We are holding a commissioning service on February 22nd to officially welcome Jon into this new role. See the back page for more details.

INSPIRESPRING 2009

The Coventry YFC NewsletterEverything you could ever need to know about the current work of CYFC...

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DIRECTORFollowing the departure of Dan Oliver before the summer, we’re pleased to officially announce the appointment of our new director, Jon Mills.

I’m really excited to introduce myself as I take up this new role directing YFC in Coventry. For the last few years I’ve been based in Staffordshire working for North Staffs YFC developing partnerships with local churches, supporting church youth leaders and co-ordinating an intern programme. Having previously worked as a church-based youth worker in Rugby for several years, it feels a bit like coming home for us (including my wife Lara and our children Zak (4) and Maisey (2)) to be based back in Warwickshire. I’ve now been in post for a few months and I’m already excited by the huge potential for our continued work, investing in young lives throughout

the City. It’s been great getting to know the existing team – all enthusiastic and passionate about making an impact for Christ in Coventry. I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities for growth in YFC’s ongoing work in local schools over the coming months. I’m also hoping to meet with many local church leaders and supporters as together we seek direction for this new season in YFC’s ministry. Please continue to pray for the team as we prepare for the year ahead. And do say hello if you see me around Coventry. Here’s to the journey!! Jon M.

The All New Team:

(clockwise) Jon Mills (Director), Sarah Pirwany, Jo Key, Chris Ridgewell,

Anna Holmes & Yelena Williams

www.covyfc.org 02476 550257

PROJECTS UPDATE...

MC Club @ Stoke Park High...The MCing club at Stoke Park is

great for many reasons: Firstly it attracts lots of young people so there is always a buzz about the place. Secondly it gives a chance for the young people who come to express themselves in a way that is relevant to them. Thirdly it gives us (the team) a chance to help young people engage with what is going on inside them and help them to establish a strong, positive outlook on hard situations. What we seek to do is to both provide a forum for young people to use this

style of music to express their thoughts, opinions and feelings and to help them to adopt the right attitude in their MCing and challenge things that negatively affect them. We want to expand this project to support the younger teenagers and teach them this art of expression. We want to implement values into these young people and positive attitudes by challenging them to write positively and uplift other people. We want to take what was previously a battle of insults and make it a battle of skill, ability, creativity and positivity.”

Youth Cafe @ Canley...The Canley Youth Cafe is a great resource for the young people in the community. Its a fantastic opportunity for us here at CYFC to be able to build relations in Canley and support the work of the family centre. It also provides a great opportunity for us to work with young people in a different demographic. The Cafe provides a warm and safe environment for young people to be able to come and relax. There are games

consoles, a pool table, and Air Hockey, along with varied organised activities such as arts and crafts, baking etc. for them to get involved in. The relaxed atmosphere means that we can build relationships with the young people and be a positive influence in their day to day lives. These are young people who are often labelled in negative ways, and often don't believe that they can achieve their dreams. We hope to change not only the way that their communities see them but also to have a positive impact on how they see themselves.

How could you spend £2 per week?

Buy a cup of coffee? Eat a happy meal? Buy a magazine? Donate to Coventry YFC?

We are looking to build a team of 100 people who will commit to donating £2 per week to support the ongoing work of Coventry YFC as we seek to engage with young people through work in schools, churches and detached youth projects around the city.

Could YOU be one of the 100?

For just £2 per week (or £10 per month) you could play a key role in supporting new youth ventures, allowing us to spend more time in local schools, working with disadvantaged young people, supporting the role of local churches and taking the

Good News relevantly to young people in Coventry.

if so, simply fill in the form on the back page and tick the “sign me up” box

Coventry Youth Camp 2008 - The Lowdown...Youth camp is my very favourite part of the CYFC year. A chance to spend a week with young people from all over Coventry, all at different points on their journey with God. Every year, camp brings different joys and challenges. 2008 saw a new venue, a new team and over 90 young people! It was an amazing week. The aim was not just to give young people an experience that lasts in their memory but also an opportunity for their lives to be changed for eternity, and not just a time of fun and making

friends but a chance to develop skills and patterns for life with

God. Youth camp is an incredible place to be – I can’t describe fully the awesome sight of a room full of young p e o p l e , n o t c a u g h t b y e x c i t e m e n t b u t t r u l y worshiping their creator,

captured by the indescribable greatness of our God.

Jo Key

"This was my first ever Christian camp but it has been amazing. I came not believing anything and now I believe in an awesome God who will be with me and love me forever. He's the most amazing God ever and I'm so glad I came to camp. It has been the best week of my life."

PRAYER DIARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY

SchoolsPray for our continued work in schools as we take the Good News to young people through RE and PSHE lessons around the city.

OutreachPray for our various youth outreach & detached programs. See page 2 for more info on some of our current projects.

FinanceWe always need to raise more support to continue our work reaching out to young people. Pray for our finances or give using the form on page 4

Youth CampPray for the extended team as they continue to plan for Coventry Youth Camp. We are hoping to see nearly 100 in attendance this year.

Dates for your diary:

youth camp ’09:

24th - 29th AugustWatch this space for

more info.

COVENTRY YOUTH CAMP 2008

If you are a UK tax payer, please send this

part to us with any gift.

GIFT AID DECLARATION

Your name ___________________________

Address _____________________________

_____________________________________

___________ Postcode ______________

Please treat this gift and all gifts I make to

Coventry Youth For Christ from this date

onwards as Gift Aid donations.

Signed _______________________

Date _________________________

If your tax situation changes, you must let

us know.

To make a regular gift, please send this part too. Address it to your bank but send it to us.

STANDING ORDER AUTHORITY

The sum of £ __________________ on the 8th Day of _____________________ 200__ and

monthly/quarterly/annually* thereafter from my account no. _________________________

until futher notice. Signed _______________________ (Name) _______________________

(Address) _____________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ Postcode _________________

To: __________________________ Bank

Address: __________________________

__________________________________

____________ Postcode ___________

Please pay to:‘Coventry Youth For Christ’Acc.00194264Code 12-13-11Bank of ScotlandBirmingham Business Centre55 Temple RowBirmingham B2 5LS

How you can help through supportive prayer - see our ‘items for prayer’ section

sign up for Inspire Online at www.covyfc.org

Make a gift using this form1 32

Junction7Introducing your all-new, city-wide, youth event.

ComIng Sooncheck the CYFC website or facebook group for more info.

Sign me up as a £2 per week (£10 p/m) supporter.