The Hillmead Project
Methodist Lay Worker Janet Day writes about this worthwhile initiative
In Autumn 2006 the Methodist Church Council (a small group of elderly people) expressed its concern that the majority of children in Shepton Mallet have no Church links whatsoever and that the Church (which is in a shared-premises agreement with the Anglicans) was not providing any opportunities for such children to encounter the Christian faith. The Sunday Club meeting on Church premises exists to serve the needs of Church families, but does not tend to attract 'others'.
Two factors inspired the group to feel it was time to take action. Firstly, the rumour of available funding for fresh expressions initiatives; second, the availability of a local Lay Worker (myself) to initiate something that they were physically unable to do.
I gave the matter much prayerful consideration. From the outset, I felt very strongly that attempting to run something on Church premises and trying to get children to come along was not the answer. We needed to provide something on their territory. An opportunity was staring us in the face. Hillmead is an area of social deprivation. Historically it has a bad reputation for crime, drugs and violence, which is very unfair, as many of the people living there try to live peaceably and want the best for their children. However many of these families are living in confined spaces, below the poverty line, with meagre support, no play area and only a small community hall. Attempts to run after-school clubs and 'hit and run' type evangelism had been made before, but not for a while. Maybe it was time for a fresh approach.
I provisionally booked the hall for three mornings during Holy Week and started praying for a team of helpers. I knew two other people who were equally excited at the idea, but that wasn't enough. I was arrogant enough to set God a deadline in February. If I hadn't enough people by then, I would cancel. A phone call from a couple on that very date confirmed the calling and sealed the commitment to go ahead. God was definitely saying "Go for it and trust Me!".
I had already become involved with NCH and their Parent/Toddler group meeting in the Community Hall; also taking regular assemblies in the local Infants' School. These links proved to be very supportive of the initiative - and meant I was not a total stranger to the community.
Planning began. An enthusiastic and committed group of Anglicans and Methodists, bringing wonderful creative gifts and in some cases being prepared to learn totally new skills met to pray and share ideas. The whole project is covered in prayer, as we listen to God and be sensitive to His direction every step of the way. We have deliberately steered clear of the traditional Holiday Club model, which tends to have a mass presentation of the Bible story, worship songs and such like. We might begin and end with a short game and some Christian music, but for the most part, everything is done in small groups. We offer a choice of activities in different areas of the room – arts and crafts, food activities, outdoor play activities, and a cosy story corner where stories and activities help children explore Christian living. Bacon butties are a very essential part of the sessions.
A couple of adults are guiding children through the activities in each area, but the paramount principle to our way of working is that showing genuine care, relationship-building, listening, giving time and attention is more important than the 'doing' itself. Allowing children to choose their activities lessens the need for crowd control and avoids potential disruption; makes more room for showing kindness and engaging in conversation, creating a calm, busy and happy atmosphere. Mutual trust and respect seem to flourish in this relaxed atmosphere. There is a spiritual quality about it.
By the end of the second venture in the summer holidays, there were fifty children registered with us. This is as many as we can realistically cater for owing to the size of the hall. Our vision and intention is to provide something of this nature for one, two or three days during each school holiday. This is when the Hillmead children are at a loose end, sometimes roaming the streets, needing some attention and a worthwhile activity. As the team of helpers grows it should be possible to provide this without overburdening the same individuals each time (we need holidays too!!). We also hope to provide 'open doors' messy-church type events for all ages at some point during Christmas and Easter, which could become more regular if the locals want it.
This is a new and exciting venture. It obviously needs prayer support, financial backing and people-power to keep it growing. Watch this space!