jodiemcneill.com » Youthworks Outdoors

Can I TWIST your arm?

Jodie — Tue, 31 May 2011 03:34:13 +0000

In my mind, what makes a great church band is one that both understands the idiosyncrasies of playing in a band with fluid membership, and short and frequently-under-cooked rehearsals, yet also recognises the need to share the common vision of serving the congregation as they join together in one voice to praise their great God in the assembly of his people.

For this reason, I want to TWIST the arm of the congregational leaders in our churches. I want to TWIST the arm of the rectors, assistant ministers, wardens, and anyone who has a key role in our churches.

I want to TWIST your arm to encourage your church musicians to be a part of one of the TWIST (‘The Word in Song Together’) music events this year run by Emu Music and Youthworks.

To read the full sydneyanglicans.net article, click here.

For more details about TWIST, click here!

Rites of passage

Jodie — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 06:02:46 +0000

I’ve just had posted an article on sydneyanglicans.net about the whole idea of a Christian male rite of passage.

Should we run some sort of wilderness experience where we get fathers and sons to learn about manhood and to mark the occasion of a boy turning into a man?

Read the article (and join in the controversial comments) by visiting http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/rites_of_passage/

Come and join the Youthworks Outdoors team!

Jodie — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:59:02 +0000

We’ve got four great positions vacant at Youthworks Outdoors. We’re looking for keen-Christian, ministry-minded people who love Jesus, serving and ministry to children and youth.

We’re looking for:

Assistant Director of Programs

Groundsperson at Port Hacking

Hospitality Assistant at Port Hacking

Second Chef at Port Hacking

I’d love you to join me and my great team, or to let anyone you know who might be suitable. Click on the links for details!

http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/jobs/hospitality_assistant_-_youthworks_outdoors/Ho

What do you think are the bare essentials of church music?

Jodie — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:06:34 +0000

At this year’s TWIST Away Conference on Friday 19th August to Sunday 21st August 2011 at Port Hacking, we’re focusing on getting the bare essentials right.

As we put together the various hands-on training seminars, I’ve been trying to reflect on what the various issues are that our everyday, garden-variety church bands need to grow in.

Have a read of my sydneyanglicans.net article to see my list, and feel free to add any suggestions in the comments, or email me directly.

Here’s the link: http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/ministry/modernministry/the_bare_essentials_of_church_music/

Plus, if you’re keen to find out more about the conference, then visit www.twistconference.com for the details. It will be a great weekend of encouragement plus practical training in music ministry.

Connecting through church camps

Jodie — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:52:13 +0000

Last week I addressed the new Mission Areas leaders of our Diocese to discuss the place of church camps as a tool for mission in our community.

In my presentation I made that point that our church houseparties (as we commonly refer to them) are often considered to be events that primarily develop community, rather than outreach.

Yet, thinking that defines an activity of the church as achieving only evangelism or discipleship is unnecessarily narrow.

Read my full thoughts in my latest article at www.sydneyanglicans.net

Outdoor ministry: much minsunderstood

Jodie — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:57:32 +0000

I have a confession to make. I had been in church-based youth ministry for twenty years before I had any idea about the opportunities of outdoor ministry.

I, like many of my ministry colleagues, was aware of the school camps that were run by organisations like Crusaders, Teen Ranch and Youthworks. I knew these ministries had contact with thousands of school students each year.

But I didn’t understand the two major benefits of outdoor ministry.

Firstly, outdoor ministry is of great benefit for the school students.

Secondly, outdoor ministry is of great benefit to the outdoor minister.

Do you know anyone who loves Jesus, the outdoors, and youth ministry? Might that person be you? Don’t bypass this opportunity to connect with thousands of kids in this Word ministry, whilst enjoying cutting-edge training in theology and outdoor recreation… whilst getting paid to train!

And don’t forget that applications close this Friday for our 2011 intake of the MTS Outdoor Ministry Apprenticeship! Details here.

Read the full article at sydneyanglicans.net

Should Christian kids play soldiers?

Jodie — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:48:20 +0000

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!

When a two-year apprenticeship is too short

Jodie — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:09:36 +0000

The rhythms of the calendar are quite different for an outdoor ministry than a parish ministry. In NSW especially, the lion share of the ministry happens in the warmer months, leaving the winter months ideally suited for more intense training and preparation.

From this challenge came a solution that we believe will work to see people well-trained and thoroughly-equipped for a lifetime of ministry, whether in the outdoor context or otherwise.

Instead of adopting the ‘normal’ academic year, we will now be offering apprentices the opportunity to spend most days in the warmer months bringing the Word to children and youth, and spend the winter months of their second and four years being taught subjects in the Diploma of Theology. To complement this theological training, apprentices will train for a Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation in first year, and then a Certificate IV in their third year.

Four years of ministry experience, coupled with training in the hard skills of outdoor recreation, and the soft skills of theology.

Check out the whole article at sydneyanglicans.net

PS: I’m looking for ten new MTS Outdoor Ministry Apprentices to start in September. Applications close in two weeks. Visit outdoorministry.youthworks.net for details.

Two special jobs available at Youthworks Outdoors

Jodie — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:50:59 +0000

I’m delighted to announce that Youthworks Outdoors are now seeking to find an At-risk Youth Ministry Coordinator. Details are here.

We are also looking for a sales consultant to help sell our camps to public schools. It’s a part-time role, and would be ideal for a parent who wishes to work during school hours and terms. Details are here.

Youthworks launches new disability ministry

Jodie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:33:25 +0000

Anthony ‘Chucky’ Chuck is back at Youthworks Outdoors, now in his new role as Disabilities Ministry Coordinator, for our new ministry Youthworks Access.

Find out more about his new role and this new ministry, in the story at sydneyanglicans.net.

If you’re willing and able, I’d love you to partner with us in this new ministry. Contact access@youthworks.net or phone 02 8525 3100 to find out more about how you can help, or email donations@youthworks.net or phone 02 8268 3325 to offer your financial support.