pick n mix - everything changes

Everything changes

Three ‘Pick n Mix’ sessions for use on group Zoom calls orin socially distanced group meetings

a) Has everything changed?b) Discovering your passions and how to live them out.

c) Looking after yourself.

Includes a section of help for leaders

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IntroductionThis is a set of three Pick n Mix sessions for your group. We have included materials which canbe used either on Zoom calls or where groups are beginning to meet (in a socially distancedway as the easing of lockdown regulations in different nations of the UK allows). Please notethere is absolutely no compulsion to rush back to face-to-face meetings. You will best knowwhat is most appropriate for your group.NB. Please see https://www.urbansaints.org/leaders-area for nation-specific guidelines as theyapply to Urban Saints’ Groups.

We have also included material suitable for different age groups. Some of the activities can beeasily adapted while others are marked specifically for an age group. You don’t have to do allthe elements suggested, these are simply ideas to pick from. Activities tend to last a little bitlonger on Zoom than in real time, so we think it would be hard to get through all of these. Letus know what has worked well and what didn’t - we’d really find your feedback helpful.

Games ideasWe are compiling a list of games ideas, so if you don’t like any of the games or need moreper session, you may want to look here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uaI-6sZw0JikO1t5fRnBUAzFX__nouTe40_MrqQOUYI/edit?usp=sharing

There is a section at the end with more information and help for leaders around these topics.

Contents:Page 3 a) Has everything changed?Page 9 b) Discovering and living out your passions.Page 14 c) Looking after yourself.Page 19 Help for leaders

This mini series of three sessions is the second of a longer series of 5 units each with three sessions.These are designed to equip you as leaders to help your young people as they make sense of, andemerge from, the effects of this COVID period. Session themes for future units will be as follows:

3. Voice (16/10/20)a)Finding your voice - how do I express myself?b)How do I deal with setbacks?c)How and where can you use your voice?

4. Action (06/11/20)a)How do I use my time and why is that important?b)Planning to make a difference.c) Working together.

5. Heart (27/11/20)a) Attitude of heart - the how, not just the what and when.b) Intentions of the heart - why we want to be known and seen.c) Movement of the heart - responding to what moves you.

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Main point of this session: Although the way we live our lives haschanged, God himself never changes.

Key to suggested suitability markers:11+ This material is generally suited to secondary age groupsO This material is designed/suitable for older/more mature young peopleU11 This material is particularly suitable for use with under 11’sZ Can be used on ZoomSD Can be used in a socially distanced group meeting

Opener (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Before the session, glue two different coloured pieces of paper or card together. Hold this upand tell the group that one colour represents life before Covid-19, and the other represents lifenow.Pull the two pieces away from one another, and point out that neither looks the same as it didbefore, there are parts of each stuck to one another. Things have changed which affect us atpresent and will in the future, but we are looking today at one thing that hasn’t changed - God,and how he sees us.

Movie game (11+, Z, SD)

Start by naming an actor/actress. The next person says a movie they were in, the next personsays another actor/actress from that movie, and continue with no repeats until everyone hascontributed. If someone can’t think of a contribution, they are ‘it’ next and start again.

Jumbled verses (11+, U11, Z, SD)

We have been told that we are adapting to a ‘new normal’ and that everything has changedas a result of coronavirus. Much of this is true, but has everything changed?Show the young people the jumbled verses on page 6 and ask them to rearrange the wordsto find the Bible verses.Answers:■ Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever”■ Malachi 3:6a “I am the Lord and I do not change”■ James 1:17 “He never changes or casts a shifting shadow”

What do you see? Discussion starter (11+, U11, Z, SD)

https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2020-05/13/17/enhanced/2c5abd8fd5f1/enhanced-2168-1589391184-17.png?downsize=600:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=autoDisplay the two-way image, and open a discussion about what the group sees first. We mayall view this season in different ways. It could feel like we’ve been given an apple core - with allthe ‘good bits’ missing in life, but we also have the opportunity to connect with people in anew way. Each day is a chance to see the world and our situations from a new perspective.Note that the image itself doesn’t change, it is our view of it which changes. In this season willhave tough times as well as good ones, but the truth of who God is doesn’t change.

Bible Study: Genesis 17:1-8 (11+, Z, SD)

Read the passage together. If you are on Zoom and not all your group have Bibles at home,this is an opportunity to introduced them to Bible apps they can download onto their phone.In this Bible passage, God talks to a man named Abram. He forms an agreement with him,where God promises to be his God, and the God of all Abram’s descendants forever. At thispoint, Abram is an old man who hasn’t got any children, but God promises he will become thehead of a big family which will bless all people! Not only this, but he gives Abram a new name- Abraham, which means “father of many”.In one encounter with God, Abram’s life is totally changed, and we learn two things:■ God is powerful enough to give a childless old man a family■ Although God can bring change, he remains the same loving father throughout the ages

Abraham sees a lot of change in his life after this - he moves to a totally new place, he is givena new identity, and becomes a father. Throughout life’s ups and downs, God is the same - hislove for us is unchanged, and his faithfulness remains through each generation. In all this, Godis faithful to his promises to Abraham and all who come after him.Questions:■ Read Matthew 1:1-17; how did God keep his promise to Abraham?■ It’s easy to read stories like this about other people. Do you think God can keep these kinds

of seemingly impossible promises in your life?■ Do you find it difficult to believe that God can bless other people through you?

Younger Bible Study (U11, Z, SD)

Watch together the story of God’s promise to Abraham:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdqrwGJYePQInvite the group to comment or ask questions about any part of this incredicle story.Questions:■ What did God promise Abraham and how did God keep his promise?■ All this happened to an old man a long time ago. Does God still promise things to you/us

today? Can you think of any?■ Does God keep his promises to us?

Going Deeper (O, Z, SD)

Look at this video of God’s covenants with his people.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ferLIsvlmI&t=174sAbraham was just one of the people God chose to make a covenant with - his promises to hispeople show he remains a loving father, even when things around us change.

Worship Activity (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Listen to the song “One Thing Remains”. We like the Israel Houghton version for teens:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqEaFmUoqRoor the Bethel Kids version for under 11s:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKf6UZQEiA0&ab_channel=BethelMusicIf you are meeting face to face, please remind your group that singing along to this while youare together is currently prohibited under the Coronavirus regulations. If you’re on Zoom, youwill need to mute everyone while you watch the video.Continued overleaf…

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Continued…In pairs or on their own, have the young people look up different translations of Psalm 136:23-26on www.biblegateway.com and read them out together (translations we recommend withyouth groups are: The Message, New Living Translation, New International Version,Contemporary English Version and Good News Translation - you can use the website to trysome others too).Questions: (11+)

■ Which translation speaks to them best?■ Which different elements of God’s faithfulness are explored in each version?

Invite the group to be quiet and reflect on God’s love enduring forever, never failing and nevergiving up on us.

God is Love Crossword - 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (11+, U11, Z, SD)

During these times of change, let’s read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 to remind ourselves of more thingswhich do not change, despite circumstances. Verses 7 and 8 talk about love enduring in allcircumstances, and it lasting forever.Where does love come from? Read 1 John 4:7a.

Print/send copies of the crossword on page 7 ensuring the group has access to the New LivingTranslation of the Bible to look up the verses.Answers:Across: 4. Patient, 6. Love, 7. Give up, 8. KindDown: 1. Boast, 2. Truth, 3. Jealous, 5. ChildThe group may want to crack the code at the bottom of the page too.

Reflective response - Sand Art (11+, U11, SD)

When we feel like all the change is swallowing us like quicksand, let’s create a reminder thatPsalm 139:17-18 tells us God’s thoughts of us outnumber the grains of sand!You can create your own ‘sand’ by mixing powder paint with salt, or buy some coloured sandfrom Baker Ross or another supplier.Either:■ Use different coloured sand layers in a small bottle, and glue the lid on. Keep it upright and

attach a label with the Psalm verses on.■ Print the Sand Art template on page 8 and decorate with glue and coloured sand. Pour

sand on top of the glue and shake to create a colourful reminder of God’s thoughts of us.COVID note: You will need to provide pre-prepared individual packs for each member of yourgroup.

Kids Song: Jesus will never, ever (U11, Z, SD)

Listen to this song together: https://youtu.be/yQCzzDAtZeE

Challenge of the week (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Challenge your young people to produce a creative piece that reflects the things that havechanged and those that have remained the same. They may like to write a poem, a rap or asong, or make a collage or do a drawing. Invite the group to share their creations next week.

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and forever the Christsame yesterday is

today Jesus.Hebrews 13:8

change and notdo Lord I the am I.

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casts or changesshadow nevershifting he a.

James 1:17

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Session b) Discovering and living out your passions

Main point of this session: To explore more about each other andunderstand our God-given passions and talents


Game: 1 truth, 2 lies (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Give everyone a few minutes to think of an interesting and surprising fact about themselves,and to make up two lies. Go around the group and listen to the three pieces of informationand vote on which is the true fact from each person.

Game: 20 questions (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Choose a famous or well known person. Give the group 20 ‘yes/no’ questions to work out whoit is. Whoever guesses correctly chooses the next famous person.

Discussion starter (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Before you meet, watch the video.https://vimeo.com/97768178?fbclid=IwAR3_egCOVLG2DELCUY9jpaZDaTvLGFhYUBwQibSDozQJqJzZnW_M4mL3b-ERetell the story in an appropriate way for your group. Use actions and real doughnuts (oranother food item your young people will relate to), or ask two young people to act the storyout as you tell it.Afterwards, ask the group:■ During that story, how did you react to the man ‘stealing’ the doughnuts?■ How do you think the first man felt when he realised his mistake?■ If the doughnuts represent our resources (money, time, energy, talents) what might God

be telling us about how we live?

Bible Study: Parable of the talents (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Read together Matthew 25:14-29, and/or watch the videos below.5-10s - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbLAZDPu3Pg11+s - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yRSl38bV3E (*please watch prior to showing, as someof his examples may be personal experiences for some young people).

This was a story told by Jesus about using what we are given, wisely. A talent in those days wasan amount of money, but we can think of the meaning behind the parable as all the resourcesand things God has given us - our money, our hopes and dreams, the things we’re good at, thethings we may feel a calling to. Two of the servants used what was given to them to multiplywhat they had through hard work and practice, but the other servant was so afraid of failurethat he buried his talent.Continued overleaf…

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Continued…Now look up Matthew 5:14-16. Think about what your ‘good deeds’ may be, and how you canuse them for God, and for the good of others.The doughnut story, and the parable of the talents both tell us that all good things we havecomes from God (James 1:17). Like the master in the parable, he has given us different resourcesand gifts, and we are supposed to use them well.Questions:■ What are the ‘talents’ or resources which God has given you?■ How can you use them for good?■ Do you sometimes not try new things because you are afraid to fail?■ How does it feel to think that all we have comes from God? Does it make you more or less

likely to share your talents?

What am I passionate about? Introduction (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Explain that you’re going to read a list of things that people are passionate about and ask themto use the fingers of one hand to show whether they are too - 1 finger means ‘I don’t really careabout this’ and 5 fingers means ‘I am really passionate about this’.● The oceans are filling up with plastic● People are unkind or mean to those who are different from them● Millions of people on earth don’t have enough food to eat● People drop litter all over the park/streets● Dolphins are sometimes caught in fishing nets● People who make clothes we buy are not paid a fair wage● People are chopping down the rainforests - giving the animals nowhere to live● More and more people in the UK now have to depend on food banks to eat● As more people shop online, many high street shops are closing● Some people want to allow low quality cheap food to be sold in our shops● Countries like ours sell weapons to other countries to use in wars● Pesticides used in some farms are killing bees● Knife crime takes the lives of many young people every year in the UK● Every Christmas people buy pets and many are abandoned in the following year

It may be that your group will come up with others having heard this list. Now ask the groupto consider which of these is most important and why.

What are your gifts? - Reflection (11+, Z, SD)

Reflect on people who inspire you.These could be Greta Thunberg (environmental campaigner), David Weir (Paralympian), MartinLuther King (civil rights campaigner), Marcus Rashford (Footballer - free school mealscampaigner), Tu Youyou (scientist who worked on a cure for malaria), Katherine G. Johnson(NASA Mathematician), Kelvin Doe (Engineer/Inventor) etc.■ What is it about them that makes you want to be like them or do what they do?■ Many of these people are those who follow their passions, work hard, and use their gifts for

good. What are your gifts, and how can you use them to make the world a better place?

How do I know what my passions are? (11+, Z, SD)

This activity will help young people identify what is important to them, which can give a senseof purpose and help them prioritise their time. Things which tap into God-given passions canContinued overleaf… of 23

Continued…help them work towards goals and achievements.Step 1:Brainstorm all the things you value doing in life. List verbs that come to mind; select the threethat are most meaningful, purposeful, and exciting. You’ll find a list of verbs on page 13.

Step 2:What are the principles, causes or values you believe in, that you would defend above all elseor devote your life to? What do you get angry about? What can you rant about? What bringsyou great joy? Choose the most significant, and be as specific as possible.

Step 3:Who or what do you really want to serve, be around, inspire, learn from, and impact in a positiveway?

Step 4:Now formulate your personal mission statement:“My mission is to (insert verbs from Step 1) to/for/or with (insert your ‘cause’ from Step 2) with(insert your ‘who’ from Step 3).”

Personal mission statements are often used in work applications but it also may be helpful forthem to articulate their passions.

How do I live out my passion(s)? (11+, Z, SD)

Ask the group, “if you could write your own job description, what would it include?”.Thinking of this may help you to notice themes - climate change, standing up for people whodon’t have a voice, telling people about Jesus, using your creativity…Sometimes we look at the barriers to our goals, and don’t focus on what we can do to worktowards achievements.Display this image:https://www.reddit.com/r/GetMotivated/comments/boa2ux/image_just_do_it_nothing_is_impossible/Ask the group, “what gets in the way of us walking in our passions, and how can we view ourgoals as possible rather than impossible?”

Many young people may have a vague idea of what they are interested in, but don’t know howthey can take things they care about, and use them for good. Try having a creative discussionwhere people can give ideas of how each person’s passion could be used. Remind the groupthat a lot of what they care about now doesn’t need to wait until they are older, they can makea difference now.Examples:■ Someone who cares about justice may start by volunteering with a local food bank or

connecting with TearFund’s campaigns.■ Another young person who is good with crafts, could use Etsy to sell their creations for

charity.■ One who is gifted at listening could contact a local care home and ask what support is

permitted at the moment? This could be establishing a ‘pen pal’ relationship with residents.

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Who is the best at… (U11, Z, SD)

Prepare in advance a list of things that different people in your group are good at. These couldbe a wide variety of things from the practical like throwing and catching a ball or making cakesto less obvious like clearing up, serving other people, writing letters or cards.As you read our your list, invite the group to point at (SD) or say the name of (Z) the person whois the best at this. Note there might be more than one for each. You could clap each person.Work hard to make sure that no-one is left out.

Going Deeper: Spiritual gifts (O, Z, SD)

Spiritual gifts are specific abilities that God has given to each individual.It might be helpful for your young people to do a spiritual gift test. Each person can do this ontheir own, before coming together and discussing their results, or you could give the youngpeople time to do it together. There are short definitions of each gift at the end of the document. https://www.fumcr.com/June_8_-_Youth_Spiritual_GiftsTest.pdf

Talk about how you can use these in the various contexts of life: youth group, church,school/college, community etc.

Closing Activity - summarise (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Summarise and collate the various gifts you have discovered, or passions that have beenidentified within the group. On Zoom you could use the whiteboard or chat function to enableall to contribute, and in person give each a pile of post-its that you then, in turn, lay out. Taketime to pray and give thanks for the richness of diversity within the group.


Challenge leaders and young people to think about their gifts and make a plan for how theycan use a particular ability or grow in it. Could they practice an instrument more often? Or finda mentor who is more developed in that gift than they are? Encourage the group to make aplan and find someone to keep them accountable to their goals. Using the gifts that God hasgiven us doesn’t just benefit others, it will benefit us too!

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The following is a list of verbs that may help you. It is recommended that you look at this only ifyou are unable to come up with any on your own.

advocate evaluate measure relycompliment excite mediate renewcompose explore model resonateconceive express mould respectconfirm extend motivate restoreconnect facilitate move returnconsider finance negotiate reviseconstruct forgive nurture sacrificecontact foster open safeguardcontinue franchise organise satisfycounsel further participate savecreate gather pass servedecide generate perform sharedefend give persuade speakdelight grant play standdeliver heal possess summondemonstrate hold practice supportdevise host praise surrenderdirect identify prepare sustaindiscover illuminate present takediscuss implement produce tapdistribute improve progress teamdraft improvise promise touchdream inspire promote tradedrive integrate provide translateeducate involve pursue travelelect keep realise understandembrace know receive useencourage labour reclaim utiliseendow launch reduce validateengage lead refine valueengineer light reflect ventureenhance live reform verbaliseenlighten love regard volunteerenlist make relate workenliven manifest relax worshipentertain master release writeenthuse mature remember yield

Verbs for the mission statement - see page 11

Session c) Looking after yourselfMain point of this session: During a time of pandemic, it’s easy to

focus on everyone else but it is important to ensure your ownwellbeing


Guess the song (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Pick some songs and play for a few seconds (maybe the intro) or you could even have peoplehum it. See who can identify it the quickest.

Would you rather? (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Give the group scenarios to choose between. They have to explain why they have made thedecisions they have. Here are some examples, but encourage the group to come up with somefun ones themselves.Would you rather:■ always be 10 minutes late or 20 minutes early?■ live on a houseboat forever or a caravan?■ never leave the country you live in, or move to another country every year?■ live on the moon or Mars?■ be too hot or too cold?■ eat sugary chips or salty cake?■ be great at singing or playing guitar?■ only ever drink water or only ever eat cornflakes?

Now explain to your young people that by playing the same game we’ll explore what some ofthe life giving, relaxing activities could be for the young people (don’t let them overthink it):In order to recharge, would you rather:■ be by yourself or be with others?■ visit a forest or the sea?■ watch a film or read a book?■ play sport or chill on a couch?■ make some food or eat out?■ listen to music or be arty?

Invite your young people to add some as well which again might let them discover more waysto unwind and relax. It is important that we find different ways to chill out so that we are ableto cope with changes - especially during difficult times.

Pampering Sets (11+, U11)

As leaders, why not organise a small pampering package for each of your group members?This could include a face mask, or a nice smelling hand lotion. It is important that we learn to

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Continued…look after ourselves and for some of us, putting on a face mask, having to wait until it dries,putting on some hand lotion and taking in the nice smell can help us relax and unwind.Other ideas could be low cost sports/crafts equipment or some of their favourite snacks/meals.You could write each member a card with some God-truths about who they are and why theyare loved and appreciated.

Discovery Walk (11+, U11, SD)

Depending on local/national guidance, invite your group to either join you, or encourage themto do a discovery walk with their family/friends.The aim is to encourage spiritual as well as mental wellbeing by being outdoors, but with theadded discovery of God’s creation and goodness.As you walk, point out particular things and encourage thanks, praise or prayer. For example:■ Schools - pray for all the staff and pupils■ Local park/rec ground - thank God for space where we can get exercise and fresh air■ Houses - all the families who have been indoors for so long■ Flowers/plants - the beauty of colours in nature (Matthew 6:28-30)■ Birds - how much God cares for his creation (Matthew 6:26-27)■ Churches/community centres - pray for activities that are connected (food banks, support

groups, addiction meetings)■ Building projects - thank God he has good plans for the future, and ask that he blesses what

will come■ Shops - that there will be enough food/resources available for all people in the community

and across the world

Bible Study: Joshua 4:1-7 (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Read the passage together. Younger ones might prefer to watch the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVDU4XnbolIIn this story we see Joshua marking a miracle God had performed. Joshua and the people ofIsrael needed to cross a huge river to continue their journey, and rather than see the river asan impassable obstacle, Joshua talked to God.God stopped the river flowing so they could walk through dry land to the other side!Significant times in life are really important to celebrate and to remember. In the Bible, Godtells his people to celebrate a lot. He sets aside special days of celebration, as well as calling hispeople to rest and take time to reflect on what he has done.In this story the people of Israel built a cairn, a huge pile of stones, so people who came afterthem would know something incredible had happened there.Questions:■ What are the “cairn moments”/important things to remember in your life?■ How do you celebrate them?■ How can stopping and taking time to reflect on the good stuff in life help you feel well?

Prayer bracelets (11+, U11, SD)

Carefully sanitise and gather some bracelet materials and ensure each person has their ownmaterials (to avoid sharing scissors, pots etc). Print copies of the template on page 17 for ideasof how the group can create their own ‘cairn’ life story to mark significant things in their life.Use these as prayer reminders.

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Going Deeper: 2 minutes of silence (O, Z, SD)

Collect a list of things that you feel like you have lost or still mourn. Together take a minute ofsilence to hand these things to God and to talk to him about how you feel.Once the minute is over, invite your young people to another minute of silence in which theycan ask God questions and then wait for what he has to say.Questions for God could be:■ How have you used me in this season?■ What are the good things that have happened?■ Remind me of a funny situation that has happened.

Kids song: See how very much (U11, Z, SD)

Invite everybody to be still and explain that you’re going to listen to a song together. The wordsare from a Bible verse that reminds us that, however we feel or whatever is going on, God stillcalls us his children and he loves us. https://youtu.be/Sj6-agXgIJg

Closing Activity - thankful (11+, U11, Z, SD)

Print and send out copies of the Thankfulness sheet on page 18.Reflect on this quote from Max Lucado:“What if you woke up this morning and had only the things you thanked God for yesterday?”

Fill out the section about what you are each thankful for, and give the young people anopportunity to share their responses. Focus on how we all have things, large or small, tocelebrate, and it can help us to have a grateful attitude.


Encourage your young people to start a thankfulness journal (you could give each person asmall booklet, or they can make one). In their journal, they write one thing down each day thatthey are grateful for. These can be simple things like having a stable wi-fi connection, food toeat or working electricity.Set a reminder for a month’s time and look over all the things the young people have writtenand can praise God for.

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Digital DetoxThis year, young people have been hit with a tidal wave of digital content and interaction.Before the pandemic, these were primarily spaces for them and their friends to socialise, yetnow they have their teachers and parents ‘invading’ their digital platforms!Recent research shows that young people have struggled with so many areas of their livesgoing online, so our friends at Youthscape have put together a ‘digital detox’ for you toexplore with your group and allowed us to share it here.

Help for leaders

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Honest ConversationsWe hope you have checked out the previous clips that are posted on the Urban Saints’Youtube and Facebook pages, and that they have been helpful.Here is the signposting image we added on the end of video 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXvWzc7KObM

Discipleship is...…explored in Video 4 Part 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I4iiybUwdQ), & Video 4 Part2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ4Mm1dAYjQ). What does discipleship look like foryoung people emerging from some of the effects of Covid? In Part 1 we chat about whatdiscipleship is, and in Part 2 we share thoughts about what discipleship looks like now youngpeople can gather.

We’ve appreciated the voice of many leaders and youth team members who have honestlyshared about the challenges of maintaining biblical teaching over the last few months; manyfound their primary focus to be relating and staying engaged with the young people (wherethis had been possible), and supporting them in more practical ways.

Resources regarding transitionThe great great map on the next page, created by Young Minds, may help in navigatingthe transitions for young people. Accessible from:https://www.energize.uk.net/pages/Transitions_Useful_Resources?utm_sourceA SEN-specific version can be found here: https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/school-resources/transition-tips-for-pupils-with-send/

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Passions and CallingsHere are some further links if young people wanted to consider their emotional intelligencelevels and personality types, which can help with discovering their passions and what theycan do as a result.

■ 16personalities.com■ ihhp.com/free-eq-quiz/■ mindtools.com/pages/articles/ei-quiz.htm■ memorado.co.uk/emotional_quotient■ makeuseof.com/tag/free-emotional-intelligence-tests/

It could be a positive exercise for young people to research different areas of ministry. Thismay encourage young people’s passions or ignite a ministry-calling. Christians in Sport, SportsChaplaincy, Overseas Adventures, Amnesty International/Hope for Justice, Stance (YFCDance), and The Message Academy (Creative Arts & Media) would be some to look at.

To look after yourself, check out ministries which help with inner healing. It’s best to seek theguidelines of your denomination and you can search online for local prayer houses. We know24/7 Prayer and Prayer Storm would have a more extensive experience to signpost you towhat may help. A simple google will lead you to information on these ministries.

Rhythms of life is a term that is increasingly being used. Finding the right balance of work,family, church and interests should be something we review regularly to help our overallwell-being and connection to others:■ How has your rhythm of life, work, play been,■ How is your sleep pattern or habits?■ Stress Factors - not all distress is bad.■ How has your ability to carry on exercise or hobbies been affected?■ Have you discovered more about yourself: Body, Soul and Spirit needs? (re-look at Pick

and Mix: The New You and Me)

DiscipleshipOur discipleship matters, we do know this, yet we often can be so busy that we have littlemargin left for ourselves. Intentional reading is a great choice, having planned time can bereally helpful to prevent burnout.Mike Breen and Walt Kallestad penned two books called ‘The Passionate Life’ and ‘ThePassionate Church.’ We recommend these.

Rooted by Scripture Union - this resource comes with the leader's guide and individualbooks for the young people to explore their identity and worth. There are also discussioncards. More details can be found here:https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resource/rooted-leaders-guide-0

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Keys to FreedomThis is a booklet of eight weekly sessions to explore the roots of our behaviour - what triggersus and causes us to react, what are the positive things within us and hos is God speakinginto our lives. It intends to lead us into greater freedom in Christ.It can be completed individually and then discussed with a trusted group.https://www.mercyuk.org/keystofreedomUrban Saints has a phrase we use a lot, “a long walk in the same direction”, which we hopecan hold some meaning for you during this season.

Finally…If there has ever been a time to have a conversation with the wider church regarding supportfor your youth group, now would be a good opportunity. Recruiting more volunteers, andthe backing of your church in a more strategic way (to pray, support and be recognised as akey expression of the church) are things which every group leader needs. We are praying foryou and here for you, so please do reach out and we will be more than happy to help.

Remember you can connect to other Urban Saints group leaders across the nations on theUrban Saints Group Leaders Facebook page. We are building a community to helpstrengthen one another, encourage creativity and good practice. The Urban Saints ImpactTeam supports specific nations and regions with key areas of ministry, and can be contactedvia this page.

pick n mix - everything changes

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