OUR PROJECTS

Kidschurch and Teenchurch

‘Kidschurch’ and ‘Teenchurch’ are weekly dynamic theatre style programmes for primary and secondary school age held on Sunday mornings at a local school.

These action-packed programmes are both educational and entertaining.  They include games, music, presentations and stories using multimedia to teach Christian values and raise important issues for children and young people. 

We hire a double decker bus, and use our variety club sponsored minibus, to provide free transport for over 100 children and young people who attend these events each week. 

Here’s why some of the children come along:

• “I like learning new things and winning prizes”
• “I go because it is good and you go on good trips”
• “I go because there is nothing to do at home”
• “It’s fun!”
  
  

Citylife PM

Due to the growth of Teenchurch and demand from teenagers and young adults Citylife provide an evening gathering on Sunday’s.  Citylife PM has an informal style and could be described as a new expression of church.

Citylife PM includes worship, teaching and ministry delivered in a culturally relevant style. These gatherings have grown to provide a sense of community among those who attend and it is encouraging to see some of the young people moving on in their faith.

Mid-week Small Groups

We run small group programmes for approximately 50 children and young people each week.  Two of the groups are co-led by teenagers’ aged 13-16. 

Each group looks at specific themes and issues like fear, anger, love and reconciliation.  These small groups allow volunteer leaders to instil confidence and acceptance into the lives of the children and young people by involving them in running the group. 

One teenage boy recently made this comment about his small group, “I feel it’s a safe place where I can talk about things and be real.”

Visitation and Befriending

We place high value on each individual; regular home visits are therefore a very important part of our work. 

Over 200 children and young people from 12 different neighbourhoods are visited nearly every week.  The visits provide time for our team members to have a few moments on a one to one basis.

Our visits have led to strong trusting relationships with parents.  Here are some comments that parents have made:

• “My kids enjoy going to Citylife projects and look forward to it especially the weekly visits.  For 2 hours on Sunday mornings I can get the housework done!”
• “It gives kids insight and they learn right from wrong and do lots of activities as well.”
• “I get peace and quiet.”
• “It’s good the amount of time the leaders spend with the kids teaching good morals.”
  
  

Popschools

Young budding x-factor stars are getting the chance to sing and dance to their hearts content at Citylife!

This project has proved extremely popular with children and teenagers.  In 2005-06 over 2,500 children and young people benefited from this exciting project, made possible through a joint venture with ngm (new generation music and mission), based in Bristol.  Ngm’s team of professional artists work alongside Citylife to provide dance, vocal, rapping and DJ workshops for children and teenagers. 

Citylife provide Popschools to local schools, running many workshops and taking part in assemblies.  A number of specialist workshops and summer schools are also provided for children and teenagers who attend Citylife’s regular projects.

The workshops provide fantastic opportunities for the young people to learn new skills and have fun in a safe and creative environment. It has been great to see their confidence and self esteem grow as they take part in the various workshops and also learn to work as a team.