Blessing

A number of people asked about the blessing which Martin John Nicholls used at the end of the Christian Aid workshop on the Saturday night.

It is a traditional Franciscan blessing:

May God bless us with discomfort 

at easy answers, halkf truths and superficial relationships,

so that we may live deep within our hearts.

May God bless us with anger

at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

so that we may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless us with tears

to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them

and to turn their pain to joy.

And may God bless us with enough foolishness

to believe that we can make a diifference in the world,

so that we can do what others claim cannot be done,

to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

remember, if you would like someone to come and speak to your youth group, fellowship, Pilots company or uniformed organisation then contact Charis Unsworth (the FURY/Christian Aid Intern) at Cunsworth@christian-aid.org

she’d love to hear from you and get involved with your group!

further resources to use with your youth group, or church, can be ordered (and many can be downloaded free of charge) from the Christian Aid website

See you next year!

Youth Assembly 2012 finished with worship, during which Victoria passed the mantle, and expectations, of the FURY Moderator role to Jane and Gary Leighton who were inducted into their new role by Lawrence Moore and Michael Jagessar (Moderators Elect of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church)

Commitment For Life Youth Advocates

This motion, proposed by Charis Unsworth (Christian Aid/FURY intern) and seconded by Miriam Webb (West Midlands Synod) requires that Synods appoint a Commitment For Life Youth Advocate to engage with young people and youth groups in their Synods regarding the work of Christian Aid/Commitment For Life.

The motion was amended to broaden the scope of the amendment to a ‘Campaigns Officers’ rather than just a Commitment For Life Youth Advocate.

Youth Assembly agreed that this amended proposal needed to be more thoroughly researched and deferred any decision for a year.

Charis reminded Assembly that the original motion was only to ‘formalise’ the relationship between Youth Assembly and CfL and that synods can still appoint youth advocates and that she, in her role as intern, will continue to support them.

Wriggle break!

It’s not ALL work and no play…

wriggle break

A Code of Conduct for FURY Executive

A motion brought to Assembly following an issue brought to last year’s Assembly regarding a code of conduct – James Meachin (Wessex Synod) reminded Assembly that it was not a ‘dogmatic’ document merely recommended guidelines. Charis Unsworth (North Western Synod) seconded the motion.

Simon Peters (Synod of Scotland) asked how effective the code of conduct would be in encompassing the wide range of theological understandings that make up FURY. James replied that, in his opinion, the code of conduct was written with such flexibility and breadth in mind.

The motion was passed by consensus.

The motion was passed

Over-26 provision

A motion brought by Phil Timson and Stephen Ball on behalf of FURY Advisory Board asks the General Assembly to research opportunities for continuing links with young people once they have reached 26 years of age and no longer have the opportunity to attend FURY events.

There was some lively conversation – does there need to be an organisation (like FURY) for those who are slightly older than adults? There were views for and against; and John Brown (Youth Development Officer) informed Assembly that the Youth Office received numerous requests from over-26s to attend FURY Assembly and reminded Assembly that the motion, if passed, will be taken to General Assembly.

Simon Peters (Synod of Scotland) pointed out that if people felt a fellowship at FURY Assembly which they didn’t feel at local church level then this was a problem for the whole church.

The motion was passed by consensus.

Once And For All

Saturday evening ‘edutainment’ was provided by Christian Aid (in the form of Martin John Nicholls, Laura McAdam with invaluable assistance from Dave Hardman.

Bringing their passion for justice and equality through the ‘Once And For All’ roadshow the evening consisted of discussion and reflection interspersed with live music, video and silent reflection. Well, maybe not silent reflection….

Christian Aid – we believe in life BEFORE death.

You work out who is who in the photos!

“We’re banging our heads on the wall,
As we’re trying to make sense of it all.
Cracks are appearing and soon it will fall
As we’re banging our heads on the wall. “

Thank you and ‘goodbye’

The United Reformed Church employs a team of Children And Youth Development Officers who work in individual synods helping local churches, and other parts of the Church, to develop an effective response to the needs of children and young people.

CYDOs are also used at Assembly events to help wherever is needed. 2012 is the last Youth Assembly meeting for 2 of our best known CYDOs, Henry Playle (Eastern Synod) and Mick Maskell (Yorkshire Synod) who, between them have 32 years of dedicated service.

Victoria (FURY Moderator) took the opportunity to thank Henry and Mick on FURY’s behalf.

Other appointments

Online Publications Officer:

Jack Charlesworth

Treasurer:
Nathan Stott

F2 Editor:
Michael Bullock

Welfare Representative:

Kat Griffin

Kat will head up a ‘welfare team’ including herself, Charis Unsworth and Michael Harvey

Youth Assembly elections

Election results will be published here as they are announced… The announcement of results was made shortly before Assembly adjourned for tea (or ‘dinner’ if you’re not from the North)

Victoria Paulding (FURY Moderator – right) and Jane Leighton (FURY Moderator Elect – left) explain to Assembly how the election process will work

Photos are in order below….

National Synod Representative:
Andrew Barkley

British Youth Council Delegation Member 2 posts):
Conor O’Connor and Sarah Greenstreet

British Youth Council Delegation Leader (elect):
Rachel Kelly

FURY Moderator Elect:
Rebecca Whiffen