On 12th July, the Connect team, supporters and friends gathered together at Madworthy Methodist Church to celebrate all that God has been doing through the teams in the four areas of Connect.
In a wonderfully air conditioned building and after an impressive spread of food, Dave formally welcomed us. We were led in several worship songs by Matt Levett, a local singer-songwriter. Matt also played for us during lunch and in the break. We’d like to extend our thanks to Matt for playing for us and would love you to follow him on social media and listen to his music at the following links: https://www.facebook.com/MattLevettMusic/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Jg5LPeMc6k3P9LQNhxEHQ?si=E0ACAnG6S16taknLD1eKzg
Dave opened in prayer then handed over for the first of the reports from our areas. Ruth gave a report about her year in Holsworthy, sharing about the successes and challenges of the year, including running two prayer spaces throughout the year for KS3; she spoke about the visit from a local prison chaplain to speak to the year 9 students about his work with prisoners, and the work of restorative justice in trying to rebuild communities following crime events; and the joy of the expansion of her games club, with an additional lunchtime added due to the popularity of the club. Ruth shared that she is looking forward to building in more opportunities for speakers to come and enhance the RE curriculum; running future prayer spaces; and building relationships with the new year 7 students. Sue Banks then prayed for the work of Connect and for Ruth in the next year.
Chris then gave his report from Chulmleigh. Chris and Mim have completed a full year with Connect. Chris has been involved in lesson support in RE, and has expanded into Geography and History lessons, where he’s been able to answer questions about faith; both Chris and Mim have been part of the church mentoring project that happens within the school, working alongside other volunteers from the local area; and the Christian Union has seen great fruit and discussion, with Chris and Mim inviting speakers to come in from the local churches, and a range of different topics being discussed over the year, including visiting a small flock of sheep to look at sheep in the Bible and focusing on different heroes who can inspire us. Samina then joined Chris to pray for the work in Chumleigh, including praising God for his provision of Chris and Mim.
Will shared about the work that he and Dave have been doing in Crediton. Dave spends his time at the Upper School including running a lunch club. Will is based at the lower school and runs two lunch clubs – a games club and Space: where students can come and ask questions. They have been part of events including church visits for year 7 students; and Dave arranged a pizza service for GCSE and A-Level students. The church youth club stopped earlier in the year, but has been relaunched and is a good link for the students the team connect with at college. Wendy then came up to pray for the team.
We had a short break during which Matt played more music for us.
We then heard from Stephen at Okehampton. Stephen has had another busy year, building on 20 years of connection and work with Okehampton Community College. Stephen has an office within the college that he can use as a base and has been mentoring boys at the college who are referred to the team by staff; he’s been involved in Beliefs and Values (equivalent to RE) lessons alongside trips and special days with the department; he’s also been involved in technology lessons as that is where he can do a lot of youth work whilst in college; and he has been able to support a student led CU. Dan then prayed for Stephen and his work in the college including growing relationships with the staff and students and for more opportunities and a growing relationship with the head of beliefs and values.
We had a message from Rev Chris Jackson, chair of Connect and Superintendent Minister for the West Devon Methodist Circuit. Chris thanked Dave for his work as chair of Connect for the past two years. Chris then got us thinking about Connect and connection. The Bible is all about connection and relationship with God and the reminder that we are beloved by God before any connection with him. We were reminded that connecting with people, like the workers do with Connect, is the first step to connect people with God. He also encouraged the supporters to look at how we can connect more churches with supporting Connect and the workers.
We finished our celebration with a goodbye to Will, who has spent the final year of his degree on placement with Connect Crediton. Wendy thanked him for all that he has done, and wished him well on his next adventure. She also thanked Dave again for his time as chair.
