Last time we brought the news of three of the Parishes involved in the JUMP Programme in 2009 / 2010: Athy Union; Glenavy Parish; and Magheraculmoney Parish in Kesh, Co Fermanagh. This week it is the turn of the remaining three parishes to share their stories: Ballynafeigh, Ormeau Road Belfast; Cloyne Union, Co Cork; and Maghera Parish.

The JUMP Programme, a Year Out opportunity provided by the Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD), places young adults into parishes across Ireland for one year. Interns work alongside clergy, youth workers, youth leaders and volunteers supporting youth and children's work in their placement parish. This allows them the chance to explore what it is like to work in a church setting, to explore youth and children's ministry and to grow deeper in their faith and relationship with God.

Naturally each parish setting is very different offering each young adult a unique experience which will form a significant part of their journey towards a career and faith development.

Ballynafeigh, St Jude's, Ormeau Road, Belfast, Diocese of Down and Dromore

Andrew Neill is working in St Jude's with the JUMP Programme until July 2010. Andrew is 21 and originally from Donaghcloney outside Moira and has just graduated from Queens University Belfast with a Law and Politics degree. Andrew lived in the Church of Ireland Student Centre at Queens during his time at university and was a warden there in his final year. Andrew is originally from Magheralin Parish where he was involved in the worship band, and a leader at Sunday School and the Boys Brigade.

Andrew is working alongside Canon Norman Jardine, Dianne the Children's Worker in the Parish and Janine the Youth and Outreach Worker in the Parish. Andrew has really enjoyed getting to know the rest of the team in Ballynafeigh and has proved himself to be conscientious and hardworking.

During each week Andrew is involved in a variety of activities both within the Church and in the local community. The work within the parish includes both children's and youth activities.

Andrew and the team at St Jude's run a Mums and Tots group each Monday as well as an after schools Kid's Club. Both groups have seen an increase in the numbers of people involved.

Lots of the work which Andrew is involved in is with the local schools, running assemblies, Wellington College Christian Union, and a homework club in Rosetta Primary. Involvement in local schools is a significant point of contact for the team in St Jude's to work with young people they might not normally meet week to week. It is great to hear of stories of young people coming along to activities in the parish because of the outreach work in the local schools.

St Jude's run a youth club on a Saturday evening which has been growing in popularity over the last months, again this shows that the team are offering a welcoming environment for young people in the area to come along, have fun and see the example of Christian leaders.

Andrew has got involved in the Sunday worship playing in the parish worship group.

Over the last few months Andrew has developed many new and existing skills; he has fitted well into the parish in Ballynafeigh and is having a significant contribution to the ministry and outreach there.

 

Cloyne Union, Co Cork and Midleton College, Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Claire Hinchliff is 22 and from Eglinton in Co Londonderry. Claire has a very unique placement as part of the JUMP Programme; she is living and working in Midleton College as well as work within the Cloyne Union group of parishes.

Claire graduated from Dundee University last summer with an Environmental Science degree. Claire has been really involved in her home parish in Eglinton and also with the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Sitting Ducks and Roots programme. Claire is also involved in Scouts and achieved both the Queens Award and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award recently.

Claire's outgoing nature has proved to be a real asset as she has settled in to life in Midleton. Claire is involved in many activities within the school. She has set up a Scripture Union which is growing in numbers each week. Claire is also involved in a girls group in the school with some of the girl boarders which meets every other week. Claire has built up good relationships with pupils which encourages their further involvement in activities in the parish and at diocesan levels. Mr Simon Thompson, the Principal of Midleton College, has said that Claire has become an established figure with the pupils.

As well as work with Midleton College Claire also works alongside Dean Alan Marley in various activities in the parish. Claire is involved in Girls Brigade, Sunday Club and the Youth Group. Claire has been working in partnership with the other churches in Midleton in preparation for a Christian Unity Service. Claire will also be working with Dean Alan as they prepare a group of young people for confirmation later on this year.

Claire has also established good links with the Diocesan wide activities, helping lead the group of young people to ANOIS in October. Claire also plans to attend the Cork Diocesan Youth Council (CDYC) Leaders Weekend and get involved in the CDYC Transition Year Projects.

Claire has proved herself to be a real asset to both the parish and the school in Midleton, she has brought new ideas and enthusiasm to the ongoing work I the Midleton community.

 Maghera Parish, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe

 

Maghera Parish has been hosting Billy Fyffe as part of the JUMP Programme in 2009 / 2010. Billy is from Magheralin and attends Magheralin Church of Ireland. Billy was involved with Youth For Christ's Y1 Programme last year and spent his time working with Christ Church, Lisburn with Rev Paul Dundas.

Billy is working alongside a strong team in Maghera. Billy is working with Rev Robert Miller, the Curate Rev Mark Lennox (NSM), the Youth Worker Oscar Spence and the Family and Children's Worker Peter Huey.

Since starting in Maghera in September Billy has been involved in a whole spectrum of youth and children's work in association with Maghera Parish and Maghera Parish Caring Association. Billy is involved in a Parent and Toddlers group that meet each week, this allows him the opportunity to meet with people from within the local community and who are not necessarily part of the parish.

Billy is also involved in leading a Sitting Ducks group in Maghera. Sitting Ducks is a diocesan wide youth project with groups meeting in parishes across the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe. Billy has been involved in both preparation and delivery of talks and games as he and the other staff and volunteer leaders encourage the young people in their faith development.

Billy got involved with the Raphoe Diocesan Youth Council weekend in the autumn; this was a great opportunity to now only meet new people in the diocese but also to raise awareness of the JUMP Programme to young people and leaders.

Billy is learning valuable professional and life skills during his time in Maghera, these will prove to be invaluable as he continues into the next chapter of his life after the JUMP Programme. Billy is really enjoying being part of the team in Maghera and values the support and mentorship provided by those involved.

 

The JUMP Programme is an opportunity for young adults to get involved and see what it is like to work in a church for a year whilst being involved in youth and children's ministry. We are now recruiting Interns and Parishes for the JUMP Programme 2010/2011, if you would like more information on the JUMP Programme or an application pack please contact Catherine (+44 28 9066 0052); email: catherine@ciyd.org or visit www.ciyd.org