psalms annual review 2015/16 ”much faithful work has ... · increase in children and young people...

PSALMS Annual Review 2015/16

12

Objectives 2016/17

“Discipling the few to reach the many”

Resources

Interns - Identify and recruit at least two graduate interns for September 2017

Governance

Finance - obtain funding for two new Sports Ministers

Team development - restructure to accommodate an increased focus on Sports Ministry alongside our existing youth ministry

Continue to build volunteer teams for all areas of work

Partnerships

Sports Ministry - work with the Diocese of Gloucester and Scripture Union to become a Centre of Excellence

Youth Ministry - maintain progress through Local Management Groups with existing Partner Churches

Prayer – ensure monthly prayer groups are meeting in all areas to support and guide the work

Mission and Ministry

Develop and trial replicable models of Sports Ministry in rural settings

Provide training courses and workshops for church leaders and practitioners in the opportunities provided by Sports Ministry

Build on the first Leadership Academy, maintaining mentoring and giving the young people leadership experience

Ensure missional activities in all areas

Increase numbers attending Christian camps and residentials

Painswick and Stroud Area Local Ministries, Mynd House, The Highlands, Painswick GL6 6SL Registered Charity 1111077 Company 5505991

”Much faithful work has

taken place, connecting

with young people,

introducing them to the

Lord Jesus when

opportunity arises and

encouraging some in their

ensuing journey of faith.”

Annual Review 2015/16

”I have come in order that you might have life

— life in all its fullness.” John 10:10


2

Chairman’s report

Photo: PSALMS young leaders in training

“The Board of PSALMS has felt

an increasingly strong sense

of God’s leading to refocus

back onto the original vision

of Sports Ministry.”

PSALMS’ eleventh year of ministry started with a bang and a wonderful ten-year celebration featuring our newly appointed Bishop, Rachel, speaking to hundreds of people in St Laurence, Stroud and sharing her own faith story and the important part that Scripture Union played in that. What an exciting evening, with Tim and Kerstin Friend, our very first Ministers, and Odele Harding, representing those like Andy and Ruth who had moved on recently and sadly could not be with us – as well as lots of our young people, past and present.

As you read through the area reports which follow, I trust that you will get a sense of how much faithful and ongoing work has taken place, connecting with young people, introducing them to the Lord Jesus when opportunity arises and encouraging some in their ensuing journey of faith.

It has been a joy to observe our two Interns growing in confidence and ability before leaving PSALMS ready to take up ministry elsewhere. This is a wonderful scheme.

It has also been a significant fulfilment of our dreams and aspirations when PSALMS began to watch nine young people in the Beacon Benefice commit to a twelve-month Leadership Academy, each with a mentor, attending relevant courses and residentials and growing in their faith and experience of leadership. It is so exciting to realise the potential of these youngsters as leaders.

In the same vein, it was a joy to share in feedback from the 47 young people and their leaders who attended our second PSALMS Camp at TRAC in the summer. This is where those who attend youth clubs regularly seem to really take a step forward in their faith journey, as well as having tremendous fun, making new friends and observing the witness of slightly older ‘young leaders’.

The Board of PSALMS has felt an increasingly strong sense of God’s leading to refocus back onto the original vision of Sports Ministry, not instead of our existing Youth and Children’s Ministry but in a way that complements it. When Ruth Graveling left PSALMS, she conducted a six-month research project for Scripture Union on Sports Ministry and her recommendations included the establishment of Centres of Excellence in key parts of the country.

PSALMS Annual Review 2015/16 11

Review of Objectives (continued) had to step aside during the year because of new church responsibilities, and Graham Collins, one of the original Directors, decided to retire after 11 years’ faithful service. We are grateful to them all. Rev Dr Canon Sandra Millar, Barrie Voyce and George Collins have joined the Board.

PARTNERSHIPS

Strengthening the local ownership by LMGs of the local work, monitoring them against their own objectives and building on partnerships with other organisations. Working in partnership with others is at the core of PSALMS, not only with Partner Churches but with organisations like The Door, Kick Off Stroud, Young Gloucestershire and many others. PSALMS has been invited by Scripture Union to become a Centre of Excellence for Sports Ministry in this part of the country and will be partnering with the Diocese of Gloucester and Scripture Union to develop replicable models of sports ministry, particularly for rural areas.

MISSION AND MINISTRY

Sustainability - prioritise strengthening of LMGs and recruitment, training and retention of volunteers. This remains one of the biggest challenges but PSALMS is now monitoring this closely through its dashboard and it is encouraging to note that in virtually every area and every activity there are regular volunteers. There is undoubtedly progress but this will remain a priority. The LMGs are generally working well and taking responsibility for their local work.

Discipleship - increase the intentionality of moving young people and Interns along the One Life scale of discipleship. As listed above this has undoubtedly been true of the Interns this year but the

introduction of the Leadership Academy and the increased numbers on residentials have ensured that it is true for many of the young people as well. The aim is to increase numbers attending a relevant residential experience through PSALMS by 50% and this was exceeded through TRAC (up from 29 to 47) and One Life (up from 3 to 8) but the Pulsar Residential numbers (Years 5 and 6) disappointingly slipped a little. Explore the establishment of a young leaders’ programme to include mentoring/buddying where appropriate throughout the partnership areas. The Pulse Leadership Academy in the Beacon area was launched in January with nine Year 10s signed up for a 12-month period. They meet each month for an evening (with dinner) to look at and experience leadership with senior people from different fields, They have all attended a One Life residential course and Away Days, and each has an older person from within the church with whom they meet monthly to share. They do the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and most of them acted as junior leaders on TRAC. It has been so encouraging to witness them growing in confidence, maturity and faith.

Photo: PSALMS’ young leaders


10

Review of Objectives

RESOURCES

Interns – continue to improve the quality of intern training and expectations of them. For a second year, PSALMS recruited only university graduates as interns in 2015/16 which led to enormous benefits for everyone involved. Elliot Grove and Becky Elliott contributed in so many different ways throughout the year as their confidence and experience increased, both stepping outside their ‘comfort zones’ on many occasions, but feeling well supported in doing so. They benefited from the diverse opportunities within PSALMS and a programme tailored to their gifts. They both separately took increasing responsibility for running lunchtime clubs in schools; together they developed the programme for the Pulse Games in the summer and much else besides. More importantly, they both grew in their faith, their abilities and confidence in a way that was exciting to behold and both have now gone on to Christian ministry elsewhere. Sadly, PSALMS received no applications for 2016/17 which seems a serious waste of a great opportunity. The university placement students also contributed significantly and will (hopefully with two additional students) continue through this year.

IT – maintain progress in use of cloud-based systems, improve the website, exploit Salesforce.

The cloud-based system seems to be established and being well used by Directors and Ministers to good effect. Responsibility for updating the website was delegated to the Interns and showed some improvement and the overall feel was brightened up. It is probably true to say that there was limited progress in exploiting the Salesforce database.

GOVERNANCE

Financial Strategy – each LMG taking responsibility for its own finance and achieving a budgeted breakeven (other than the cost of the intern programme). All areas other than Stonehouse, which poses a more difficult challenge, managed to increase their income to cover the cost of ministry in their area. Particularly encouraging was Nailsworth where there was a significant increase from the previous year. PSALMS’ overheads increased somewhat with the appointment of a part-time General Manager and some administrative support but this, and the shortfall in Stonehouse, were more or less covered by general income to achieve a modest surplus.

Developing the team - strengthen communications internally and externally. Appoint a part time General Manager. PSALMS carried through with the intention to appoint a half-time General Manager with Fiona Gill stepping into this role to excellent effect, not least in the area of communications. The Board decided in January that, if they were to position PSALMS to become a Hub of Excellence for Sports Ministry following the departure of Andy Harding and Ruth Graveling, they should appoint a Director of Sports Ministry to provide both capacity and experience. Rob French will join PSALMS in January 2017 in this role. Two of the clergy Board members, Helen Sammon and Mike Smith,

The PSALMS Board and Ministers on retreat


In order to respond to an invitation from Scripture Union to pioneer this idea, the Board agreed, in a huge step of faith, to recruit a Director of Sports Ministry. Subsequently the Diocese of Gloucester, as part of their visioning for the next five years, were prepared to partner with PSALMS and Scripture Union and, as I write, plans are being put in place to bring it about. It is amazing how God seems to be pulling together all sorts of random threads to make this possible and the Board are currently considering (as another step of faith) the appointment of a further Sports Minister.

All this is only possible because we now have a General Manager, Fiona Gill, who can

oversee this rapid growth and change whilst ensuring that our existing work does not suffer. It seems that our twelfth year could be pretty exciting and busy too! Thank you to you all who pray and support the work and for those who bravely volunteer.

Ian Marsh, Chairman

Chairman’s report (continued)


4

General Manager’s Report

“The future looks exciting

with the focus on Sports

ministry and the new

partnership with the Diocese

and Scripture Union.”

PSALMS is so grateful to the many partners who have faithfully prayed and generously supported the work, and in particular the residentials, which have been

so encouraging. This year has seen a large increase in children and young people attending residentials. This is so significant as it gives space for the young people to explore their faith. This summer PSALMS took 47 Years 7-11 young people to TRAC (Tom Roberts Adventure Centre) for five days. This largely non-church group were changed by the experience and the Leadership Academy stepped up to provide valuable leadership as junior leaders.

The area-wide Pulsar weekend for Years 5 and 6 was popular again this year. Steve Hutchinson from Scripture Union took ‘Jesus the Leader’ as his theme. The format included a day at Viney Hill followed by a sleepover in Chalford Methodist Church for affordable fun. Once again it was a rewarding and challenging weekend, which gave the opportunity to get to know the children better.

The Pulse Games took the theme of the Olympics and belonging to God’s team and ran in nine schools (400 7-11 year olds). The Croft School in Painswick wrote: ‘We had a superb morning, despite necessary last minute changes due to the weather. Flawless organisation and it was a privilege to watch 100 children co-operating, listening, smiling and engaging in all activities. Thank you so much to the whole team.’

This year PSALMS Ministers met with other local youth leaders and organised three regional events. These are so valuable for encouraging the young people to meet each other.

The two interns, Becky Elliott and Elliot Grove, had an excellent year both with the work they did for PSALMS and also in preparing them for their next stage of ministry. One of them wrote ‘ …you’ve encouraged me to do so much that has developed me both in my ministry and as a human being. The value of what you do cannot be overestimated.’

The future looks exciting with the focus on sports ministry and the new partnership with the Diocese and Scripture Union. One thing is certain: the prayers and encouragement of PSALMS’ supporters are vitally important. PSALMS produces a prayer diary and would love you to receive it and pray for the work of PSALMS.

Photo: TRAC 2016


Photo: Holiday Club in Nailsworth

“The prayer is that God will

continue to work with PSALMS

to constantly make an impact

in the Nailsworth community.” Nailsworth has seen some excellent work and breakthrough happen this year. The work at Nailsworth Primary School has grown from strength to strength with a successful mentoring programme and growing numbers attending the after-school, basketball and cricket clubs. Through Pulsar and these sports clubs PSALMS has been able to not only run Messy Church throughout the year but also try out a new form of church called Sweaty Church - a form of church based around sport, games and exercise which aims to engage the children and specifically (but not exclusively) their dads to come and join in some physical activity, bond with their children and learn about the importance of faith in their own lives. The whole year of ministry culminated in two major summer events. One of them was the TRAC residential camp for 11-18 year-olds. This year saw a most encouraging growth in the number of participants from Nailsworth, a testament to the hard work and engaging

nature of the activities during the year. The second was the summer holiday club, this year with a record 41 children attending. The impact PSALMS is having on the community is helping build a productive relationship with the town council-run youth club. In May PSALMS partnered with the Nailsworth Festival to put on Footy Fest, an event for young people, which was considered a huge success. PSALMS’s relationship with the local churches has really helped the ministry this year and has not gone unnoticed by all who have seen the partnership. The impact of ministry in the school has had a really positive effect on the students. As a new school year begins, the prayer is that God will continue to work with PSALMS to constantly make an impact in the Nailsworth community.

Nailsworth

Photo: PULSE games at Nailsworth Primary


8

Above: Caption

“PSALMS is in a privileged

position to have so many

open doors in Stonehouse.”

This past year working in Stonehouse has been a mixture of fantastic highs and challenges. Throughout the year there has been a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness in Stonehouse through the work of PSALMS and the local churches. God has opened doors in some parts of the ministry and made everyone think about the re-shaping of others. God has blessed and increased the ministry at Maidenhill School, where PSALMS has been publicly thanked on many occasions throughout the year for its impact on school life through the quality of sports coaching for after-school sports teams, a successful mentoring programme and providing stimulating school assemblies. PSALMS’ presence at the school has been a real stepping-stone in building long and effective relationships with students outside of school. The weekly after-school drop-in has continued to be the main hub of PSALMS’ ministry in Stonehouse. The drop-in has provided a safe place for around 35 young people to come and hang out after school to play sport and chat with the many volunteers. The effectiveness of the drop-in can be measured not only by weekly attendance but also by the ten young people who attended this year’s TRAC residential, where they had a fantastic time and were really challenged about what friendship is and how Jesus is the ultimate friend. The year also provided its challenges as PSALMS has struggled to maintain a weekly session at Wycliffe School, working closely with the chaplaincy team there to find an effective way of ministering to the students.

Throughout the year PSALMS has partnered with local churches to provide Messy Church with an average attendance of 30. This culminated in a summer holiday club where 37 different children heard about how important it is to share Jesus’s message. PSALMS is in a privileged position to have so many open doors in Stonehouse and so make an impact on the community, which doesn’t go unnoticed by the schools and the town council.

Stonehouse


Hills & Vales

Photo: Chalford Pulsar club

”The Christian Union at

Thomas Keble School has

developed opportunities to

grow young people’s faith

and disciple them in their

walk with Christ.”

This year has been one of change in Chalford following the re-formation of partnership in the village. Chalford Baptist and Chalford Hill Methodist Churches have continued in partnership with PSALMS, allowing for one day a week of work to take place in the village. Despite the reduction in time, much has been achieved in the first year of work. A new Pulsar group for 8-11 year olds was developed. Initially this focussed on the performing arts and allowed for children attending to put on a Christmas production for both churches. Following the Christmas break, the programme was altered to allow for more children to attend by including a variety of different activities each week. A weekly Pulsar after-school club at Chalford Hill Primary School was very popular with young people and focussed on sports and also activities such as orienteering. In these sessions the children also considered how the Bible gives Christians direction in their lives. PSALMS secured grant funding from Gloucester Diocese for half a day’s work each week in Thomas Keble school, meaning that the school Christian Union has developed opportunities to grow young people’s faith and disciple them in their walk with Christ.

In addition to this, PSALMS also ran a Prayer Spaces event in the school which was incredibly well received by both pupils and the school. It opened the doors for some really interesting conversations with the pupils as they thought about different aspects of their world, such as their communities, families, school and the wider world. The event helped them to consider their place in the world, what impact they could make upon it and the impressions they leave behind.

Photo: Soul Spaces at Thomas Keble School


6

Beacon Benefice

Photo: Painswick Club Pulse playing crab football

“The PSALMS Prayer and

Praise service has provided a

great place for those in the

Leadership Academy to

develop their skills safely and

there is a growing sense of

community.” The highlight was the start of the Pulse Leadership Academy in response to keeping and developing the Year 10+ young people. Through monthly CPAS leadership training, individual mentors, real leadership opportunities and residentials, this group of nine has grown significantly in commitment, relationships and faith. Through this, a worship group started which is now led by these young people for the family services. Bishop Rachel was one of the excellent leaders who led a training evening. Club Pulse continues to thrive with over 22 attending every session and lots of new Year 7s joining the youth club.

The numbers attending Residentials have grown significantly with 19 at TRAC, 10 on the Year 5/6 Pulsar Weekend and 8 at One Life. It has been such an answer to prayer not only that so many came but the impact of these times and the generosity and

prayers of supporters that made it possible. Thank you!

The Pulsar Games clubs continue to be popular with KS2 in The Croft (Painswick) and Cranham Primary schools where the children have been exploring ‘God’s Rescue Plan’. The Pulse Games ran as a combined school event for 110 KS2 - a morning where the children explored belonging to God’s team through sport. PSALMS also ran an ‘It’s Your Move’ session to prepare Year 6s for their transition to new schools which drew a number to the youth club.

Messy Church and Messy Fun Morning continue to thrive with a committed group of families and volunteers. The PSALMS Prayer and Praise service has provided a great place for those in the Leadership Academy to develop their skills safely and there is a growing sense of community - helped by bacon rolls before the service!


Photo: “It’s Your Move” at Kemble School

“A core group of young

people were actively

engaged in leading different

events across the Benefice,

such as the Pulse Games, and

were involved in leading on

the summer residentials.”

Over the past year PSALMS has focussed on providing regular children’s and youth groups to allow better opportunities for community engagement alongside recruiting new team volunteers to support the groups.

Pulsar groups have run for Years 4-6 in Sapperton and Kemble schools, supported by local volunteers. Each group has a team talk time, where the children reflect on what the Christian faith may have to say about the particular topic for the week.

The Pulse Choir has had great success in encouraging group members into church with the group performing both in the church and also at concerts in the school.

Club Pulse in Coates was increased to a three-week programme (from fortnightly), and an additional week was added in Kemble, meaning that there was a weekly Club Pulse group somewhere in the Benefice. The regular, weekly, nature of the club helped increase attendance overall, as families could easily identify when the club was running.

Pulse+ continued throughout the year with a core group of young people, who were also actively engaged in leading different events across the Benefice, such as the Pulse

Games. They also made a really valuable contribution as leaders on the area-wide TRAC residential, which 47 children from across the whole of the PSALMS area attended.

Schools work increased with weekly collective worship events running in all three primary schools and ‘It’s Your Move’ workshops for the Year 6s, helping prepare them for their move to secondary school. Pulse Games, a morning looking at Christian values, ran at all three schools.

Thameshead

psalms annual review 2015/16 ”much faithful work has ... · increase in children and young people...

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