Youth and Ministry Centre Project - A Summary

 
 Keynsham Parish has an opportunity, arising from the purchase of the Rectory by the parish, to create a Youth and Ministry Centre to serve the community. The current Rectory, built in the late 1950s, has limitations as a home for the Rector and their family: it is isolated in the neighbourhood; located by a car park and major by-pass; offers limited family privacy and needs significant upgrading.  It would however serve ideally as a Youth and Ministry Centre.

The Parish could purchase the Rectory from the Diocese enabling the Diocese to purchase a new Rectory which will be integrated into the community.  The current Rectory building would then be utilised as youth and ministry centre.

It is essential to remember planning permission for change of use is still outstanding (at 2nd December 2009)

Youth Work Role (For more information about youth work in the Parish)

Our youth work can be helpfully understood using the terms 'inside' (existing work) and 'outside' (potential work with existing and new young people).  A specific space for the youth work will significantly influence the level of activity and engagement possible with young people, valuing them as members of the church and community of the present, as well as the future and allowing us to work with the community in new and innovative ways.  The understanding that it is the development of relationships that are most effective in challenging and nurturing young people is central to this project.  A relational approach to youth work and ministry are important and will be enhanced by the development of a youth and ministry centre.

Below is an outline of how the youth and ministry centre could be used (just by young people);

Monday Evening - Youth Group
Tuesday Evening - Outreach from Centre/Drop-In
Wednesday Evening - Older Teenager Cell Group
Thursday Evening - University/University Preparation Cell Group
Friday Evening - Choir Club/Older Choir Cell Group
Saturday Evening - Base Cafe/2nd Base
Sunday - Two Groups and potential evening use

This is all before any afternoon drop-ins or activities have been included that will emerge in time.