News from around the diocese
News from around the diocese is available in the monthly Magazine Resource and in the quarterly Cross Keys magazine. See also the web pages for The Lambeth Conference and Peterfest Ministry Fair.
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Christian youth workers put "The Den" into Rushden - Rosie Cheetham, Youth Worker at St Mary's Rushden writes about a new youth music project.
As a youth worker I often hear complaints that there is not much to do in Rushden. A trip to the cinema in Kettering can cost close to £20 if you get the bus and for most young people that cost is prohibitive.
Having heard of a similar project in Kettering, the youth worker of the local Baptist Church and I got together to apply for funding from East Northants Youth Council to set up the Rushden Music Project - known as The Den. To our delight we were awarded £12,000.
The project aims to provide lots of opportunities for young people. They meet to plan the events, using their talents to design the logo, choose bands, publicise and host the evening. The event itself provides young people in the town with the opportunity to attend a safe music event just for ages 11-19. We’ve also started a workshop series offering young people the chance to learn DJ-ing, music technology, rock school and graffiti skills.
The project is a great opportunity to engage with young people regardless of their church background and we have built relationships with those eager to develop their talents and learn new skills. For some of them it has been a stepping stone on their journey towards faith. For others it’s just a great thing to be involved in.
There is nothing more satisfying than to see a young person punch the air with delight at something they have achieved, or rush past you saying “best band ever” with a huge grin on their face.
Even though the event takes place at the Baptist Church and the youth workers supporting them are Christian, and occasionally Christian bands come to play, the young people know they are under no obligation to make a move towards faith. They realise that they are loved for who they are, not what they believe in.
There have been some tough lessons, some real lows and some great highs. Our dream is that the events get bigger and better.
A huge highlight was when some of my normal Friday Night youth group came along for the first time. They had been so resistant to coming that I offered to pay for them all. Two plucked up the courage to join their friends who already came. Half way through the event I spotted one of the lads break dancing on the floor and by the end of the evening I had three more young people wanting to join the event team.
As youth workers and as Christians we believe that young people deserve fantastic opportunities like rock school and The Den — they deserve our best.
Our next event is at Park Road Baptist Church, Rushden on 30 January, 7.30-10pm. For more information contact Rosie Cheetham on 01933 624570 or email r.ford05@tiscali.co.uk
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