We are glad to be back in the centre in January welcoming young people again.

We gave out 30 Christmas presents to our regular young people – a book with Luke’s telling of the Christmas story with beautiful illustrations. The young people were really touched that we had given them something.

The Christmas window nativity display (which the young people helped paint) was well received and we saw lots of people stop to look at it.

The 3 ‘Christmas special’ days went well. The young people went on a scavenger type hunt around local businesses to find cards which showed a video of the Christmas story. The next day they played an escape room style game which showed how Jesus had been promised in the Old Testament. There was lots of noise and fun (and some competition too!)

Berti’s work in Temple Grove and North Kent college is going well. Both are keen for him to return this term. He will mentor 3 new children at Temple Grove as well as being available at lunchtimes.

Amazingly NKC allowed Berti to put up a prayer tree in the run up to Christmas. This is the first time they have allowed ‘prayer’ to be used (rather than hope or wishes or desire) and the prayer tree was very well used!

North Kent College have asked him to mentor some students who need support but don’t need full counselling yet – they hope that Berti will help them before their mental health deteriorates further.

Our big event is Unite Live on 4th February with Chip Kendal.  We are hoping to follow this up with a Youth Alpha Course.

Prayer Points

  • Give thanks for more volunteers for the Youth Centre.  We still need someone for Friday afternoon
  • For Ethos for 18 – 25 year olds.  For good relationships to build and great discussions to happen
  • For Unite Live – for good numbers booking, for safety and for the young people to respond to the message. Also please pray for the planning of a follow up Alpha course.
  • For increasing numbers to use the drop in again as the evenings become lighter and for them to engage with the theme of ‘I am spiritual’ this term as we use the Stir resource to start them thinking about the spiritual side to their lives.
  • For possible opportunities at Skinners Grammar, St Greg’s and Bethany schools and for the return to Temple Grove and NKC