JUMP

I'VE JUST RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM JUMP.

Dear Friends,

As you are aware, the next two Jump events scheduled for 18th September and 4th December have been cancelled, and we wish to inform you in more detail as to why. At present, we have a shortage of team members and a team leader. A number of team members have had to pull out of helping with Jump for personal, family or work commitments, so we are currently unable to promote, organise and run the events effectively, as we do not have enough bodies to do so.Jump has been highly successful in achieving its aims to date. These are: bringing together primary school aged children, who attend SU groups, children's clubs and/or church groups in Inverness and surrounding areas; praising and worshiping God in creative ways; getting to know Jesus better and going God's way. Since Jump was established in 2007, 12 different churches have been involved and 2 SU groups. In the past 3 years, well over 100 different individuals have registered for the events. Most children registered have returned to subsequent Jump events. The average number of children attending is between 70 and 80, however we have had 100 children attending on one occasion. Jump has seen children from smaller churches, where there may only be a few children, interact and worship on a larger scale, and get involved in activities they may not have had the chance to.> This has helped the children to see they are not alone in following Jesus.> Jump has also brought together folk from different Christian denominations> to work together as one body for Christ. There is still an interest and a need for Jump, but more churches need to come on board so more members can join the team. To enable Jump to continue, we need more support in a number of ways: * helping with administrative tasks, like registration; * carrying out practical tasks, like organising and preparing juice and snack; * instructing children by running activities and workshops; * and last but not least, actually leading Jump. Leading Jump would involve leadership skills, and following and developing our vision of: gathering together children, leaders and parents to celebrate God's goodness in creative worship; learning more about Him; channeling the children's energy, gifts and talents in good and positive ways; and helping team members to use their talents to the full. If you have the time, devotion, and calling to use your gifts and talents to help children and young people in this way, then we would love to hear from you. Please contact Chris at info@jumpinverness.org.uk We really do need your help NOW, if we are to continue to take Jump into 2011 and beyond. We desire to glorify and exalt God, and to make a difference in children's lives. We welcome you to join the team and bring your enthusiasm, energy and inspiration to give in a creative way. We thank you for your support and prayers, as we await God's will for Jump's future

My main reflection as I read this email is that right across the Christian community, and in every church including Hilton, we face a major challenge in terms of people who are willing to take real responsibility in terms of leadership and involvement. I am a leader in a church where we are currently often struggling to fit everyone into the sanctuary on a Sunday morning, and yet even from such a large pool of worshippers we have a dearth in terms of people willing/able to serve in key areas of mission and discipleship. The Sunday club and the Lighthouse spring to mind in my immediate experience . The words of Jesus " that the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few..." come to mind. I think there is real wisdom in the approach that JUMP are taking. I suspect we may be following a similar path at Hilton in the not too distant future.