
I loved Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. The whole issue of time travel, and how he couldn’t change the future (or the past) got me thinking about predestination. We’re looking at the whole topic of predestination and freewill with our 14-18 group this term, and I may have to re-read the book to find some good quotes to use.

I really must start reading youthwork books again! I’m about a third through ‘Starting Right’, and there are several other books waiting to be read!

something to smile about April 24, 2006

I’m back at my desk, and have just discovered that while I have been away the tree opposite my window has blossomed! Beautiful.

It’s been a good week off. Isle of Wight was nice, we visited lots of small places, and got enjoyment out of each one. We’re thinking of going back in the future, but with the tandem. They have a cycle route that goes all round the island that would keep us out of mischief for a while! (photos of a garden close to the needles)

Once back from the isle of wight, we visited old friends back in Loughborough. It was great to catch up with them, and take a walk round Charnwood Water – a place that holds many memories for me.

All set April 13, 2006

I’m (hopefully) all set for the new term. Programmes are written, leaders are informed, stuff is ready to go. Just a bit (well a lot) more planning for summer events needed! Hopefully I can now slow down, enjoy the Easter Celebrations before taking a week off.

I’ve been trying to build up the courage to sort out my office. Normally I enjoy doing this, but there are just too many books and resources that need sorting through! There is so much stuff that I don’t use, and a lot of stuff I would use if I could find it! I fear a better filing system may be needed. Like the planning for summer events, it can wait!

Have a good Easter, and I’ll be back soon, with tales of the Isle of Wight!

stuff April 10, 2006

Thursday was a quiet day (went to Claremont Gardens), Friday was first aid training, Saturday was my brother in law’s wedding, Sunday was church and recovering from wedding.
Today I’ve had a staff meeting, been to Sainsburys and just done a bit of prep for my (just a little late) sixth month appraisal!
I now plan on spending the evening catching up on the admin for the three groups I run and then doing the ironing!
Boring? Yes. But I don’t have much time to think of anything interesting to write!

personal growth April 6, 2006

I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit over the past week, through reading books, blogs and stuff. In fact I did write a post on it this week, but managed to delete it before posting it! So here’s my current thoughts instead.
What do we need to grow? Do we just need ourselves and God or do we need a coach, a spiritual director, someone discipling us? Or do we just need good friends who we can trust to be honest with us?
I thought the relationships I have weren’t enough, that I needed more people to challenge me. People who would identify the areas of my life which needed change. But I’m beginning to think that maybe I just need to put more effort into the relationships I have already by asking more questions, taking the lead in suggesting the areas in which I might need to grow.
For example. I’ve been thinking about how little I listen to God, and how I need to grow in this area. This has probably come from God, though I cannot pinpoint how! Mainly through my own thoughts, and probably through circumstances. So instead of just thinking about this myself, I have taken the initiative and talked about with key people, who have suggested certain things and just listened. They haven’t challenged me, but helped me grow.
So is God always the one who challenges us? Is growing my responsibility? Should I invite someone else to tell me how I should be growing?
For now, I’m listening to God on this one, seeking to better the relationships I already have.

good stuff! April 1, 2006

Last night we took 14 of our youth group bowling. We had a great time. All were well behaved (this was expected after the badly behaved on our last trip were banned from this one!)
Everyone arrived on time, fun was had by all, and everyone went home safe! It’s great when things go smoothly!

Oh, and I’ve just been accepted onto the YMCA course. 3 years of work and study now await me!