6th– 8th November 2015
For young people ages
9 – 13 & 14 – 17 in two groups: Juniors & Seniors
£60 per camper
MORE INFO?...
CONTACT > Deborah or Roberta
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07592559600
FACEBOOK > MORVAIAN IRISH YOUTH
 Cultra-Health-form-2015.pdf | 71 Kb |
| Poster and booking form | 267 Kb |
It was once again time for the ever aging over 18’s youth to collate together. This time we were off to Bradford, but this was a weekend with a twist. We were not only going to take part and meet our Moravian family at Horton, but we were also going meet some members of the other faiths that make up the multi-cultural region that Bradford is. First thing, we needed to get to Bradford to meet at the Culture Fusion Centre. There was a new guy, tall, slim, clean shaven with a fresh, stylish, haircut. I thought I knew everyone who was coming this weekend? It took awhile for me to realise that this was no stranger, it was Andrew Kitson! I didn’t think I could handle any further surprises for the weekend. After Cassie’s arrival in the depths of the night, we spent the rest of the evening catching up and relieving old summer camp memories of years gone by in the delightful Culture Fusion. I should say more about this place. Run by the YMCA, this is a great find and has great facilities including a kitchen, meeting/conference room, a recording studio, a gym, a café and most definitely the weekend favourite Peace Pod, which has the largest and most comfortable bean bags you’ll ever lay witness to, laid out in front of a huge television. All at a price that was next to nothing.
The following morning we began our tour by visiting a Hindu temple. We had a very good impromptu chat about how the temple runs before we were able to observe a Hindu morning service in action and observe the way in which their gods are worshipped, with a good running commentary of all that was happening. We left with gifts of fruit or chocolate that are brought as offerings to the gods and normally distributed among the followers after the service. We left with a warm feeling and moved on to our next venue.
Next on the agenda was the Sikh Gurdwara. We were greeted at the door by a sizeable gentleman who introduced himself as ‘Biggie’ (this really needs no further explanation). We were taken around the Gurdwara and then we sat in the main room of worship and listened to an excellent talk about Sikhism, its origins and the role the Gurdwara has in its local community. ‘Biggie’ was actually a trainee teacher and in the short time we had met him I had no doubt in my mind he was a person Bradford’s youth would gain much value from. We heard some of the teachings from the high priest and heard him sing some of the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy book. It’s a Sikh custom to feed anyone who walks through the doors of the Gurdwara and boy were we no exception. Put it this way, by the time we left, both brain and stomach had been ‘enlightened’.
After a quick visit to Horton to set up shop for the following day, we moved on to our final stop at the mosque. Again, we received a warm welcome and listened to another great talk that gave insight into the foundations of the Islamic faith, how they pray and an explanation of Hajj, the pilgrimage they aim to make at least once in a lifetime. We then observed a demonstration of how they pray and were particularly impressed by a young man who had learnt the Qur’an off by heart. When I challenged him to it, he even said he could start it at any point you gave him and begin reciting. I didn’t challenge him on anything else. We were then taken around the mosque and were able to see the things they had done to help the community including a library and computer room that would soon be open for all to use. After yet another delicious meal of giant succulent samosas (of which Cooper and Kitson ate a least 3) we left and ended what had been an excellent day.
After a brief siesta, we headed out for the famous Bradford curry, which didn’t disappoint and the evening ended with a Back to the Future bonanza, of which I understand nobody managed to stay awake till the end of! The following morning, a little weary and still exceedingly full from the heavy eating the day before, we headed to Horton to join and help with morning worship. As with every over 18’s weekend we do we received an extremely warm welcome and we sat down to a very special lunch that we shared with the whole congregation. I sat next to two lovely elderly ladies who were like walking talking Sky Sports News, as their hobby was watching any sport. They could tell me exactly where and when Andy Murray’s next tournament was and probably the pros and cons about Alex Fergusons squad rotation system. I’ve now got both their phone numbers.
This was an amazing weekend for two reasons. Firstly it was a privilege to be invited into others peoples place of worship and come out with a better understanding of them. Religion takes a lot of bad press these days and it was nice for us to go a learn about the Hindu, Sikh or Muslim person that you sit next to on the bus or stand next to on the train, because for sure a better understanding of each other can only help us to live together in the right way. A massive thank you must go to Eleanor and Elisabeth Hollindrake for organising the visits, the accommodation (and all the food and home comforts in it!!!) and the members of the Temple, Gurdwara, Mosque and Horton Moravian Church for welcoming us (and feeding us!) over the weekend. Secondly, despite us having left Summer Camp many years ago, the youth of our church still keep strong bonds and ties regardless of the distance between us. Kid you not, owing to various commitments there could well have been a least double the number of people in attendance this weekend and this is a great thing. If you don’t believe me, ask a certain lady in her early hundreds at Horton Church, who was brought to tears on seeing so many of the Moravian youth together and enjoying experiences such as the wonderful one we had this weekend.
Phil Ferdinand
The Young Peoples Missionary Association (Y.P.M.A.) was established in 1957, this being the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Moravian Church.
The aims of the Y.P.M.A. are:-
Each Y.P.M.A. member is given a Y.P.M.A. collecting card.
At the end of the year each child receives a Y.P.M.A. certificate and depending on how much they have collected during the year receives one of the following awards:-
£5 and over - SILVER BAR
£10 and over - GOLD BAR
£25 and over - PURPLE BAR
£50 and over - BLUE BAR
£75 and over - GREEN BAR
£100 and over - RED BAR
£150 and over - DARK BLUE BAR
£200 and over - FLUX BAR
£250 and over - MAUVE BAR
£300 and over - BROWN BAR
The bars are designed to fix to the Y.P.M.A. badge.
We also have a Y.P.M.A. hymn:-
Jesus our King Thou art,
Our Saviour strong and true;
In Thy dear love we all are joined,
In Thee we live anew.
Bless us Thy reign to spread,
Thy great salvation tell,
Till all the world Thy name adore
And shout “Emmanuel”
(Rev. A. J. Lewis, M.A.)
AquaboxesAn Aquabox is a means of supplying safe water to those in desperate need.
It is a box that is filled with water and a filter and hand pump clipped to the side. The user then just has to pump to get drinking water.
Y.P.M.A. is providing 17 Aquaboxes, each suitable for providing drinking water for a whole school or village. In addition 7 smaller units suitable for a family has also been provided.
Money has been provided to purchase a new school bus for the Moravian school at Khalatse. In the school there are 200 students studying and they are from different villages, 10km, 12km, and 22km from the school. The new bus is a great help to get the students to school on time.
Motor bikes are being purchased for use in southern area of Western Tanzania. This is a very poor and dusty area of the province. These motor bikes will be used as transport between Moravian Church communities. Motor bikes have been chosen as it is the only economical form of transport due to very poor road conditions.
To find out more about the Y.P.M.A., or to enquire as to how you can contribute to the Y.P.M.A., please contact the Secretary of the Y.P.M.A. Paul Greenhough
Safe Space Front Page and Index
1. Preface
2. Guidelines for churches
3. Recruiting safely
4. Good practice guidelines for workers
5. Notes for workers
6. Issues – Bullying, managing behaviour and abuse
7. Letting church premises
8. Storage and retention of documents
9. Appendices
Appendix A – Safeguarding Policy Statement
Appendix B – Job description template and example
Appendix C – Appointment record sheet
Appendix D – Application and self-declaration form
Appendix E – Volunteer reference request
Appendix F – Agreement for workers with children and young people
Appendix G - Risk Assessment form
Appendix H - Parental consent form
Appendix I - Health form for residential events
Appendix J – Minor accident/incident record sheet
Appendix K – Major accident/incident report form
Appendix L – Medication Administration record sheet
Appendix M – What to do if?
Appendix N – Agreement form for users of church premises
Moravial is a gathering of Moravians between 18 and 25 from across Europe which takes place every three years. It took place this summer from the 10 to the 18 August near Berlin, Germany.
We would like to take this opportunity to share our week with you.
Day 1
So here we are. Just outside of Berlin in a place called Elstal.
Today we have spent our time getting to know each other. We have 2 people from the Netherlands, 7 Germans, 2 Latvians and 8 British people, and we have all come together as one Moravian family.
We have spent our first day exploring our beautiful surroundings and enjoying (sweating) through the 30°C heat, doing Bible study led by Latvian friends, discussing our theme for the week, learning about Jerusalem, dancing, adventuring and finally playing team camp style games!
Our theme for the week is 'one truth many faces' and we spent the morning discussing 'the truth' (John 8:32) and how we interpret that so differently.
Day 2
Today was also Laura's twentieth Birthday! Despite being far from her home in Latvia, she said she was glad to be here, as for this week, we are her family.
We thought about the true side of the world. Together we considered the horrifying truth that the continents with the most people often had the least money and least stability.
This afternoon we designed our dream houses. Sadly, our dreams were altered as we had to join our houses together to make a community. Compromises had to be made if we were all going to be able to live in the same shared space.
Day 3
Our trip today to Filmpark Babelsberg was quite fitting to our theme. Naturally we did all you would expect of us. We went on rides, shot pirate monsters, ate several ice creams and had a great time just being together. We also had a V.I.P tour of the studios including a trip through the prop and furniture stores and a brief visit to a 'hot' set. They revealed some film- making tricks they use to alter our perception and to make things on screen appear different to how they actually are.
Day 4
Today began with a Bible study from a member of the Dutch contingent.
We watched a short animation about Jan Hus's life and were tasked as teams to create a short drama about one part of it, to present later in the evening.
In the afternoon the temperature was around 35°C and it was decided to take it easy. Some people went to the local petting zoo, the local outlet shopping village, and some stayed and bathed in the sun.
Later in the evening we played out or dramas, but with a twist. Each play was repeated with different genres: detective, western, talk show and opera - which led to some interesting results.
Day 5
Today we visited Potsdam, a beautiful city near Berlin. We took a boat down the river. The beautiful castles, parks and scenery were incredible. We were then given the opportunity to explore Potsdam for ourselves whilst completing a task.
We discussed in groups the meaning of courage, and gave examples of courageous people. We then completed a task where each group had to guide a team member round an obstacle course. This was difficult, as everyone was shouting over one another. We finished by focusing on the voices we should listen to in our lives and wrote down what we want to achieve and what holds us back from being courageous.
Day 6
Our day started off with Holy Communion with our brothers and sisters in the Berlin congregation. The service reflected on the renewal of the Moravian Church through the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Berthelsdorf on 13th August 1727. Through God's grace and mercy, we can learn from our mistakes and work together to make perfection from imperfection.
After the service we had a guided tour through East Berlin and visited a museum exploring the DDR ( the former East Germany). We gained an insight into the different lives of those torn apart by a split Germany, but they have managed to come together, and come out stronger.
After the tour we had free time to explore the city, checking out sights and sampling the cuisine.
Day 7
Today was the last full day of Moravial. It started with a reflection on all the things we have covered this week, and we filled out a book about what the truths are that we live our lives by, and what truths we have learned this week. We then each presented one page to the group.
During the afternoon we prepared a presentation about out countries as well as some magic tricks. That evening we were treated to a German game show, a brief history of the Moravians in Latvia with some Latvian music, and finally a language lesson by our very own Andrew Kitson among other things. This was followed by an amazing barbeque and dancing.
Day 8
Today was the last morning we all spent together. After breakfast we were asked to give feedback on what we thought our week at Moravial was like.
As you can imagine, not one person had anything negative to say. It was a week filled with deep reflection, fun, tourism and an opportunity to make new connections. We ended the day with some having to leave us at the main station, and the others having lunch together one last time. We all left on a happy but sad note, happy to have met one another with hopes of seeing each other again, and sad because our time together had come to an end.
Our full blog as well as more pictures can be found on the Moravian Youth UK Facebook page.
The British Province pays for the flights of their Moravial delegates and the Continental Province pays towards the running costs as well as travel for their delegates. The delegates have to pay an amount, which varies, to cover accommodation and food. The continental province may assist those coming from poorer parts of the continent
