Jodie McNeill lives in Sydney, Australia,
and is a member of the team at Anglican Youthworks.
Level 1, St Andrew's House, 464 Kent St, Sydney
PO Box A287, Sydney South NSW 1235 Australia
jodie@jodiemcneill.com
Phone: +61 425 222 338
If asking questions is the way that youth (and often adults) learn, then why would we choose to miss out on the benefits of this powerful way of speaking the truth?
Read my thoughts in my latest article at sydneyanglicans.net: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/are_you_using_questions_to_communicate/
Here’s an additional positive outcome from doing Year 13 that’s often overlooked. Read the full article here: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/news/stories/year_13_growing_families_as_well/
A special welcome, too, to Andrew Nixon in his new role heading up this ministry. I’m praying it’s a great year of ministry with his awesome team.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about Year 13 this year, then there’s still time to enrol. Don’t miss out on a year that changes lives forever.
Over these past few days I’ve had three independent reminders of the significance of gap years.
Firstly, whilst directing an HSC Study Conference last week, I was overwhelmed with the popularity of gap years for students finishing their Year 12 study.
Secondly, an article in yesterday morning’s Australian Financial Review made the observation that the gap year concept “is taking hold” in Australia, and that “research suggests students who take a gap year come back better prepared for study.” (p. 27)
Thirdly, and what was the primary motivation for me to write on this topic, was the recognition by our Archbishop during last night’s Presidential Address of the importance of our own Sydney Diocesan gap year program.
Read my full article at www.sydneyanglicans.net.
Many people like the idea of using laser skirmish to provide a technological ‘upgrade’ to classic wide games such as ‘Capture the Flag’. However, some people have raised concerns at the idea of promoting shooting games in a Christian environment.
I’d consider the idea of creating a purpose-built laser skirmish battlefield at Youthworks Outdoors with the latest simulation weapons for those who might like to take advantage of it, and to offer an alternative activity for groups whose leaders or teachers find this unappealing.
But, would it be grossly unpopular and potentially offensive to the majority? Would you let your school or youth group dress up in camouflage and play war games in the bush? Or would you find the very notion to be antisocial and insensitive?
Read the full article at sydneyanglicans.net and get on board with the comments!
I have found, especially through my youth ministry experience, that it is well worth the investment in time to help a group get to know each other at the start of a session or event. Whether it’s a youth group evening, or a leader’s training event, it’s worth making the time to have a ‘mixer’.
Read my latest sydneyanglicans.net article to see three mixers I’ve done to death, but still work just fine.
Recent sydneyanglicans.net blogs on youth and music ministry