Invest in Our Kids
One of the things that amazes me with 21st Century kids is how many different activities they do. Catrina and I seem to spend large portions of our week driving our three to football training, football matches, dancing lessons, drum lessons, band practices, Oakwood youth clubs, animal clubs, riding lessons and more. It wasn't like that when I was young :-)
As parents we're very happy to invest not only our time but also the money which all of these things cost. That's because we see the physical and emotional benefits these things bring. But we also want to be very careful to invest in our kids spiritual development too. That's why for us finding the money to send our three to the Oakwood Youth camps and to RockNations has always been a real priority. This year that's going to cost us quite a chunk of money, which is going to be even more of a challenge for us to find now I'm working full time for the church. But we know that in years to come some of the most significant moments in their spiritual journeys will have taken place at these events.
So I encourage all parents with children aged between 8 on the 22nd May to those currently in year 6 to book them into the Oakwood Kids Camp from the 22nd to the 25th May. And all those with youngsters in year 7 and older to book them into the RockNations conference in Bradford from 5th - 8th August. More details on both events are available from The Kerith Centre reception. It may mean you having less money to spend on other things, but I believe it is an investment you'll never regret.
I also realise that for some your current financial situation will mean there is no way you can afford the cost involved. Well we don't want finances to be a barrier to any young people going to either event, and have funds available to cover the fees for any family in this situation. Just speak in confidence to either Yvonne Scott or Lee Layton-Matthews and they will be able to help you. Or maybe you don't have children who could go to either of these events but know of a family in the church you could help financially - then why not go ahead and have that conversation with them.
Let's make sure we do everything we can to invest in the next generation, both individually and as a community.
Simon.
As parents we're very happy to invest not only our time but also the money which all of these things cost. That's because we see the physical and emotional benefits these things bring. But we also want to be very careful to invest in our kids spiritual development too. That's why for us finding the money to send our three to the Oakwood Youth camps and to RockNations has always been a real priority. This year that's going to cost us quite a chunk of money, which is going to be even more of a challenge for us to find now I'm working full time for the church. But we know that in years to come some of the most significant moments in their spiritual journeys will have taken place at these events.
So I encourage all parents with children aged between 8 on the 22nd May to those currently in year 6 to book them into the Oakwood Kids Camp from the 22nd to the 25th May. And all those with youngsters in year 7 and older to book them into the RockNations conference in Bradford from 5th - 8th August. More details on both events are available from The Kerith Centre reception. It may mean you having less money to spend on other things, but I believe it is an investment you'll never regret.
I also realise that for some your current financial situation will mean there is no way you can afford the cost involved. Well we don't want finances to be a barrier to any young people going to either event, and have funds available to cover the fees for any family in this situation. Just speak in confidence to either Yvonne Scott or Lee Layton-Matthews and they will be able to help you. Or maybe you don't have children who could go to either of these events but know of a family in the church you could help financially - then why not go ahead and have that conversation with them.
Let's make sure we do everything we can to invest in the next generation, both individually and as a community.
Simon.